Politics

Niger releases names of abducted Kagara students, teachers

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The Niger State government has released the names of students and teachers kidnapped by bandits on Tuesday night from the Government Science College, Kagara in the Rafi local government area of the state.

A statement signed by Mary Noel-Berje, the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, on Wednesday, revealed that 27 students, three teachers, two non teaching staff and nine family members of the staff staying in the quarters were abducted by the gunmen.

In the statement, the names of the abducted teachers were given as Hannatu Philip, Lawal Abdullahi and Dodo Fodio, while the non teaching staff kidnapped were Mohammed Musa and Faiza Mohammed.

The abducted family members were Christiana Adama, Faith Adama, Maimuna Suleman, Nura Isah, Ahmad Isah, Khadizat Isah, Mohammed Mohammed, Aisha Isah and Saratu Isah.

The statement gave the names of the abducted students as Jamilu Isah, Shem Joshua, Abbas Abdullahi, Isah Abdullahi, Ezekeil Danladi, Haliru Shuibu, Mamuda Suleman, Danzakar Dauda, Abdulsamad Sanusi and Bashir Abbas.

Others were Suleman Lawal, Abdullahi Adamu, Habakuk Augustine, Idris Mohammed, Musa Adamu, Abdulkarim Abdulrahman, Abubakar Danjumma, Abdullahi Abubakar, Bashir Kamalideen, Mohammed Salisu.

Also kidnapped in the raid were Yusuf M Kabir, Isah Abdullah Makusidi, Polineous Vicente, Lawal Bello, Mohammed K Shehu, Mubarak Sidi and Abdulsamad Nuhu.

The statement added that one student was shot dead in the school premises and gave his name as Benjamin Habila.

Politics

FAAN closes Lagos airport runway after accident

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut down a runway of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, following a landing incident.

FAAN’s general manager, corporate affairs, Henrietta Yakubu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

“The closure is due to a landing incident involving a Boeing 737 Azman Air aircraft with registration 5N SYS, and flight number ZQ2325. The aircraft had a tyre burst after landing on this runway,” FAAN said.

It said all passengers and crew on board the aircraft were safely evacuated at 7:08 PM while officials of FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, AIB and NAHCO were working to ensure the aircraft was towed out of the runway, to restore normalcy.

Politics

Lagos to become megacity by 2030 – Sanwo-Olu

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, boasted on Tuesday the state will become a megacity by 2030 considering the ongoing transformation process in the state.

Sanwo-Olu stated this during the 2021 Lagos Economic Summit with the theme: “For a Greater Lagos: Setting the tone for the next decade.”

He said Lagos had seen several revolutionary changes to usher in a new era of prosperity reflected in improved infrastructure, economy, and security.

The governor said the state is still confronted with many challenges, stressing that is also important to identify the progress and build on it.

Sanwo-Olu said: “In 2030, Lagos will proudly stand beside every other megacity in the world in terms of its capacity to transport its people efficiently and responsively.

“In 2030, Lagos will be a Smart City, fully covered by a network of several thousands of kilometers of fibre optic infrastructure that will carry broadband internet into our homes, offices, and schools and unleash a technology revolution that has never before been seen in this part of the world.

The Smart City that is unfolding will also be home to a network of intelligent cameras that will support not only security and policing across the state, but also traffic management and data collection for urban planning.

“As you all know, land is not a resource we are generously endowed with in Lagos – we are the smallest state in Nigeria by landmass, with by far the largest population.

Yet, this should not be an excuse for us to shy away from exploiting the agriculture value chain to the fullest, with a focus on non-land-intensive aspects like processing and value addition.

“By 2030, Lagos will be home to one of the largest rice mills in the world in Imota. We can still aspire, even with our geographical limitations to feed ourselves and the rest of the country through the innovative use of technology and a focus on processing and industry.”

The governor stressed that his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda would help harness the full potential of Lagos and shapes the state into a competitive megacity in the new decade.

