Politics

Court strikes out Justice Yinusa’s bribery trial, says he’s immune from criminal prosecution

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A case of bribery and corruption the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) levelled against a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Mohammed Yinusa, has been dismissed by a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The trial judge, Justice Sherifat Solebo, said that since Justice Yinusa still serves as a sitting judge, “he is immune from any criminal prosecution.”

The EFCC had levelled a 9-count charge of attempted perversion of the course of justice and corruption against Yinusa.

The commission claimed that Yinusa in 2015 had constant and confidential communications with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ricky Tarfa, who was handling three lawsuits before him.

According to the anti-graft agency, Yinusa allegedly collected a N1.5 million bribe from Tarfa for the purpose of giving favourable rulings and judgments in the cases.

Justice Yinusa was equally said to have allegedly received N750,000 from a former SAN, Mr Joseph Nwobike, between March 2015 and September, 2015, to get “favourable” judgment in some cases.

The Federal High Court judge was charged alongside the second defendant, Esther Agbo, an employee of Rickey Tarfa and Co..

Esther, according to the EFCC on May 14, 2015 allegedly paid the N1.5 million from Tarfa into Yunusa’s UBA account.

When the matter resumed on Monday, Counsel to the 2nd defendant, Mr Olusegun Odubela (SAN) told the court that the 1st Defendant’s counsel, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) wrote to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for a review of the report recommending Justice Yinusa’s suspension.

Odubela said the NJC set up another committee to consider the recommendations upon which the 1st Defendant, Justice Yinusa was suspended.

He said that at the NJC’s 93rd meeting held on December 17, 2020 that a report of the review committee was submitted and accepted based on which the NJC lifted the suspension of Justice Yinusa and directed that he should return to work.

He added that the NJC on December 23, 2020 wrote to the chief judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho to convey its decision to lift the suspension of the 1st Defendant following which the CJ himself conveyed the information to Justice Yinusa via a letter written on the 11th of Jan. 2021.

He told the trial judge that the letter was tendered in court and accepted as an exhibit with no objections from the EFCC Counsel, Mr Wahab Shittu.

Odubela said with the development, and in the light of the court of appeal decision in the case of Nganjiwa Vs Fed.Republic of Nigeria, that the court should strike out the name of Justice Yinusa from the charge before it.

Counsel to EFCC Shittu objected to Odubela’s prayer arguing that it was misplaced.

But ruling on the matter, Justice Solebo said that in view of the exhibit tendered before the court showing that Justice Yinusa is still a sitting judge, he is immune from any criminal prosecution.

She, therefore struck out his name from the charge and discharged him.

The judge asked the EFCC to amend the charge against the second defendant, Esther Agbo and adjourned the matter till January 26.

Politics, World News

Biden renews Covid-19 travel ban on some countries

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The Biden administration has renewed Trump-era Covid-19 travel bans on non-US visitors from Brazil and most of Europe, including the UK and Ireland.

The White House also imposted a new ban on South Africa over its virus variant.

Former President Donald Trump had ordered the bans to end on 26 January as one of his final acts in office.

The new travel restrictions came as Minnesota recorded the first US case of the Brazil variant from a resident who had recently travelled to that country.

“This case marks the first documented instance of the Brazil P.1 variant in the United States,” said the Minnesota Department of Health on Monday.

The unnamed patient lives in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, said the department.

With the national coronavirus case count above 25 million cases, the US is seeking to ramp up its vaccine rollout.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the decision to continue the restrictions on foreign travellers on Monday.

“On advice of our administration’s medical and Covid team, President Biden has decided to maintain the restrictions previously in place for the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil,” Ms Psaki told reporters.

“With the pandemic worsening and more contagious variants spreading, this isn’t the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel. And in light of the contagious variant, B1351, South Africa has been added to the restricted list.”

All international travellers must also present a negative test within three days of air travel to the US.

President Joe Biden looks up after singing an Executive Order reversing the Trump era ban on Transgender serving in military, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Politics, Videos, World News

Soldiers Invade IPOB Eastern Security Network’s Operational Base, Kill Five, Burn Church, Others.

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The attack by the soldiers was said to be a reprisal after members of the ESN engaged them in a shootout last Friday.

Operatives of the Nigerian Army on Monday again attacked residents of Okporo, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, killing about five persons.

SaharaReporters gathered that many persons were also injured when the soldiers stormed the community suspected to be the operational base of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) security outfit, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The attack by the soldiers was said to be a reprisal after members of the ESN engaged them in a shootout last Friday.

SaharaReporters gathered that one person died at the community market square during the security operation last Friday.

Also, about 10 buildings, including a church, Blessed Holy Trinity Sabbath Mission, were allegedly set ablaze by the soldiers.

