The newly installed Iyalaje of Oduduwa Race worldwide(Iyalaje Oodua) Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, on Saturday stated that she is not unaware of the huge responsibilities and roles attached to her latest status, promising to perform optimally towards wealth recreation as well as human development.
The Ilesa born business tycoon cum philanthropist who has been the global promoter of the popular Annual Aje Festival for about half a decade, gave the assurance at the ancient Ile Oodua Palace of The Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife before the Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and a host of other top dignitaries including traditional rulers across Nigeria who took turns to pray for her traditionally.
“Through my close relationship with the Arole Oduduwa which I hold in a very high esteem, I have always been close to the traditional institution and I am glad to state that I have learnt a lot enough to last me a lifetime.
“Let me be specific now, my announcement in itself was done traditionally and that was the start of it all fe months ago.
“Upon my entry on Thursday evening, I was received at Ilero spot at Iremo road, Ile-Ife by the cultural women (Obinrin Ilero) and the Ooni’s traditional aides (Emeses) where the opening rites were performed before we walked to the palace to pay traditional oobeisance to the Arole Oodua before taken to the sacred Yeyemolu well for blessings.
“Today, Saturday 17th July 2021, we opened the day with a procession of Isoros and Iyalajes of different markets to the AJE temple at Oja Ife (Oja Ejigbomekun), where I joined them in company of Emeses, seven horses and my distinguished guests and well-wishers.
“Right there, I was dressed traditionally as the Iyalaje Oodua and fortified for the tasks ahead, after which we returned to the palace and we were received at the palace’s entrance (Enugeru) by Ife High-Chiefs who led me to the Temple of Wisdom (Ogun Laadin) within the palace courtyard for further blessings.
“Am happy to inform you that I got my installation leaves (Ewe Akoko) at the Temple of Wisdom, before being brought before my father; Arole Oduduwa for formal pronouncement as the Iyalaje Oodua. I am so humbled and I promise that I shall justify the basis for my appointment and installation.” Iyalaje Oodua said.
In his remarks, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) revealed that the selection and installation was purely based on merit, especially because of the sensitivity of the title.
“We exercised a lot of caution because Aje is a big deal in Oodua land. It started here in Ile-Ife and then spread beyond, so we are reawakening it’s spirit particularly now that the economy is in a bad shape.
“Princess Toyin Kolade is a successful business woman who is prominent for spreading wealth through giving even from her personal earnings, this is one among several countless enviable human qualities upon which she is being installed today as the Iyalaje Oodua.” The Ooni noted.
The event which was well attended by top dignitaries including the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja, also had traditional rulers like Olubadan of Ibadan, Olowo of Owo, Alara of Ilara-Epe, Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oore of Otun Ekiti, Deji of Akure, Dein of Agbor in Delta state. Prominent women like the wife of the Osun State Governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, Chief Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Erelu Abiola Dosumu, among others in attendance.
The grand finale of the history-making event held in the 3,000 capacity Meeting Incentives Conference and Event (MICE) Centre branded ‘Ojaja Arena’ within the premises of the newly commissioned Ife Grand Resort and Industrial Park, where guests were entertained by the ace Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called K1 De Ultimate in the presence of other dignitaries like Aare OnaKakanfo of Yorubaland Chief Gani Adams, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Basorun Dele Momodu among others.
Oyedepo Speaks On Contesting Election In Nigeria, Reveals Preferred Party
Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, stated that he would never contest for any political position.
Naija News reports that the bishop stated this while speaking on Sunday during a sermon at the church’s headquarters, Canaanland, Ota in Ogun State.
According to the world second richest pastor, he would also not join any political party.
Oyedepo said God has placed him above all political positions in the country, including the presidency.
He said, “Will I ever be in a political party in my life? No. Gone forever.
“I knew God has positioned me far above all nations even when I was not above a town or a street. I knew it by divine insight. That is where God is taking you to”.
In other news, the Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has warned his deputy, Mahdi Aliyu, not to go against him or else he would be punished.
