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Post Date : July 11, 2021

Suspension of lawmakers followed due process, Imo speaker insists

The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Paul Emeziem, has dismissed claims in some quarters, that the suspension of six lawmakers of the assembly was inappropriate, insisting that it followed due process. Emeziem told newsmen in Owerri, during the weekend that the suspension “is constitutional”, against the claims by the affected legislators that their suspension was illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic. He said that the House under his leadership had remained resolute to effective service delivery and would not condone behaviours and activities from members that were capable of bringing the state legislative arm to disrepute and ridicule. The speaker maintained that the decision of the House became necessary in order to protect the image, sanctity, peace and ensure the progress of the House. He furthered stated that it was also aimed at safeguarding the healthy relationship, cum synergy, existing between the House and the other arms of government in the state, adding that the actions of the erred members were constituting threats to. The Imo Speaker, who regretted that the affected lawmakers were guilty of one parliamentary misconduct or another, added that there was no reason for the leadership of the House to witch hunt any member with suspension or whatever. He, however, described the suspension as a soft, but adequate disciplinary measure against erring members which is enshrined in the rules of the House. He said: “in the first place, it is our duty as the leadership of the House to ensure the existence and sustenance of this our own arm of government so as to be and remain effective in the discharge of our duties”. According to him, It is their duty to run the affairs in the House of Assembly in such enabling way as to remain in synergy with the other arms of government in order to provide a functional environment for the people. He said: “We have taken time to observe unnecessary insinuations by certain members, abuse on the personalities of fellow colleagues, autocratic demands of rights and privileges without references to the rules. Some members have even derailed from understanding the primary aim and objective that brought us in the House.” The speaker said that the leadership having examined the level of tension already generated through the above unparliamentary behaviours and actions of certain members decided to take soft but adequate disciplinary measures on them towards reinstating peace and progress in the House. Emeziem recalled that an Appeal Committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu, was set up by the House to entertain any grievance or whatsoever regarding the suspensions and related matters, adding that there was nothing shameful or any act of thuggery about what happened during and after the plenary. The House, apart from the suspension, had sacked and replaced the Chief Whip and dissolved all standing committees.

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

NDLEA intercepts N6.5bn heroin at Lagos airport, declares ‘drug baron’ wanted

The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of heroin worth N6.5 billion at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. In a statement released on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA director of media and advocacy, said the intercepted substance weighs 26.150 kilogrammes. Babafemi said the illicit drugs arrived Lagos in 25 parcels from South Africa through an Air Peace Airline flight on June 30. He said the suspect was detained for screening after NDLEA operatives were suspicious of the content of the consignment. The director explained that a follow-up operation was carried out by the narcotic officers who trailed the driver and clearing agent assigned to deliver the consignment. He said the substance was delivered to an alleged drug baron identified as Tony Chidi Onwurolu at No. 132 Lateef Adegboyega Street, off Ago palace in Okota, Lagos. He said the suspect fled his home before the arrival of the security operatives. He added that the operatives were able to recover a number of documents to establish his true identity. According to the statement, Mohammed Marwa, NDLEA executive chairman, had directed that the suspect be declared wanted and his details should be submitted to Interpol for tracking across the world. He said the agency’s directorate of assets and financial investigations and the directorate of intelligence have been directed to deploy their networks to fast-track the arrest of Onwurolu.

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

Kidnapped Maiduguri Catholic Priest regains freedom

A Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Elijah Wada who was kidnapped by Boko Haram last month has regained freedom. The Nation reported Wada was kidnapped on June 30, 2021, along Biu/Damboa road, which he mistakenly followed on his way to Damaturu, Yobe State. Reliable sources informed The Nation that the priest regained freedom last Thursday evening. “The news of the freedom of our brother is true. We thank God for his life. We are grateful to God for the cheering news,” an official in the Diocese, who is not authorised to talk to the media informed. No official statement has been issued by the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri but parishioners are celebrating the release of the kidnapped priest on social media, including WhatsApp platforms. “Haven’t you heard that the priest you reported that he was kidnapped has now regained his freedom from the hands of his abductors? He was freed last Thursday,” one of the parishioners informed. It is not clear how the priest was released but there are different narratives on the incident. While others alleged the Diocese paid the ransom for his release, others said the Reverend Father escaped with other captives from the hands of their abductors. An official of the church told The Nation the Bishop will soon communicate with the media on the matter at an appropriate time. The Nation gathered the priest is undergoing medical treatment and trauma counselling at an undisclosed location.