In his remarks, the Co-Chairman of Lagos Economic Summit Group, Yemi Cardoso, said Lagos had seen an appreciable development over the last 10 years.

He said: “Lagos is a megacity and must begin to look and operate like a megacity.

“That would only be possible if we are deliberate about the plans and policies we put in place to ensure that both the public and private sector can achieve the set goals or objectives meant to develop the city.

“I believe we have the leaders with the know-how and we have the workforce. What we need to do is provide the vision and guidance to make sure it happens. That is what this summit is about.”

Politics

‘Don’t leave fight against bandits, others to military alone,’ Minister charges Nigerians

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The Minister of Defence, Major Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd), on Wednesday, challenged Nigerians not to leave the fight against insecurity to the military alone.

The minister, who stated this during the screening of the new service chiefs at the House of Representatives, said it is the responsibility of every Nigerian to be alert and ensure safety when necessary.

He, however, assured that the Federal Government would adopt the same tactics used rescuing the abducted students of Government Science Technical College, Kankara, Katsina State, to rescue the 27 students abducted from a college in Niger State.

He said the service chiefs would swing into action immediately they are through with their screening and track down the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the children.

Magashi said: ” “Well, security is not the responsibility of the military alone. It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary. We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.

Why should people run away from minor, minor aggressions? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away.

“On the abducted students, we have demonstrated our ability to take on the challenge. We have done it in Katsina; when children were kidnapped, within two days, we got them back. Hopefully, this time, we will do the same thing to get these captives back. We are planning.

We have not got feedback on the activities going on in Niger State. But I am sure that before the end of the day, we will be given a full brief on what is going on in Niger State.

“Nigerians have been asking the government to allow them to carry arms. It is an issue currently even in the developed country. They are still debating on whether to continue to allow people to bear arms or stop. But I don’t advise Nigerians to bear firearms for internal use.”

Politics

Court adjourns former NNPC GMD Yakubu’s trial to March 10

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Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja has adjourned till March 10, 2021 for continuation of cross examination in the ongoing trial of former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Andrew Yakubu.

Yakubu was arraigned in 2017 before Justice Mohammed on a six-count charge of failure to make full disclosure of assets, money laundering and intent to avoid a lawful transaction under law, having unlawfully transported at various times to Kaduna an aggregate sum of $9,772,800 and £74,000.

At the last adjourned date, January 14, the Court had reserved till today, ruling on the request by the prosecution, through its counsel, M. S Abubakar, for an order of court to move to CBN Kano branch for inspection of the sums of $9,772,800 and £74000 which are respective subject of counts three and four of the charge.

Abubakar urged the court to grant the Locus in quo in the overall interest of justice.
But, the defence counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN had opposed the prosecution.

The learned silk argued that counts three and four can be effectively determined without a physical inspection of the cash sums of $9,772,800 and £74000.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Justice Mohammed refused the request by the prosecution for Locus in quo, saying it was unnecessary as doing so would place the money and the conveyers in danger. He also noted that the Court was satisfied by the affidavits presented by both the prosecution and defence and that trial could proceed without a physical inspection of the seized cash.

“I found paragraph 7-11 of the affidavit in support of the application quiet relevant, so also EFCC 2. I similarly refer to paragraph 6-10, 12, 17 and 18 of the defendant’s counter affidavit. I have already reviewed in this ruling, contention of the affidavit in support and counter affidavit.

Having these affidavits, I found no basis for the request for a visit to Kano for physical inspection of the money in question and come back to continue the proceeding”, he said.

Politics

Nigerian int’l fraudster, Invictus, jailed 10 years for $11m fraud

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Nigerian international fraudster, Obinwanne Okeke, also known as Invictus, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Virginia Court in the US for defrauding Americans of $11m.

Okeke was sentenced on Tuesday by Chief District Judge, Rebecca Smith, for his involvement in a ‘computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11m in known losses to his victims’, according to the prosecutors.

