Politics

Ex-President Obasanjo gets new African Union appointment

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed a High Representative for the Horn of Africa region by the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The appointment which was announced on Thursday, will place on the former Nigerian leader the added responsibility of leading the AU’s drive to promote peace, security, stability and political dialogue all over the Horn of Africa region.

While making the announcement of Obasanjo’s appointment, Mahamat said that the specific role of the High Representative is to intensify engagements with all relevant political actors and stakeholders in the region towards entrenching durable peace and stability within the Horn of Africa.

The Chairperson of the Commission is most grateful to H.E. President Olusegun Obasanjo for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union.

“The former Nigerian leader brings with him very rich political experience and impeccable credentials of keen commitment to the lofty ideals of Pan-Africanism and regional integration and cooperation, as well as a deep knowledge of the current situation in the Horn of Africa.

“The Chairperson of the Commission therefore calls on all stakeholders and the international community to extend every possible support to the High Representative, who is expected to arrive the region in the coming weeks,” a statement on the website of the AU stated.

https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20210826/appointment-president-obasanjo-high-representative-horn-africa

Politics

Buhari’s govt, not Ortom spreading hatred in Nigeria – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Thursday the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is not guilty of stirring hatred among Nigerians contrary to claim by the Presidency.

The governor had in an interview with Channels Television declared as unconstitutional President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to approve the review of 368 grazing reserves in 25 states in the country.

He also promised to drag the President to court if he pressed ahead with the planned review of the grazing reserves.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, in a statement issued on Wednesday night, criticized the governor for making divisive remarks about a particular ethnic group in the country.

The statement read: “The PDP recalls how the Buhari Presidency has been planting seeds of discord in the country with hate language, divisive tendencies and unconcealed nepotism, to the extent that our nation has become widely divided along all fault lines.

“Nigerians have not forgotten how President Buhari, ahead of the 2011 general elections declared that ‘if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog, and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.’

“Moreover, Nigerians can recall how Mr. President tagged those whom he believed did not vote for him; how he described citizens as ‘dot in a circle,’ as well as the hate language that attracted sanctions by Twitter.

It is rather alarming that instead of taking steps to address the killings in Benue State as well as the worsening insecurity, carnages, banditry, terrorism and imminent humanitarian crisis in the country, the Buhari Presidency is thinking of Rwandan Genocide while exposing its deep-seated detestation for Governor Ortom.

Governor Ortom is a highly principled and forthright leader, who is loved not only in Benue, but also across the nation. The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency responsible should any harm come to him or his family members.

“As a party, the PDP demands that the Buhari Presidency should come clean on its handling of insecurity in the country. This is particularly

“It is against the backdrop of its manifest failure to battle and rout out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and marauders that have taken over our highways, forests, pillaging communities and killing Nigerians on daily basis.

“Under President Buhari’s lethargic regime, bandits and terrorists have become so emboldened that they now attack military formations, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) where they killed and kidnapped officers for ransom.

The PDP calls on President Buhari to rein in his aides, wake up from his slumber and decisively address the worsening insecurity in the country under his watch.”

Politics

Classifications of Nigerians on state basis is apartheid – Osinbajo

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday described the discrimination and alienation of Nigerians based on their state of origin as another form of apartheid.

Osinbajo, according to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, stated this at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the Africa Polling Institute at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

He noted that many Nigerians were denied jobs and admission into educational institutions based on their states of origin.

He stressed that all Nigerians have the right to live and work in any state in the country.

Osinbajo said: “In many quarters, there are feelings of alienation and exclusion. To this point, we must recognize the ways in which we perpetuate institutional discrimination and cause people to see their identities as weapons for procuring opportunity, often at the expense of others.

We see this whenever Nigerians are denied opportunity on the basis of their state of origin or because they are ‘non- indigenes’. We see it when a Nigerian that has been resident in a state all his life is suddenly excluded from admission into an educational institution or an employment opportunity because he is not considered an ‘indigene.

All Nigerians have a constitutional right to live, work and enjoy their lives in peace and safety under the law. The classification of Nigerians as ‘indigenes’ and ‘non-indigenes’ is a form of apartheid and contradicts our declared aspirations towards equality and unity.

