Nigeria’s former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has declared that corruption under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is worse than what happened when he was in power.
According to IBB, corrupt people under his own administration can pass as saints when compared to the wave of corruption prevalent under the Buhari administration.
Babangida made the submission on Friday during an interview with Arise TV where he spoke on several national issues.
The former military leader said he tackled corrupt officials during his own time but corrupt officials in the government of President Buhari are walking about freely.
Babangida said, “But what’s happening now is worse… you can’t compare it with the facts on the ground now. You can say it. From what I read, from analysis, I think we are saints when compared to what is happening under a democratic dispensation.
“I sacked a governor for misappropriating less than three hundred and thirteen thousand.
“Today, those who have stolen billions and are in courts and are now parading themselves on the streets. Who else is better in fighting corruption?.. we are saints when compared with that.”
Despite the submission, IBB said he has a good relationship with Buhari.
BREAKING! Presidency Confirms Extradition Agreement Between Nigeria And USA Over Abba Kyari
Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has finally spoken on the Possible extradition of DCP Abba Kyari after his indictment by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.
POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that Kyari fell from grace to grass after a US court ordered his arrest over his involvement with disgraced fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abass popularly known as ‘Hushpuppi’.
During an interview with Voice Of America (VOA) on Thursday, Malami disclosed that though there is a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and the US, there are guidelines to be followed.
“Yes, we have bilateral agreement between Nigeria and USA on extraditing anyone who commits any offence in any of the countries, be it Nigeria or United States but there are guidelines and the guidelines are when the country writes a letter to the foreign affairs ministry, and the foreign affairs will send to the minister of justice…so the court will give permission for extradition of any one to go and answer some questions in United states based on the allegations.”
“I am not saying Abba Kyari will be extradited but the law will be followed judiciously before taking any action,”, he said.
United States District Court of California has since issued an arrest warrant for Kyari.
Five suspected ritualists have reportedly gang raped and murder a 50-year-old woman, Mrs. Patience Komone, at Umeh community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was gathered that the ritualists after killing the woman, removed her eyes and private parts and dumped her remains in a bush in the community.
The deceased fondly called Pat, a native of Otughievwen, Ughelli South Local Government Area was declared missing by her family since Tuesday 27 July, when she left her home to Umeh where she periodically buys pepper and sundry vegatables for sale along Sapele Road, Effurun, Uvwie.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ari Mohammed Ali, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, August 4, said decomposing body of the woman was found in the bush on Tuesday, following the arrest of one suspect, Onoriode Simon Akpoavirhi, 25, the Okada rider who carried her on that fateful day.
The suspect was paraded alongside sixteen others arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism across the state.
On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killing of the missing woman in connivance with one Akpoghene Shoemaker, now at large. They raped her and robbed her of the sum of forty thousand before killing her using a machete.
The suspect also confessed that one lucky Daniel of Ohoro town contracted them to bring the body parts for him after paying them one hundred thousand naira (N100,000).
“Sequel to the missing person report received by the Command on 2/8/21 at about 1456hrs of one Mrs. Patience Komore aged 50yrs, who disappeared after leaving for Umeh market in Isoko south LGA to get fish. I directed the Divisional police officer Oleh to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance,” the CP stated.
“The DPO Mobilized police operatives, vigilante, and community leaders who continuously worked together and gathered information regarding the case. Acting on a tip off, on 3/8/2021 at about 1300hours, One Onos Simon m’ age 25yrs an Okada man was arrested, the Okada rider was the same person who carried the woman on that faithful day. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killing of the missing woman Mrs. Patience Komore in connivance with one Akpoghene Shoemaker ‘m’ now at large.
“They raped her and robbed her of the sum of forty thousand before killing her using a machete. Not only did they kill her, they also removed her eyes and private part for ritual purposes. Suspect also confessed that one lucky Daniel of Ohoro town contracted them to bring the body part for him after paying them one hundred thousand naira (#100,000).
“The decomposing corpse has been recovered and deposited in the mortuary. Members of the public are hereby urged to assist the police with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the fleeing Akpoghene shoemaker and lucky Daniel,” he added.
