Presidential Candidate of the Lasbour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, says he is offering himself to be the team leader of a new Nigeria where nobody regardless of their tribe or tongue will be estranged, marginalized or excluded. Mr Obi drew notes from the lessons of keeping Nigeria one post civil war, which was 52 years ago on Sunday, January 15. The former Anambra State governor pledged his commitment to engender a country where equity, justice and fairness rules, should he win the election. Mr Obi who commits to one Nigeria was speaking at a special broadcast to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance before heading to the United Kingdom for his engagement at Chatham House. “I Mr Peter Obi, a proud Nigerian of Igbo extraction, I am truthfully and wholly committed to the stand of One Nigeria,” the LP flagbearer pledged. He also stated that, “it is worth calling a spade a spade, there are youths all over Nigeria who are frustrated because of injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, employment, and apparent exclusion. “Such youths will cease any opportunity and use any tool to express their frustration and anger; I believe that some of those who are agitating are doing so partly due to failures of creating and inclusive and progressive Nigeria. “A working Nigeria, with equity, justice and fairness will effectively checkmate extreme groups as Boko Haram and ISWAP,” Mr Obi argued. ADVERTISEMENT According to him, the best strategy for dealing with the situation manifesting in the guise of unclear nationalism, bigoted patriotism and religious bigotry, is the carrot and stick approach. Mr Obi further asserted that nation building and the stabilizing of the society has become very imperative and as such, Nigeria must win those that can be won over, by ensuring equity and justice dictates the way in which the country operates.

Monday 16 January 2023 Bank borrowing from CBN rises 260% to N21.87tn Raheem: Court begins killer cop’s trial Monday Oil earnings rise by N363bn in three months Nigeria Air: FG, airlines meet in court today PDP serving S-East with ‘slice of soaked bread’, Tinubu clarifies Enugu speech Notorious bandit leader, Kachalla killed in Katsina We must protect Nigeria’s future — Tinubu tasks APC candidates 25 dead after Russian missile attack on Dnipro apartment building Terrorists Invade Katsina Church, Kidnap 25 Worshippers – Eyewitnesses 12 Train Attack Victims Rescued In Edo Bandits Burn Catholic Priest Alive In Niger ‘Emi Lo kan’ Politics Breeds Intolerant Leaders – Tunde Bakare Emefiele Hasn’t Returned To Nigeria, Should Be Arrested On Arrival, Says Falana Nigerians Mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day Death Toll From Nepal Plane Crash Rises To At Least 67 Lawyers Urge DSS To Obey Court Order On CBN Governor 16 PDP supporters killed, many injured in auto accident in Plateau Democracy Has Come To Stay – CDS Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  Adetokunbo Kayode, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and five other senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN) have asked Abubakar Malami to prevent the Department of State Services (DSS) from arresting Godwin Emefiele. The other SANs, who wrote under the aegis of Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, included Oba Maduabuchi, Emeka Ozoani, M.M Nurudeen, Abdul Mohammed, and Emeka Obegolu. Following the announcement of the new cash withdrawal policy, there have been speculations over a plot to frame Emefiele, the CBN governor. The DSS had recently filed an application before the federal high court sitting in Abuja, seeking a warrant to arrest Emefiele over allegations that he was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes. In declining the ex parte motion — usually filed by an applicant in the absence of the respondent — John Tsoho, the chief judge, said the secret police did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims. Also, a federal capital territory (FCT) high court sitting in Maitama issued an order restraining the DSS from arresting the CBN governor. In the letter dated January 6, the senior advocates urged Malami, the current AGF, to ensure the DSS abides by the court orders. “In spite of these two categorical judicial decisions, we observe moves to still proceed and sidetrack and disobey the court decisions and unduly and unlawfully interfere with Mr. Emefiele’s fundamental rights,” the lawyers said. “In the circumstance, we wish to urge the Hon attorney-general of the federation to use his good offices to guarantee and ensure that the government, especially the security agencies, observe the rule of law as a foundation of a democratic society by complying with court decisions. “The court, as the last hope of the citizen, has made a pronouncement on the legal rights and obligations of citizen Godwin Emefiele. It behoves on all agencies of government to obey the order of the court until such order is set aside by an appellate court. “The constitutional role of the judiciary as the third arm of government includes to serve as a bulwark against oppression and intimidation. The judiciary remains available to both the government and the citizens in the ventilation of perceived grievances. “Consequently, we respectfully urge the Hon. attorney-general, as chief law officer of the federation, to ensure adherence to the rule of law and advise the security agencies, especially the Department of State Security (DSS) to comply with the order of the court and not do anything that will cast this government in a very negative light In this circumstance. “This is very important as it will signal to Nigerians and the international community that the government is committed to the rule of law as we proceed into this transition era.”