“Our Constitution enjoins government to ‘secure full residence rights for every citizen in all parts of the Federation’ and this is an imperative that we must commit to across all tiers of government. All that should matter in evaluating ourselves is where we live and fulfill our civic obligations.

This is why when we launched our Social Investment Programmes, the eligible beneficiaries were selected based on their states of residence and none was discriminated against on any basis. This was in keeping with the idea that the only true path to national progress lies in broadening access to opportunity for all Nigerians without qualification.

“Our destinies have become so interlinked as to be inseparable. This is why this administration is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure – road, rail, sea and river ports – to reduce the distances between our people and link localities to markets and enable trade, travel, and tourism

Our constitution guarantees a full portfolio of civil liberties and it is the responsibility of the government at all levels to give life to these provisions. For example, states should as a matter of deliberate policy ensure that the freedom of worship and provide spaces in which citizens can lawfully erect places of worship.”

Politics

Uzodinma urges Nigerians to adhere to rule of law in wake of NDA attacks

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Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo has called on Nigerians to adhere to the rule of law in the aftermath of bandits’ attacks on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Uzodinma made this call on Wednesday when he briefed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Governor further appealed to those in leadership positions to protect the sanctity of the nation by upholding the Rule of Law.

According to him, all citizens must condemn criminal activities whenever they occur and justice must be served on whoever is found wanting.

Speaking on the backdrop of Tuesday’s attack on the Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna, Uzodinma said people must not take the laws into their hands no matter their grievance.

“The business of government is the protection of lives and property and we must act as a government and live up to the responsibilities of government.

“So, we try to maintain law and order and condemn illegal and criminal activities as well as make those who are apprehended to face the law.

So many people are taking laws into their own hands and some aggrieved people have resorted to self-help. Illegality upon illegality is still illegality.

“But all we try to do is to appeal to our people because collectively, I am almost certain that if all of us agree today that unknown gunmen and bandits must stop, they will stop.

“Somehow, some people tacitly and otherwise are still allowing and encouraging these criminals to harass and intimidate innocent citizens.

“I will call on all of us as leaders, as Nigerian to protect the sanctity of our nation and protect the interest of our country by ensuring that we respect and obey the Rule of Law and do things that are allowed by law and condemn illegal and criminal activities.

It’s condemnable, it’s unfortunate that people kill human beings these days as if they are killing rams,’’ he said.

Politics, World News

Biden and Naftali Bennett to Meet, Seeking to Burnish U.S.-Israel Relations

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Both new leaders have struck a supportive tone after signs of strain in the longtime allies’ bond. But they still have vast differences on policy.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of Israel meets President Biden at the White House on Thursday, the two new leaders plan to seek a reset in relations between their countries and reinforce a bond that has showed signs of strain.
Mr. Biden, who called Mr. Bennett to congratulate him less than two hours after his swearing-in two months ago, has tried to send a clear signal that the United States supports his new, diverse, coalition government.
Mr. Bennett has said that he wants his administration to be known as the “good-will government,” and that he wants to take a softer tone toward the United States than did his longtime predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, who often clashed with Democratic leaders.
But for all the conciliatory style, the challenge may be the substance. Mr. Biden and Mr. Bennett, who have never met before, have vastly different views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and of efforts to restore the Iran nuclear deal.

Mr. Bennett has made clear that there will not be an independent Palestinian state while he is the head of his government. The Biden administration, in contrast, has expressed a deep commitment to a two-state solution that, by definition, includes an independent Palestinian state.
Mr. Bennett also opposes the United States’ re-entry into the Iran agreement, which the Biden administration is exploring.
“These are two very central issues in the U.S.-Israel relationship on which there are radically different points of view,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami, the president of J Street, a liberal pro-Israel advocacy group. “The tone and the atmosphere cannot substitute for the fact that there is a fundamental difference in view on the core issues at stake in the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Mr. Bennett said he would expand West Bank settlements, a move Mr. Biden opposes. And he declined to back American plans to reopen a consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Still, he made clear that he wanted the meeting to show that the relationship with the United States was on more solid ground, even if some of his policies are similar to those of Mr. Netanyahu.

“There’s a new dimension here — coming up with new ways to address problems, being very realistic, very pragmatic, and being reasonable with friends,” Mr. Bennett said.
His visit comes as Mr. Biden is navigating the biggest foreign policy crisis of his young presidency, trying to evacuate all Americans and Afghan allies from Afghanistan before his Aug. 31 deadline for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country after 20 years of war.

