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How Tinubu Helped Lagos Assembly Achieve Financial Autonomy – Obasa

– As Lagos Assembly Celebrates Tinubu At 70

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a man of courage.

They also praised him for helping the parliament of the State achieve financial autonomy years before the mass clamour for it by other Houses of Assembly.

The lawmakers gave accolades at a special plenary session in honour of the astute politician to commemorate his 70th birthday, which holds on March 29, 2022.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described Asiwaju Tinubu is a benefactor, adding that the presidential aspirant had done well as a leader.

“This is an opportunity for us to recognise all that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us as a leader. In the face of opposition, he resolved and insisted on being on the opposition against against the Federal government.

“It is better to celebrate people that have contributed immensely to the development of the society.

“This Assembly has distinguished itself in all areas. This House has been running independently of the executive arm with financial autonomy through the help of Asiwaju. When he came in as the governor, he increased the IGR of the state,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker added that the special plenary was to show respect and honour for a deserving Lagosian who had contributed immensely to the progress of the State.

Contributing, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, said Tinubu had done a lot for democracy since he joined politics.

“It was easy for him to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he refused and focused on building a progressive party. We call on him to continue his ambition to become the President of Nigeria,” he added.

On his part, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa 2, described Tinubu as a man with a large heart and one who easily forgives.

He said: “Beyond the intimidating credentials of Tinubu, he’s a forgiving man with a large heart. He’s extraordinary. I salute him. He is the Asiwaju of everything that is good. I wish him long live.”

Hon. Victor Akande, who represents Ojo1, used the opportunity to address the critics of Tinubu’s ambition.

He those threatening to leave the country if Tinubu becomes president to start gathering their things because he was optimistic that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will lead the country.

He described Tinubu as a political colossus, political mathematician and doyen of modern day Nigeria.

Also speaking, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) described Asiwaju Tinubu as a respected politician, promise keeper, bridge builder and lover of Nigeria, adding that he would be l supported on his ambition to be the President of Nigeria in 2023.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian, a leader of the people, and politician with a difference.

According to Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 2), Tinubu “is a man of many parts, a true leader and the Mungo Park of our time. He laid the template for modern Lagos and he created agencies such as LASTMA, LAWMA, Office of Public Defender (OPD and others.”

Other lawmakers spoke glowingly about Asiwaju Tinubu, who they said had been able to build several leaders that have taken important positions in the country.

Meanwhile, the House also held a mini-lecture with the theme The Youth: Economic Challenges, Democracy and The Future with speakers including Adepeju Olukokun of Kokun Foundation, Shola Ladoja of Simply Green Limited, Eilen Sobanjo, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji of Future Africa.

Others who spoke included AbdulGaniyu Obasa, Head of Performance Management and Strategy at Parallex Bank, Dr. Biola Eshinlokun, a medical doctor, Olusegun Osundairo, CEO of Arc-View Investments Limited, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented, Hon. Seyi Adisa.

‘Violence Is Poisonous’ — Will Smith Pens Apology After Slapping Chris Rock At Oscar 2022

Popular American actor, rapper, and film producer, Willard Carroll Smith, has apologised after he slapped Chris Rock for making a bad joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, during the 2022 Academy Awards.

The Fresh Prince, as he is fondly called, had taken to the podium to smack Rock while making his jokes during the 94th Oscar awards.

The comedian made a joke about Jada’s baldhead, which she had shaved as a result of ‘Alopecia areata’ which is a health condition that causes sudden hair loss.

Smith had won his first Oscar in the best actor category for his role in “King Richard” after the incident with Rock.

After the awards, Smith took to his Instagram to publicly apologise to Rock, the producers of the Oscar Award, and his family for his misconduct during the Sunday ceremony.

He wrote, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted
emotionally.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

“I would also like to apologize to the
Academy, the producers of the show,
all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”

Jada had announced in December last year that she was shaving her head because she has Alopecia.

Eight killed as cultists engage in supremacy battle in Ogun

No fewer than eight persons have been reportedly killed during another phase of the supremacy battle between Eiye and Aiye confraternities in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The fresh killings occurred on Sunday, a few days after seven persons were killed in different parts of Abeokuta, the state capital.

Our correspondent gathered that 15 persons had been killed in less than two weeks in Abeokuta and Sagamu.