The lead prosecutor, Raj Parekh, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said of the verdict:

Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims.

“Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.”

According to court documents, the 33-year-old Okeke and others had, between 2015 to 2019, engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds.

The syndicate obtained and compiled the credentials of hundreds of victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Virginia.

As part of the scheme, they engaged in an email compromise scheme targeting Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment.

In April 2018, a Unatrac executive fell prey to a phishing email that allowed the syndicate to capture login credentials.

They then sent fraudulent wire transfer requests and attached fake invoices.

Okeke participated in the effort to victimise Unatrac through fraudulent wire transfers totaling nearly $11m which was transferred overseas.

Okeke was also said to have engaged in other forms of cyberfraud, including sending phishing emails to capture email credentials, creating fraudulent web pages, and causing other losses to numerous victims.

Okeke was at one time, listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 category for his business exploits and described as an inspiration to Nigerian youths.

Politics

Court dismisses Jimoh Ibrahim’s bid to reclaim assets seized by AMCON

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Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Tuesday, dismissed the billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim’s bid reclaim his properties seized by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over an alleged N69.4billion indebtedness.

AMCON had in November last year secured an interim order to seize at least 12 properties from Ibrahim and his firms, Nicon Investment Limited and Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited, in a bid to recover the debt.

The businessman and his companies later approached the court to set aside the earlier order on the seizure of the assets.

In his ruling on the application, Justice Aikawa upheld AMCON’s argument that it made full and substantial disclosure of all material facts when it secured the orders on November 4, 2020.

The judge said: “I have carefully studied the respective applications and arguments for or against parties. I agree totally with the counsel for the claimant Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) that this suit is sui generis as Section 49(1)(2) of the AMCON Act says that the order made on the 4th of November, 2020, can be made ex-parte on mere suspicion that the rest is about to be dissipated.

“In my opinion, we have a unique situation here. The application that led to the ex-parte order made on the 4th of November 2020 was brought pursuant to the provisions of AMCON Act which defines this as a Federal High Court.

I do not think that based on the above reasons, that this application has made a case out for the order of this court to be vacated. The appropriate order to be made in this circumstance is to dismiss same and, accordingly, this application is hereby dismissed.”

Politics

El-Rufai has political will to tackle Kaduna security challenge – APC

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) said on Tuesday the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has displayed a sincerity of purpose and strong political will to tackle security challenges in the state.

The Secretary of the APC National Caretaker Committee, John Akpanudoedehe, stated this in a statement greeting the governor on his 61st birthday.

He said the Kaduna State government has been exemplary in investing in human capital development under El-Rufai.

According to him, the government had also revamped public infrastructure and services in the state as well as created economic opportunities for people of the state.

The APC chieftain said Governor El-Rufai had distinguished himself after spearheading the Federal Government’s privatisation exercise and restoring the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Master Plan.

Akpanudoedehe said: “At different times, El-Rufai has been called to serve the public; he has distinguished himself and made indelible marks.

“At party level, many will recall the excellent work he did as chairman of the APC Committee on True Federalism.

“The sweeping report of the committee on true federalism is currently being considered by the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee.

“Commendably, El-Rufai has displayed sincerity of purpose and strong political will to tackle security challenges recorded in Kaduna State.”

Politics

Bill seeking establishment of power institute scales second reading in House of Representatives

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A Bill seeking the establishment of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) scaled second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill which was sponsored by Hon. Wale Raji seeks to create a legal framework for the operation and administration of the institute under the extant laws.

Raji, who led the debate on the bill, said the crux of the document was to cloth the already existing institute with legal status.

He said the enactment of the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act, 2005 provided the platform for the deregulation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry from the control, ownership and regulation of the Federal Government to the private sector.

According to the lawmaker, the reform basically focused on accomplishing many goals among which are power stability, reliability, sustainability, and human capacity development.

