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Post Date : July 15, 2022

Don’t link Obi with IPOB agitation, Kalu tells Gumi

  Two-time Minister for Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, has disagreed with Shiekh Ahmad Gumi over his comment on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and the agitation for Biafra. Gumi had in a post, said that the emergence of Obi had slowed down the agitation for Biafra by IPOB members, claiming that the ‘noise’ about Biafra is all about South East clinching the presidency. But in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Kalu, said that Obi’s background and upbringing had nothing to suggest what Gumi was insinuating. He advised the Muslim cleric not to link Obi with any self-determination agitation probably to de-market him. Kalu argued that Obi’s objective was to build a more equitable economy that would take Nigeria out of the woods. “I know Obi very well. He has worked with people from all parts of the country. His objective is to build a robust economy for the country.” The former Minister further reminded Gumi that IPOB had already denied any ties with Obi, wondering why he will be making unnecessary political capital out of Obi’s ambition. Kalu further argued that instead of making remarks that could worsen the tension in the land, Nigerians should rather appreciate God for pulling the country back from the brink. He said that a few months ago, the country was headed for the precipice until God suddenly intervened ” such that today, we are talking of 2023 election. “We should appreciate God for the miracle of saving us from the crash. We were headed for destruction and he suddenly pulled us back. We should ask questions.” He advised Nigerians to properly assess the presidential flag bearers and make an informed choice based on their capacity and antecedents. The former Minister argued that Nigerians now have a common problem and need somebody who would navigate the country out of the jungle. According to him, the issues of insecurity, hunger, poor infrastructure, lack of jobs, etc are common among Nigerians of every tribe and religion, and the people need somebody with a solution irrespective of their tribe. Idika noted that he knew the candidates of the major parties but advised Nigerians to choose wisely based on competence.

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

I once saw myself as alternate President of Nigeria—Akeredolu

  Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, yesterday, in Abuja, disclosed that he once saw himself as the alternate President of Nigeria. Akeredolu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, spoke at the commissioning ceremony of two institutes the NBA opened in Abuja. Whereas a wing of the building accommodating the NBA Human Rights Institute, NBA-HRI, was named after Akeredolu, who served as president of the legal body from 2008 to 2010, the second wing, housing the NBA Continuing Legal Education, NBA- ICLE, was named after the first female SAN in the country, Folake Solanke. Speaking, Akeredolu said he had, while in office as NBA president, ensured that he tackled the government over any policy that would adversely affect the citizens. He said the NBA, under his leadership, made sure that it was always at the forefront on the issue of protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law, while the late former president Umaru Yar’Adua was in charge of affairs of the country. “We kept the fire on and continued mounting pressure, even till the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan. In fact, as president of the Bar, I saw myself as the alternate President of the country. Presidency of the Bar is not what you joke with. You are the voice of the people and when you speak, you do so with authority,” he said. He recalled that when he emerged as NBA President, unopposed, the association had no office structure in Abuja, hence his decision to purchase the building where the two institutes are sited. According to him, “I must however give credit to my predecessor, J. B. Daudu, SAN, because after I left office in 2010, he ensured that this building was commissioned in 2012. “Since then, I never knew that the structure was later abandoned until the incumbent NBA President, Akpata, came to me and even presented pictures”. In his own remarks, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, who commissioned the two Institutes, said there was need for the NBA to sustain the capacity of the legal profession to play active role in the socio-economic development of the country. “Our nation requires a well informed legal profession that will help to proffer solutions to myriads of problems confronting the nation”. Meanwhile, earlier in her remarks, Solanke who is the first female lawyer in the country to attain the rank of an SAN, as well as the first female Commissioner of the Western Region, said she was perturbed by current happenings in the nation.