In an interview with DW Hausa Service on Saturday, Matawalle said he would not tolerate any act of disrespect from Aliyu.
Matawalle berated Aliyu for organising a rally last week after some communities had recorded fresh killings and kidnappings.
He, however, denied being the mastermind of the alleged plan to impeach his deputy, adding that he had promised to work with Aliyu irrespective of our political affiliations.
Matawalle said: “I just read about the impeachment plan and called someone for clarification who told me that they would not accept it from the deputy governor to be organising rallies when people are being killed.
“As governor of the state, I promised to work together with the deputy governor, irrespective of our political affiliations. But I won’t tolerate disrespectful attitude from him.”
“I won’t join issue with him but if he dares me, I will give him the treatment he deserves,” the governor said.
“We all agreed to halt any political rally welcoming politicians into the state since we lost some of our supporters while welcoming us.
“The deputy governor should have notified me of whatever he planned to do. Being of different political parties does not mean I am no longer his boss. Since the defection, he has stopped associating with me.”
‘Custom Officers Attacked Ibarapa Community, Not Bandits’ – Oyo Government
The Oyo State government has accused operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service of carrying out the attack on Ibarapa community on Friday.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa made the observation in a statement on Saturday after a visit by the government team to the affected communities.
It will be recalled as earlier reported by Society gazette that suspected gunmen who reportedly wore ‘Customs Uniform’ on Friday night attacked Igangan in Ibarapa North local government and Ibarapa Central local government areas in Oyo State.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the ancient town around 8.pm and left after shooting sporadically.
No fewer than three people were reportedly killed while the shooting lasted, including an Amotekun commandant in Ibarapa Central LGA.
The gunmen reportedly attacked Igangan in Ibarapa North LGA killing two people, while an Amotekun commandant was killed in Igboora in Ibarapa Central LGA.
But making clarification on the ugly incident, the Oyo Governor’s media aide said the community leaders identified those that attacked them as Customs Officers, not unknown gunmen as widely reported.
He added that the community leaders made the revelation during a fact-finding meeting between a team of the state government and political/traditional leaders of the affected communities on Saturday.
Adisa said, “The political and traditional leaders of Ibarapa extraction at the meeting, described the Friday raid on Igangan, Igbo-Ora and other communities in the area by men of the NCS as unnecessary and not well-thought-out.
“They called on the leadership of Customs Service to regulate operations of its personnel.
“It will be better if the authorities restrict them to border towns to end unwarranted attacks on innocent communities.”
The government’s team accompanied by the traditional rulers and community leaders visited the scenes of the incident at Igangan, Ayete, Tapa, and Igbo-Ora.
They appealed to the residents to maintain calm and avoid retaliation of any form for peace to reign.
The leaders, included the Olu of Igbo-Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, and the Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government, Mr Adeoye Adedoyin.
Optimism Of Francophone’s Strategic Cooperation Against Insurgency As Buratai Resumes In The Republic Of Benin
National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, in this piece, cast a diagnostic review and analyses of the appointment of General Tukur Buratai as Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. The association predicts sound health resulting in a reinvigorated diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and its Francophone neighbour, capable of checking illegal arms and ammunition smuggling that fuel insurgency in Nigeria
Judging by Standard Performance Evaluation, SPV, even the most incurable cynics, among public affairs analysts, cannot help but attest to the fact that Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd) was a performer and an achiever, who reclaimed zones and territories which were hitherto occupied by insurgents prior to his appointment as the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff in 2015.
At the time, terrorism had become a national nightmare, a worrisome development that needed immediate remedies as insurgents occupied and hoisted their flags in five states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe.
In these states, no fewer than 21 local government areas were seized and occupied by the deadly jihadists, who perpetrated their inordinate territorial expansion with mindless bloodshed and untold atrocities.
With Gwoza as their main caliphate administrative centre, the insurgents turned the surrounding areas to a killing field where many emirs, community leaders and their people were killed at will. Over 20, 000 Nigerian hostages, including the Chibok schoolgirls were scattered in different locations of Boko Haram secret camps. So bad was the situation that the Northeast region was substantially closed to public or social life for dread of the atrocities of Boko Haram.