Lagos Assembly Scrap Houses for Rx-Governors, Others in Pension Reform Law
The Lagos State House of Assembly (Lagos Assembly) on Thursday approved the report of its committee on establishment which recommended the reduction of pensions to former governors and other affected officials by 50 percent.
The Lagos Assembly is committee also expunged the provision of houses in Abuja and Lagos for former governors as stipulated in an earlier law operated by the state.
The report further showed a reduction in the number of vehicles to be made available to former governors and their deputies.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, suggested that former governors should get two vehicles (a car and a van) instead of three as recommended by the committee.
He also suggested that the amended bill should provide that the cars be changed every four years instead of the three years recommended by the report.
While some of the lawmakers, at plenary, had suggested for an upward review of the pension for the affected public office holders by 75 percent, others urged that the pension remain as stipulated in the old law.
However, Obasa argued that it should be left at 50 percent, especially as the report had recommended the removal of houses and reduced other benefits.
While recalling the recent murder of the president of Haiti, Obasa said it was necessary to also secure the lives of the former office holders.
“By virtue of my office, I have seen former Speakers who we just had to intervene in their lives because of the situations they found themselves outside office. We have also seen former governors in a very bad situation,” he said.
Obasa noted the argument of his colleagues that the projected downward review of the pension for the former governors and others could also be affected by inflation and other economic considerations, but reminded that the House must meet the wishes of the people one of which is a cut in the cost of governance.
“There is no argument, we must realise that this is democracy and it is all about the people. We are here because of the people. When we represent people, it is good for us to listen to them as well.
“We must realise that we would always go back to the people for support. So when we hearken to their agitations and reduce what existed, it shows that we listen,” Obasa told his colleagues adding that his suggestion for further reduction of the number of cars was because “as you age, your needs continue to decrease.”
Earlier some of the lawmakers of the Lagos Assembly had supported the report of the committee saying it would have a positive impact on the internally generated revenue of the state.
Just In: Former President, Musa Yar’Adua’s Son Sent To Prison For Allegedly Killing Four People
A Magistrate’s Court in Yola on Thursday remanded Aminu Yar’Adua, the son of late former President Umaru Yar’Adua, in prison for allegedly killing four people in an auto crash in Yola.
Yar’Adua, a 36 year-old student of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola, was charged to court for allegedly causing death by dangerous driving on 23 June 2021.
According to the police First Information Report (FIR) tendered in court by the prosecutor, Insp. Zakka Musa, the accused had, while driving along Yola bye pass on 23 June, 2021 , crushed six people as a result of over speeding.
The court heard that four of the victims were killed and the other two were injured in the accident, with the victims all hailing from Sabon Pegi, Yola South Local Government Area.
” Those that died in the accident were identified as; Aisha Umar (30), Aisha Mamadu (32), Suleiman Abubakar(2) and Jummai Abubakar (30), while, Rejoice Annu (28) and Hajara Aliyu(27) sustained injuries”, according to the FIR.
The prosecuting officer told the court that the relatives of late Aisha Umar, Suleiman Abubakar and Jummai Abubakar had demanded the sum of N15 million from the defendant as compensation.
But, when the FIR was read to the defendant as prayed by the prosecutor, he denied committing the offence, describing the allegation as untrue.
At that point, the prosecutor pleaded with the court to adjourn the matter, to enable him duplicate the case file and forward to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
The Magistrate, Jummai Ibrahim granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter till 19 August, 2021, for further mention.
He then ordered that Aminu Yar’Adua be remanded in prison custody until then.
Earlier reports said Aminu barely escaped lynching on the day of the accident as a mob descended on him for killing the four pedestrians and injuring two others.
Among the four killed was a toddler.
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The prompt intervention of policemen at the scene of the accident, saved Yar’adua, said to be an off-campus student of American University of Nigeria (AUN).
Tokyo Olympics: We Had No Contract Agreement With PUMA ― AFN
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has said that it is not in possession of any contractual documents signed between it and German sportswear company, PUMA, Newspremises reports.
Recall that the kit manufacturers terminated the four-year sponsorship contract worth $1.67m with the federation on Wednesday.
PUMA cited the failure of Nigerian athletes’ to wear their brand at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
Also, the technical director of the factional Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) board, Sunday Adeleye, on Thursday, said that PUMA will sue for breach of contract.