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

We’re not aware of N1.2tn proposal, says ASUU

  The Academic Staff Union of Universities’ National President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, on Thursday said the union was not aware of the N1.2tn that the Federal Government said it would need to meet its members’ demands. He also accused the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, of misinforming the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), about the ongoing strike by the union. The Federal Government had, in a statement on Wednesday, by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, claimed that the proposal made by the Prof. Limi Briggs-led committee in relation to the demands of members of ASUU and other unions in universities would gulp N1.12tn to implement. The PUNCH had also on July 11, 2022 reported how Buhari appealed to the union to reconsider its ongoing strike because the action is taking a toll on parents and students. Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme on Thursday, Osodeke said if the President had been properly briefed, he would not have made such a statement. Concerning the negotiation, the ASUU President said the union was not aware of the figure being circulated by the Federal Government as the amount needed to resolve the strike. Osodeke said, “If the President had been properly briefed by the committee through the Minister of Education, I don’t think the President would have said ‘enough is enough, go to your class while we are negotiating.’ “It is the Labour Minister and his group that would have gone to the President to tell him that we chase out his people, we refuse salary. “We are not aware of where their so-called figure arrives from. In all our agreement and discussion, we didn’t talk about N1.2 trillion or N2.4 trillion, or whatever. We didn’t. “We didn’t calculate the quantum of what we would need. We calculated what each member of our union will earn. “If this man who is telling you this figure can tell a lie that ASUU chased out his members from the negotiation table, why would he not tell a lie about the figure? “The ministry is churning out fake figures. We negotiated with the Education Ministry, so wherever they got the documents is their business.” Orji Kalu intervenes Meanwhile, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, has urged the Federal Government to reopen negotiation with the leadership of ASUU. In a statement on Thursday, Kalu, ex-Abia State governor, lamented the disruption of academic activities as a result of the incessant strike by varsity teachers. “The Federal Government should also endeavour to implement the signed agreements with the lecturers in the interest of students, their parents, the education sector and the country at large,” he said. The senator argued that incessant strikes disrupt academic calendar, encourage brain drain and contribute significantly to the poor quality of graduates in the country, with far-reaching implications for national development. “The Federal Government should urgently take all necessary measures to open a realistic negotiation with ASUU to stop the strike and implement the signed agreements in the interest of our students, their parents, the education sector and the country,” he added.

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

I was offered N100m to endorse Obasanjo’s third term agenda — Gbajabiamila

  Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that he was offered N100 million to support the infamous third term agenda of the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, saying his best moment as a lawmaker was when the agenda was killed. The speaker recounted the times, in a book titled ‘Mr. Speaker: The Legislative Life, Service and Resilience of Femi Gbajabiamila’, recently launched in Abuja to mark his 60th birthday. He said: “My best moment as a lawmaker was the death of Third Term; the day it was pronounced dead, because we had sleepless nights. We were meeting; we got a place in Asokoro, hidden somewhere. We would start our meetings sometimes at 11 at night and leave at 4am. I can’t remember how many of us. It was a risk to life. “So, the day it was pronounced dead was a happy day and a relief for me. I was a free man. Look, I was offered inducement, at that time, by one of the major proponents of Third Term. At this point, I would not mention his name, but he is a major player in this country. “While they were offering members N50 million, I was offered double, a N100 million at that time, and you know what N100 million was, which, of course, I turned down. I say that for you to understand the pressure; financial, mental and physical pressure. “We had no other job in the House except Third Term, constitutional amendment. For me, as noble as that work was, the best time was the day it died, not the Third Term itself, but the day it was killed on the floor.” Gbajabiamila also recounted how he assisted the former speaker of the House and current governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to emerge successfully, noting that the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming 2023 elections, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, objected to a suggestion to make him (Tambuwal) a deputy speaker. He said: “My Party, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, leaders had never heard of Tambuwal. They did not know him, but I introduced him to them.”