But on the assumption of duty in July 2015 at the height of the insecurity problem, Buratai, an infantry combatant, hit the ground running. Incidentally, he did not assume the position of Army Chief unprepared. From the records, he had spent the best part of his military career in the trenches, fighting wars to keep Nigeria together.
In some important respects, he was involved in the UN Peace Keeping Missions in Angola and other countries. At a time, he was in the creeks of the Niger Delta fighting incendiary militants, vandals, and economic saboteurs bred in the region.
He was the Field Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the multi-nation military outfit conceptualized by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroun and later on, Benin Republic to battle terrorism in the sub-region.
In all these assignments, he earned medals and awards for his exemplary and excellent performances, which consequently earned him accelerated promotions in recognition of his exceptional military exploits and results.
As Chief of Army Staff, Buratai demonstrated courage and leadership on the battlefield and supervised the counter-terrorism operations against the resilient Boko Haram insurgents and terrorists of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in line with global best practices.
His initiatives transformed the Nigeria Army into an entirely new institution with reforms and innovations.
Before he left office, he got the Army new specialized Army schools while old and abandoned army institutions were revamped.
He returned Nigeria Army to its glorious path of self-dependence where it manufactured some of its warfare equipment and visibly changed the narratives of the anti-insurgency combats, progressively.
Buratai, Grand Patron of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, also established far-reaching synergies with the armies of other countries, in the West African sub-region and outside the continent, with the likes of India, Brazil, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Sensitive knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences on combating terrorism became a regular feature of his leadership.
This accounted for his success in the anti-insurgency war.
He reorganized and empowered the Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) to function effectively, especially in the campaign for the protection and respect for human rights by the Nigerian Army. The first step he took to checkmate human rights abuses was to rejig and strengthen the DCMA.
Consequently, sensitization workshops and campaigns on the protection of human rights were dynamically conducted for members of the Nigeria Army.
Worthy of mention, as an attestation of his sophisticated diplomatic and public relations skills, was the Human Rights Workshop in 8 Task Force Division, where he was represented by Major General Nuhu Angbazo, the then Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.
That workshop confirmed that the Nigerian army had embarked on a drive to educate troops in the Laws of Armed Conflicts and therefore avoid unprofessional conducts that could destroy their careers and tarnish the good image of the Nigeria Army.
Buratai took a bow from military service on Tuesday, January 26, leaving Nigeria on a better anti-terrorism rating than he met it.
President Buhari, who superintends over the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supervised Buratai at close range in his capacity as Army Chief, nominated him for Ambassadorial assignment.
The nomination on Thursday, February, received mixed reactions in the public space.
While some applauded the presidential foresight on account of Buratai’s commitment to degrading insurgency, others simply went for his jugular, citing imperfections on the battle front, which in their estimation, resulted to infringement of fundamental human rights.
Senate confirmed the nomination on February 23 and letter of credence was issued on Wednesday, June 23.
Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd)
Erudite scholar, Samson Aboh of the Federal University, Lafia, in a piece, emphasizes that Buratai’s encounters and relationships with foreign countries, especially in the Francophone bloc, would benefit Nigeria tremendously in his new assignment as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
“It is my utmost conviction that Nigeria can better resolve its internal problems of insurgency if the country strikes a strong diplomatic synergy with francophone countries.
“Ambassador Buratai stands in good stead to anchor these diplomatic relations between Nigeria and these francophone countries,” he writes.
In like manner, Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State, in a recent public statement, expressed confidence and trust in the appointment of Buratai as ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
He noted that the former army brass has the implicit skills and knowledge to represent Nigeria and develop synergy with the Beninoise to check illegal smuggling of weapons into Nigeria through the 809 km Benin–Nigeria border which stretches from the tripoint with Niger in the north down to the Bight of Benin in the south.
Buratai, he added, can replicate his military successes in diplomacy.