However, reacting to the development, AFN, in a statement signed by Prince Adeniyi Adisa Beyioku, its Secretary-General, said it could not be liable for what it knows nothing about.
The statement read,
”The attention of the AFN has been drawn to a media statement signed by Shehu Ibrahim Gusau confirming the termination of the agreement he and Mr Sunday Adeleye signed with sportswear and equipment company, PUMA purportedly on behalf of the AFN in July 2019.
”The AFN wishes to state unequivocally that it is not aware of any contract as there was no document in the Secretariat of the federation pertaining to any contractual agreement with PUMA.”
Lagos Assembly Approves 50% Reduction In Pensions Of Former Govs, Deputies
The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a 50 percent reduction in pension of former governors and deputies of the state.
The approval was made after the lawmakers considered the report of its committee on establishment.
The committee recommended the removal of the section of the law that stipulates the provision of houses for ex-governors in Abuja and Lagos State while it reduced the number of vehicles to be made available to them and their deputies.
Though the committee recommended three vehicles for ex-governors but the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, suggested two vehicles for them, including a car and a van.
He also suggested that the amended bill should provide that the cars be changed every four years instead of the three years recommended by the committee in the report.
Also, some of the lawmakers at the plenary called for an upward review of the pension for the affected public office holders by 75 percent while others urged that the pension remain as stipulated in the old law.
The speaker, however, argued that the pension be left at 50 percent since the report had recommended removal of houses and reduced other benefits.
Obasa stressed the need to secure the lives of ex-public office holders, saying he has seen some former speakers and ex-governors in very bad situation after leaving office.
He further pointed out that the argument for downward review of the pension for former governors and others by his colleagues could be affected by inflation and other economic considerations while he stressed the need for the House to meet the yearning of the people, which include cutting down cost of governance.
Official: Manchester City Complete Signing Of Jack Grealish From Aston Villa
English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of Jack Grealish on a six-year deal.
Society gazette reports that the 25-year-old midfielder joins from Aston Villa, having made 213 appearances over the course of eight seasons, scoring 32 goals and assisting 43.
Grealish played an important role in England’s run to the just concluded Euro 2020.
“I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City,” Grealish said. “City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.
“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.
“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jack Grealish to Manchester City. He is an incredible talent.
“Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.
“I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years.”
Breaking! Barcelona To Let Messi Go For Lack Of Money
Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona after the La Liga club were unable to fulfil a new contract that had been agreed with the player due to “financial and structural obstacles”.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has officially been a free agent since July 1 after he failed to agree terms over a renewal before his previous Barcelona contract expired on June 30.
However, the 34-year-old had been expected to sign a new five-year contract with the Catalan club, which would have seen his salary reduced by 50 per cent.
Messi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, coming through the club’s academy before going on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances after making his senior debut in 2003.
LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona
A club statement said: “Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
BREAKING: Police Arrests Lady Who killed Her boyfriend, absconds with New Benz Car in Akwa Ibom
A lady has been arrested by officers of the Nigerian Police Force for allegedly killing her boyfriend and escaping with his Mercedes Benz 4matic Vehicle and its original ownership papers in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
According to an eyewitness, Vincent Aluu, the vehicle was tracked and the girl was swiftly arrested.
She is currently detained at the B division Police station in Ewet Housing Estate area of the state. According to Aluu, the lady visited the deceased simply identified as ‘Chukwuma’ at his residence in Osongoma before proceeding to murder him.
The eyewitness wrote on Facebook: “The girl in the picture visited the deceased in Uyo, butchered him to death and made away with his brand new Mercedes Benz 4matic and the original documents.”
“The victim, Chukwuemeka, is the only son to the parents and was an importer. All efforts to reach him by his friend to come clear his consignments failed. He was found in his pool of blood inside his bed room.”
“Using the vehicle tracker, the daughter of Jezebel was traced to a nearby hotel enjoying. Currently, she is singing like a parrot at Ewet Housing Police Station.”
It was gathered that the suspect was simply identified as ‘Laurretta’ and she hails from Ogoja in Cross River state. She reportedly also stole N7 million naira from the deceased.
