Friday 08 March 2024 Tinubu suspends REA boss, directors over alleged N1.2bn fraud Recover unremitted N5tn MDA taxes, Reps tell FIRS Kaduna crash: Pilots escape death, air chief orders probe $6.2m fraud: Forensic expert confirms forgery of Buhari’s signature FG inaugurates Oronsaye report implementation committee UK To Give Ukraine 10,000 Drones For Russia War Sweden Formally Joins NATO, Becomes 32nd Member Kogi Governorship: Supreme Court Stays Execution Over SDP, Ajaka’s Inspection Of BVAS Two Killed In Kogi As Robbers Attack Banks NBC Appeals Judgement Stopping Imposition Of Fines On Broadcast Stations Minimum wage: NLC, TUC split, want different pay in zones CBN to sanction DFIs, PMBs, MfBs over late submission of returns Defence minister orders DIA to go after coup mongers Repayment of student loan begins two years after NYSC — FG ACF Backs Rep Members’ Push For Parliamentary System Edo 2024: We’ll resist any attempt to rig Sept 21 election — LP’s Akpata Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has appealed the November 23, 2023, ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, which restrained it from imposing fines on radio and television stations. Justice Omotosho had dismissed a motion by the Commission praying him to set aside his judgment delivered on May 10, 2023. In a Notice of Appeal filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babajide Koku, the NBC is asking the Appellate Court to set aside the ruling and the judgment delivered on May 10, 2023. In a four- ground notice of appeal, the NBC says it was against the entire decision of Justice Omotosho. The May 10 judgment arose from a suit instituted by an Abuja-based lawyer, Noah Ajare, on behalf of Media Rights Agenda, MRA, challenging the powers of the NBC to fine broadcasters, following a March 1, 2019 announcement by the NBC that it had imposed a fine of N500,000 each, on 45 broadcast stations for alleged contraventions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. In the May 10 judgment, the Federal High Court had ruled that fines are sanctions imposed on a person who has been found guilty of a criminal offence, and that under the law in Nigeria, only courts of law are empowered to impose sanctions for criminal offences. In setting aside the fines of N500,000 each, imposed on the stations, Justice Omotosho held that the NBC was neither a Court nor a judicial tribunal to make pronouncements on the guilt of broadcast stations notwithstanding what the NBC Code says. He added that the Commission’s action violated the Constitution

  Armed robbers on Thursday raided two banks at Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, reportedly killing two persons in the process. It was learnt that the gunmen attacked two banks and a police station in the town around 5pm, carting away unspecified amount of money. The Interesting Things About Pha Din Pass, Dien Bien That Just A Few People Know According to an eyewitness, the robbers on entering the town attacked the police station along Anyigba-Idah road, before they headed for the banks. A policeman, simply identified as Idoko, who said to have just been transferred to the station, was reportedly killed in the process. Also, a Hausa man, popularly known as Alagama, a petty trader at the roundabout in the town – a few metres to the scene of the incident – was reportedly hit by a stray bullet and died. The gunmen were reported to have trailed a bullion van to one of the banks and disarmed its security details before carting away all the money. Similarly, another group said to be members of the gang invaded another bank in the town and made away with unspecified amount of money. A resident, Alidu Baba said, “It appears the robbers were in the town before the arrival of the bullion vans of the bank. “They were seen in different groups at different locations around the bank areas shooting sporadically while the operation lasted.Idoko, who was killed have just been transferred to the station from Lokoja.” Our correspondent gathered that operatives of the Nigerian Navy stationed nearby engaged the armed robbers in a gun battle, making them to abort their plan to rob more banks in the town. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP William Aya, did not respond to calls or text sent to him on the incident.