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

How sisters in Edo keep dead mother in apartment for nine days

IT was a gory sight for residents of Universal Road, by Medical Store Road, Okhoro axis in Benin City as the decomposing body of a septuagenarian, Mrs Agbenese Oshoma was discovered in an apartment, nine days after her death. Curiously, two children of the deceased; 60 years old Grace Osagede and 58 years old Theresa Suberu knew of their mother’s death but kept the news to themselves and left the body in their apartment for the whole nine days, until the offensive odour from their house forced neighbours to barge into the house to behold the bloated body of the elderly woman. Osagede said she was instructed by God not to disclose the death of their mother to anybody. It was gathered the two children went about their normal daily chores inside the house while their mother’s corpse lay rotting away. Also Read: 3 dead after rainstorm in Ebonyi When the offensive odour became unbearable, the neighbours mobilised and barged into the building only to discover the woman’s decomposing body, everyone in the neighbourhood called “Iye”, an old woman. The older sister, Grace Osagede told the people that she had instruction from the Lord not to disclose the death of their mother to anybody, a position that was corroborated by her younger sister, Theresa, who said her elder sister asked her not to tell anyone as “instructed by the Lord”. When contacted, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Kotongs Bello, confirmed the incident. He said “The police evacuated the corpse. The sisters were not arrested because there was no reasonable ground to arrest them. Every family has the right to their culture and since there is no evidence to show that they compromise the law, there is no reason to arrest them”.

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

REPORT: Nigeria Police ‘Incapable’ of Tracking Bandits, Terrorists

The Nigeria Police Force is partly incapacitated in combatting national insecurity, as their tracking equipment vital for the apprehension of suspected criminals has not been functional since January 2021. According to PUNCH, at least 2,943 people have been kidnapped across Nigeria between January and June. Most of the abductions have happened in the North while the failure of the tracking devices is due to the inability to renew subscriptions, carry out system upgrades, among other challenges. Research by Nigeria Security Tracker revealed that June recorded the highest number of abductions at 1,344, followed by February which had 709 cases. On several occasions, kidnappers demand ransoms in exchange for the release of their hostages and this is often done through telephone communication. While states and federal governments frown against payment of ransom, tracking devices could be used to detect locations where phone calls are initiated. After the tracking devices, which were given to the Police during the tenure of Solomon Arase as the Inspector-General of Police, became non-functional, top police officers said the Force sometimes approach the Office of the National Security Adviser when they need to track bandits. “The equipment was given to us by President Muhammadu Buhari. The thing has not been working because those who are supposed to ensure that it runs well have not played their part,” a source was quoted as saying. “From what I gathered, subscription fees are meant to be paid yearly but you won’t believe that the Police have not paid since 2015. Initially, the company gave us a grace period but they have now cut off the Police completely. “We now rely solely on DSS and NSA office. It’s a terrible situation and it has worsened the insecurity in the country. The Police Trust Fund promised to help but we have not seen any action yet.” A police chief however said: “You know this thing is technology just like a computer so we do upgrades from time to time. A lot of people on the field don’t even understand how it works. It is undergoing an upgrade because you have new features coming in from time to time. There are new technologies that you have to update to enhance their capacity. “We have some new equipment which we need to adjust so they can link together. Some are still working. It is not as if all components are shut. That is what is happening.” FIJ’s calls to the mobile line of Frank Mba, the police spokesman, didn’t connect while the text message to his number was yet to be replied to over this report as of press time. On a number of occasions, FIJ has reported how the inability of the Police to track crime suspects inhibit their investigations and subsequently evade justice. For example, in May, the Police at the Nasarawa Gwong Division in Plateau State demanded a fee of N25,000 on behalf of their ‘tracking contractor’ in order to investigate the gruesome murder of the teenage Comfort Benjamin, but nothing was done.

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

Former Kaduna deputy gov, Barnabas Bantex, is dead

Former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Bantex, who served in the position from 2015 to 2019 is dead. This was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The governor described Bantex as a dependable man of brilliance and imagination, adding that he believed in the potential of Kaduna State. The statement read, “It’s a Very sad day: In Bantex, I have lost a dear friend and partner in the service of Kaduna State. In the midst of trying times, I have received with utter sadness news of the departure of my friend and brother, His Excellency Barnabas Yusuf Bala (Bantex). “From our days as undergraduates in the 1970s to our practice as professional colleagues in the construction industry and eventually partners in a governance project, Bantex was consistently a dependable man of brilliance and imagination. He believed in the potential of our state and in the capacity of our people to work together for progressive attainments. “Together, we took on the task of providing new leadership for Kaduna State in 2015. He brought to his duties as Deputy Governor during our first term his unique insights as a politician with experience in navigating the diversity of our state. Bantex radiated hope and optimism in the future of our state, even when the circumstances were dreary. “Bantex had served the people of Kaduna State in several capacities prior to becoming Deputy Governor. As a delegate to the 1994 Constitutional Conference, chairman of Kaura Local Government Council and member for Kaura Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, he was a sterling symbol of representative democracy. “We would miss his brilliance and his commitment to Kaduna State, his easygoing manners, his sense of humour and steadfastness to his convictions. “I have spoken to his family and conveyed our condolence on behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State. We shall work closely with his family to grant a befitting farewell to a man who gave so much to this state even when hobbled by ill-health. “We have been blessed to know Bantex and to work with him. We pray God to grant him peaceful repose and to comfort his wife, children and the entire family in this moment of grief and loss.”

