September 2021 – Page 19

Post Date : September 5, 2021

LG Elections: El-Rufai Loses Polling Unit To PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has won the chairmanship and councillorship seats in Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Ungwar Sarki polling unit in Kaduna North Local Government Area. El-Rufai, a member of the All Progressive Congress, had earlier voted at the polling unit where he also declared that he is not desperate to win at all costs, but to improve the voting process using the Electronic Voting Machine. According to the Governor, the introduction of the electronic voting system by his administration has clearly shown that the APC-led government in Kaduna state does not believe in cheating or rigging election. Announcing the election result, the Presiding Officer of the Unit, Muhammad Sani, said the APC polled 62 votes in the chairmanship election, while the PDP scored 86 votes out of the 159 votes cast. In the councillorship election, APC also polled 53 votes, while PDP garnered 100 votes out of 162 total votes cast. The overall result of the Kaduna North Local Government was however still being awaited at the collation centre as of the time of this reporting.

Post Date : September 5, 2021

Gunmen Kidnap Wife, Children Of Katsina Lawmaker

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the wife and two children of the lawmaker representing Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Dr. Ibrahim Kurami. The bandits, according to a resident, stormed the country house of the lawmaker located at Kurami village in Bakori Local Government of Area of the state at about 9:00 pm on Saturday after the Muslim night prayers. The resident who pleaded anonymity, explained that on arrival, the hoodlums first shot at a member of the First Aid Group of Islam who they met at the entrance. The victim who sustained injuries from the gunshots was later rushed to a medical facility for treatment. At the time of the incident, the lawmaker was away, participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Congress in his council. Spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, SP Gambo Isah in a telephone conversation with Channels Television on Sunday promised to comment on the incident after getting details from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Bakori council. Meanwhile, a senior security agent in the state told Channels Television that rescue operations for the abducted victims are ongoing as operatives have been mobilised to the scene of the incident and the council environs.

Post Date : September 5, 2021

Gunmen abduct traditional ruler in Niger

Gunmen have abducted Mahmud Aliyu, the Dodo of Wawa, a traditional ruler in New Bussa, headquarters of Borgu LGA of Niger state. The traditional ruler was reportedly abducted from his palace on Saturday. Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in Niger, confirmed the incident to TheCable on Sunday. Abiodun said security operatives have been deployed to arrest the culprits and rescue the victim. “While police tactical team and members of the vigilante of the area have been deployed for manhunt of the hoodlums to rescue the victim and arrest the culprits,” he said. In a related development, bandits have killed 15 persons in Magami village, Shiroro LGA of Niger. Yusuf Kokki, co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday. Kokki said the incident took place on Thursday and that local vigilantes and hunters ultimately repelled the bandits. “By reliable records, no fewer than fifteen people have gruesomely been murdered by the marauding criminals,” he said. “Six people were confirmed dead at Unguwan Magiro under Madaka Ward, Rafi local government area, four people at Farin Hula and five people at Magami and environs all under Manta Ward of Shiroro local government. While scores of others are still missing – probably killed too.” Kokki said the residents of Magami have fled to Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro LGA, for safety. Editor’s note: This photo is for illustrative purpose

Post Date : September 5, 2021

Anambra gov poll: APC candidate, Andy Uba, escapes death from police accidental discharge

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the upcoming November 6 election, Senator Andy Uba, escaped death by a whisker after an accidental discharge by a policeman missed him by a hair’s breadth. Uba was addressing a rally at the Ekwulobia Township Stadium in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state on Friday when the incident happened. The gunshot which was just about a foot off the position of Uba shocked the crowd who turned out to receive the governorship candidate. A stunned Uba was heard saying in confusion: “My friend what is it? What is it?” A television cameraman who was close to the cop told our correspondent that he suspected the policeman was drunk. Another bystander, said “I guess it was an accidental discharge. There was no threat whatsoever to warrant that shot. We thank God for his protection, this could have been a disaster.” It was gathered that a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police who was at the occasion had taken up the matter to ensure proper disciplinary measures were given the erring cop. When contacted on the telephone, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Chris Owolabi, told our correspondent that he was awaiting an official report on the matter. Meanwhile, Uba who continued with the rally despite the incident, told his supporters that he was in the governorship race to liberate the state from the shackles of underdevelopment. He said, “My first assignment is Enugu-Onitsha road. It is impassable. Work will begin on this road soonest. That is the essence of our party being at the centre.” Meanwhile, the six members of the Anambra State House of Assembly who dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance for APC have denied that they were bribed to defect. APGA had alleged that the lawmakers and others were bribed to the tune N300m to join the APC. But speaking at the reception rally for Uba, the legislators said they left APGA because the party was in a political coma. Addressing the crowd that trooped our to receive them, the lawmakers, who took turns to speak, said their former party, APGA was dying, and there was need to leave for a better place. They also said they joined the APC to work with Uba, to “hook Anambra State to the national grid” so that the state would be weaned from the regional and domestic politics it had been subjected for over 15 years of APGA reign in the state. The member representing Dunukofia state constituency, Ezeudu Lawrence, said, “We are in APC because of Andy Uba. He is a man of impeccable character and a go-getter. We decided to follow the man who knows the way, who will connect us to power at the centre, so as to benefit from what they intend to give to Anambra.” Also speaking, the member representing Aguata 1 state constituency, Carter Dike, said, “The cock (APGA symbol) is dead. The leaders of the party have killed the cock and the party is in a coma.” The six members had last week joined APC in Abuja. Apart from Lawrence and Dike, others are Nonso Okafor, representing Nnewi North; Timothy Ifedioramma, representing Njikoka 1; Cater D. N. Umeoduagu, representing Aguata 1; Arthur Chiekwu, representing Idemili North and Edward Ibuzo, representing Onisha North.

