Lifestyle, Politics

Port Harcourt thugs attacked us, INEC starved us, lament ad hoc staff

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At least five ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stationed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, have complained about poor treatment by the commission, including the non-payment of required allowances and inadequate welfare planning for their security and personal well-being during the ongoing presidential and parliamentary elections.

Speaking to Peoples Gazette at the Obio/Akpor local government collation center, a presiding officer who chose not to disclose his name said he had not received his feeding allowances from Friday up until this morning.

He accused his Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) of cornering the funds for himself and his colleagues.

“Our own feeding money that they were supposed to give us, since on Friday nothing, Saturday nothing. Till this Sunday morning, our SPO said she is not owing us anything,” he said.

He added that INEC authorities allowed them to transport sensitive election materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result sheets without any form of protection, leaving them vulnerable to thugs who stopped and harassed them.

His statement aligned with that of another officer who simply identified herself as Grace.

“We have been here for the past three days, no food, no water. They didn’t give us anything,” she said.

“We have serious issues with payment.”

“We did not have money for transport, we have been spending our own money,” she added.

Another presiding officer, Henrietta, said she and her colleagues were held hostage for more than three hours by “area boys” who assaulted several of them repeatedly.

“The bus took us to Rumeme community primary school and we were held hostage in that place for more than three hours.

We tried calling our SPO, INEC officials, none of them answered us,” she said. “In fact, they molested so many of us yesterday evening,” she added.

Lifestyle

We’ll crush citizens planning to cause post-election trouble in Lagos- Police

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The Lagos state police command says it will crush citizens planning to foment trouble in the state following Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections.

Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson of the command, made this known in a tweet on Sunday.

“Available intel suggests some people have concluded plans to foment trouble and wreak havoc. Kindly note that such attempts would be crushed decisively.

“Our election security architecture has not been drawn down. Anarchy will not be allowed! Remain law-abiding. Be guided!,” Mr Hundeyin said.

Saturday’s election in some parts of Lagos was marred by ballot box snatching and violence.

Former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, had earlier said the electoral process cannot be perfect and devoid of manipulations in some areas.

Lifestyle, Politics

Five injured as Boko Haram attacks Borno voters

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The police command in Borno has confirmed that five persons sustained injuries in an attack coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents in the Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Abdu Umar, confirmed the incident in an interview on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He said the terrorists fired several gunshots targeting voters from the top of Mandara Mountains, adding that five persons sustained injuries in the attack.

Mr Umar said the victims comprised two females and three males.

“Efforts of the military within the area of responsibility helped in chasing the terrorists, forcing them to flee due to the superior firepower,” he said.

The CP said that normalcy has since been restored as the voting exercise continued while the victims were referred to the hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno (NECSOB) has expressed optimism about the turnout of voters in the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The group chairman, Bulama Abiso, who led a team of observers for the election, described the turnout as “encouraging”.

Lifestyle

Appeal Court rejects alleged drug dealer Abba Kyari’s bail request

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The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court has dismissed an appeal by disgraced police chief Abba Kyari, who sought to reverse the Federal High Court’s refusal of his bail application.

A three-member panel dismissed the suit for lacking merit on Friday.The Justice Stephen Adah-led panel held that the bail request should be handled cautiously following the nature of the charges against him.

On August 30, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, dismissed Mr Kyari’s fresh bail application.

The judge held that the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police gave insufficient grounds for the application to be granted.

Mr Kyari, charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for drug offences, sought another bail following the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre by Boko Haram.

NDLEA accused Mr Kyari and four other officers of the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of dealing with part of the 21.8 kilogrammes of cocaine recovered from Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne.

The other officers are Bawa James, Simon Agirgba, John Nuhu, and Sunday Ubua.

Lifestyle

Why Nigerians shouldn’t vote thieving politicians – ASUU

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned Nigerians against voting for “thieving politicians”.

The union also made public its official position concerning the Saturday presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National President, Emmanuel Osodeke, the union declared that “it is time Nigerians reorganised the political and socio-economic equations of the country for the benefit of the generality of its people”.