Politics

Nigeria will start producing airplanes before President Buhari leaves office – FG

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The Federal Government has said that production of airplanes in Nigeria will commence before President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office in 2023.

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika stated this on an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.

He hinted that Nigeria will partner with the Hungarian firm to begin the production., Guardian reports.

“If we venture with them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing”, the ministry’s spokesman James Odaudu, quoted him in a statement.

Giving an appraisal of the Magnus aircraft, Sirika said it is lightweight, good for military training, made of high-strength composite materials and has an aerobatic manoeuvre.

According to the minister, it uses normal car petrol and outperforms any training aircraft of its kind.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the features and readiness to facilitate the production in the country.

Sirika said the partnership will boost the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power as maintenance and repair facilities will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.

Politics

Major abducted from Nigerian Defence Academy found dead hours after bandits demanded N200m ransom

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A military officer who was abducted by bandits from the Nigerian Defence Academy Afaka, Kaduna State, Major Stephen Datong, has been found dead.

A source told SaharaReporters that Datong was killed by the bandits only two hours after.

“Major Datong who was kidnapped early this morning inside the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Kaduna has been found dead two hours ago,” the source said.

This comes after the bandits had reportedly demanded N200million ransom for his release.

It was gathered that body was found on Tuesday evening.

Datong is said to be expecting a child with his wife.

RKoA

Politics

Attack on NDA proves Buhari’s ineptitude —PDP

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The brazen attack on Nigeria’s premier military training institution, the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, has proven the further failure and ineptitude of the administration of President Muhammed Buhari, according to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While reacting to the invasion of the Afaka Barracks of the NDA by gunmen suspected to be bandits on Tuesday morning, the opposition party also referenced the fact that some state governors have been sending vehicles to troubled states in the country to evacuate their citizens in the past few days, saying it was also proof that Nigerians have lost confidence in the Buhari government.

The statement titled, “Terrorism: Nigerians Have Lost Hope in Buhari, APC,” and signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, expressed sadness that the insecurity situation has so deteriorated under the regime that suspected bandits now have the temerity to attack military formations.

Part of the statement made available to Ripples Nigeria on Wednesday morning reads:

“Bandits and terrorists are now freely ravaging our communities in Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, Zamfara, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Imo and other states of the federation, including Mr. President’s home state, Katsina, where the governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has now asked victims of terror attacks to defend themselves.

The decision by some state governments to evacuate their citizens from violence and terror ridden states, including Plateau State, further confirms that Nigerians have lost faith in the capacity of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress administration to secure the nation.

“It is distressing that having lost hope in the capacity and commitment of the President Buhari-led APC administration to protect their citizens, state governments are now sending vehicles to the University of Jos, Plateau state, to evacuate their citizens.

“This shows their complete loss of confidence in the APC administration and the empty promises by the Buhari Presidency.

“It is even more disheartening that while our nation is under turmoil and while hundreds of helpless Nigerians, including innocent students, are languishing in kidnappers’ den, President Buhari and APC leaders are more interested in their lavish funfair with state owned resources and facilities.

The PDP further noted that violence and acts of terrorism had escalated across the country due to the incompetence and compromises of the Buhari regime as well as its refusal to heed wise counsel from well-meaning Nigerians, including the PDP on how to secure and stabilize the nation.

Politics

Army slams reports of aiding criminalities in Abia State

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The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations by a lawmaker in Abia that military personnel were aiding and abetting criminality in the Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement in Abuja, warned the lawmaker to desist from such blackmail.

Nwachukwu said that the assembly member representing Isuikwuato constituency of Abia had alleged that when security agents arrested suspected kidnappers of Abia State University lecturers, a certain call came from a high military formation ordering their release.

“Much as we do not want to join issues with the insinuators, it is crucial to set the record straight.

If truly the claims in the said report emanated from the lawmaker, then we must state without mincing words that they are not only unfounded but a travesty of facts and reality.

“The claim is completely devoid of truth. It is most unfair for anyone at that height of the social ladder to sponsor a smear campaign against the Nigerian Army for whatever reason; particularly knowing that he has access to the leadership of the military.

Contrary to the narrative being peddled in the said report, it took the gallantry of our men on patrol to rescue the victims of the said kidnap incident before handing them over to the police.