Post Date : September 4, 2021

Kubiat Akpan. Fresh UNIUYO Graduate. An Only Son. Extrajudicially Killed by the Police

Kubiat Isaac Akpan, a 28-year-old graduate of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has been extrajudicially murdered by police officers attached to Akwa Ibom B Division. Akpan died in police custody after his illegal detention on Sunday, August 29. Inibehe Effiong, a human rights activist and counsel to the family of the deceased, revealed this on Twitter on Friday evening, stating that efforts were being made to ensure justice was served. “Akpan was arrested while relaxing at Eni Stores in Uyo by some policemen at about 7 pm on Sunday, August 29, 2021, and taken to B Division, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo,” Effiong tweeted. “He did not come out of police custody alive.” Effiong said he met with the Deputy Commissioner of Police and other officers at the State CID, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Ikot Akpan, Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday in the company of his colleague Augustine Asuquo and some members of the deceased’s family. “We are currently working with the Police to ensure that justice is done,” he said. FIJ could not speak immediately with Akpan’s parents as they were still grieving over the death of their only son. Macdon Odiko, the command’s spokesman, asked FIJ to send him a text message when contacted for comments but he was yet to respond to the message as of press time. Akpan was awaiting mobilisation for the mandatory national youth service before his demise. In August, FIJ reported how Edward Leera, a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, died in detention, following arrest by officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) attached to Akwa Ibom Police Command.

Post Date : September 4, 2021

2023 Presidency: I Will Feel Bad If APC Doesn’t Give South-East Opportunity, Says Umahi

Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, says he will feel bad if the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not give the South-East a chance at the presidency. Umahi said this when he made an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. “The heartbeat of the people of the South-East is that they should be given a chance whether in the PDP or the APC for Presidency of this country for the reason of equity, fairness and justice,” he said. “I took that position in the PDP and one of the reasons why I took that position is because the South-East people have supported the PDP all the way and they have never been given any opportunity to do that. “If I follow APC for this length of time, and they don’t give the South-East an opportunity, I will feel bad. “I will feel bad if I stay the same length of time as I did in the PDP and that happens. But I can’t say what I will do. It depends on what God places in my mind,” he added. After years in the PDP, Governor Umahi defected to the APC in November 2020.

Post Date : September 4, 2021

Killers of Olajide Sowore will be brought to book – Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has vowed that the killers of Olajide Sowore would be brought to justice. He made this known in a statement on Saturday, while commiserating with former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on the death of his younger brother. The PUNCH had earlier reported that Olajide was killed by kidnappers on Saturday in the Okada area of Edo State. He was a student of Pharmacy at the Igbinedion University, Okada, in the state. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Kontongs Bello, told The PUNCH that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at IUTH Mortuary, Okada. Bello said the late Sowore was killed when gunmen kidnapped about five persons. The PPRO said, “This is to confirm to you that suspected kidnappers at about 0645hrs along the Lagos-Benin Expressway by Isuwa kidnapped five unidentified persons and in the process shot to death one Sowore Felix Olajide male a Pharmacy student of Igbinedion University Okada. “His remains have been deposited at IUTH Mortuary Okada while effort is ongoing to rescue the five kidnap victims. Search and rescue operation is ongoing.” In his condolence message, Obaseki said, “I commiserate with the Sowore family and the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, over the death of his brother, Olajide Sowore. “The news of Olajide’s death is heartbreaking and we will make all efforts to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice. “On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I condole with the Sowore family and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Post Date : September 4, 2021