The union urged eligible voters to scrutinize the various candidates before casting their votes, stressing that a stop must be put to a situation where the resources belonging to citizens are concentrated in the hands of a few manipulative political elites.

On the naira policy by the apex bank, ASUU lamented that business has become nightmarish to a majority of “hapless and helpless Nigerians”, stating that the policy was ill-conceived.

“On a daily basis, ordinary citizens are confronted with a gruesome sense of abandonment by the federal, state and local authorities whose primary responsibilities are the security and welfare of the citizens.

“Poverty, hunger, diseases and sundry existential challenges have become daily companions of the citizenry.

Meanwhile, political elites carry on as if they have lost every idea about organising and running a decent society for the benefit of all.

“The country, no doubt, is in dire need of focused leadership that will restore order and inject life into a nation desperately gasping for breath.

“This is why ASUU calls on Nigerians to carefully weigh the profiles and antecedents of those that have been thrown up by various political parties before casting their votes,” the statement added.

Lifestyle

15 killed, seven wounded in Bauchi auto crash

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Tragedy struck on Thursday in the Toro council area of Bauchi State as 15 persons were killed in an auto crash at Nabordo village.

Yusuf Abdullahi, FRSC sector commander, stated in Bauchi that the incident involved an articulated vehicle and a Toyota Hiace bus.

The road crash happened around 3:30 p.m.Mr Abdullahi blamed the crash on the loss of control, speed violation and dangerous driving.

“Twenty-two persons were involved in the road crash. There were 18 male adults, two female adults, one female child and one male child.

Fifteen of the people, 12 male adults, one female adult and the two children lost their lives on the spot,” said the FRSC commander.

He added;

“Seven others, six male adults and one female adult sustained various degrees of injuries.”

He added that the injured were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, while the corpses were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

Lifestyle

Soldiers Spotted On Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Lagos

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Soldiers were spotted on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way in Lagos State on Thursday morning.

The soldiers were seen in their heavy duty trucks also known as Armoured vehicle lined up at the side of the road.

This is coming two days before the general elections across the country.

Lifestyle

Elections- Bauchi residents happy about shutdown of universities

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Bauchi residents have commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime for shutting down universities because of the February 25 and March 11 elections.

A cross-section of the residents who spoke to journalists on Wednesday in Bauchi described it as a “welcome development.”

On February 9, through the National Universities Commission, the regime ordered universities to shut down nationwide for the national and state polls.

Ahmed Shehu, a parent, said the gesture would enable students to participate in the election and exercise their franchise.

“And if the schools are open where lectures would be going on, they would not be able to leave schools to go and cast their votes in their various places of registration,” Mr Shehu explained.

“What this means, in essence, is that the government would be denying them their constitutional rights. So what the government did in this regard is right and commendable.”

Another resident, Ibrahim Ali, said the gesture indicated the regime’s commitment to protecting life and property.

“For the government to have taken the decision after a perceived security threat to the staff, students, and properties of the institutions shows that it is more concerned about the wellbeing of its citizens,” he said.

However, Olubunmi Akintoye, a student, said he wanted more from the decision as students who registered to vote in school, including him, would be disenfranchised.

“Elections would come up on February 25 and March 11. why declare a three-week break for the institutions? One of the reasons why I do not subscribe to the decision is that universities are just trying to balance up the deficit of time wasted during the last industrial action,” Mr Akintoye stated.

“Nothing should have interrupted academic activities in this regard.”

Also commenting, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) vice-chancellor, Bauchi, Muhammad AbdulAzeez, said the university had closed, adding that the students would resume on March 14 in line with the federal government directives.

“I would like to urge the students to behave well because when you come to the university, the first thing is not about a degree,” Mr AbdulAzeez explained.

“You must be found worthy of character and learning. So, character comes first before learning.”

Lifestyle

Femi Fani-Kayode hospitalised after DSS grilling – Lawyer claims during forgery trial

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Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode’s trial for alleged forgery was stalled on Monday, February 20, as he was absent when the case was brought up before the Lagos State  Special Offences Court in Ikeja.  