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

Lightening kills three in Ebonyi

Three persons were at the weekend struck dead by lightening in Afikpo, Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state. It was gathered the incident occurred in Ngodo community during a downpour, which lasted for over five hours. The lightening struck around 3pm last Friday killing three persons in different locations in the area. A resident of Afikpo, Iheukwumere Okogwu Otu, said one of the deceased is an indigene of Cross River state who had been based in the area for years. He said: “Yes, it is true that lightening killed three persons in our place. There was a heavy rainfall that day which was accompanied by serious thunder. By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki Three persons were at the weekend struck dead by lightening in Afikpo, Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state. It was gathered the incident occurred in Ngodo community during a downpour, which lasted for over five hours. The lightening struck around 3pm last Friday killing three persons in different locations in the area. A resident of Afikpo, Iheukwumere Okogwu Otu, said one of the deceased is an indigene of Cross River state who had been based in the area for years. He said: “Yes, it is true that lightening killed three persons in our place. There was a heavy rainfall that day which was accompanied by serious thunder. “The lightening killed the three persons at a spot and it occurred in two different places. It killed two in Ngodo community and another person in another place. “One of those that were killed is from Cross River state who settled in Afikpo.” He described the tragedy as unfortunate and first of its kind in the area. Another resident, Eze Christian Egwu told The Nation the heavy downpour started about 10am on the fateful day. He noted the rain was so heavy that residents couldn’t venture out. Egwu, the Youth President of Egeburu-Amaokwiri in the area, however stated only two persons died in the incident.

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

We’ll occupy Dunamis church until #BuhariMustGo activists are released -Protesters

Protesters have threatened to continue to protest at Dunamis Church in Abuja until five arrested #BuhariMustGo activists are released. The protesters under the aegis of TakeitBack Movement said this in a statement titled, ‘FreeDunamis5Now!’ by one of their leaders, Oni Ayoyinka, on Sunday. They also condemned the arrest of a PUNCH journalist, Mr. Solomon Odeniyi, by Security operatives.. Solomon, who was covering a live event at the church, when he was whisked away by security operatives – but released hours after. The statement read, “On 4th of July,2021 Youths dressed in #BuhariMustGo shirts attended Dunamis Church in Abuja . They came out for Altar call and were prayed for by Pastor Enenche. On their way out of the church, they were ambushed by Dunamis Church security who handed them over to the DSS after they were mercilessly tortured. “A week later, these youths are still in illegal detention, tortured, denied access to lawyers, families and friends. “Friends and families who have now gone to the church demanding the intervention of Pastor Enenche whose security handed the youth activists to the DSS were harassed and arrested. Journalists from The PUNCH and Roots TV who have also come to do their job were also molested and whisked away by security agents. “The actions of the Dunamis5, including a visually impaired Samuel Gabriel at Dunamis last week Sunday is not against any law of the land. They have the right to wear what they like anywhere and they also have the right to operate their phones. We have demanded Dunamis Church to secure their release and we have also sued both Dunamis Church and the DSS. “The reaction of Dunamis church to the protest by family and friends of the arrested youths have yet again that the church is in direct connivance with the regime in the detention of the activists. “It is to this end that we state categorically that we’d be occupying the Dunamis Church in Lagos if the activists are not released and allowed to return to their families. And with this, we want to state categorically that mobilizations have now begun to picket the Lagos chapter of the Dunamis Church. “Wearing BuhariMustGo to church isn’t an offense known to law. #FreeDunamis5Now.”

