Crime Facts

APC clears 17 Ogun councils

Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has declared chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress(APC) winners in 17 out of the 20 local government areas in Saturday’s council poll. Among the winners are veteran journalists and publishers: Wale Adedayo (polled 9,660, Ijebu East); Babatunde Emilola – Gazal( polled 6,178, Ijebu – Ode); Odulate Olashile (polled 20,925 Sagamu); Shuab Ladejobi (polled 14,985 Odogbolu) and Odusanya Bolaji (polled 25,701 Ijebu-North). Results from the remaining three LGAs – Ado/Odo/Ota, Ifo and Abeokuta- were being expected and may be declared from 1:30pm on Sunday. About 12 political parties, including Labour Party(LP); New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) participated in the exercise. But a faction of PDP pulled out at the eleventh hour from the contest. Chairman of OGSIEC, Babatunde Osibodu, who announced the results in batches, described the election as one of the most peaceful, credible and fair in Ogun State.

[BREAKING] Anambra 2021: 181 town unions endorse Umeoji for governorship

… As APGA rallies communities for candidate While many political parties in Anambra state are still battling with pre and post primary crisis, the All Progress Grand Alliance (APGA) has moved ahead to mobilize communities across Anambra state to support their popular candidate, Chief Chukwuma Umeoji ahead of the November 6 governorship election in the state. This is also as no fewer than 181 town union leaders in a summit at Awka , the Anambra state capital, over the weekend, endorsed the governorship bid of Chief Chukwuma Umeoji, in a landmark citizens action. At the summit in Awka, the town union chieftains under the platform of Coalition of Town Union Leaders (COTUL) said that they have adopted Umeoji’s governorship candidacy, while declaring him as their sole candidate for the November 6 governorship poll in Anambra state. The President of the group, Chief Olisa Ezeadi, who led 180 other leaders, President generals and representatives of town unions in the state, said that only a candidate like Umeoji who is a known grass root politician, accessible and temperate in his dealing with ordinary everyday people, can deliver on the mandate of the people of Anambra at a time like this in the history of the state. The leaders noted that the good intentions of APGA for Anambra state can only be delivered by a candidate with a mass appeal and not just anybody thrown up by the manipulations of a few persons. In his keynote address at the summit, Chief Ezeadi said, “Chief Chukwuma Umeoji’s empirical projections and commitment to elevating the living standard of rural dwellers and by extension, every Anambra resident, through well thought-out policy actions has endeared him to the town unions in Imo state. “We are certain that Umeoji would not be a ‘City Governor’ who will just concentrate his development efforts in the state capital and major cities in Anambra at the expense of the vast rural communities in the state”. Ezeadi continued: “Every indigene of this great state must intentionally commit to the effort to reinvent our politics. At this point in our history, the governoship position in Anambra state cannot be for the highest bidder which is why Chief Chukwuma Umeoji represents our firm resolve to de-emphasise money politics in Anambra state, so that the average resident of Anambra can at least get a breath of fresh air”. The Coalition’s President revealed that a work plan has already been circulated to all the town union leaders across the 181 town unions in Anambra and our mandate is simple: to mobilize massive grassroot support for Chief Chukwuma Umeoji governorship bid across all the autonomous communities – both recognized and unrecognized autonomous communities – and we shall leave no stone unturned.” Just before the end of proceedings, the Coalition resolved to reconvene at a later date to evaluate, document and articulate their progress report. This followed the submission of the General Secretary of the group, Chief Ebenezer Akubuilo who had suggested the need for periodic appraisal of the sensitization efforts of the group.

SERAP sues Buhari, Lai over ‘gag order’ on insecurity reportage

The president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, have been sued over a “gag order” stopping journalists and broadcast stations from reporting details of terrorist attacks and victims. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, who filed the lawsuit also joined the National Broadcasting Commission as a defendant. NBC had asked journalists, television, and radio stations in Nigeria to stop “glamourising and giving too many details on the nefarious activities of terrorists and kidnappers” during their daily newspaper reviews. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/725/2021 filed last Friday, SERAP and PTCIJ are seeking, “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the government of President Buhari, the NBC, and Mr Lai Muhammed or any other persons from imposing fines or other sanctions on broadcast stations for carrying out their constitutional duties of reporting details of terrorist attacks and victims during daily newspaper reviews. “An order to compel and direct the NBC and Mr Lai Muhammed to withdraw the directive asking journalists and broadcast stations to stop reporting details on terrorist attacks and victims, as the directive is unlawful and inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], and the country’s international human rights obligations. “An order setting aside the directive on reporting of terrorist attacks and victims, for being inconsistent and incompatible with sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “Unless the reliefs sought are urgently granted by this Honourable Court, the directive by the NBC and Mr Lai Muhammed would be used to impermissibly restrict Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression, access to information, media freedom, and victims’ right to justice and effective remedies”. SERAP and PTCIJ argued that the failure by the regime of Buhari to direct the NBC to withdraw its directive on reporting of terrorist attacks and victims violates sections 5[a] and [b], 147 and 148 of the Nigerian Constitution, Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1], and Oath of office [Seventh Schedule] of the Constitution.