Raji said: “In response to this reform and to address the lingering issues on human capacity development, NAPTIN was established in March 23, 2009.

NAPTIN is to provide a structural and standardised training process in order to achieve manpower capacity development in the power sector.

“With the successful completion of the reform and privatisation programme, NAPTIN along with some newly established institutions in the power sector assumed the status of a parastatal of the Federal Government under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Power.

In view of the above Executive act, it is imperative that NAPTIN is established by an Act of parliament to empower the institute to actualise its mission and goals.

The creation, establishment, structure, composition, finance, and functions of the institute will serve as a focal point for the development and capacity building as well as a research centre on matters relating to power in Nigeria and Africa at large.”

Politics

Abiodun, Akeredolu, three others receive Daniel into APC

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The former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday officially completed his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, just two years after quitting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Daniel, who was the Director-General of Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation for the 2019 presidential election, resigned from PDP in March same year.

He also openly supported the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, during the 2019 governorship election in the state.

He was received into APC at his Asoludero residence in Sagamu, Ogun State, by Governor Abiodun and four other governors elected on the party’s platform.

The governors are – Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Abubakar Bello (Niger).

Bello, who is Chairman of APC Registration and Revalidation Committee, presented broom, a symbol of APC, to Daniel to formally welcome him into the party.

He said the National Chairman of APC Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni, and Bagudu, would formally present the former governor to President Muhammadu Buhari in a few days.

Bagudu, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, described Daniel as a colossus with outstanding political ideology.

He said APC has grown bigger and better with his defection, adding that the party was happy to receive the ex-PDP chieftain.

Akeredolu described Daniel’s switch to APC as homecoming and urged leaders of the party in the state to come together and make the party stronger.

In his response, Daniel said the decision to join APC was well-considered and thought out.

He stressed that Nigeria needed leaders to come together and speak with one voice in order to tackle challenges.

In Ogun, no better time because we have a working governor who needs the support of all,” he said.

Governor Abiodun described Daniel’s defection to APC as historic, saying he supported his governorship ambition in 2019.

“Daniel will add a lot of value to our party. We are a party, not a social club. Before he joined us today (Tuesday), his advanced party has joined us. We expected more people to join us before the end of the registration and revalidation exercise,” he concluded.

Politics, World News

PDP leaders visit Jonathan

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The National Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki is currently meeting with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Details of the meeting are sketchy but it was gathrre gathered that it may not be unconnected to the party’s plan for the 2023 election.

Alongside key PDP leaders, Saraki stormed President Jonathan’s residence at Maitama, Abuja, around 1:00pm.

Former governors of Katsina, Gombe and Cross Rivers states; Ibrahim Shema, Ibrahim Dankwambo and Liyel Imoke, are among those in attendance.

Others at the closed-door meeting include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; and erstwhile House of Representatives leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande.

Saraki’s committee was inaugurated months after the PDP lost the presidential election to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2019.

Among its objectives is reconciling aggrieved members who have left the party and as well wooing new members to the party ahead of the next general election.

It had been reported how some kinsmen and political allies of Jonathan intensified their move to woo the Nigerian leader into 2023 presidential race.

Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted the claim that it is planning to make the former president its candidate in 2023, reports on such move have been flying around.

Some of Jonathan’s allies, especially in Bayelsa, where he hails from, have been pushing him for the 2023 election.

Jonathan’s kinsman from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and pro-democracy advocate, Comrade Wisdom Ikuli, revealed that the former president is very eligible to contest the 2023 presidential election and that most Nigerians are yearning for his return.

Politics

Reps to screen New Service Chiefs on Wednesday

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The new Service Chiefs recently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari will be screened for confirmation by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

According to the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, the Service Chiefs will be screened behind closed doors for security reasons.

The newly appointed Service Chiefs are Maj. Gen. Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea lrabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao, Chief of Air staff.

They were nominated by the President to replace the former Service Chiefs including Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who all resigned on January 26.