Governor Mala-Buni, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), said the newly appointed ambassador would be a worthy representative of Nigeria in Benin, noting that he would bring to bear his wealth of experience in discharging his duties.
“l have great confidence in your ability to build a viable and strong relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
“Your meritorious service in the army has built great confidence around you, which earned you this appointment,” he said.
This submission by Governor Buni reinforces the belief in many quarters that the strategic intention by President Muhammadu Buhari to build a wall of defence around Nigeria by posting immediate service chiefs as ambassadors will sufficiently check the unchallenged free movement of arms into the country.
These remarks and beliefs are the needed conviction of a new dawn that is capable of strengthening internal security mechanisms led by the current service chiefs and the team of retired officers as ambassadorial rings around Nigeria’s borders.
Without doubts, General Buratai would up his diplomatic and public relations game to synergize with the neighbouring countries and put a check to the movement of illegal arms. This would help Nigeria a great deal considering how Nigeria’s current epidemic of insecurity has brought illegal possession of guns into public view.
The more illegal arms that have entered into circulation, the higher the death toll and the more widespread the atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
The proliferation and easy access to small and light arms has of late attracted the attention of both government and the elite.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee disclosed the extent of arms proliferation in the country in a report by his committee.
The report indicated that there are over 6 million (6,145,000 to be exact) guns in the hands of private citizens.
The current total population of Nigeria’s armed and security forces is about 300,000 with 89,000 reservists.
If Police are added, Civil Defence, Customs and other departments officially allowed to bear arms, the entire security architecture does not have more than 500,000 legal arms in the holding of the state.
This simply means that the state and its security forces are outgunned by a high deficit ratio, a development Buratai would tackle as Benin Republic Ambassador.
In all of this, however, the appointment of Buratai signals diplomatic fresh onslaughts against insurgency and an end to subsisting challenges in the fight against terrorism including lukewarm strategic cooperation with francophone countries.
Ecobank Celebrates Nigerians In The Diaspora; Announces Zero Fees for Transactions on Rapidtransfer
In commemoration of this year’s National Diaspora Day event, Ecobank Nigeria is joining the rest of the country to celebrate Nigerians in the diaspora by making transactions on its proprietary money transfer app, Rapidtransfer, free of charge.
The Federal Government has set aside July 25 of every year as the National Diaspora Dayin recognition of the contributions of Nigerians living outside the country towards the development of their homeland.
In a commemorative message, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan stated that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the country. Mr. Akinwuntan lauded the decision of the Federal Government to set aside a special day every year as the National Diaspora Day, adding that the recent launch of the National Diaspora Policy (NDP) by the government would further promote and harness the resources and capacity of Nigerians in the diaspora towards national development.
“As a pan-African institution positioned to foster the economic growth and integration of our continent, we are particularly pleased to work closely with NiDCOM, ably led by the Chairman/CEO, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa towards the engagement of Nigerians in the diaspora on policies, projects and other initiatives geared at developing the nation. From our constant engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora, we understand their peculiar needs and have created tailor-made solutions to serve them effectively.” He noted further that Ecobank has partnered NiDCOM on webinars, diaspora quarterly lecture series and will continue to seek other collaboration opportunities to deepen engagement with the diaspora community.
Also speaking, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria said Ecobank will apply zero fees to all Rapidtransfer transactions from 1st July till the end of October, 2021, thereby enabling Nigerians living abroad to send money to their loved ones affordably. According to her, the decision to waive charges underscores the bank’s commitment to helping Nigerians abroad remit money home without placing an additional burden of charges on them, especially at this period of global economic downturn.
Rapidtransfer is Ecobank’s proprietary money transfer service which enables users send funds across borders, affordably and instantly. The Rapidtransfer app is available for use by Ecobank and non-Ecobank customers. Remittances can be received directly into the recipient’s account or as cash at any Ecobank branch. Beneficiaries who wish to receive funds into an account but do not have domiciliary accounts have the opportunity to open in Euro, GBP or USD instantly and enjoy all the benefits that come with Ecobank foreign currency accounts.