Ohanaeze condemns IPOB’s attack on Edwin Clark

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has condemned the attack on Edwin Clark, Ijaw leader, by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Clark had said IPOB must be dreaming if the group believes the south-south region will join the agitation for the Republic of Biafra. In a swift reaction, the secessionist group said the Ijaw leader does not speak for the people of the south-south region because he is a general without foot soldiers. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) had subsequently asked Igbo leaders to denounce the statement made by IPOB and apologise to Clark. In a statement on Sunday, Alex Ogbonnia, national publicity secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, described IPOB’s comment as youthful exuberance, saying Clark has contributed positively to the south-east region. “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to remarks by the spokesman of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” Ohanaeze said. “Ohanaeze Ndigbo makes it abundantly clear that the Igbo extol old age with courtesy and reverence. Old age is so treasured that the eldest man in a village or community, in most cases, enjoys community burial and funeral rites at death. The old are deemed to represent the Igbo ancestors here on earth and thus are often celebrated. “It is a public knowledge that youths, all over the world, have some common characteristics which include impetuosity and exuberance. As much as the effervescence and exuberance of the youths are the essential hallmarks of a growing society, it is still the duty of the elders to moderate the excesses and idiosyncrasies of the youth. “Let it be placed on record that Chief Edwin Clark is one of the few detribalised Nigerians with an unassailable love for the Igbos. He has in more than several ways demonstrated an intense passion for the Igbo. It was Chief Clark who facilitated the renovation and equipment of the Queens School, Enugu with state of the art facilities shortly after the Nigerian civil war. Eminent Igbo women that passed through the school, such as Justice Rose Ukeje (rtd), Justice Victoria Nebo, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Ifeoma Enemuo, Prof. Ifeoma Egbuonu, Mrs. Justina Offia (SAN), Prof. Gloria Chukwukere, etc, are some of the testaments of Clark magnanimity. “Since then, Clark has remained one of the Patrons of the School to the present day. It was Clark who had spoken vehemently against the Igbo marginalisation and has propelled the concept of a president of Nigeria from the South East. It was Clark who had stated that the agitations by the Igbo are justified, among several others. “It is important to urge our youths to refrain from remarks capable of putting the Igbo relationships with our highly valued neighbours in avoidable distress. The Igbo agitation, no doubt, is genuine but restraints, persuasions and cordial inter-ethnic relations are required to sustain the supports of other ethnic groups in Nigeria.” Ohanaeze said it holds Clark in high esteem and will always condemn any form of attack against him.

BBNaija S6: How we’re going to welcome female contestants – Male housemates

The men in the Big Brother Naija reality TV show, Season 6, have revealed how they are going to welcome the female contestants to the BBNaija House today. BBNaija Season 6 tagged Shine Ya Eye kicked off last night with organisers of the show unveiling the male contestants and ushering them into the house. The female contestants are expected to join them in the house today. While chatting in the house this morning, the guys revealed the prank they will play on the ladies on their arrival. One of the housemates, Pere, said they will pose as ushers and direct all the females into a certain room as they step into the house. The others who were in agreement said they won’t say a word to the ladies but make hand gestures directing them to take a passage into a room. Another housemate, Emmanuel, said the ladies, on stepping into the house, will know that guys have already been there before them. This appears obvious since the guys will be the ones to usher the ladies in, according to their plan. However, Pere makes us understand that the guys will all have trousers covering their heads, obviously to conceal their identity. This might make the ladies, who must be familiar with previous seasons of the reality TV show, mistake them for the Ninjas who usually feature in the show. “Big Brother can tell us to do it. You know it’s possible,” Emmanuel said as the guys expressed excitement about the plan. “He doesn’t even need to tell us. He can hear us and knows we are going to do it,” Pere replied.

BBNaija Shine Ya Eye: Saga, Boma lead early morning workout

Barely 13 hours after being ushered into the BBNaija, the first two Housemates to get into the BBNaija Shine Ya Eye house, Boma and Saga have taken the lead in the early morning workout. Saga had convinced Boma and the other nine Housemates to join him for the early morning workout on Sunday, June 25. The male Housemates began the early morning workout and spent over 30 minutes with different exercises. The Arena and Garden are yet to be opened for the 11 Housemates and Saga decided to make do with the living area to go about the workout. Niyi and Pere chipped in ideas as Saga led the proceedings while other Housemates tried to burn fats and keep fit. The early morning workout is a regular feature in the BBNaija house and all the past ex-housemates have participated in it at one point or the other during their stay in the House. Today, Sunday, July 25, the female housemates are expected to join the current 11 male housemates in a second opening ceremony.

