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Hushpuppi: Kyari Risks 20 Years Imprisonment As FG Begins Extradition Process

The Federal Government of Nigeria has started the process to extradite the former head of the IGP Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari following a request by the United States.
The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police was accused of taking bribes from confessed internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

A grand jury on the 29th of April, 2021 had filed an indictment against the embattled police officer with the approval of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami on Wednesday, filed an application before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.

The application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 was filed under the Extradition Act.

According to Malami, the application was filed before the court following a request by the Diplomatic Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

The minister said, “for the surrender of Abba Alhaji Kyari, who is a subject in a superseding three counts indictment”.

Malami in the affidavit filed in support of the extradition application noted that he is satisfied that provision is made by the laws of the U.S. such that so long as Kyari has not had a reasonable opportunity of returning to Nigeria, he will not be detained or tried for any offence committed before his surrender other than the extradition offence which can be proved by the fact on which his surrender is sought.

He further stated that he is satisfied that the charges levelled against Kyari are not political nor is it trivial.

The AGF also expressed satisfaction that the request for Kyari’s extradition was not made to persecute or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions but in good faith and the interest of justice

He added that Kyari, “if surrendered, will not be prejudiced at his trial and will not be punished, detained or restricted in his liberty, because of his race, nationality or political opinions”.

The AGF said having regard to all the circumstances in which the offence was committed, it will not be unjust or oppressive, or be too severe a punishment, to surrender him.

Malami said he was also satisfied that Kyari has been accused of the offence for which his surrender is sought.

He noted that there was no criminal proceeding pending against Kyari in Nigeria for the same offence.

According to court documents, the three count-charge marked: 2:21-cr-00203-RGK, was filed on April 29, 2021, before the US District Court for the Central District of California, USA.

The charge filed along with the extradition application reads

“Count one: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

“Count two: Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1956(h), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

“Count three: Aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting that offence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2(a), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.”
kyari is currently in the detention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over a crime related to drug trafficking.

Why we celebrated Aisha Buhari’s birthday in Dubai — Governors wives

Mrs Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, spends a lot of time in Dubai, sometimes being in the middle-eastern city for several weeks, allegedly on taxpayers funds.

The Nigerian Governors Wives Forum (NGWF) has confirmed that the viral video showing its members celebrating Aisha Buhari’s birthday in Dubai is real.

The forum, however, says though the celebration held in Dubai, it was a coincidence as that was not the main reason its members travelled to the UAE city.

The position of the NGWF was contained in a statement by the wife of the Ekiti State Governor and chairperson of the forum, Bisi Fayemi, on Wednesday.

Mrs Fayemi, who was in the video, stated that the Nigerian First Lady’s birthday coincided with an official trip which some wives of governors were part of.

Many Nigerians have criticized the video that shows Mrs Fayemi holding a cake while leading the other women to present a cake to Mrs Buhari during the latter’s 51st birthday in Dubai.

Mrs Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, spends a lot of time in Dubai, sometimes being in the middle-eastern city for several weeks, allegedly on taxpayers funds.

Although her office is not recognised by the Nigerian constitution, the federal government allocates funds for the running of the First Lady‘s office including its retinue of aides.

The governors’ wives also travelled for the trip at a time millions of Nigerians are unable to get petrol for their vehicles and generators, with many spending hours at filling stations.

The fuel situation adds to the worsening economic situation in a country where about half of the population live below the poverty line and millions of people are unemployed.

In their statement Wednesday, the governors’ wives were unapologetic about their trip and the Dubai celebration, saying both were necessary.

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“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria who was on an official trip to the UAE,” Mrs Fayemi wrote in the statement.

“The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers. After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day.”

Mrs Fayemi said the governors’ wives were “dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.”

Read full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
Our attention has been drawn to a social media post shared on the 1st of March 2022 suggesting that some Nigerian Governors’ Wives were in Dubai to surprise the First Lady of Nigeria Dr. Aisha Buhari on the occasion of her birthday on the 17th of February 2022.

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria who was on an official trip to the UAE.

The trip included visits to Dubai Expo 2020, and tours of the Dubai e-learning center, Dubai Youth Hub and meetings with foundations and agencies in UAE who are interested in investing in education, health and technology in Africa, with priority given to women and young people.

The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers. After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day.

We were therefore dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.

This is not true and we find this assumption scandalous. We are all dedicated to supporting our spouses as well as our First Lady, and we would never be a party to anything that will bring embarrassment to them and ourselves.

Our key learnings from our visit to the various agencies in Dubai and the briefings we received points to the need for Nigeria to scale up investments in education, science and technology and provide more opportunities for young people, who are the key to the future. We will continue to address these issues in our own work as well as advocate for increased commitments in these areas from our leaders.

Breaking: Buhari Govt Approves $8.5m To Evacuate 5000 Nigerians From Ukraine

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved $8.5 million for the immediate evacuation of Nigerian citizens from Ukraine.
In a statement to newsmen, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, said no fewer than 5,000 citizens will be evacuated.