In addition, N5 is paid on every one dollar received as cash or direct to account in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing Naira for Dollar initiative.
‘Where do people get such money?’ — reactions trail Obi Cubana mum’s burial
BY JAMES OJO
‘Where do people get such money?’ — reactions trail Obi Cubana mum’s burial
The flamboyant funeral of Uche Iyiegbu, mother of Obi Cubana, Nigerian nightlife promoter, has sparked different reactions on social media.
On Friday, the entrepreneur’s mother, who passed away in December last year, was laid to rest in Afor Uzo Oba, Anambra state.
The event had in attendance prominent figures across various spheres in Nigeria including Davido, D’banj, Phyno, Odumeje, and Abba Kyari, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP).
The ceremony was characterised by live performances from various artistes who graced the event. Guests also took turns to spray wads of naira notes to a huge crowd that graced the occasion.
The lavish burial ceremony has, however, begun to attract controversies on social media, particularly Twitter, where Nigerian users ensured it topped the subject of conversation.
While some users hailed the activities that took place at the event, especially the spraying of money, others had their reservations.
“The bastardisation and rubbishing of Nigeria naira by umu Igbo has spiritual coronation. Some of them spreading these monies never knew it was an assignment. They are being used by our forefathers whose investment & millions in banks were denied & only 20 pounds given #obicubana,” a user wrote.
“I thought we are all shouting no money for this Nigeria. Where una dey see this money,” another user wrote in a mixture of English and Pidgin.
Here’s what others had to say:
EFCC won’t disappoint!
They’ll investigate the “rain of money” at Oba for no reason other than it’s in of the “Dot Nation”
They won’t see:
The bullion vans at Asiwaju’s home
The multi-million power bikes of unemployed Yusuf Buhari
The lavishness of politicians’ kids#obicubana pic.twitter.com/ac0hfDlBkq
—Afri-Sagacity (@afrisagacity) July 17, 2021
Nobody is fuming about extravagant spending of Obi Cubana & his friends.
No one is angry they’re throwing money in the air instead of feeding the poor or building infrastructures.
Wait till one Church builds a new auditorium.
“feeding the poor” logics go full twitter.
—This Girl is Blessed 🇨🇦 (@Girl_isBlessed) July 16, 2021
There’s no “Obi Cubana” in East Africa, with crass, vulgar displays of wealth.
What East Africa has in abundance is the extravagant expression of the uniquely African feminine form.
We must go there, and leave Nigeria to wallow in its inauthentic gaudy flamboyance.
—Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) July 16, 2021
Let me just quickly clarify a few things because I know this issue will come up again in the future.
Most of the folks who criticised yesterday didn’t criticise Obi Cubana for spending on his mums burial neither did they criticise Cubana Chief Priest for buying 46 cows.
—Dr. Dípò Awójídé, FHEA (@OgbeniDipo) July 17, 2021
In the end, the biggest winner in this whole Obi Cubana’s mom’s burial is Anambra State economy. I am so happy it happened in Alaigbo. Make traders, hotelier, transport companies etc smile small. ❤️
—Afamefuna Ezenwankwọ (@AfamDeluxo) July 17, 2021
Police officers are greedy oo
See what is happening in Oba ooo
Obi Cubana don cause wahala #obicubana pic.twitter.com/ivefusgWGY
—Kelz Tbg (@KelzTbg) July 15, 2021
Reasons why having rich friends as well in your life is very important. Just look at how funeral gifts have turned into a potential business #obicubana #cubanachiefpriest #cubana pic.twitter.com/3sGvdoyndS
—Carrington (@black_vasilis) July 15, 2021
Me dropping out of school to focus #obicubana money pic.twitter.com/LMFkupJBj1
—😈✞ skucci szn ☔🧵 (@theclothsmith) July 16, 2021
How Igbo group are defending the wealth of #obicubana without any fact but you are jealousy and hating of our tribe
Show Nigerians only see criticisms as an attack on their in-group.