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

PDP sues INEC, APC, seeks Obi, Tinubu’s disqualification

  The Peoples Democratic Party has instituted a lawsuit compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to prevent All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu; and Labour Party standard bearer, Peter Obi, from replacing their running mates with Senator Kashim Shettima and Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed respectively. The PDP is also asking the court to declare that Tinubu and Obi be disqualified unless they contest alongside their previous running mates – Kabiru Masari and Doyin Okupe respectively. In the originating summons with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022, the PDP is seeking an order barring the Independent National Electoral Commission from replacing the running mates of Tinubu and Obi. Those listed as first to seventh respondents in the case are INEC, APC, Tinubu, Masari, Labour Party, Obi and Okupe. Recall that Tinubu had nominated Masari as a surrogate running mate or placeholder in order to beat the June 17 INEC deadline. Obi had also nominated his campaign manager, Okupe, as an interim running mate. However, INEC gave a grace period of about one month to substitute their names. After weeks of consultations, Tinubu and Obi nominated Shettima and Baba-Ahmed respectively while Masari and Okupe resigned. However, the PDP asked the court to determine if by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s timetable, Tinubu and Obi are bound by the submission of Masari and Okupe respectively as their running mates. The party also asked the court to determine if “by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the first defendant (INEC) can validly accept any change or substitution of the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants as running mates of the 3rd (APC) and 6th (Labour Party) defendants.” The PDP is also seeking five reliefs including a declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s timetable, both Tinubu and Obi must be bound by their submission. The party asked the court to rule that both Tinubu and Obi will be disqualified the moment they substitute the names of their running mates. One of the reliefs reads, “A declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the 1st defendant’s (INEC’s) election timetable, the 3rd (Tinubu) and 6th (Obi) cannot validly contest the 2023 Presidential election without the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Obi) respondents as their respective running mates.” The PDP also based its argument on the fact that the term ‘placeholder’ is unknown to Nigerian law. “The Electoral Act makes no provisions whatsoever for placeholder or temporary running mates. The acts of the 2nd (APC), 3rd (Tinubu), 5th (Labour Party ) and 6th (Obi) defendants in nominating and forwarding the names of the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants as running mates for the 2023 Presidential elections is valid and subsisting,” the party added. In a supporting affidavit sworn to by Evelyn Oroh, a litigation secretary in the law firm of Gordy Uche (SAN), it was stated that some of the defendants had stated openly that they were mere placeholders. “I know that the 3rd (Tinubu) and 6th (Obi) defendants have stated in media interviews and publications that the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants are not their real running mates but merely holding the place as placeholders for the real running mates,” it stated. When contacted on the telephone, the Labour Party’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, said he had received the court processes. “I have received the processes and we are filing a response already,” he simply stated. The Head, Legal Directorate, Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), said he was aware of the suit when contacted by one of our correspondents on Thursday. Ogala, a former Legal Adviser of the APC, however, said Tinubu’s legal team had not been served a notice by the court. “Yes, I’m aware (of the matter). But they have not served us.” When asked to confirm the service, he restated, “They have not.” Earlier, INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, had in an interview with Arise TV, described the issue of placeholder as a unique invention that had no place in the constitutional and legal framework of the country. He had said, “Political parties’ candidates have submitted names of associates to run with them, and that is the position of the law as of today and nothing has changed. “For there to be a substitution of a candidate, the vice-presidential candidate must write to the INEC, with an affidavit stating that he is withdrawing from the race within the time frame provided by the law, as that is the only way there can be a substitution of candidates.” Also, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Prof Abdulganniy Raji, had said, “Being a part of the umpire, I will not say I see danger or I didn’t see danger (in party submitting place holders instead of running mate). “I will rather abide by the constitutional provisions, the extant laws. The Electoral Act makes provisions for the procedure of how to nominate and there are also provisions for the substitution of the names, either in case of death or withdrawal by any candidate, whether the substantive candidate or the running mate.” Senior lawyers, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on June 20 had said the only risk involved in the place holding arrangement would be the refusal of the running mate to step down. A senior advocate, Adegoke Rasheed, said a placeholder could only be withdrawn if he died or voluntarily withdrew as neither INEC nor the court could make him relinquish the position. Another SAN, Rotimi Jacobs, said political parties had taken advantage of the silence of the Electoral Act on the issue. He said, “The political parties are just taking