Femi Fani-Kayode is standing trial for allegedly presenting false documents, fabricating evidence and procuring execution of documents before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

He is accused of tendering forged medical report before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, where he is being prosecuted for alleged N4.9bn fraud. 

During the resumed trial on Monday, the former Minister’s lawyer, Wale Balogun told the court that his client has been hospitalized after a “running battle” with the DSS and police.  

Balogun said;  

“We regret to announce to your lordship that the defendant is not in court due to health reasons, and secondly due to a running battle he has with both the DSS and the police.

“Since the last time we were here, the defendant has been reporting every day at the DSS, and while he was doing this, the Nigeria Police invited him. 

“Since we left here at the last date, he has not been able to have peace of mind, and that has affected his health.

“On the 16th, he was at the hospital and on Saturday he was also readmitted at the National Hospital.

“Even now as we speak, he is also there, and based on this it has become imperative to seek your lordship’s indulgence not only to vacate today, but the other days, 21 and 22.

“We humbly apply that those days be vacated to enable him resolve those issues.” 

The lawyer said he had shared some documents with the prosecution in that regard.

Responding to this, the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, said;  

“The defence counsel this morning, shared with us two documents; one is a medical report and another from the Nigeria Police.

“In the circumstance, we leave the decision to the discretion of the court.”

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, adjourned the case till May 24 and 25 for continuation of trial.

Lifestyle

Nigerians are facing COVID-23 caused by CBN’s naira redesign – Governor Ganduje

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Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria of causing “COVID-23” with its Naira redesign policy.  

Speaking during the distribution of palliatives at the government house on Monday, February 20, Ganduje claimed that Kano residents are the most affected by the “unfortunate development”. 

He said;  

“We didn’t invite this situation, neither did we pray for it. We don’t welcome it at all. We gave similar palliatives during the COVID-19 days,” Ganduje said.

“Today our citizens are being faced with COVID-23 caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“We earlier thought it was a simple disease, but unfortunately it turned out to be a very serious virus.

“This virus which came from the CBN has affected all our commercial banks, our POS, our ATM machines, and all other things associated with this.

“We will not stop blaming the CBN for this economic blunder. We love our people. Therefore, anything that will disturb their well-being must be rejected.”

Business, Lifestyle

3 arrested in Kebbi over fake N17m notes

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Three persons have been arrested by the police in Kebbi state for being in possession of fake N17m notes. 

The State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Magaji Kontagora, said the suspects were arrested with the help of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Warrah Motor Park in Warrah area of the state.  

The suspects have been identified as Faruku Zubairu, Ibrahim Musa and Salisu Mohammed from Gungun Tawaye and Chupamini villages in Ngaski local government area of the state.

Lifestyle, Politics

21,640 immigration officers to monitor Saturday’s presidential election

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The Nigeria Immigration Service has deployed 21,640 officers and men for the February 25 and March 11 elections across the 36 states and FCT.

NIS comptroller general, Isah Jere, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.Mr Jere said the service approved the deployment of the personnel to be part of the election monitoring security apparatus of the federal government.

He, however, charged all the state comptrollers to ensure strict elections monitoring.

He said this should be in their respective states, especially as it concerned the non-participation of foreigners in the exercise.

Lifestyle

Transport worker arrested for stabbing colleague to death

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The Lagos state police command has arrested a transport worker, Ibrahim Yahaya, for allegedly st@bbing his colleague, Kabiru Abdullahi, to d£ath during an argument at the Kanuri Motor Park, in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos State. 

Yahaya was first stabbed in the head with a knife by Kabiru following an argument that ensued between them which degenerated into a physical fight.  

It was gathered that Yahaya left the scene and quickly sought treatment for himself on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

After treating himself, Yahaya came back to the park the following day and allegedly used a kn!fe to st@b Kabiru in the neck.

Kabiru was quickly rushed him to Ebute General Hospital for treatment but he reportedly died on the way.

His corpse has been deposited at the Infectious Disease Hospital morgue, Yaba. 