Too much for those who blame Hausa for defending their tribe
—theSociologyGuy (@Freshdipo1) July 17, 2021
Obi Cubana’s mom burial has to be the most talked about burial since Michael Jackson. Anambra men doings is on another level 🙌🏾#obicubana
—Billionaire Ambition 🙏🏾 (@datgreatnigga) July 16, 2021
Person dey bury e mama, you dey shout God When
Don’t worry very soon
#obicubana
—provii (@provii8) July 16, 2021
Because we no get money, rain wey suppose fall for oba, they shift am come Lagos now everywhere don flood😭😭#obicubana pic.twitter.com/aLHZ2Vip5h
—Bride of Jesus ☺️ (@Tife_Young) July 16, 2021
Ithought we are all shouting no money for this Nigeria.
where una dey see this money#obicubana pic.twitter.com/y4sO09qUxG
—Precious 🇳🇬 (@prexy500) July 16, 2021
Davido is the first music artist to turn a burial into a concert 🤯🔥 happening live at Oba Anambra #obicubana pic.twitter.com/4oFRQAABIZ
JUST IN: IPOB’s Plotting To Launch Attack on Kuje Prison, Free Nnamdi Kanu – Security Agencies Raises Alarm
Nigerian Security agencies have uncovered plots by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to attack Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and free their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu was reportedly rearrested in Kenya and extradited back to Nigeria on the 27th of June, 2021.
He was then arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako who ordered his remand in the custody of the DSS until his next trial date which is July 26 and 27.
Kanu, who is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others, jumped bail in 2017 and left the country, only to re-emerge in Israel and then in the United Kingdom.
The IPOB leader, through his lawyers, has accused the DSS and Kenya authorities of torturing him while in their custody.
He had also asked the court to transfer him to Kuje prison and allow him to see his doctors over his poor health due to torture.
But a top-ranking officer of one of the security agencies told PRNigeria that the militias of IPOB under the guise of Eastern Security Network (ESN) are plotting to launch an attack on Kuje Prison if Nnamdi Kanu is eventually moved there.
“We have uncovered the grand plan of a looming attack on Kuje Correctional Facility. This is sequel to Nnamdi Kanu’s plea to the Court to have him moved to the Kuje Prison from the detention facility of the DSS,” he said.
“We are aware of the motives of some of his supporters to intimidate and harass judicial and security officers to do their biddings through petitions, propaganda and blackmail so that he could be transferred to the prison which they could easily attack as they have done to many Police Stations and Correctional Facilities in the Southeast, in the last six months,” he added.
He stated that prominent individuals who are arrested and detained at the DSS facility are normally given superior treatment, compared to what they stand to get at Police cells.
The officer cited series of attacks on security personnel and their facilities in the South-East by IPOB and ESN where many lives of innocent citizens and properties were lost.
“For instance in April this year, the police confirmed that IPOB/ESN militias were behind the attack on Imo Prison with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) after razing the state Police Headquarters with vehicles parked in the premises.
“Nnamdi Kanu even had the gut to celebrate the destruction when he emphasised via his verified Twitter account that no soul deserves to be locked up in Nigeria’s prison. Imagine him now saying he prefered the same prison facility
“His lousy, callous and inciting threats were some of the pieces of evidence that our foreign partners considered in justifying the need for his repatriation to face his trial in Nigeria after jumping bail… Meanwhile, Justice Binta Nyako had revoked the bail granted him and also ordered his arrest anywhere in the world which prompted the action we took for his return to Nigeria.
“Has any country come out to support him or condemn the action we have taken?” the officer asked.
Electoral Act Bill: PDP heads to court, insists on electronic transmission of results
Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed not allow the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) led National Assembly to “murder democracy” in Nigeria, vowing to head to court to challenge the decision of the senate to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from transmitting election results directly from polling units.
On Thursday, lawmakers spent more than three hours considering over 100 clauses of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, and the majority of the senators, all APC senators, succeeded in empowering the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to determine the electronic transmission of electoral results.