The approval was issued earlier today at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

In preparation for the evacuation, Air Peace and Max Air airlines have been reportedly contracted to provide three aircraft to facilitate the rescue.

Naija News understands that the evacuation became necessary following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

More details shortly…

Protesters Storm National Assembly Over Rejected Gender Bills

Women protesters have stormed the National Assembly to kick against the outcome of the voting on constitutional amendment.
Naija News recalls that four bills promoting the interest of women were rejected by members of parliament on Tuesday during the electronic voting process.

The rejected bills are special seats for women in the legislature, reserve quota for women on appointments, citizenship and 35 percent party leadership.

On Wednesday, the women groups across the country blocked the Federal Secretariat axis entrance of the National Assembly to protest against the rejection of the bills.

The protesters, who were not allowed into the legislative complex by security operatives, called on the lawmakers to reconsider the rejected gender bills.

The women promised not to leave the National Assembly gate until the leadership of the legislature address them.

According to the protesters, the national leadership must reveal how each lawmaker voted on the bills.

Recall that a civil rights activist, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, had said that women groups all over the nation would storm the national assembly in protest of the lawmakers’ actions.

Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Tueday, Akiyode-Afolabi said Nigeria women are disappointed by the actions of the national assembly.

She said: “The proposed gender bills in the constitution alteration bills that were all rejected are bills targeted at addressing the current gender imbalance across the legislative arm of governments across the country, whilst reducing the under-representation of women in political office.

“The men of the ninth national assembly, by their actions, have taken us backwards. Their actions undermine the importance and relevance of women’s contribution to the governance of Nigeria, including the key role women play to bring victory to political parties in elections at all levels across the country.

“Nigerian women, therefore, demand that all gender bills be reconsidered. We call on the national assembly to re-present these bills as a matter of urgency and ensure that they are passed.”

We Are Ready To Die For Our Country – Klitschko Tells Putin

Heavyweight boxer, Vitali Klitschko on Tuesday addressed the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine.
Klitschko who took up arms alongside his brother, Wladimir Klitschko last Friday noted that they are ready to die protecting Ukraine.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine last Thursday following an order from President Putin

Klitschko who is the Mayor of Kyiv disclosed that there are enemies on the outskirts of the capital, but added that the Ukrainian military is ‘preparing to defend Kyiv’.

Klitschko in an interview with CNN said, “We were in the USSR, we don’t want to go back to the Russian empire.

“I am very proud to see how patriotic people are. We’re not interested in how strong the Russian army is, we’re ready to fight.

“And we’re ready to die for our home country and our families, because it’s our home, it’s our future and somebody wants to come to our home and steal our future from us.”

Klitschko when asked how long Kyiv can hold out, “I’m not ready to give you a clear answer. So long, so long time, if we’re still alive.”

The war has left hundreds of people dead, properties destroyed, and thousands have been rendered homeless.

Oyo Govt Slams EFCC Over Arrest Of Accountant-General

The Oyo State Government has condemned the arrest of arrested the Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Gafar Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Naija News had reported that the anti-graft agency arrested Bello and a yet-to-be-identified politician last week Friday over his alleged involvement in N9billion money laundering.

It was learned that Bello was arrested over the deduction of N9billion from the local government funds to finance the upcoming elections in the state in 2023.

In a statement on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun described Bello’s arrest as illegal and unacceptable.

The commissioner said the continued harassment and intimidation of officials of the state government by the EFCC is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He said officials of the agency have since last year been mounting pressure on the state and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of some funds and security vote lawfully passed into law by the state House of Assembly.

The statement reads: “The continued harassment and intimidation of the Accountant General and other officials of the state government by the EFCC is totally unconstitutional and unacceptable and is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The EFCC and its officials have, since last year been mounting pressure on Oyo State and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Contingencies Fund and Security Vote lawfully approved and passed into Appropriation Law of Oyo State by the Oyo State House of Assembly. This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has decided in a long line of cases that the EFCC lacks the powers to prosecute issues that are not corruption cases.

“We would like to put it on record that by virtue of Section 128 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, unless and until the Oyo State House of Assembly reports or exposes any corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it to the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Commissioner for Finance, Section 6 (h) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 (as amended) cannot be triggered.

“The Oyo State House of Assembly has not made any such reports and thus the actions so far by the EFCC and the EFCC Chairman are unconstitutional and ultra-vires.

“In line with this conviction, the Oyo State Government had approached the Federal High Court, in the Ibadan Judicial Division on February 8, 2022, for declaratory reliefs and to among other things, issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants (1. Attorney General of the Federation; 2. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; 3. President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria and 4. The Chairman EFCC) their functionaries or agencies or whosoever from interfering with the activities of any government officials in Oyo State (i.e. any public officer or functionary or officer or servant of the government of Oyo State) in the exercise of powers purported to be conferred by or under the provisions of the EFCC Act, 2004 with relation to the expenditure and or spending of the Oyo State Government or security votes as vested in the Governor of Oyo State.