  Some political parties have adopted special security measures in a move to better protect their officials and supporters as the campaigns intensify ahead of the elections. While the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party disclosed that they have taken extra-security measures as they cannot rely on police protection alone, the Peoples Democratic Party said it was the responsibility of the All Progressives Congress regime to protect Nigerians. This is happening against the backdrop of attacks on party members on campaigns by suspected thugs in Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna and other states. The PDP had its rally disrupted in Kaduna last year while spokesman of the campaign council, Senator Dino Melaye, claimed that over 100 vehicles were vandalized in Borno state when the party went on a campaign tour of the North-East. Both the PDP and the ruling APC also claimed that their campaign convoys were attacked last year in Lagos by men suspected to be hired thugs. However, findings by The PUNCH indicate that no fewer than 30 politicians have been killed between 2020 and 2022 across the country. Also, 31 other politicians were also kidnapped during the review period. The figures were obtained from a tally conducted by our correspondent. Checks revealed that a party ward chairman was abducted in Ondo state on January 5, 2020. Also, thugs killed a suspended Imo councilor on January 6. Similarly, gunmen killed the PDP chairman in Delta on January 8, 2020 while a Bauchi lawmaker was abducted on January 14, 2021. On January 24, gunmen kidnapped and killed a Taraba local government boss and his nephew. In Cross River, suspected hoodlums abducted an All Progressives Congress chieftain on March 25 and on May 1, unknown men abducted a Kogi LG chairman and also killed a commissioner in the state. In 2022, an Akwa Ibom APC chieftain was shot dead on New Year’s Day. Also, gunmen abducted a former Imo state assembly speaker and four others in Imo on January 8. Similarly, armed men murdered two APC chieftains and abducted one other in Enugu on January 18. Two weeks later, an APC chieftain and another person were kidnapped in Ekiti on January 31. Tragically, an abducted APC woman leader was killed In Kwara on March 19 just as gunmen beheaded an Anambra lawmaker days after he was abducted on May 21. The attack on politicians was also recorded in Niger state as three PDP delegates were killed by gunmen on May 25. Gunmen also reportedly killed an Adamawa lawmaker and shot his son on July 23. A serving commissioner in Nasarawa was abducted on August 15 while two APC chieftains were kidnapped in Imo four days later. Speaking on the extra-security measures adopted by the party, Spokesperson of the Obi-Datti campaign council, Mr. Akin Osuntokun stated that every citizen deserved to be protected and not only the politicians. He disclosed that the Labour Party has a private security arrangement to protect its members during campaigns. “Yes, the police are giving us security; of course, we have contracted private security (guards) to complement the Nigeria Police,’’ he explained. Labour Party laments Corroborating Osuntokun, the LP Presidential Campaign Council Spokesman, Tanko Yunusa, said, “We have our own security arrangements too to make sure that we are not caught in the web. Basically, we will work with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies but have people who have volunteered to assist with our security privately. So, we are having a mix of the two.” The All Progressives Congress said there was nothing wrong in adopting extra-security arrangements provided such an arrangement did not breach the provisions of the law. Speaking with our correspondent on the issue on Sunday, the Director of Publicity of the APC, Bala Ibrahim said, “Whatever security arrangement that will not conflict with the provision of the law, is something that will be in the contemplation of the APC. “As a law-abiding party, APC will not object to any arrangement provided it is not in conflict with established laws. Whatever will be done to supplement by way of intelligence sharing, proper crowd control measures, and adequately protecting not only the candidates but everyone at the campaign grounds, and everywhere, before, during and after any rally, the party will always support it.” But the Peoples Democratic Party said it is the responsibility of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd)-led government to provide adequate security for all political parties before,during and after the elections. While ruling out setting up an internal security arrangement, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba urged Nigerians to prevail on the federal government to make the country secure for everyone including the political parties. He stated, “It is not for parties to provide security. If they have to do that, it is an admission that the APC-led government has failed to deliver its promise on securing Nigerians. What variant of security arrangement do you want political parties to come up with that will not violate the provisions of the constitution? Militia or what should the parties form to protect themselves and their supporters? “If a government that has promised to conduct free and fair elections wants political parties to protect themselves; it is an admission that they cannot win unless they unleash violence. Nigerians must be on their guard because the elections must be free, fair and credible.’’ “We have been saying it but some people thought we were raising false alarms. They claimed they have defeated Boko Haram. If that is the case, the PDP does not see any reason they cannot provide security at campaign venues, rallies and throughout the duration of the elections. “Like I said, the PDP is a law-abiding party and we will not do anything against the provisions of the law,” the publicity secretary noted. For the All Progressives Grand Alliance National Chairman, Chief Victor Oye, the party has no plan to delve into the security realm, stressing that it would rely on God in the course

  A Lagos State High Court will on Monday (today) begin the trial of ASP Drambi Vandi, who allegedly killed a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Vandi, attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State, allegedly shot Raheem dead while she was returning from an outing with her family members. The alleged murder occurred at Ajah. According to a statement signed by Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), the trial would be before Justice I.O. Harrison at the Tafawa Balewa Square. “The trial of ASP Vandi who allegedly killed Raheem on December 25, 2022, along Ajah Expressway will commence before Justice I.O. Harrison at a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square,” he said. Vandi appeared before Chief Magistrate C.A. Adedayo on December 30, 2022, a day after the Police Service Commission approved his suspension over the alleged killing. Adedayo ordered that he should be kept at the Ikoyi custodial facility pending the advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions. Vandi will be tried under Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

  Nigeria is making progress in oil earnings following improvements in security in the Niger Delta region, as the country raked in an additional N363bn from crude oil sale in the months of October, November and December 2022. Figures obtained from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources on Sunday, showed that the country’s oil production rose by 1.014 million barrels per day in October, representing an increase of 0.077mbpd when compared to the 0.937mbpd output in September. In November, the country pumped 1.185mbpd crude, indicating an increase of 0.171mbpd when contrasted with the daily output in the preceding month of October. Also, in December last year, oil production kept increasing, as Nigeria produced 1.253mbpd last month, indicating an increase of 0.05mbpd when compared to its output in November. Data obtained from Statistica and Countryeconomy, two international economic and statistical firms, showed that in October, November and December 2022, the average cost of Brent, the global benchmark for crude, was $93.4/barrel, $89.62/barrel and $76.42/barrel respectively. Since oil production in Nigeria rose by 0.077mbpd in October, this represents an increase of 2.387 million barrels in that month. At an average crude oil price of $93.4/barrel in the review month, it implies that the country earned an additional $222.95m (N101.02bn, at the official exchange rate of N453.1$) in October last year. In November, Nigeria’s oil production rose by 0.171mbpd, an equivalent of 5.13 million barrels in that month, while the average price of crude in the same month was put at $89.62/barrel. This indicates that Nigeria’s oil earnings increased by $459.75m (N208.31bn at the Central Bank of Nigeria official exchange rate of N453.1/$). In December 2022, oil output from Nigeria grew by 0.05mbpd, representing 1.55 million barrels for the review month, while the average cost of Brent was $76.42/barrel. Therefore, the Federal Government’s revenue from crude oil export last month rose by $118.45m (N53.67bn at the official exchange rate of N453.1/$). The summation of the monthly revenue rise during the period showed that Nigeria earned an additional N363bn from oil sales within the three-month duration following the improvement in security in the Niger Delta region. The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), recently ordered security agencies to eradicate crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta before May 29, 2023. He said the order became vital in order to effectively ramp up the country’s oil output, stressing that the Federal Government could no longer tolerate the criminality. Buhari gave the directive through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, while addressing troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe in Effurum, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Sylva