Aphrodisiac seller Hauwa Saidu popularly known as Jaruma has once again challenged Regina Daniels after she was remanded in prison for some days.
Recall that Naija News earlier reported that Regina’s billionaire husband Ned Nwoko had filed a petition against Jaruma, accusing her of peddling fake news against him and his wife on her Instagram page.
The s3x therapist was arraigned before an Abuja high court on charges bordering on defamation of character, false news publication and intimidation.
Police Prosecutor, E. A Inegbenoise, informed the court that Nwoko had written a petition through his lawyer to the FCT command for proper investigation into the matter.
The judge, Justice Ismailia Abdullahi ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the bail hearing on Friday January 28. He then proceeded to adjourn the case to February 23, 2021 for trial. She was later granted bail and released.
However, it does not seem that Jaruma was intimidated by Nwoko’s law suit and has once again called out Regina Daniels on Instagram for not honoring their N10m contract.
2023: Why Nigeria Must Avoid Fire Brigade Approach To Election – Obasa
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday urged Nigeria to avoid what he described as “fire brigade approach” to the 2023 elections.
Dr. Obasa said this at the State’s 17th Legislative-Executive Parley stressing that adequate preparations were needed to make the elections successful.
According to him, there should be adequate voter education to avoid voter apathy, violence and cases of void votes during the exercise.
A statement by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, quoted him as saying that the fact that Nigeria is preparing for the 2023 elections means that democracy has become entrenched in the country.
“The fact that Nigeria is planning another election after twenty three years of democratic transition is a sign that democratic principles have been widely accepted in spite of the myriad of problems confronting the process.
“As the nation shows growing commitment to its stability, the time is ripe for civil society to prepare itself and the citizenry to demand power sharing in a truly participatory democracy,
“As is evident enough, the negligence of the importance of voter education has been responsible for violence, a bulk of void votes, and apathy during past elections. It is unfortunate that Nigeria operates fire brigade approach in some of our undertakings, especially as regards to voter education.
“As it were, political education is a prerequisite for enhanced political skills, knowledge and participation in democracy.
“Electoral violence and other factors such as cultural practices, family background, institutional and low level of political knowledge, no doubt, militate against political participation.
“The citizens for want of security, consequent upon electoral violence, develop aparthy toward political participation. Therefore, to maximize the benefits of political education programmes and ensure sustainable democracy in Nigeria, the government and other political education agencies should develop a pragmatic political education framework,” Obasa said.
He, however, advised that the responsibility of educating potential voters should not be left to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone.
“Political parties, civil societies, religious and traditional institutions, as well as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should also collaborate with the electoral body in this regard.
“The government should be willing to fund such organisations in the voter education campaign, from the grassroots level upwards. When this is prioritised, the process of complaints where one’s name is omitted, the dangers of violence and rigging, how to protect votes and how to make votes count generally will be avoided,” he said.
Nigerians have condemned the Federal Government over the increase in the electricity tariff by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in the country.
It was gathered that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had adjusted the electricity tariffs been paid to DisCos, which invariably means that the tariffs have been hiked.
It was gathered that some of the distribution companies saw an increase in their tariffs, while others got theirs reduced. Checks by this platform show that the silent increase wasn’t announced or published on the NERC website.
An electricity consumer in Abuja confirmed an increase in the tariffs without public notice, saying that he recharged N5,000 today but was given 91.7 units instead of the usual 107.
Following the development, electricity consumers on Thursday frowned at the silent hike in the electricity tariff in the country, saying that the increase is untimely and anti-people.
The consumers berated the Muhammadu Buhari government for allowing Discos to raise electricity tariffs amid fuel scarcity and economic challenges facing the country.
In a chat with The Punch, the President of Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kola Olubiyo, said his group took up the matter with the regulator last week.
He stated that while some customers said their tariffs were increased by N4, others could not actually tell the amount by which theirs were raised, adding that there had been no public confirmation by the NERC.
He said, “They (NERC) raised it last week or thereabout, and is like it is a N4 adjustment. Port Harcourt and Abuja (Discos) raised it and in fact, I think it is across board.
“But what we are asking the regulator is that if they approved something that is going to affect our pocket without letting us know, it is like shaving our heads in our absence.
“They said labour was part of them and I said is that what labour went to negotiate for us? I was told that they have a structured table that has already been approved and it is just for them to implement.
“But if they have approved the table as they said, are they giving us the required services? You and I know that services have not improved. We are having low generation and all manner of blame games.”
He asserted that the regulator should provide a table on the increase as it used to publish in the past, stressing that consumers had the right to know.
He said, “They should let us have the table that shows the bit-by-bit increment. We should have it. They are not communicating with the public.
“If they are taking a decision that will affect our disposable income, are we not supposed to be in the know? If you raise it they will argue that are we not aware that things are increasing everyday. Is that the way we are going to work?”