The legislation is seeking to repeal and re-enact the 2010 electoral act, which has been under consideration for years.
During the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, Sabi Abdullahi, deputy senate whip, proposed that the NCC must certify that national coverage is adequate and secure, while the national assembly must approve before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can transmit election results electronically.
But Albert Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom north-east, kicked against the motion and said the initial proposal made by the committee should be retained.
“The commission may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable,” section 50 (3) of the report reads.
This led to a rowdy session which lasted about 20 minutes, after which the senate eventually retained Abdullahi’s amendment after a 52-28 vote, with all APC senators voting ‘No’ and all PDP senators voting ‘Yes.’
Reacting to the decision of the senators at press conference on Friday, national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus on Friday, the said the amendment passed by the lawmakers cannot stand, as according to him, it is a big scam.
Secondus said the party will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that the “APC scam” is not allowed to stand in any way.
“We have called you this afternoon to join our voices and anger with that of Nigerians and all lovers of democracy in condemning what happened in the National Assembly yesterday Thursday and today Friday,” Secondus said.
“How a representative of the people enjoying their mandate blatantly turned their back on them and toed the line of a political party interest that is clearly against the people.
“By the choice of the All Progressives Congress, APC to put party interest before National interest, they have vividly murdered democracy by the actions of their members in the two chambers of the National Assembly yesterday and today. For us in PDP, today is a Black Friday for democracy.
“It’s an established fact in all democracies world wide that a free, fair and credible election is the tripod of any democracy. The action of APC in swaying their members against Electronic transmission of Election Results clearly undermines and shows in unmistaken terms that APC is not ready to face the Nigerian electorates.
“It also shows that the dilly-dallying of APC all the while in amending the Electoral Act is deliberate as they never wanted from inception to do anything that will deepen democracy in our country.
“This is notwithstanding that the party is a huge beneficiary of Electoral Reform carried out by the PDP administration.
“We therefore, unequivocally condemn and reject the amendment of Electoral Act as passed by the National Assembly and urge President Muhammadu Buhari to fulfil his anti-corruption crusade and see this as corruption and the big scam.
“The PDP will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that this APC scam is not allowed to stand in any way.
“We therefore call on all lovers of democracy who see free, fair and transparent election as vital, to stand up against this fraud.
“Before I end these remarks gentlemen of the Press, may I commend members of the PDP in the two chambers for standing up for democracy when it mattered. History will be favourable to them.
“I would like to also urge the Press as vanguard in the democratic struggle to take up their arms against this anti democratic action.”
How Suspected herdsmen dressed in military uniform struck Again In Igangan, Kill Amotekun Commander, Two Others
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen again struck late Friday night in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo state killing four residents.
The attack was however repelled by the swift response of local security operatives.
The Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ibarapa Central simply identified as Muri was among the victims of the attack.
The attackers were said to have stormed the town in two Hilux vans, an 18-seater Hummer bus, and a Toyota Sienna bus wearing military and customs camouflage.
It could not be confirmed at press time if the attackers were real security operatives as sources who spoke with The Nation said the residents initially lowered their guards thinking the men were customs operatives in search of suspected smugglers.
It was gathered that the suspected gunmen arrived in the community around 7 pm on Friday and attacked some areas.
A resident said the attackers stormed the community in large number but could not give actual figure.
The convener Igangan development advocate, Oladiran Oladokun confirmed the attack saying the incident was an attempt to invade the state through the axis, a border community but was resisted by the local security operatives.
Oladokun said although, the suspected herders came in customs and military camouflage to deceive the people and change the narrative that it was security operatives who stormed the town in search of those who engage in smuggling activities, a practice that is alien to the people of the community.
He expressed disappointment over inadequate security despite the recurrence of the attacks.
A community leader, who spoke in confidence said: “Report reaching me now reveals that around 8:00 pm people suspected to be herdsmen again invaded Igangan and shoot sporadically for over 30minutes. Some said they were Customs men as they wore Custom uniform but they were chased by local hunters after killing some people.