“How then could the same army that was instrumental to the rescue of the victims, turn around to order the release of the suspects.

“Evidently, this is illogical and a blatant lie,” he said.

Nwachukwu said that the report was an abysmally failed attempt at blackmailing the army for denying unscrupulous elements the freedom of action to foist lawlessness and violence on the good people and government of Abia.

He said that the lawmaker was supposed to have sought clarifications from the army before resorting to media trial.

He appealed to members of the public to approach the army on any issue requiring clarification rather than resorting to blackmail.

Politics

Defence HQ blows hot, vows to track down bandits who invaded NDA

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has vowed to track down the bandits who invaded the barracks of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State in the early hours of Tuesday, where two senior Army officers were killed and one was abducted.

In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, the CDS said the bandits “who breached the perimeter fence went straight to the officers’ living quarters and started shooting sporadically at the NDA” will have themselves to blame for the daring attack on a military formation.

Gen. Irabor who condoled with the families of the deceased officers, said henceforth, the security of the NDA communities would been beefed up while operations are ongoing in the general area.

He added that all efforts have been intensified by troops and they are currently combing the entire locations in search and rescue mission for the adducted officers.

The statement which was sighted by Ripples Nigeria reads:

“The gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in joint operations are in hot pursuit of armed bandits that attacked the officers’ quarters of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), in Kaduna early hours of 24 August, 2021.

The bandits who sneaked in after breaching the perimeter fence and went straight to the officer’s living quarters and started shooting sporadically.

“Unfortunately, two brave and gallant officers paid the supreme price while one other officer was abducted by the bandits during the process.

“All efforts have been intensified by troops who are currently combing the entire locations in search and rescue missions for the abducted officers.

“The Commandant, NDA, as well as the HQ 1 Division, with the support of NAF, are presently in a coordinated joint operation to search and rescue the abducted officer and arrest the perpetrators.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) wishes to use this medium to condole with the families of the deceased officers, and thanked troops for their quick response.

“The CDS also wishes to assure the NDA communities of their safety as security has been beefed up while operations are ongoing in the general area. Further details will be released later.”

Politics

Fani-Kayode questions Zamfara deputy gov’s loyalty after refusal to decamp to APC with gov Matawalle

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Former Aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has questioned the loyalty of Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mahdi Aliyu Muhammad Gusau, for refusing to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slammed the deputy governor, saying it was a form of betrayal to not join his principal in decamping.

Gusau had refused to join Matawalle in decamping from the PDP to the APC, and also decrying plans by the state assembly to impeach him despite a court order stopping such moves.

Reacting on social media, Fani-Kayode questioned why a Deputy Governor would refuse to decamp with his Governor after being picked as a running mate during the election.

“When a Governor decamps from one party to another shouldn’t his Deputy go with him? Is that not what loyalty is all about?,” Fani-Kayode tweeted

“Against his better judgement @Bellomatawalle1 picked you as his running mate & made you Deputy Governor & now you undermine & betray him? Shame on you!”

Politics

JUST IN: Buhari has to put on his thinking cap to save Nigeria and his legacy —Pastor Bakare

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Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take stringent steps to ensure that his legacy is not rubbished.

The cleric who stated that he was shocked by happenings around the country right now, said the president and those in places of authority in the country need to put on their thinking cap to remedy the situation.

He spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday morning.

More to come…

Politics

Katsina lawmakers breakdown in tears at plenary over escalating insecurity

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Two members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, on Monday, broke down in tears during plenary while deliberating over the escalating insecurity situation bedevilling the state.

During his presentation on the floor of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Shehu Dalhatu-Tafoki, presented a motion of urgent Public Importance over the level of insecurity in the state.

According to Dalhatu-Tafoki, the situation had become alarming as it keeps getting worse daily despite efforts of the federal, state governments and the security agencies.

The Deputy Speaker also noted that the issue of insecurity in the state was worsening by the day, with more people being killed everyday as more communities were being affected.

“There is a serious need for the security outfits in the state to increase their outposts across the state, especially the most insecurity affected areas.

The outposts in those areas are not enough, they cannot overpower the bandits, despite the huge amounts of money being spent on them,” he said.