In a letter sent to the Senate and the House, dated January 27, Buhari had urged the National Assembly to confirm the new Service Chiefs.

Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, also confirmed receipt of the letter on February 5, which he read to the members before going ahead to set up as panel made up of Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen and some members of military-related standing committees, to be led by Benson.

“The screening of the new Service Chiefs will hold on Wednesday at 10am,” Benson said while confirming the upcoming screening.

You know that for security issues, you don’t want to put information out there that the enemy will use against us. We will make some opening remarks but the main ‘question and answer’ session would be behind closed doors.

“Nigerians should rest assure that we have moved (and adopted) several motions on insecurity and those resolutions are uppermost in our mind. We want safety and security to return to our national life. We are mindful of all that,” he added.

Politics

Nigerian govt institutes 21-man committee for reforms in defence sector

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The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen Bashir Magashi, has inaugurated a 21-man committee to facilitate the reforms of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mr Mohammad Abdulkadri, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Magashi explained that the committee would facilitate the necessary defence sector reforms with a view to addressing the perceived administrative and operational gaps in the nation’s military.

He said the military must be refined in compliance with the current globally acceptable 21st century standards.

The minister also urged the committee to see its assignment as a patriotic call to national service and the need for its members to play their roles in defence of the country’s territorial integrity against the infractions of the insurgents, bandits and kidnappers.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari is optimistic that the recommendations of the committee at the end of the assignment will drive his campaign promise to return the military to its rightful place of global reckoning.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Musa Istifanus, said the members of the committee were carefully selected and balanced to meet national representation and aspirations capable of delivering on their mandates.

The Chairman of the committee, retired Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Umar, assured that members of the committee would bring their experiences and expertise to bear in carrying out the assignment.

Umar said teamwork, dedication and commitment would be their watchwords within the ambit of national realities.

The committee has, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi as Secretary while some former service chiefs, as well as some top serving and retired officers, are members.

Politics, World News

Know the following about the new EFCC chairman

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Abdulrasheed Bawa, the new helmsman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has about 16 years of experience on job.

At 40, he is the youngest person to chair the Commission. The founding chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, was appointed at the age of 43 in 2003.

Before his new appointment, the Kebbi-born lawyer worked as the Zonal Head of the EFCC in Lagos and Oyo States.

Below are 10 things to note about the anti-graft czar.

  • He was born in Jega, Kebbi State, 40 years ago. This makes him the first person to be appointed to the EFCC job from anywhere in Nigeria other than the North-East zone.
  • Bawa is the first career operative to head the EFCC. His appointment puts to rest agitation by “core EFCC staff” to have one of their own to head the commission.
  • Bawa served under all EFCC past chairpersons, starting with Nuhu Ribadu, who recruited the first set of civilians into EFCC (including Bawa) in 2005.
  • The operative started work with EFCC from its Lagos office, after his recruitment in 2005. He went on to work at the headquarters in Abuja, and for a year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
  • He was educated at the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2001 and master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy in 2011.
  • He is a Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent, a position he was promoted to in 2016.
  • Bawa has led a number of key corruption and financial crimes investigations including the infamous case of former Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, the case of former Niger State governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu and that of the Controversial crude oil swap. He was also involved in the investigation of petroleum subsidy fraud (2012-2015).
  • Bawa has headed EFCC zonal offices in Ibadan and Port Harcourt between June 2018 and December 2019.
  • From Port Harcourt, Bawa was posted to Abuja as head of Capacity Development Division of the EFCC Academy, Karu.
  • Bawa was trained by the FBI, KPMG and many other institutions in the UK, United States and Nigeria

Politics

Atiku Campaign manager, Gbenga Daniel defects to APC.

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Former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel has dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his longtime political party, for the ruling All Progressive Part (APC).
Mr. Daniel, twice governor on PDP’s vehicle, will pick up the APC’s membership card on Tuesday in Sagamu, he said in a statement to friends obtained by Peoples Gazette. 