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

Keeping Nigeria together and the media’s dilemma

By Frederick Nwabufo The media naturally should serve only the public interest. What determines ‘’public interest’’ may be amorphous, but safety and security are principal elements of communal interest. The security of the nation and its people can be said to be a staple of shared interests. Therefore, national interest is a subset of public interest. To serve the public interest is to preserve the nation’s interest and security. Nigeria’s constitution delineates the place of the media in the country. Section 22, chapter 2 of the canon says: ‘’The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.’’ Also, section 24 says: ‘’It shall be the duty of every citizen to – (a) abide by this constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the national flag, the national anthem, the national pledge, and legitimate authorities; (b) help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria…’’ It is clear here that as media practitioners and citizens our duty is to the country and its people – ‘’holding the government to account and enhancing the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria’’. Service to Nigeria is not a favour or obeisance to the government. Government will come and go, but Nigeria remains. Service to Nigeria is a duty to its people. Love for country is not lust for government, and loyalty to country is not servitude to government. Are we really doing our bounden duty as citizens and as seekers and keepers of the truth? The Nigerian media is one that is somewhat politically governed. Some media organisations are owned by politically-exposed persons who are in different political parties. These media organisations are sometimes deployed to fight political battles, compromising the sanctity of information. Whose interest will these agencies naturally serve, their patron’s or Nigeria’s? This is the dilemma. I shudder when I hear the statements of some political leaders and self-canonised activists – utterances belched from the bowels of prejudice and malice. But I am distressed when I find these blighted comments, which are capable of inciting violence, on the front pages or top corners of news publications. Everyone deserves to be heard, but can we modulate the outcome and concomitants of a potentially combustible statement? Is not judicious to control it from the source? I recall the statements of Sunday Igboho which set off attacks on the Fulani in Igangan, Oyo state. These statements were given prominence in the media and Igboho was reported as an ‘’activist and youth leader’’ by a section of the media, ignoring his antecedents, and the precedent of his actions. I understand the argument that the comments would have rippled on social media, regardless of whether it was published by the popular media. But the media as an agency of truth adds legitimacy to whatever is said. By reporting ‘’hate speech’’, the media cannot insulate itself from the collateral impact of bigotry. Personally, I am of the view that voices of discord and anarchy should be muted. In the West, people who make homophobic, racist and sexist comments are de-platformed – shut out of the media. But why do we here give our platforms to anarchists and bigots? Also, there seems to be a preponderance of negative news. This is understandable considering its ‘’market value’’. But as John Momoh, Channels TV CEO, advised in a paper he delivered at the National Defence College in 2016: “The media should avoid getting carried away by overstating negative news while under reporting positive developments’’. In all, we cannot have a peaceful and secure country if we are remiss in our responsibility as gatekeepers. That Nigeria is still a going venture is largely because of the commitment of the media to the country’s unity. We need to bond our voices as professionals for a united and progressive country. The military force cannot defeat insecurity without the ‘’national force’’ – which comprises the civil population. As Barack Obama said: “We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we have set. We have got to have civilian national security force that is just as powerful, just as strong.’’ Nigeria’s unity is under threat as well its peace. It is the responsibility of every citizen to defend it. It is in commitment to my purpose and belief that I have convened an ideological group, ‘Journalists for United Nigeria (JUN)’; a think-factory for idealists who trust in the possibilities of a greater Nigeria. Nigeria can be better. At this tempestuous moment, citizens need to rise up and pull our nose-diving country from a plunge to certain death. With great power, comes great responsibility. Nigeria is ours to salvage. More Nigerian journalists and citizens are welcome to join me on this cause. By Fredrick ‘Mr OneNigeria’ Nwabufo Twitter and Instagram @FredrickNwabufo

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Post Date : July 11, 2021

APC dissolves caretaker committees in Zamfara

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has dissolved the party’s executives in Zamfara. Sen. John Akpanuodedehe, National Secretary of the CECPC, announced the dissolution in a letter dated July 9, 2021 and addressed to the dissolved Caretaker Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Liman. The letter said the dissolution was with immediate effect. “I write to please inform you that following recent development within the party in the state, the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has approved the dissolution of all the leadership organs of the party in the state (ward, local government and state executives). “This development is with immediate effect,” the letter reads in part. It further said that a three man caretaker committee has been constituted to run the affairs of the party in the state. The All Progressive Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has dissolved the party’s executives in Zamfara. Sen. John Akpanuodedehe, National Secretary of the CECPC, announced the dissolution in a letter dated July 9, 2021 and addressed to the dissolved Caretaker Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Liman. The letter said the dissolution was with immediate effect. “I write to please inform you that following recent development within the party in the state, the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has approved the dissolution of all the leadership organs of the party in the state (ward, local government and state executives). “This development is with immediate effect,” the letter reads in part. It further said that a three man caretaker committee has been constituted to run the affairs of the party in the state. Read Also: Ogun Deputy Governor heads APC LG elections committee The new constituted caretaker committee has Sen. Hassan Mohammed as Chairman with former deputy governor, Alhaji Muntari Anka as Deputy Chairman while Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi, former Secretary to the State Government, would serve as member/secretary. The CECPC extended its appreciation to the dissolved executives and urged them to give necessary support to the new leadership of the party in the state. The change in leadership followed the defection of Gov. Bello Matawalle from the PDP to the APC. Matawalle was received into the APC on June 29, by his Yobe counterpart and Chairman of the CECPC, Mai Mala-Buni. Matawalle was also declared the party’s leader in the state as enshrined in the APC constitution.

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