In his contribution, Alhaji Haruna Goma, representing Dandume constituency, said no fewer than 11 persons were killed in two communities of Dandume, while many were abducted, before breaking down in tears as he could not finish his speech.

While narrating the incident, the lawmaker called on government at all levels to come to their aid before members of his community end up being massacred.

A second lawmaker, the Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, representing Funtua constituency, also shed tears as he narrated how bandits had laid siege to his constituency for the past 40 days, attacking the people on a daily basis, killing scores and kidnapping many.

After the long deliberations by the lawmakers, the assembly unanimously adopted the motion and called on all relevant authorities to look into the issue in the interest of those affected.

The House also resolved to hold a meeting with the National assembly members from Katsina and also the state executive arm, to discuss the issue of insecurity, as well as inviting all heads of security agencies in the state and the state’s committee on security, for solutions to the problem.

Politics

Buhari has hidden agenda to Fulanise Nigeria —Gov Ortom

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Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has accused the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari of a hidden agenda to fulanise Nigeria.

He alleged that the president was in support of the activities of Fulani herdsmen who were terrorizing citizens, and killing people in efforts to chase them from their ancestral lands.

The governor spoke on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television, where he also lamented that Buhari was not the first Fulani man to rule Nigeria, and asked why his administration was different in condoning the atrocities of Fulani herdsmen.

Ortom said, “Because of the body language of President Muhammadu Buhari, Miyetti Allah has been killing our people. My citizens have sent me to tell the President that they don’t want open grazing.

The Presidency is aware of the atrocities of the Miyetti Allah because I alerted them of the threats being issued by the Fulani herders but nothing was done.

President Buhari told me to tell my people to learn to live with their neighbours; neighbours with AK-47s who kill and pillage our people; I have alerted the Presidency several times, but Miyetti Allah is always in Abuja with the President, being protected with taxpayers’ money.”

Regarding the stance of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum on open grazing, Ortom noted that his position is widely known amongst his colleagues.

“I have made my position known to the NGF but I am just one governor; the southern governors resolved over what should happen but they were castigated.

“The position is known with the support of most of the northern governors but most of them are afraid to confront the matter due to the fear of the EFCC. The presidency is frustrating the efforts of the NGF regarding the issue of open grazing.”

Ortom further lamented that he has been blocked from seeing the president by his handlers, to present the plight of his people to Buhari.

Politics

Lagos to begin Moderna COVID-19 vaccination, Wednesday -Sanwo-Olu

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The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, has announced that the State Government will begin the vaccination of her residents against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic and the third wave.

The State Government had distributed AstraZeneca vaccines in the first phase of vaccination to the residents.

Briefing State House Correspondents at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on the situation report on the COVID-19 management in the State, Sanwo-Olu, expressed his resolve to fight the pandemic.

He said: “It is costly and requires hard work and commitment from a wide range of stakeholders and partners, sacrificing their time and energy and resources on multiple fronts to slow down the virus, and eventually to tame it.

As a government, we have taken substantial steps to arrest this third wave in its tracks, most notable of them is the increased monitoring and enforcement embarked upon by members of the incident command structure.

“As of August 21, Lagos had recorded 70,563 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 60,716 have recovered in-community, and 4,387 are currently being managed actively in-community. About 5,551 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres, with 506 registered fatalities, 135 of which happened in this current third wave.

“Lagos State received its allocation of 299,992 doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 18 for the second phase of the national vaccination campaign, which will begin this Wednesday, August 25.

We have developed an elaborate plan to administer the vaccines in 150 centres. The increase in the number of centres is to prevent the gathering of large crowds and ensure the campaign does not itself become a super-spreader event. We will ensure the administration is based solely on appointments which should be done through nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng.

Our ultimate goal is to vaccinate 60 per cent of our residents in good time.”

Speaking further, the governor said: “To help us better manage the pandemic, we have invested in strengthening the capacity of the Lagos State Biobank to sequence positive cases. Sequencing allows us to identify the predominant strains of the COVID-19 virus in our environment and provides us with information on how to better respond to the pandemic.

“We are also looking to increase our oxygen production to 1,000 cylinders per day since it is a vital requirement for the management of the most severe cases. We have seen a gradual increase in the uptake of oxygen from 75 cylinders per day at the beginning of this third wave, to over 400 cylinders per day currently.