The decision was in time for Mr. Daniel’s eligibility to pick up the party’s membership before ongoing registration exercise expires later today. 
He will be receiving party chairman and Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni and about three other APC governors as part of the political move, which would leave the PDP without a visible leader in the Gateway State. 
Mr. Daniel was the campaign manager for Atiku Abubakar during the 2019 presidential election, helping the former vice president to a drawn primary victory.

Politics

Agric Minister reveals FG to train 30,000 workers in revamp of extension services across Nigeria

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The Federal Government, on Monday announced that it had trained over 30,000 workers as part of efforts to reinvigorate extension services and encourage agricultural productivity in the country.

Sabo Nanono, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stated this at the National Wheat Farmers Field Day at Jakarade plantation in Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano state.

Nanono said the federal government planned to train 70,000 workers, adding that 30,000 of them had completed their training designed to expose them to modern farming techniques, fertiliser and chemical application.

He said the measure was imperative towards equipping farmers with modern farming techniques, crop processing and entrepreneurial skills, to add value to agricultural produce.

The minister said the Federal Government had initiated sound extension programmes, to transform agriculture and achieve food security, and urged state governments to engage them to enhance farmer support services at the grassroots.

According to him, the programme was focused on encouraging wheat production and processing, to reduce importation of the commodity into the country.

Nanono further urged state governments to encourage the development of small scale wheat processing mills to enhance the availability of flour and other wheat products.

In his remark, the Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Gawuna, said the state government had concluded plans to establish additional water bodies and upgrade existing dams to encourage wheat cultivation and other irrigation activities.

Gawuna said the government had embarked on the rehabilitation and desilting of Watari dam and upgrade of irrigation schemes in Bagwai LGA.

While reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, Gawuna urged the farmers to utilise the inputs to improve their productivity.

Also speaking, Alhaji Salihu Muhammad, Chairman, Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria, called for the inclusion of wheat farmers into the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrower Programme (APB).

According to him, the exclusion of their 200,000 registered members had negatively affected wheat production in the country.

Ripples Nigeria gathered that Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) had provided support to 800 farmers in Kano, Kebbi and Jigawa States to accelerate wheat cultivation.

The farmers were provided with improved seeds variety, fertilisers, chemicals and 50 threshers under a soft loan scheme designed to enhance farmer access to inputs and extension services.

FMAN, in collaboration with Oxfam and agricultural research institutes, had also established wheat farming service centres in 15 LGAs in the participating states, while plans were underway to expand the scope of the programme to mobilise additional participation.

Politics

Lagos panel didn’t declare Lekki tollgate crime scene – LCC

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The Lekki Concession Company (LCC) claimed on Monday the Lagos State judicial panel of inquiry probing alleged rights violations by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) never designated the Lekki tollgate a crime scene.

Armed soldiers had on October 20 last year shot #ENDSARS protesters at the tollgate.

The incident sparked outrage within and outside the country.

The Managing Director of LCC, Mr. Yomi Omomuwasan, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos, said the tollgate was never shut down on the order of the panel.

He also sympathised with the families of victims of the #ENDSARS protest.

He said: “We appeal once again for a reason to prevail and peace to reign. No litigation lasts forever. Our hearts and prayers are still with all those who suffered one form of loss or the other in the anarchy that gripped our state before and after the October 20 incident.”

A group of youths who came together under the #OccupyLekki movement had last Saturday protested the planned reopening of the tollgate.

At least 40 protesters were arrested and arraigned in a mobile court in Panti, Yaba.

They were later granted bail by the court and asked to report in court with a certificate of COVID-19 test in March.

Lifestyle, Politics

Be firm and ruthless with criminal elements– IGP Adamu

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The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has asked personnel of Nigerian Police Force to be firm and ruthless with “criminal elements”.

Adamu stated this at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, during the flag-off of a special security action plan, codenamed “Operation Puff Adder II”, to reinforce the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the country.