The clash between the rival cults got to its peak following the gruesome murder of a lout popularly known as Tommy in Oluwo, Abeokuta.

Our correspondent learnt that as of Sunday evening, residents in Panseke, Onikolobo, Oluwo and Adigbe fled for their lives as gunshots rent the air.

Though the police said 18 persons were arrested, calm seemed not to have returned as the crisis escalated to Sagamu, Remo axis of Ogun State.

As early as 7am on Sunday, sources said some young men stormed some places in Sagamu and killed their targets.

A source said the bodies of the victims were picked up by the police; others were said to have been taken away by their parents.

According to the source, an electrician, identified only as Akeem, was killed in the Ajegunle area of Sagamu.

“Akeem did not die immediately; but when they were rushing him to a hospital, another motorcycle hit them and he fell. That was how he died eventually. His intestines were coming out because he was shot in the stomach,” he added.

It was also gathered that some of the victims were murdered in Soyindo, Ijagba, Ajegunle and Sabo, all in Sagamu.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, promised to find out and revert.

He had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

Alleged Drug Deal: Court Denies Abba Kyari, Co-defendants Bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sunday Ubua, bail.

The former Commander of the Intelligence Response (IRT) commander and his team member had filed a bail application before the court.

This was after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022, had charged Kyari and four others for alleged involvement in drug dealings.

Others charged are Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, John Nuhu, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.

Upon arraignment, Kyari and four other defendants pleaded not guilty, while the sixth and seventh defendants pleaded guilty and begged the court to “have mercy”.

In a ruling on Monday morning, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the prosecution has placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant the refusal of bail to both senior police officers.

The judge also rejected the bail applications of Inspector Simon Agirgba; Inspector, John Nuhu.

Justice Nwite ruled that their bail application were denied after considering the affidavit evidence supplied by parties and proof of evidence.

The judge said he was convinced that the prosecution has successfully raised a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility on the part of the defendants.

The presiding judge, however, granted an accelerated hearing of the case.

2023 presidency: Sowore reacts to Wike’s declaration

Omoyele Sowore, the National Leader of the African Action Congress (AAC) and 2023 presidential aspirant, on Monday expressed his aversion to Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike’s presidential ambition declaration.

Wike, on Sunday visited Benue State where he declared his interest in the 2023 presidential race.

He called on national delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to sell their votes, but to consider him.

Wike, who addressed the party delegates at the Government House, Makurdi, said almost all presidential aspirants from the party were responsible for the party’s defeat in 2015.

In a veiled reference to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, he said some of the presidential aspirants on the platform of the party left the PDP when it mattered most.

Reacting, Sowore, in his typical way, made negative comments about Wike.

“The criminally-minded, corrupt, thug and murderous Nyesom Wike too has declared to become Nigeria’s President, we really can’t continue like this!” he wrote on his verified Facebook page.

NYSC Certificate Scandal Turned My Life Upside Down– Adeosun, Ex Finance Minister

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has said that the National Youth Service Corps certificate saga, which led to her resignation as minister made life more difficult for her.

She said this at the 10th anniversary of the Uncommon Woman Conference organised by the Jesus House Church, United Kingdom.

The Minister described the scandal as horrible, adding that it was the most difficult time of her life.

On 7 July 2018, report broke that Adeosun had illegally obtained her NYSC exemption certificate to get into public office.

On 14 September 2018, Adeosun resigned as Minister of Finance in a written letter to the President due to the alleged NYSC Certificate forgery scandal.

She had admitted using a forged exemption certificate of the NYSC, which she presented for her appointment in 2015.

The report revealed how Adeosun skipped the mandatory national youth service scheme and procured a forged certificate purporting to have exempted her from the one-year mandatory exercise.

Adeosun had while tendering her resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on September 14, 2018, admitted that she realised that the NYSC certificate she had presented to be appointed as minister “was not genuine.”

She admitted presenting the same fraudulent certificate for her earlier appointment as Commissioner for Finance of Ogun State in 2011.

But revealing how she was able to deal with the scandal, the former finance minister said she wept every day without working for three months.

According to her, everything about her life was at a standstill while she had to deal with shame, betrayal, disappointment and humiliation.

She said more painful was the fact that she quit her job as a minister at a time when the economy was beginning to feel the positive impact of her economic policies after a long period of stagnation.