Ooni to FG: Best way to address agitations is through dialogue — not force

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, has asked the federal government to dialogue with those agitating for secession. In recent times, calls for secession have heightened, especially in the south-east and south-west regions of the country, with agitators alleging that their regions have been unfairly treated by the federal government. Speaking in an interview with PUNCH, the monarch said there is a need for a debate to discuss the corporate existence of the country. “The best bet for us is to have one country, but when people are feeling otherwise, there must be reasons they are agitating. Fifteen to 20 years ago, was it like that? When Yoruba people were in power, were there agitations?” he asked. “There must be reasons and we all know the reason has to do with banditry and insecurity. Even in the north, some people are also kicking. What is important now is for us to adequately separate the grain from the chaff. I am not going to blame the agitators. “There must be a reason they are agitating. I will suggest we talk to them; let’s bring them on board, deliberate with them. Let’s debate. It is very important for us to debate and debate on our corporate existence, for things to be right. “It is very critical. For me, that is my own approach. Even when you go to war, at the end of the day, you must sit down to negotiate. So, why not have the roundtable discussion now? Why not go through that route? Why must you go through hot agitation and try to destroy things? The best approach has always been the peaceful approach.” Speaking on youths leaving the country, the monarch said there must be national rebranding to sell the hope of a better Nigeria to the youths. “For me, I strongly believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel, particularly, hope for the youth and how things should be done. We don’t need any form of resentment. We don’t need any form of division in our land,” he said. “What we need is hope and hope all the way. This is a key ingredient and that is what we should keep selling to our youths for them to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Post Date : September 4, 2021

NCC, Telcos Keep Mum Over ‘Shutdown Order’ In Zamfara

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and all the four major telecommunications companies in country have refused to speak on telecommunications services shutdown in Zamfara State. A letter purportedly by the NCC, ordering MTN, Go, Airtel and 9mobile to shut down their telecom sites in banditry-ravaged Zamfara for two weeks surfaced on social media Friday night. A letter purportedly by the NCC, ordering MTN, Go, Airtel and 9mobile to shut down their telecom sites in banditry-ravaged Zamfara for two weeks surfaced on social media Friday night. PODCAST: Is It Okay To Keep Secrets In Marriage? 19 feared dead in bandits’ fresh attacks in Niger NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, neither answered calls placed to his mobile line nor responded to SMS and WhatsApp messages. Also, the chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Engr Gbenga Adebayo also refused to respond to messages sent to his mobile line for confirmation of receipt of the letter by ALTON members. Similarly, the spokespersons of MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile have all not responded to Daily Trust enquiries on the directive to shut down their boosting facilities in the Northwest state, as of Saturday morning. The leaked NCC letter purportedly signed by its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer prof Umar Garba Danbatta, directed all the telecom operators to shut their sites to weeks with effect from Friday, September 3, 2021. Titled, “RE: SHUTDOWN OF ALL TELECOM SITES IN ZAMFARA STATE”, it said it is to allow ” relevant security agencies carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenge in the state.” The letter read in part: ” Reference is made to the above subject. ” The pervading security situation in Zamfara state has necessitated an immediate shut down of all telecommunications services in the State from today September 03, 2021. This is to enable relevant security agencies carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenge in the state. “In line with this requirement, Globacom is hereby directed to shut down all sites in Zamfara State and any site(s) in neighbouring states that could provide telecommunications service in Zamfara State. The site shutdown is for two weeks (2) weeks (September 03 – 17, 2021) in the first instance. Your urgent action in this regard is required.”

Post Date : September 4, 2021

Edo police confirm killing of Sowore’s brother

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Olajide Sowore by kidnappers around 6am on Saturday. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Kontongs Bello, told The PUNCH on Saturday that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at IUTH Mortuary, Okada. Bello said the late Sowore was killed when gunmen kidnapped about five persons along the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The PPRO said, “This is to confirm to you that suspected kidnappers at about 0645hrs along the Lagos-Benin Expressway by Isuwa kidnapped five unidentified persons and in the process shot to death one Sowore Felix Olajide male a Pharmacy student of Igbinedion University Okada. “His remains have been deposited at IUTH Mortuary Okada while effort is ongoing to rescue the five kidnap victims. Search and rescue operation is ongoing.” Earlier, former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, had in a Facebook post said his brother was shot dead along the Lagos-Benin Expressway. He wrote, “My immediate younger brother, Olajide Sowore was today shot and killed near Okada in Edo state by reportedly herdsmen /kidnappers on his way from Igbinedion University in Edo State where he is studying Pharmacy. “They snuffed out the life yet another real human being! “Rest In Power, “Dr. Mamiye!” “This act in itself will not delay their day of justice. “I travelled widely with you and our father as a little kid. You were the most loved robust kid I ever first knew. You, Mr. magnet had no enemy! “You, Mr. Sunshine Foundation who made everyone happy. “You, the boy who snuck out his older ones to parties, taking all the blames when our disciplinarian father found out. “You, the guy who was an out-of-the-box thinker who decided school wasn’t for you and created you own genre of music and then turned around to go to school after you almost turned 50! “You lived your life so that everyone could be alright but now assassinated by everything that’s not alright! “Saddest day yet!”