was quoted in a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Horatius Egua, as saying, “Mr. President has mandated us to eradicate crude oil theft. He has directed that no litre of crude oil should be stolen across the country again, especially in the South-South. “He wants crude oil theft completely eliminated by May 29, 2023, as one of the legacies of his government. This is the message from Mr President. We are not where we want to be, but we are happy at what we are seeing.” Prior to the renewed efforts of the Federal Government in tackling the menace of crude oil thieves, the nation’s daily crude oil production was about 900,000 barrels per day. But with the recent improvements in security efforts, there has been an increase in oil output, as production has risen to about 1.5 million barrels per day, according to the statement. Sylva added, “I am happy to hear that morale is high here. We were here a few months ago to hand over the mandate of Mr. President to you and that is to ensure that there is zero tolerance for crude oil theft in the region.” The enhanced output in oil production has increased the country’s earnings from crude oil sales, though Nigeria still spends billions of naira as subsidy of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol.

  Barely four days after President Muhammadu Buhari assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to consolidate gains recorded in security, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of bandits, including Ibrahim Kachalla Gudau. Gudau, a notorious and one of the most dangerous bandit leaders, commanded a group carrying out kidnappings and killings in Kafuna, Katsina, Zamfara and part of Niger Republic. Gudau’s gang was believed to have killed the seven personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were ambushed and killed by bandits in Kaduna State while on official duty, last week. According to available intelligence, Gudau, whose corpse had gone viral in the social media, was one of those killed by the troops as they repelled an attack in Kankami village in Kaduna State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari had in the course of the week, pledged that the gains recorded in security would be further consolidated and more attention would be given to the economy, before handing over on May 29. The president stated this when he received the Executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday. Buhari said that the security situation had improved over the years, particularly in the North East where the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education. President Buhari had earlier visited Yola, Adamawa State, where he called on voters to shun sentiments and make history by electing the first female Governor in the country in 2023, Sen. Aisha Ahmed-Binani. According to him, her track record of dedication to duty and service will improve the livelihood of citizens. Buhari gave the challenge at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and governorship campaign in Adamawa on Monday. The president told voters that Binani had consistently worked for the welfare of the State and indigenes over many years, and entrusting her with the Office of the Governor would further strengthen her to reposition the State for greatness. According to him, the election of Sen. Aisha Binani as the next governor of Adamawa will open opportunities for women in the country and send a signal to the world about Nigeria’s leadership maturity. On the same day, President Buhari moved to Damaturu, Yobe, where he inaugurated some projects and also attended State Banquet organised in his honour. While in Damaturu, Yobe capital, Buhari urged Nigerians to develop strong confidence in the country, its security institutions and never allow any terrorist group to destablise Nigeria again. According to the president, the Federal Government will continue to protect the right of every Nigerian child to education, particularly the children displaced from their homes by Boko Haram. At the State Banquet, Buhari restated his vow to serve God and Nigeria until his last day in office and beyond. According to the president, nobody can blackmail him on inexplicable wealth and illicit enrichment while in office, saying ‘‘I do not have one square-inch outside Nigeria.’’ He advised Nigerians to remain patriotic, saying ‘‘as I said more than 30 years ago, we have no other country than Nigeria, we must all stay here and salvage it together.’’ Buhari said that the most critical security challenge inherited by the administration nearly eight years ago was the potent and pervasive threat of terrorism. He, however, expressed delight that normalcy had returned to affected States in Northeast Nigeria. Buhari also attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, Yobe on Tuesday. At the rally, the president urged eligible voters in Yobe and the northeastern part of the country to ensure that his party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected in the 2023 general election. The president said a vote for Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, would guarantee the sustenance of progress made in the security, economy and education sectors of the country. According to him, following the victory against terrorists in the region, the APC-led government is more than ever before energised to defeat whoever threatens the unity of Nigeria. Also on Jan. 10, President Buhari approved the appointment of Obadiah Nkom as Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office for a second and final term of four years . Nkom was first appointed on Jan. 12, 2019 for an initial period of four years. The president hosted a delegation of the Universal Peace Federation Africa, saying from his experiences both as military head of state and as civilian president, multi-party democracy is the best system of government. Buhari said he wondered why some African countries were still descending into the abyss of unconstitutional change of government, saying: “I thought we had finally put that behind us.’’ The president on Thursday received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Switzerland, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of South Sudan, at State House, Abuja on Thursday. At the event, Buhari affirmed that Nigeria was working closely with ECOWAS to deal with insecurity in the West African region as well as implementing strategies to contain the spate of unconstitutional changes in government. He called for cooperation and collaboration from the countries to overcome challenges in West Africa. The president on Jan. 12 expressed his anguish over the death of seven personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were ambushed and killed by bandits in Kaduna State while on official duty. He described the loss of the NSCDC personnel as a tragic event and saluted the courage of the men who gave their lives to the nation. The president also addressed the Global South Virtual Summit, where he urged leaders of the Global South to agree on a common agenda on ways to reduce the increasing burden of debt and inflation on that region of the world. The Nigerian leader expressed optimism that the meeting, hosted by India, in its capacity as the voice of the South, will address issues

  The number of dead has risen to 25 after a Russian missile attack that hit a high-rise apartment building in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday, according to official figures. By Sunday afternoon, 73 injured people had been rescued from the rubble of the partially collapsed building, including 13 children, the Ukrainian Civil Defence announced on Telegram. More than 40 people are still missing. The search for them is continuing. Cries for help from trapped residents could still be heard from the rubble hours after the impact. The attack on Dnipro was the most serious of several attacks on Saturday. An air alert was temporarily in effect throughout the country. According to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, at least 26 civilians were killed and more than 80 injured across the country. The leadership in Kiev strongly condemned the attacks against the civilian population and once again spoke of “Russian terror.” Besides Dnipro, other areas hit on Saturday included Odessa in the south, Kharkiv in the east, Lviv in the west and the capital Kiev. Civilian infrastructure, including electricity sites, were once again damaged and power outages were reported. The Ukrainian military said that 25 of 38 Russian missiles were shot down. Ukraine prepared its citizens for increased problems with the electricity supply following the attacks. The state electricity grid operator Ukrenerho announced on Facebook that the already significantly reduced amount of electricity per household would have to be throttled even further in order to avoid major bottlenecks. Emergency shutdowns could not be ruled out. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has urged the government in Berlin to quickly provide his country with Leopard 2 battle tanks, ahead of negotiations by western allies on further weapons deliveries. “German weapons, German tanks are essential for survival,” he told dpa in an interview. “We have very little time for discussions. And we expect our allies to understand that and act appropriately.” On Jan. 20, defence ministers from Ukraine’s Western allies will meet at the US Ramstein air base in western Germany to discuss further military support for the fight against Russia. Britain was the first country to announce that it would provide the Ukrainian armed forces with Western-made tanks. Poland and Finland are prepared to supply German-made Leopard 2 tanks as part of a European alliance. The German government has not yet taken a position on this. Britain was the first country to announce that it would provide the Ukrainian armed forces with Western-made tanks. Poland and Finland are prepared to supply German-made Leopard 2 tanks as part of a European alliance. The German government has not yet taken a position on this.