Adeosun said “That period of life was tough for me. I went to step into the shoes of someone like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

“So, I was under fire from day one, it looked like things were not working. Then all of a sudden,the economy started to improve. It was like I was beginning to see the desired result.

“Then out of nowhere, the certificate scandal came. And before I knew it, everything turned upside down. And that was how the issue went viral.

Giving more details on what led to the scandal, the former minister said, “I was born and raised in the United Kingdom; indeed, my parental family home remains in London.

“My visits to Nigeria up until the age of 34 were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. When I finished school, there was no opportunity for dual citizenship; I either renounce my British citizenship or hold on to it and work here. I didn’t renounce mine. I finished school at 21 and started working at 22.

“I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of 34 and when I relocated, there was debate as to whether the NYSC law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to the NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of 30, I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding.

“On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those I thought were trusted associates, the NYSC was approached for documentary proof of status.

“I then received the certificate in question. Having never worked in the NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to or familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine.

“Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for the Department of State Services clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. I sought legal advice and there was no problem I could get an exemption for the NYSC.

“I was so ashamed at that time because I was into teenagers’ mentoring and all of that. So, the experience negated the lessons I had taught my teenagers. I cried every day for three months; I didn’t do anything for anyone or myself for those months. I just cried, cried, and cried.”

The former Minister of finance said that despite the court judgement which cleared and vindicated her from the scandal, she still wasn’t happy.

Adeosun’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) had filed a case against the Attorney General of the Federation, urged the court to declare that his client cannot be disqualified from serving as either a member of the House of Assembly of a State, a Commissioner in the State Executive Council; Governor of a State; member of the National Assembly; Minister in the Federal Executive Council or the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the ground that she did not participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, established by the National Youth Service Corps Act, CAP N84, LFN 2004.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Taiwo Taiwo had held that participation in NYSC was not a yardstick for being selected as a Federal Minister.

But the former finance minister said that despite being cleared by the Court, she still didn’t feel better as she had to go through another round of counselling to heal.

“I thought I would feel better when I got vindicated by the court but I still wasn’t happy. The court cleared my name three years later but it took another time of counselling and therapy before I felt better.

“It was thereafter I forged ahead with life and started my charity work,” she added.

Minister of finance budget and national planningMrs Kemi AdeosunUncommon Woman Conference

VIDEO: Moment Man United legend Patrice Evra visits Oshodi under bridge, plays chess with children

Patrice Evra, the Manchester United football legend, on Saturday visited the under bridge axis of Oshodi in Lagos.

During the surprise visit, the 40-year-old was seen playing chess with students of Chess in slums Africa.

Chess in slums Africa is a non-profit organisation known for using the game as a framework to promote education and raise champions from low communities.

In one of the video clips, the ex-France international was welcomed by a jubilant crowd, with many of them chanting his name.

He was also seen donning a Yoruba traditional cap with smiles etched on his face.

In a terse post via his Twitter page, the football star expressed his excitement at visiting Nigeria and sharing the unique moments with the children.

“Checkmate. Evra bus stop #Nigeria ! I’m soo impressed by those genius kids @Tunde_OD @burnaboy #ilovethisgame #positive4evra,” he wrote.

Tunde Onakayo, founder of Chess in slums Africa, had earlier teased fans about his visit but did not disclose his name.

“A Manchester United legend/former captain and a UEFA Champions league winner will be coming to play Chess against some of the kids in our academy at oshodi underbridge,” he had announced on Thursday.

The development comes a few weeks after Kevin Tokar, acting Canadian high commissioner to Nigeria, and his team also visited the area.

Onakoya has become a viral sensation across social media platforms since he initiated Chess in slums Africa.

He recently won the prize for community action at the 2022 edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA)

Watch video:

Fulani Armed Men Cut Off My Two Hands, Fled With My Gun – Oyo Security Man

A vigilante member in Itasa community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, Amodu Abubakar, has narrated how he lost his two hands in an attack by some armed robbers suspected to be Fulani.

Abubakar, who is an indigene of Itasa, said the two suspected armed robbers attacked him while he was riding a motorcycle.

He said this in an interview with THE WHISTLER on Saturday.

Narrating how he was attacked, he said he was going back to his duty post and was riding a motorcycle when the incident happened on March 13. He said his attackers also rode on a motorcycle and suddenly pounced on him and cut off his two hands and took away his gun.