While assuring the police operatives of adequate welfare provisions, he charged them to be civil with law abiding citizens, adding that the new special operation would be intelligence-led and community-driven.

He said the new operation would be executed in a sustained collaboration with the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Community and other sister security agencies.

He added, “This flag-off is the first phase of the operation targeted at the full restoration of peace and security in the North-West and North-Central Geopolitical Zones of the country.

“The operation is aimed at dislodging bandits from their current operational spaces and denying them space to regroup in other parts of the country.

“It will also ensure that all arrested bandits and their collaborators are brought to book. In the long run, it is expected that the operation shall be replicated across other States of the Federation to deal with the security challenges inherent in those States.”

IGP Mohammed Adamu

Politics

Dismissed SARS officer sentenced to death for killing businessman, stealing N.3m in Benin

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A dismissed Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) officer, Joseph Omotosho, who was accused of killing a businessman, Benson Obodeh, and stealing N300,000 from his bank account, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a High Court sitting in Benin, the capital of Edo State.

Omotosho, who was attached to the defunct SARS team of the Edo State Police Command, reportedly killed Obodeh, a car dealer, in 2015 and went ahead to withdraw the money from the deceased account after obtaining his ATM pin number before his death.

While handing the death sentence on the convict, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele described testimonies provided by the claimant as firm and almost unchallenged.

Therefore, the judgment was based on absolute fact, which the court absorbed as presented by the prosecuting counsel and all witnesses that appeared before the court,” Justice Ovbiagele said.

The judge pointed out that the convict could not substantiate counter evidence against the charges levelled against him.

Omotosho was also handed another seven years’ imprisonment for his role in the stealing of the deceased’s money from his bank accounts.

The deceased was said to have been listed among suspected criminal gangs, who allegedly stole a Peugeot car.

The prosecution counsel Abraham Oviawe, who spoke on the judgment, said:

“What happened today is a confirmation of the biblical position that says the wages of sin is death.

“So, when one conspires to take the life of another man, with overwhelming evidence, the court has no option but to reach the verdict it reached.”

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Investigate Shasha Clash– OPC to PMB

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The O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde to investigate last Friday’s clash between Yoruba and Hausa in Shasha community in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

Daily Trust reports that the clash led to the loss of lives and massive destruction of properties and goods in the market. This prompted the state governor to declare a curfew in Ibadan.

OPC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin, expressed concern that a minor misunderstanding between a pregnant woman and a Hausa man later degenerated into tribal crisis leading to death and destruction of properties in the community.

The OPC publicity scribe said such crisis could have been avoided, saying the Yoruba are very peaceful and accommodating people.

He said, “It is unfortunate that a short misunderstanding between two traders eventually led to killing and destruction. Yoruba are every where in Nigeria, especially, in the North, mostly in Kano and Kaduna, however, it is on record that no Yoruba native has ever instigated any crisis in the north.

“Therefore, I am using this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ugly incident, so as to bring the culprits to book and also forestall further crisis” he said.

Condemns shooting of Amotekun operative by police personnel

Oguntimehin also condemned the report that a Divisional Police officer (DPO) in charge of Ile-Igbon Division, Surulere Local Government Area of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Adepoju Ayodeji shot an operative of Amotekun for arresting Fulani herdsmen that allegedly destroyed a cassava farm.

“The police officer should be made to face the music for shooting an Amotekun corp. No matter who was involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident, the police boss should be professional enough to know when to pull the trigger.”

“It is a grave error of judgment for such a senior officer of the police to shoot an Amotekun corp knowing full well that the south west security outfit was backed by the law.

“So for a police officer to have shot such a corp is not only a disgrace to the police hierarchy, but a sad reminder of the systemic failure of an institution that is supposed to protect the citizens, maintain law and order, now becoming the law breaker and a threat to the peace of the society,” Oguntimehin said.

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