Confirming the arrest of the suspect, Lagos police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin said; 

“The police received information on February 16, 2023, around 3.15 pm that on February 15, around 8.30pm, one Kabiru Abdullahi, of Otto Market, Oyingbo, allegedly stabbed one Ibrahim Yahaya of Kanuri Motor Park on his head with a knife during an altercation between them.

“However, the next day, February 16, 2023, around 2.30pm, the said Ibrahim Yahaya, retaliated by stabbing Kabiru in his neck and the victim sustained severe injury. He was rescued and rushed to the general hospital, Ebute Metta where he later d!ed.”

Lifestyle

I’m suffering over naira scarcity, my family can’t cook- Orji Uzor Kalu

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Former Governor of Abia state and senator representing Abia North in the national assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu has said that he and his family are suffering over the Naira redesign and cashless policy. 

Appearing on a Channels Television program on Monday, February 20, Orji Uzor Kalu claimed that his family can no longer cook over the policy. 

He said; 

“You can see the policy is right but I don’t keep money in my house. I am suffering.

“The other day, my house manager told my wife in Abuja that we have no money to cook food. My wife was virtually roaming around and we feed over 250 people every day. It is a problem to me and to everybody.” 

Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive for the Central Bank of Nigeria to make N200 notes circulate until the eve of the March 11 governorship election, Kalu said; 

“This is why if I am in the position of the Mr President as I have told you before, I will listen to the Supreme Court judgement.

The Supreme Court to me, whether they are right or wrong, Mr President should obey the law and ask his Attorney General to put a review to the Supreme Court.”

Lifestyle

Six gunmen, policeman killed during attack on police station in Anambra

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A police divisional headquarters in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra was attacked yesterday morning by suspected members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN group, leaving six of the gunmen and a policeman dead.

The police spokesman in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement to Peoples Gazette.

“Police operatives attached to 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA today, 19/2/2023, by 5:58 am, foiled an attack by IPOB/ESN Insurgents on the police facility, neutralized six of the Insurgents, recovered two Ak-47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg No Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items.

“The outlawed IPOB/ESN Insurgents came in their numbers with two SUV vehicles and one Toyota Sienna, armed with guns, IEDs and petrol bombs, started shooting indiscriminately to gain entrance to the station and were fiercely engaged and resisted by the Divisional Police Officer and his men in a long gun battle before the prompt reinforcement team, made up of the Military and PMF Operatives arrived the scene.

“During the gun duel, unfortunately, one police operative attached to the station was fatally wounded, and an office in the facility was partially affected by the petrol bomb the Insurgents threw inside the station.

“Also, one patrol vehicle parked in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen.

“While some of the insurgents escaped with gun shots injuries, the situation is under control, and the incident is still being assessed,” Mr Ikenga said.

He said that “joint operations are still ongoing to track the fleeing insurgents,” adding that further development shall be communicated,” to the public.

He advised public and private hospital management in the state to report to the nearest police station any patient looking to treat a gunshot wound.

The Anambra police command has continued to witness similar attacks on police facilities in the state.

The police spokesman in the state, however, maintained that the command remains on top of the situation.

Lifestyle

Gunmen abducted eight people and k!lled two others

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The kidnappers of eight residents of Munu community in Rubochi in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, have given relatives of the victims seven days to raise N16m or pick their c@rpses.

Gunmen abducted eight people and k!lled two others after they invaded Munu community last Wednesday, Feb. 15.

A family member of one of the abducted victims, Donathus Musa, told DailyTrust on Sunday, Feb. 19, that the gang leader gave the warning while negotiating ransom.

He said it was after contact was established last Friday that the abductors demanded N30m, which was later slashed to N16m after intensive negotiation.

He said:

“It was while one of the family members of the abducted victims was negotiating with them that their leader insisted that the family should raise N16m within a week or that they should be ready to come and carry their c@rpses.

And aside from the ransom, they are also demanding foodstuff.”

Lifestyle

Protest In Sagamu Over Naira Scarcity

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Protests erupted in Sagamu, Ogun State, over the scarcity of naira notes in the country on Monday morning.

This comes after protesters barricaded the Mowe area of Ogun State on Friday because of the same naira scarcity.

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