“They also passed Igboora and continue shooting and it was reported people died in Igboora too including one Amotekun operative.
“It was reported that the Commander of Amotekun in Ibarapa Central has been killed.”
Contacted, an Amotekun operative in Igangan who craved anonymity explained that the quick intervention of the local security operatives forced the assailants to retreat but not without killing some residents as they escaped through Abeokuta axis.
He said: “It is true. Around past 7 pm, we started hearing a noise around town that attackers have come again, and we quickly rushed out. They were shooting sporadically and heavily around AUD Quarters on their way to the town.
“By the turning to Jabele hotel, they killed a man there. When they saw that we were coming after them there, they turned back and headed towards Tapa. When they got to Tapa, they killed another person.
“When they got to Ayete, they killed one person, when they got to Igboora, they killed the Commander of Amotekun in Ibarapa Central named Muri.
“They wore customs and military uniform as camouflage. They wore a fake uniform. In fact, they passed in front of Operation Burst operatives in Ofiki and those ones didn’t know they were assailants on a deadly mission.
“We suspected them to be herdsmen with the way they operated and shot randomly while carrying out the attack.
“They came in two Toyota Hilux vans, one 18-passenger hummer bus and a sienna bus. They wore both military and custom uniforms.
“I cannot ascertain their numbers because before we got to where they were, as they entered into the town in Igangan, they shot at someone who sat outside of his house at AUD Quarters, that was where everybody took to their heels.
“It was when we were hearing repeated gunshots that we too quickly organised ourselves to face them and when they knew we were coming after them, they changed direction and faced Tapa.
“When they got to Tapa, they killed one person, killed another at Ayete and when they got to Ideere, they shot at a soldier and they killed Amotekun Commander in Igboora.
“We have informed the Police. But Operation Burst operatives are at Ofiki River, they said they taught they were customs and army operatives and that was why they allowed them to gain access into the town but that they didn’t know and they were deceived.
“We even gathered that they also shot at the customs operatives stationed in the axis too, an indication that the attackers are not genuine security operatives but we are not sure if they also have any casualty.”
Recall that, only last month, suspected herdsmen invaded the town overnight killing many people in the process.
Sources within the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have confirmed that N507m has been recovered from Nora Johnson, the Sierra Leonean woman involved in a case of multi-million naira fraud against her former employers, and her co-conspirators.
It was gathered that while Nora Johnson refunded N100m on account of her involvement in the fraud to the EFCC, some of the conspirators in the years-long racket refunded N400m, another accused person refunded N7m on behalf of Nora Johnson.
However, Nora Johnson, according to the EFCC source, reneged on paying the expected balance, which led to her present predicament.
Nora Johnson came into public consciousness days back when she did a video wailing about the confiscation of her house.
It would emerge that Justice A. Lewis Allagoa, Presiding Judge, Federal High Court (Lagos Division) had ordered that the EFCC should take possession of all properties and bank accounts owned by Johnson and five others.
This followed an application on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria by the EFCC, which charged her to court and subsequently led to the interim forfeiture of her assets on the order of Justice A.M. Liman on February 16, 2021.
However, on March 21, 2021, Ms Johnson and the other respondents: Babajide Aremu Johnson, Olabose Ibrahim Falobi, Steve Nnamdi Izebu, Steve Ibem and Bakoliza Limited went to court to suspend or stay execution on Justice Liman’s order. They had sought the following: an order to discharge the interim order of forfeiture of assets, an order discharging the final forfeiture and any other orders as deemed fit by the court.
In his judgment after hearing J.O. Adeyemi Esq, Counsel for the Applicant/Respondent and V.C. Nwokafor Counsel for the 1st, 2nd and 6th Respondents/Applicants, Justice Allagoa ordered that the motion of Ms. Olumide and the other respondents dated March 12, 2021, be set aside.
The judgment, delivered on July 14, 2021, stated further: “That the order of Justice Liman stands in all its ramifications” and “That the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are entitled to take possession of all that property subject of the Order of my Lord A.M. Liman on the 16th day of February 2021.”