Also, an official at the Federal Ministry of Power said the increase had to be implemented because the Federal Government had withdrawn some of its financial support to power firms.
The official disclosed that there was an official communication sent to the DisCos to notify them of the adjustment in tariff.
He said: “The Federal Government has to withdraw every support or most of its support to power firms, such as subsidy on electricity,” the source, who pleaded not to be named for lack of authorisation, stated.
“So in a way, there is an adjustment in tariff because they (power firms) are shouldering higher cost responsibility now. However, some of them actually have reductions in their tariffs and nobody is talking is about it.
“They (Discos) have been communicated more than a month ago, since January or so,” he said.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has filed an application in court for the extension of the detention of embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari and four other suspects involved in the 25-kilogramme cocaine deal.
It was learnt that the agency’s officers are currently investigating assets Kyari claimed to own in a video that has gone viral. The source said Kyari was the equivalent of El Chapo — in reference to a Mexican drug lord currently on trial in the USA.
This is just as sources said the NDLEA is also carrying out forensic analysis of the exhibits recovered from the suspects and other accomplices with a view to arresting all the suspects involved in the deal.
Recall Kyari was arrested by the police on Monday for alleged drug trafficking and handed over to the NDLEA along with four others – Sunday Ubuah, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agrigba and John Nuhu. Another officer, ASP John Umoru, is said to be at large.
The DCP, who was suspended by the police last July for his alleged links to international fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi, was caught on video during a sting operation by the NDLEA attempting to sell part of the cocaine which was seized from some drug dealers in Enugu State, while his suspension was subsisting.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA on Wednesday said that it had no reason to shield anyone who may be indicted in the course of the ongoing investigation of a 25kg cocaine deal involving a gang headed by Kyari.
The agency in a statement by its Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said it remained committed to evidence based investigation and its resolve cannot be weakened by any misrepresentation of facts.
The Nigerian government had said last week that it was looking at the possibility of extraditing him to the US after investigations had been concluded.
Prof Tunde Samuel: Lagos Speaker Mourns GAC Member, Says APC Lost A Titan
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Professor Tunde Samuel, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), as a titan whose positive roles in Lagos cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
Professor Samuel, a chieftain and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died on Wednesday night at the age of 73.
Prof. Samuel is reckoned as one of the founding fathers of the Lagos State University (LASU) where he was both a member of the Implementation Committee and two-time member of the Provisional Government Council.
Dr. Obasa, who paid a visit to the home of the deceased on Thursday, said: “Prof. Samuel’s demise is a blow, a pain that would take long for us to bear both as people of Agege, the APC as a family, the GAC and the entire Lagos State.
“His importance to Lagos State can never be under-emphasised. He was a passionate Lagosian whose thoughts, actions and activities were all geared towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria and the creation of an egalitarian state where individuals would live their lives in peace.
“As an academic, he helped Lagos to establish a firm foundation for educational growth and progress with his imprint in our own Lagos State University, the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija, Epe, where he was Pioneer Provost and as Special Adviser on Education to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when the latter was Governor of Lagos State.
“It is worthy to note that his activities in government brought Lagos many laurels and further helped to put the State in a favourable position in the country.”
A retired Professor of Political Economics of Education, he was a former Chairman of the Governing Council of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto-Ijanikin.
“Like a star with brightness that cannot be dimmed, Prof. Samuel’s success extended beyond the boundaries of Lagos as he served as Chairman of the Governing Councils for the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, respectively. He was also an International Consultant for UNESCO and UNICEF.
“We will continue to miss his wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how Lagos and Nigeria should be run for the utmost good of the people. We will miss his advice and productive efforts to keep a united APC in Lagos.
“I, on behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, pray that God grant him peace and give his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss, amen,” Obasa prayed in a statement released by his media office.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
– donates fully equipped Point-of-Care Laboratory and operating room equipment to Capital Health Surgical Centre
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has formally handed 85 modern medical equipment to the paediatric department of the Gwarimpa General Hospital Abuja in complete fulfilment of the ASR Africa Health Systems Support grant awarded to the hospital in 2021.
The scope of the grant included a fully equipped neonatal unit, equipment for 3 operating rooms, hospital ward monitors and beds as well as an ambulance in fulfilment of the Grant awarded to the hospital by ASR Africa.
Speaking during the formal handover, Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa said that the formal handover of these items was a significant development as Gwarimpa General Hospital represents one of the largest public hospitals in the Abuja Metropolis catering to a high number of underserved communities and individuals.
According to him, ASR Africa as well as the chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, are passionate about Women and Child Health development – hence the decision to support the overhaul of the neonatal unit and provide new, modern equipment to assist healthcare delivery at the hospital. Ubon also hoped that the hospital will put the newly purchased equipment to good use in tackling maternal and neonatal mortality rates within its catchment areas. Mr Udoh also announced that ASR Africa would adopt the neonatal ward going forward.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital, Dr Mohammed Kawu, Acting Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, commended ASR Africa for the gesture. “What you have done here goes to show you are truly committed to social development. With the quality of medical equipment donated, this is presently the most modern and best equipped neonatal unit in the FCT.”