With our modelling suggesting that we may be required even more oxygen supply over the next few weeks, we are exploring several ways of increasing our oxygen capacity, including partnering with the private sector. At the moment we have two functioning oxygen plants, at the IDH in Yaba, and in Gbagada, and are looking forward to shortly taking delivery of two additional oxygen plants being built in Lagos State by the Federal Government. Our target is an oxygen supply capacity of 1,000 cylinders per day.

“I appeal for your cooperation. The threat of the Coronavirus is not theoretical, it is very real. We have been on the journey now for about 18 months, and we are all witnesses to the immense disruptions we have seen on every front, not to talk of the many lives that have been lost.

We are all united in our desire to put this virus and the pandemic behind us as quickly as we can, but this will not happen if we continue to disregard health protocols. We also cannot afford to allow a sense of fatigue to set in. The consequences of this will be enormous.

Politics

Court restrains Secondus from parading as PDP National chairman

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Prince Uche Secondus has been restrained from parading himself as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or even as a menber of the party.

The injuction was granted on Monday by Hon. Justice O. Gbasam of the Degema Judicial Division Vacation Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The development followed a suit filed by Ibeawuchi Ernest Alex, Dennis Nna Amadi, Emmanuel Stephen and Umezirike Onucha against Uche Secondus (1st defendant) and the PDP (2nd defendant).

The judge, after reading the affidavit in support of the motion of ex parte as well as hearing the submission of H.A. Bello, Counsel to the Applicants, granted the interim injunction barring Secondus from participating in party activities.

An order restraining the 1st Defendant from parading himself as member of the 2nd Defendant or the National Chairman of the Defendant or performing the functions of national chairman of the 2nd defendant or calling, attending or presiding over any meeting of the 2nd defendant or any committee of the 2nd defendant at the Ward, Local Government or State level or calling for any Ward, Local Government or State Congress of the 2nd defendant or setting up committees for such Congresses or participating in any activity of the 2nd defendant whatsoever whilst on suspension as a member of the 2nd defendant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction,” the order read.

The judge further granted leave to serve, by substituted means the originating summons, motion on notice, all orders made by the court and all subsequent processes on the respondent by pasting same on his gate at No.1 William Jumbo Street, Old G.R.A Port Harcourt.

Politics

Benue gov, Ortom, threatens Buhari with legal action over grazing reserves

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The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has insisted on dragging President Muhammadu Buhari before a competent court if the Federal Government goes ahead with plans to implement the Grazing Reserve Policy.

This is coming on the heels of Buhari’s approval of recommendations of a committee to review 368 grazing sites, across 25 states in the country, to determine the levels of encroachment.

The President’s directive followed his approval of the recommendations of a committee chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari.

Among others, the committee had recommended the collection of field data on 368 grazing reserves across 25 states to assess encroachment and encroachers, stakeholder engagements and sensitisation.

Reacting to the approval in an interaction with newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital on Sunday, Ortom, insisted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria superseded the Northern Nigeria Law that provided for grazing reserves, and as such, the imposition of grazing reserves in states is illegal.

He maintained that Benue State under his watch would not accept the grazing reserve policy, stressing that his state would not concede any of its land for the policy.

“The truth is that if the entire country had accepted ranching, then why is Mr President insisting on open grazing when there is no land for such?

“In the 50s when this policy was initiated, what was the population of Nigeria? It was less than 40 million but today, we are more than 200 million.

“The 923 square kilometres is not even enough to cater for the population. The reason Mr. President is insisting, to some of us, I think there is a hidden agenda.

“Mr. President has aides. The Attorney General of the Federation, Malami (SAN) and other lawyers around him should advise him. For God’s sake, it is laughable and it appears we do not know what we are doing.

Under my watch, this state will not accept open grazing. I have already briefed my lawyers should Mr. President insists on going ahead with the policy,” Ortom said.

Politics

Gumi slams politicians for display of wealth at Buhari’s son’s wedding

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Northern Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has criticised politicians for their display of wealth amid the widespread poverty in the country during the wedding of President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf, in Kano State.

Gumi, who stated this during a sermon at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna on Sunday, likened the politicians to bandits stating both have taken advantage of Nigerians to live life of opulence.

The cleric also wondered where they got all the money they displayed at the wedding, if not from the public purse.