BBNaija Shine Ya Eye: I used to be a bodyguard – Whitemoney

Whitemoney, one of the first 11 Housemates of BBNaija Shine Ya Eye edition, has said he was once a bodyguard. The Housemate made the revelation during a chat with Yerins, JayPaul, Pere and Yousef in the dining area on day two of the competition. The Enugu indigene said he worked as a professional bodyguard for a while before quitting. He went on to narrate why he quit the job after an experience that left him in fear. Whitemoney said one of his principals was so attached to him that he refused to engage the services of other bodyguards insisting he wants only him. He further said he changed his mind about continuing with the job after he attended an event with the principal in Anambra without an assistant. He also told Yerins, Pere, and JayPaul that he also quit engineering because of his phobia for heights and some intricacies. Whitemoney says he plans on bringing fun and ginger to the House. He also mentioned he dislikes dirty people. He might be known in the House for saying ‘who dey breathe’ constantly.

Again, FG extends NIN-SIM verification deadline to October 31

The Federal Government has further extended the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to October 31, 2021. The Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission, Ikechukwu Adinde; and the Head, Corporate Communications, Nigeria Identity Management Commission, Kayode Adegoke, made this known in a joint statement on Monday, titled ‘FG Extends NIN-SIM verification deadline to 31st October, 2021′. Before now, FG had approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to July 26, 2021. The statement noted that the registration focus is now expected to shift to remote and hard-to-reach areas, schools and health centres. The Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission, Ikechukwu Adinde; and the Head, Corporate Communications, Nigeria Identity Management Commission, Kayode Adegoke, disclosed this in a joint statement on Monday titled ‘FG approves July 26 as NIN-SIM verification deadline as enrolment systems increase to 5,410 .’ The statement read, “The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to October 31, 2021. “The decision to extend the deadline was made following a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in hard-to-reach remote areas, foreigners and diplomatic missions, diaspora and address low enrolments in schools and hospitals, as evidenced by enrolment statistics. “It also followed a review of the progress of the exercise which indicated significant progress hence the need to consolidate the gains of the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process across the country. “As of July 24th, 2021, there are over 5,500 enrolment systems within and outside the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM. The administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the extension as part of efforts to make it easier for its citizens within and outside the country, and legal residents to obtain the NIN and it is important to take advantage of the extension. “The NIN-SIM linkage also makes it easier for the security agencies to carry out their statutory duties and the relevant parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are supporting them as required. “There are now a total of 59.8 million unique NIN enrolments, with an average of three to four SIMs per NIN. With the great number of enrolment centres within and outside the country, and many more coming up, every citizen, legal resident, and Nigerian citizens living in the diaspora should be able to obtain their NINs.” The statement quoted the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as commending the Kano State Government and other States that have made NINs a key requirement for school enrolments and access to other important services. It added, “The Federal Government is also excited at the news that the use of NIN in the process of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exam significantly reduced the challenge of exam malpractice. “The Minister, on behalf of the Federal Government, appreciates Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise. “Similarly, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta, and the Director-General/CEO of that National Identity Management Commission, Engr Aliyu Azeez, urge citizens and legal residents to make sure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification before the October 31st deadline.”

WHO donates 1.5m doses of cholera vaccine to Bauchi

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has donated 1.5 million doses of cholera vaccine to Bauchi state. Rilwanu Mohammed, executive chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), disclosed this at the kick-off of the vaccination exercise in Bauchi, on Saturday. Mohammed said WHO donated the vaccine doses to support the response to the cholera outbreak in the state. “Bauchi is among the 18 states with a high risk of cholera outbreak, hence the donation to be vaccinated to those at the prone areas,” he said. He noted that some wards in Dass and Toro LGA that were prone would also receive the vaccine. Mohammmed said the vaccine doses would be divided into two phases in the LGAs. He thanked the WHO for its continued support to the agency in addressing health challenges. Earlier, Goni Ngala, the WHO representative, said the outbreak was affecting people of different age groups including children under the age of five. “In its continued efforts to support the cholera response and in particular, the management of cases, the World Health Organisation Country Office donated the vaccine to support prevention,” he said. Also speaking, Nura Jumba, the district head of Bauchi, emphasised the importance of implementing measures to solve the water, sanitation and hygiene challenges in the affected areas. Jumba urged the government to be committed to improving garbage collection and desludging of latrines. “Provision of clean water free of charge to the affected communities including community education and mobilisation will be helpful,” he said. Bauchi is one of the worst-hit states and has recorded more than 2,870 cases since the outbreak of the disease in May. At least, 42 people have lost their lives to the disease.