In a similar development, ASR Africa also donated a fully equipped point-of-care laboratory, an ambulance, and some other medical equipment to the recently opened Capital Health Surgical Centre in Abuja. The surgical centre, which was recently established by Dr Ikemba Iweala, is a specialist facility also offering general medical services to the Abuja populace.
Observers noted that this is not the first time that the ASR would be adopting a neo-natal hospital, a policy which is amied at bringing sucour to the less privileged in the society as one of its cardinal goals.
A commercial bus driver in Lagos, Ibrahim Yusuf has been reported to have stabbed a LASTMA official, Awotola Victor, after he impounded his vehicle.
The attack took place over the weekend in Ojodu-Berger at about 3:30pm.
The victim has been hospitalized while the suspect is in police custody.
On the day of the attack, the victim had impounded the suspect’s vehicle over willful obstruction. After his vehicle was seized, Ibrahim reportedly disappeared and appeared with a big knife which he used in stabbing the security operative. After carrying out the dire act he took to his heels.
He was later apprehended by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The general manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba frowned at the incident and said that the agency would no longer tolerate assault on its officials.
According to a statement on Wednesday titled, ‘LASG will no longer tolerate assault on government workers – LASTMA general manager’ by Asst. Director, Public Affairs LASTMA, Olumide Filade.
The statement read, “According to reports received on the incident, Yusuf, the mini bus driver and offender, was noted to be causing willful obstruction at River Valley Estate and after refusing all entreaties to move away from the place, the vehicle was to be apprehended. At this juncture, the driver disappeared only to reappear unexpectedly with a big knife with which he cut Awotola’s head and neck, whilst he escaped afterward with the aid of the street urchins around the area but his vehicle was apprehended and its custody taken by the agency.
“On Sunday, one of the chairmen of the minibus association/union produced the attempted murderer at the Ojodu Police Station where he is currently cooling his heels in detention, awaiting arraignment in court.”
“Any road user that violates the State Traffic Law as stated in the amended Lagos Transport Reform Laws of 2018 and in line with the state government first pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda will have themselves to blame for committing assault on any government official.”
Embattled Police Officer, Abba Kyari has blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and the Eastern Security Network, ESN of being behind his travails.
A police report revealed that Kyari made this comment while facing a panel setup to probe him over his alleged link to disgraced fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abass aka Hushpuppi.
The report which was submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, and in turn sent to the Police Service Commission (PSC) also revealed that Kyari claimed that IPOB and ESN was after him because of the onslaught launched against them in the South East.
The Panel was led by DIG Joseph Egbunike. The report partly read; “The officer did not deny violating social media (policy) of the police. The officer (Kyari) stated that ‘It is a campaign to smear his reputation by members of IPOB/ESN who moved to destroy him due to his onslaught against them in the South-East’.”
Upon review of Kyari’s statement, the panel found his claims to be ‘watery’ and recommended a demotion in rank as ‘punishment’.
The Deputy commissioner of Police was suspended last July after being indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI over his ties to Hushpuppi. The report also revealed that Kyari’s younger brother received about N235,120,000 from the disgraced fraudster.
Efforts to reach the PSC and Police Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi for a comment on the matter proved abortive.r
In a move believed to have put an end to the various underhand dealings at Nigeria Ports Authority, the Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority and by that token, removed Hadiza Bala Mohammed who had been on suspension.
Recall that Bello Koko has been in acting capacity since May 2021 when Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended by the Federal Government.
In a statement issued today, the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed the appointment of Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority by President Buhari.
Hadiza Bala Usman, it was gathered was queried over issues relating to favouritism, underhand dealings and outright disregard of court order while she held sway as the Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director.
According to the sources, she revoked the lease of LADOL and gave same to Dangote’s friend a serving Senator, disregarding a Presidential directive. This move angered the Presidency because Ladol had invested over 300million Dollars and for a Federal Government appointee to display such show of disdain was unheard of.
She also shut down the ports and terminals of the BUA Group for close to one year despite a court order to the contrary. Obviously, her intentions and moves favoured Dangote with a view to keeping BUA Group and other competitors out of business while granting mouthwatering concessions to Dangote Group to create a monopoly. This issue generated a lot of questions from industry watchers.
Apart from this, there were issues relating to the dredging of Calabar port which was believed to have been dare to the Government’s heart, more so that of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Sources claimed she claimed the project was not viable whereas findings by specialists disagreed with this.
To cap it all, there were allegations that she was also indicted by the audit report set up to look at the accounts of the NPA.
When she was confronted with the issues, especially the audit report as well as the move to create monopoly by Dangote, granting him so much concessions thereby denying the country revenue, our source revealed, she had nothing tangible to say in her defence, hence the decision to boot her out.