Ripples Nigeria had reported that Yusuf Buhari married Zarah Bayero, the daughter of Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Bayero, at a grand ceremony held in Bichi, Kano State.

Dignitaries at the event included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, serving and former governors, traditional rulers, as well as prominent personalities from within and outside the country.

Gumi also faulted Nigerian politicians for hiring private jets to attend the wedding.

“Umar bn Khattab once took 16 dinar, which is equivalent of N2,040,000 today, from the treasury as estacode to Hajj. After their return, Umar admitted to Abdallah that they wasted public funds. Somebody told me private jets in Nigeria were all hired for the wedding of Buhari’s son.

“Some people are in captivity in the bushes and cities. Hunger is everywhere. People are facing all manner of problems, yet politicians spent public funds on private jets,” he lamented.

Politics

Ogun govt evacuates stranded indigenes from UniJos

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Following the killings in Plateau State, the Ogun State government on Sunday, said it has evacuated stranded indigenes of the state who are students of the University of Jos (UniJos).

The Special Assistant to the Governor of Ogun State on Students’ Affairs, Azeez Adeyemi, disclosed the development to newsmen in Abeokuta, saying Governor Abiodun had ordered the evacuation of students of the state who are indigenes of Ogun State.

Ripples Nigeria reported that the management of UniJos had suspended the ongoing second-semester examinations for 2019/2020 academic session in the institution, after recent killings in some parts of Jos.

It would be recalled that not less than four students of the university have reportedly lost their lives to the attacks.

Also, the Chairman of the Jos Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Jeremiah Dalong, had called for the evacuation of students in Plateau State, who are trapped in school hostels following the 24-hour curfew declared in the state.

According to Adeyemi, the Ogun State government had provided five buses and security escorts for the stranded students to guarantee their safe return home.

He said the evacuation was done in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS).

In line with the policy of Governor Dapo Abiodun on the protection of lives and property of every Ogun State indigene, the governor has ordered the immediate evacuation of all the indigenes of the State studying in the University of Jos.

“This followed the crisis which erupted as a result of the killings of four students of the institution. We have provided five buses and security escorts to bring our children back home safely.

“No indigene of this State will be allowed to suffer or be abandoned irrespective of their political or religious affiliation. They are Ogun people and it is our duty to ensure their safety,” Adeyemi said.

Reactingto the development, the NAOSS President, Oluwagbemileke Ogunrombi said the state officials had already evacuated close to 80 students and some corp members who are indigenes of the state from the troubled areas.

He applauded the state government for urgently coming to the aid of the students.

“We requested for two buses, but the state government magnanimously released five buses, not only buses but with a military escort. So, the students have been evacuated and taken to a haven.

“As of last time we spoke with the team, about 80 students have been evacuated. Then, they said some Corp members are also joining them,” Ogunrombi said.

Politics

Another attack on Kaduna community leaves 14 persons dead, houses burnt

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Communities in Southern Kaduna have again witnessed blood baths, as not less than 14 people have lost their lives in a fresh attack on Mado village of Mabushi, in the Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Saturday night.

It was gathered that some houses in the area were set ablaze during the late-night attack.

Also, in a reprisal attack, a Fulani settlement in Kankada, Madakiya District in Bajju Chiefdom of the same LGA was reportedly burnt down completely on Sunday morning.

Speaking on the incident, Halima Haruna, a female resident of Kankada, who was rescued and taken to the Zonkwa Divisional Police Station, told newsmen that the attackers surrounded their community in the early hours of Sunday.

The woman, who happens to be the wife of the Ardo of Kankada said she saw two corpses, a man and woman, on her way to find somewhere to hide.

We were forced to run and hide somewhere while some of our people ran to the bush for their safety.

We don’t know what happened to them as I am speaking with you now, we spent three hours before the security arrived and took us to the Police Station here in Zonkwa. Our houses were totally razed,” Haruna said

According to her, the attackers told them that they wanted to take revenge for what happened to them on Saturday night, somewhere around Samaru Kataf, which they knew nothing about.

In the past one week, four villages in Atyap chiefdom have come under separate attacks, leading to the death of many residents, while many were injured and several houses burnt.

Meanwhile, confirming the incidents to newsmen on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Muhammed Jalige, said police operatives have been deployed to the attacked community

He called on the people of Zangon Kataf in particular and the people of southern Kaduna in general, to stop taking laws into their hands.

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