“The EFCC had brazenly refused service of the processes at the Abuja Head Office for reasons unknown to the law but as of today, March 1, 2022, at the hearing in Ibadan, Hon Justice N. Agomoh directed the EFCC to accept service of the Oyo State Government originating processes and pending applications in the full glare of the Court. The Trial Judge also ordered that all forms of arrest and intimidation by the EFCC should cease. The case has been adjourned to March 9, 2022 for the hearing of all applications.

“The arrest of the Oyo State Accountant General on Friday, February 25, 2022, was a desperate and malicious attempt at thwarting a constitutional process that had already been instituted at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, with a hearing date of Monday, March 1, 2022.”

House Of Reps Rejects Life Pension For Senate President, Speaker, Others

The House of Representatives has rejected the proposal to grant constitutional life pension to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies.
Naija News reports that 162 lawmakers voted to knock out the proposal, 28 members voted to grant them life pension while three lawmakers stayed away from the voting exercise.

After the voting exercise, a total of 193 votes by the members of the House of Representatives were recorded.

In a related development, the National Assembly has passed a bill for an Act mandating the President and Governors to submit nominees for Ministers and Commissioners within 30 days of swearing-in.

Ninety-two Senators voted in favour of the bill while one abstained.

In the Green chamber, twenty hundred and eighty-nine House of Representatives members voted in favour of the bill, which was passed.

NASS Rejects Special Seats For Women, Inclusion Of VAT On Exclusive List

The National Assembly on Tuesday voted against the provision of special seats for women in the legislature.
Members of the two chambers rejected the provision during voting on clause 68 being considered in the ongoing constitutional amendment.

The proposed Bill on VAT reads: “A Bill for an Act to Alter Part I of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to include Value Added Tax on the Exclusive Legislative List; and for Related Matters”.

Naija News reports that both the Senate and the House of Representatives moved against moving Value Added Tax (VAT) to exclusive legislative list.

At the House of Representatives, 209 members voted against moving VAT while 208 members voted against the provision of special seats for women.

The Bill on Special seats for women reads: “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Special Seat for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for Related Matters”.

41 Senators voted in favour of the proposed amendment, while 44 voted against, failing to meet the required two-third (73) membership.

Like the green chamber, the red chamber also voted against creating special legislative seats for women in the National and State assemblies.

The proposed amendment suffered set back after 30 senators voted in favour, while 58 voted against.

The bill seeks to create special seats for women in the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly by creating one special seat in each state of the Federation and the FCT reserved solely for women without prejudice to their eligibility to contest in the existing senatorial seats in each state and the FCT.

For the House of Representatives, it is two additional seats for each state and the FCT that is to be reserved for women without prejudice to their eligibility to contest for the other seats.

And finally for the Houses of Assembly of each state one additional seat from each of the three Senatorial District is reserved solely for women.

Also, a proposal to include at least 35 women in political party administration also failed to scale through.

34 senators voted in favour of the provision while 53 voted against it.

BREAKING! Oba Saheed Elugushi’s Only Son Is Dead

The entire Ikateland and the Elegushi household have been thrown into deep mourning after Oba Saheed Elegushi, Ikusenla II, the Oba of Ikateland, lost his only son.

The young lad, who recently clocked a year and seven months old, is his first and only son from his second wife, Queen Hadiza Elegushi, nee Tanko.

The toddler who was born on August 21, 2020, in London, was the heir apparent to the Elegushi throne before his death.

More details later.

SOURCE : THE WILL

NURTW queries Oluomo over alleged insubordination, anti-union activities

The national body of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has queried the Lagos State Council Chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo, over alleged insubordination and anti-union activities

The letter dated February 14, signed by the General Secretary of the union, Alhaji Kabiru Ado Yau, accused Akinsanya of refusing to carry out directives given to him by the national body.

The letter reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that despite the National Secretariat’s directives during a meeting with you and other members of the Lagos State Administrative Council (SAC) in Abuja on February 9, pertaining to the appointment of Alhaji Azeez Abiola as chairman, Lagos State NURTW Tricycle Operators, you have refused to comply. Instead, you have resorted to intimidation and assault on the newly appointed tricycle chairman.”

The national body added that Akinsanya refused to hand over the former NURTW Secretariat situated at Abule Egba to the tricycle caretaker committee in a bid to prevent them from using the office.

He was also accused of using thugs to forcefully take over branches of his perceived enemies.

“It is on record that you mobilised thugs to forcefully take over the operations of some local branches headed by perceived opponents. To avoid the wrath of the union, the national headquarters, directed M C Oluomo to within 48 hours hand over the former state council secretariat at Abule Egba to the newly appointed Lagos state Tricycle Committee; withdraw all those men you sent to take over the branches of your perceived opponents and submit a written apology to the national secretariat. Failure to comply with the foregoing directives will leave the National Secretariat with no option other than to take disciplinary action against you in line with the provisions of the union’s constitution,” the letter reads.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, Akinsanya said the letter got to his office on February 25.

“I was not around when the letter was delivered. I will be in office tomorrow (today) to look at the content and respond appropriately. I will also avail you (The Nation) my response,”Akinsanya said.