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

Elder Statesman Berates ASUU Over Continued Strike

  Elder statesman and Secretary to the Lagos State Government in the Second Republic, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun has berated the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the continued closure of Universities, saying the leadership of ASUU is toying with the future of Nigerian students. He spoke just as aviation workers under the aegis of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) faulted the “lackadaisical” attitude of the Federal Government towards resolving the imbroglio brought about in the first place by failing to play its part in the agreement with ASUU, saying, “Our children are entitled to qualitative undisrupted tertiary education.” It however alerted aviation workers of a possible solidarity industrial action over the continued ASUU strike. Chief Basorun, a member of the elders’ Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos in a chat with Daily Trust criticised the response of ASUU to the appeal by President Muhammadu Buhari to call off the strike last week. He said bringing up an agreement reached in 2009 as a basis for continuing the strike was wrong, asking them to suspend the strike while they continue the negotiation. According to him, ASUU’s response to the appeal of the President whom he described as the father of the nation was an insult to Nigerians. He said, “The President early in the week made an appeal to them and the way they responded to the appeal, to my mind, they insulted the intelligence of all Nigerians. “This is the father of Nigerians today. He did not order them to go back to work. He appealed to them. “To me they are the most wicked Nigerians we have today, those who constituted the running of ASUU. They comprised so-called educated, renowned Professors in every field and yet they are unable to sit down and think about the future of those who are going to occupy the positions they are occupying now. “They are toying with it, talking about salaries, talking about agreements reached in 2009, 14 years ago. I think they are insulting Nigerians. Children are in school for the past five years, they are unable to graduate.” But NUATE in a statement by its General Secretary, Ocheme Aba said the ongoing strike has “done incalculable and irreversible damage to the educational trajectory of Nigerian children, especially those from the poor stock who are unable to afford the high cost of private education.” “This situation is deeply worrying, to say the least. NUATE, therefore, completely supports the position of the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to the effect that Government must immediately resolve the prolonged ASUU strike. It is totally unacceptable to allow the education of the children of poor workers, and other indigent citizens, to be so badly truncated as to become worthless. Accordingly, aviation workers nationwide are hereby notified to remain at alert for commencement of solidarity industrial action that may be directed by the NLC and its affiliates on the matter which may come at short notice.”

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

Six Boko Haram Commanders Surrender As Troops Neutralise 42 Terrorists

  Troops of HADIN KAI have continued to take the battle to Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves with more coordinated operations leading to the surrendering of six top terrorists Commanders. Spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, Maj-Gen Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this Thursday at the bi-weekly briefing in Abuja. According to him, the terrorists leaders surrendered to the troops in Gwoza on Wednesday, July 13. “It is pertinent to note that since the surrendering of terrorists to own troops the high calibre of Commanders surrendered at this time is unprecedented among them a WALI (Governor) and KAID (a 3 star Commander). “The surrendered are; Mallam Mala Hassan (WALI), Ali Madagali (MUNZUR), Musa Bashir (CHIEF ANUR), Buba Dahiru (MUNZUR), Jafar Hamma (KAID) and Abbali NAKIB Polisawa. “Also, about 3,858 Boko Haram Terrorists and their families surrendered between 1 – 14 July 2022, comprising 505 male, 1,042 Female and 2,311 children,” General Onyeuko disclosed. Furthermore, the military spokesman noted that in the theatre, troops neutralized several Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province terrorists with in the period under review at different encounters at Gamage village in Dikwa Local Government Area, Dikwa – Gambora Ngala road, Pulka – Gwale road in Borno State among others. Several terrorists logistics suppliers/collaborators were arrested with various items at various logistics towns within the theatre. Among them were two women namely; Hauwa Gambo and Khadija Dirsa. In a related development, on 11 July 2022, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Tumbum Jaki and Tumbum Murhu near Lake Chad in Borno State on the receipt of intelligent report on the activities of the insurgents in the general area. General Onyeuko said the successful airstrike neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists and destroyed their hideout. Accordingly, information received from locals indicate that over 21 terrorists were neutralized in the airstrike. Consequently, between 1 – 14 July 2022 troops neutralized 42 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected terrorists, captured 17 AK47 rifles, 1 QTC rifle, 1 RPG Bomb, 1 RPG tube, 5 hand grenades, 120 rounds of 5.5mm, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 151 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 12.7 108mm, 2 ammo links, 5 dane guns, 8 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm ammunition, 1 smoke grenade, 2 locally made explosives, 23 empty AK47 magazines, and 5 FN magazines. The military spokesman said all surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families were profiled and documented while all recovered items and apprehended suspected terrorists were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

Babachir on Muslim-Muslim ticket: Who certified Shettima most competent northerner?

  Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says fielding two Muslims as presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will cause division. Lawal said this on Thursday during an interview with ARISE TV. On July 10, Bola Tinubu, APC presidential candidate, announced Kashim Shettima, former governor of Borno, as his running mate for the 2023 election. Speaking on the development, Lawal said the APC cannot say there are no competent Christians in the north that could have been chosen as running mate.   “First of all, nobody should aspire to be president of this country if he knows there will be religious dichotomy in the system,” the former SGF said. “You will antagonise the Christian majority in this country. It’s a direct attack on them and even in your own zone, because when it comes to religion, Nigerians take religion first. “Now, you jeoperdise the whole of the Christians in the north, in the south-south, in the south-east. “If it is based on competence, Tinubu, who has one degree in business administration, cannot beat professor Osinbajo. So, competence in what? Who examines this competence? Is it an exam? “So, in any case, maybe given that Shettima is the most competent person from the north, which exam did he take? “Islam preaches justice. Why can’t they see this? No Muslim would want to live in acrimonious relationship with his neighbour. “See, me, B.D. Lawal, a Christian, APC chieftain, a friend of Bola Tinubu, how will I go to Adamawa and stay on the podium and say vote for Bola and his Muslim-Muslim ticket?”

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

Man bags triple life imprisonment for defiling, raping daughters

  An Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court, on Thursday, sentenced a man, Michake Ogbar, to life imprisonment for defiling and raping his three daughters aged 10 years, 20 years and 24 years. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Abiola Soladoye held that prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt, the charge of defilement and rape brought against Ogbar. “Evidence before the court shows that the prosecution has proved the case of defilement and rape before this court. “The defendant, who is the father of the three daughters, is found guilty as charged, as the burden of proof has been discharged. “This is a very sad case,” she held. The judge said it was disheartening that the man defiled and raped his daughters for years in the absence of his wife. “It is disgrace to parenthood. “The defendant ravished his own daughters in turn, committing incest. It is rather shameful and most perverted. “The defendant is hereby found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on count one. “On count two, he is sentenced to life imprisonment and on count three, he is also sentenced to life imprisonment,” the judge held. Soladoye said that the sentence would run concurrently, and ordered that the convict should have his name written in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register. NAN reports that Lagos State Government, which brought the charge, presented six witnesses during the trial. It stated that the offences violated Sections 137 and 258(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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Post Date : July 15, 2022

Kuje: 421 fleeing inmates recaptured, 454 at large

  The Nigerian Correctional Service has recaptured 421 inmates who fled the its facility in Kuje Abuja, while 454 others are still at large, according to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Correctional Service. This is just as the committee said it had summoned the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and Comptroller-General of the NCoS, Haliru Nababa, to appear before it over the recent attack on the Kuje Custodial Centre. The committee also invited the Commander of the Nigerian Army Platoon on duty on the night of the attack. Chairman of the committee on Correctional Service, Edwin Anayo, who disclosed this during an oversight visit to the facility on Thursday, said the lawmakers met 115 inmates. “If you subtract it, it will give about 879 that escaped that night,” he noted. The inmates, including 69 suspected Boko Haram members, had escaped Kuje Medium Custodial Centre on Tuesday last week after members of the Islamic for West Africa Province attacked the facility. Anayo decried that 12 other Custodial Centres had been attacked across the country recently. He said the recent jailbreaks by gunmen leading to the release of inmates are worrisome. He said, “We are summoning the CG and the minister in charge of this agency to come to the National Assembly and explain to the whole world and Nigerians what is going on. We are not comfortable with the incidences of jailbreaks in recent times. There have been about 10 to 12 attacks on custodial centres. Nigerians are not comfortable. In Abuja, nobody walks freely now because of this incident. We have to interact and know the problem, and how we can solve them.” “We have to know your challenges and how to tackle them. The committee is eager to know what transpired here, the reaction of the security agencies. After inviting the CG with his team and the minister, we will also invite the leader of the Army team on that day. We are summoning the CG with his team; the minister with his team to know more about what transpired on that fateful day that the incident happened.”

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