Abubakar said he trekked some kilometres before he was rescued and taken to hospital where he is still receiving treatment.

He said, ” Look at my hands, I can no longer use them for anything, I can’t even feed myself again. Somebody has to feed me now whenever I want to eat.

“I cannot remove my trousers. I cannot do anything for myself. They have rendered me useless.”

A son of the victim, Ahmed, who also spoke in an interview with our correspondent on telephone said the case was reported at the police station the same day his father was attacked.

He said the incident happened about two weeks ago adding that the police investigators had come to ask his father some questions concerning the attack on the hospital bed.

He said residents of the town and those living in nearby towns had launched manhunt for the attackers, saying the attackers’ target was the locally made gun which they snatched from his father after cutting off his hands.

The son said, “My father is still receiving treatment at hospital in Iwere Ile. He is devastated like we his children and family because of what happened. But we are trying our best to give him the assurance that he could still use his hands if we can raise money for him to buy artificial hands.

“He doesn’t want to be a burden to anybody and that is why he is happy about the prospect of using artificial hands.

“We are begging members of the public and the government of Oyo State and Nigeria to help us. My father can still.be useful if he can get the artificial hands but be needs financial help to buy them.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, could not be reached for his comment on the incident.

Kaduna Govt Confirms Airport Attack By Terrorists

Kaduna State Government on Saturday said the attack by suspected terrorists was repelled by those around the precinct of its International airport.

The information was contained in a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

Armed men had reportedly invaded the airport earlier on Saturday, disrupting the operation of the airport services.

The incident had caused the death of a staff member whom the state government revealed to have been shot by the assailants.

“However, the bandits, unfortunately, shot and killed a staff member stationed at the perimeter fence who raised alarm on sighting them,” the statement read.

Aruwan added that aside from those around the airport’s vicinity, “Troops stationed within and around the airport responded and repelled the attackers”.

He also noted that the airport operations had resumed with scheduled flights departing after the incident.

Aruwan further said security forces were conducting operations in the airport general area, and “further updates will be communicated to the public”.

Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, who commended the security forces for their prompt response to the attack, and for repelling the attackers, expressed sadness at the report of the casualty.

He sent condolences to the family of the victim, offering prayers for the repose of his soul.

Kaduna has witnessed a trajectory of attacks in recent times, with non-state actors devising new strategies to perpetrate evil and its agenda in the state.

Notably, among its recent strategies are the planting of explosives randomly across the state; a situation the state government had raised an alarm about and had asked its residents to be cautious and vigilant of their environment.

John Dumelo Vows To Walk BareFooted From Accra To Lagos If Nigeria Wins

Actor turned Politician John Dumelo, like many Ghanaians, seem to have an abundance of hope in the senior national football team, Black Stars, ahead of the 2022 World Cup Qualifier match against Nigeria.

In a tweet, Mr Dumelo told his followers the Nigerian national team do not stand a chance against Ghana in the game on Friday, March 25.

The actors suggested the Super Eagles cannot possibly win the game.
However, in the event they do, John Dumelo said he would walk barefoot from Accra, the capital city of Ghana to Lagos, the capital city of Nigeria, some 463 km away from Ghana.

That is not all, the actor added he would carry his ginger – he harvests on his farms – on his head for the journey.

“Super Eagles my foot!” John Dumelo wrote.

Let them know!!! pic.twitter.com/H9FyKjAfxd— MrDumelo (@johndumelo) March 25, 2022

Ghana and Nigeria are battling for a spot in the 2022 World Cup expected to be held at Qatar.

POLL

Ghana will play Nigeria in the 1st leg on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 19:30GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

They will then travel four days later to Abuja for the second leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The actor is not the only Ghanaian excited about the match. Former Black Stars player Asamoah Gyan called on the players to make Ghana proud.

“The nation is fully behind you,” he added in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has revealed the players are in good condition ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff against Nigeria.

Addo, who is set to lead the team as the head coach for the first time believes his men are gunning to go in Kumasi.

“I have had enough time. The players are ready and in good shape. We have done a lot in training and I hope that we can show what we have done to Ghanaians,” the former Black Stars player told the media on Thursday.

The gaffer also calmed the fears and scepticism amongst the supporters, adding that is normal to feel that away ahead of a clash of this nature.