  Tragedy struck on Thursday when a staff of the Immaculate Hotel, was electrocuted while repairing a billboard opposite Asaba Airport by Vanguard Junction Okpanam, Delta state. The deceased identified as ‘Calabar’ was electrocuted on top of the ladder used to climb to carry out the repairs. The horror attracted a large crowd of sympathisers to the scene. Tribune Online reports that the worker died instantly when light was restored on the 33KVA line high tension pole which the ladder was accidentally resting on. An eyewitness said, “He is from Calabar and a worker at anHotel. We have known him as a staff in the hotel all these years until the unfortunate incident this afternoon.” When contacted, the Delta Command Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe confirmed the story adding that Okpanam police station was already on top of it

  Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, has described President Bola Tinubu as a workaholic, saying the President works till 2am every day. Ngelale disclosed this in a chat with Chude Jideonwo on Thursday, 7th March. Ngelale provided a glimpse into Tinubu’s daily routine, noting that the Nigeria’s President rises at 7am – 8am every day, delving into his responsibilities, including late-night work sessions. He said, “I’m saying hang in there because I can see an end to this. “I’m working with a man who I can personally vouch for because he’s going to bed at 2am – 3am every night, including Sundays. “Tinubu wakes up at 7am-8am every morning including Sundays. “Opening his files, working into the late nights when no one is there to say anything good or bad about him. “He is a workaholic, and he is doing it all to build a country that is reflective of a progressive and advanced country that he has envisioned, same way he did in Lagos.” Ngelale highlighted the president’s mission to shape a nation reflecting progress and advancement. He said Tinubu is poised to repeat his successful endeavors in Lagos. Ngelale appealed to Nigerians for support, emphasising on Tinubu’s sincere intentions. The presidential spokesperson reassured the public that the prevailing economic challenges would soon be resolved, citing Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fostering the country’s growth and progress.

  A trainer aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force on Thursday experienced a minor accident in Kaduna State. The aircraft, a Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, was involved in a minor accident at about 2.35pm. According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the incident occurred while the pilots were returning from routine training. He, however, said the two pilots escaped unhurt. The statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force Super Mushshak trainer aircraft was involved in a minor mishap earlier today, March 7, 2024, at about 2.35 p.m. The accident, which occurred about 3.5 nautical miles from Kaduna Military Airfield, involved two pilots who were returning from a routine training flight. Luckily, both pilots came out of the crash unscathed.” Gabkwet, however, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has ordered a probe into the incident. He said, “The CAS has since directed a preliminary investigation to ascertain the immediate cause of the crash.” PUNCH Online reports that between 2015 and December 2023, Nigeria suffered at least 17 military air crashes, leading to the deaths of many. Some of the incidents include the crash that occurred in Port Harcourt in December 2023. A MI-35P helicopter belonging to the Air Force crash-landed, with five crew members sustaining injuries. On August 14, 2023, a NAF aircraft was said to have departed Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed in a village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger. In addition, in February 2023, the Air Force recorded a crash after one of their jets lost its tyre mid-air and made an emergency landing at Lagos Airport on its belly. No death was equally recorded. On February 22, 2021, seven NAF personnel on their way from Abuja to Minna, Niger State, to rescue the abducted students and workers of Government Science College, Kagara, died when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.

  The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency to go after those calling for a coup in the country and bring them to justice. He described those calling for a coup as “criminals and enemies of democracy” and “agents of darkness.” The allegations of coup against the military have been rife in the last few months, with the Armed Forces vehemently denying the claims. The latest to refute the allegation is the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja who, on March 5, said the military has accepted the democratic system of government in place in the country. However, in a statement on Thursday by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Henshaw Ogubike, the minister warned the purveyors of a coup in the country to desist from the act or otherwise be dealt with. The statement read, “The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has described those calling for the undemocratic change of Government as agents of darkness. “He warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that the government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves. “The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with a democratic government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.” The Minister vowed that there would be no forceful takeover of power in the country. He said, “Those calling for a coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no military takeover of power. There is a need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the Constitution. “The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of destabilisation as Nigeria has a democratic government in place. Democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the dividends of democracy are being delivered. “The administration of President Bola Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundamental human rights are being respected.” He also condemned those behind a viral video encouraging the military to take over. The minister said, “In addition, some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statements on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution which they will never do because they have been aligned with the democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.” Matawelle said as a result of this, and other factors, he has directed the DIA to apprehend anyone calling for a coup. He said, “However, consequent to this and other extenuating factors, the Ministry of Defence is warning all the propagators calling for truncation of the constitutional government to desist from it and face the democratic reality on the ground as the Minister of State for Defence has directed DIA to go after the criminals and enemies of democracy and bring them to justice.”