“They came back today and started killing our people, I can’t confirm the number of casualties now but they are more than five. They were here last Friday and killed one person at the market square. About 10 buildings were also burnt by these masked security agents on Friday.

“Imo State is not safe presently; Governor Hope Uzodinma shouldn’t allow soldiers to kill all his people,” a source told SaharaReporters.

IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had in December 2020 launched ESN to protect the people of South-East and South-South regions from terrorists and bandits allegedly trooping in from the North.

Kanu described the outfit as a replica of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, earlier launched by the governors of the South-West to curb insecurity in the region.

“The sole aim and objective of this newly formed security outfit known as Eastern Security Network is to halt every criminal activity and terrorist attack on Biafraland,” Kanu had said.

“This outfit, which is a vigilante group like the Amotekun in the South-West and the Miyetti Allah security outfit, will ensure the safety of our forests and farmland which terrorists have converted into slaughter grounds and raping fields.”

He added that the establishment of the security outfit became necessary following what he described as the “failure” of the governors of the South-South and South-East to put in place measures to protect the people in those regions.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Nigerian Army had deployed combat helicopters, gun trucks and soldiers to search some forests in the South-East states where the ESN was suspected to be camping.

SaharaReporters reported that the military search had been ongoing for days, and had no time frame, as the army was acting on “orders from above.”

From drones and hidden cameras believed to be installed by the ESN, a video captured the Nigerian Army helicopters and their vehicles and soldiers searching for the camp of the ESN to make arrests.

Recently, it was learnt that some Nigerian soldiers resigned and joined the ESN, on the grounds that the ESN, being funded by both international and local donors, had better welfare packages for its officers than the military.

“The Kanu ESN boys are not a bunch of rookies and untrained fellows brandishing guns. I personally know five guys from my hometown in Anambra State who left the Nigerian Army to join the ESN. Two of them were formerly serving in Operation Lafiya Dole, Borno State, before they quit.

“We are being reliably informed that there are other soldiers, particularly of the South-East extraction, who will soon leave for other various reasons and they are likely to be recruited into the fold,” a military source told SaharaReporters.

In July 2012, about 356 soldiers in the North-East and other theatres of operation had resigned from the army – some on voluntary retirement, while others cited loss of interest as their reason for disengagement.

The soldiers had written to the army chief, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, on July 3, 2020, under Reference NA/COAS/001, quoting the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service soldiers/rating/airmen (Revised) 2017.

The approval of the voluntary disengagement of the 356 soldiers was contained in a 17-page circular from Buratai, AHQ DOAA/G1/300/92, signed by Brig Gen T.E. Gagariga for the army chief.

Again, this January, another batch of 127 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army and are due to leave by May.

They comprised one Master Warrant Officer, three Warrant Officers, 22 Staff Sergeants, 29 Sergeants, 64 Corporals, seven Lance Corporals and one Private.

SaharaReporters had also reported how a cross-section of Nigerians criticised the Nigerian Army for deploying aircraft and gun trucks to locate Kanu’s ESN camp, saying it was a misplaced priority in the security challenges facing the country.

Watch video below!

A few others, however, supported the military saying the ESN could become a regional security threat since the South-East governors had also dissociated themselves from the outfit.

On Twitter, several Nigerians believed that the military action was a misplaced priority and such enthusiasm and energy were not seen in the North-East against the Boko Haram terrorists nor against the bandits in the North-West.

Politics

SocialMediaTrends: Nigerian Army’s clash with IPOB’s security outfit in Orlu & more

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Social Media users in Nigeria harnessed online platforms on Monday to speak to power especially on matters bordering on the country’s security challenges.

The following trends thrived with the most engagements across social platforms.

Orlu, Imo State

Residents of Orlu in Imo have reported a state of unrest in the South-Eastern region that has led to loss of lives and properties, following violent clashes between security forces and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) set up by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to video footages shared by eyewitnesses on social media, security personnel who invaded the town could be seen shooting sporadically while bodies littered the streets.

Although, the nature of the incident is unknown, speculations are that the situation was a planned reprisal attack by the Nigerian military deployed from the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze, after a clash between ESN corps and the military had resulted in deaths.

The group had released a video which went viral last week, boasting that they had confronted and dislodged some security men who attacked them and displayed the vehicles the military had abandoned while escaping.

Social Media users have called on the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, to respond to the situation and call the military to order.

The governor has however declared a dusk to dawn curfew in nine local government areas of the state, and has ordered the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

Fayemi

Twitter users are dragging Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, for insisting that herdsmen could not leave Ondo State in line with a seven-days ultimatum provided by the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu last week for herders to vacate forest reserves due to increase in criminal activities carried out in the bushes.

Fayemi had in a meeting on Monday with the national leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and a few state governors at Akure, noted that herders were not asked to vacate the state, but should be properly licensed to operate in the forest reserves adding that the Fulanis were welcomed to stay as the South-West was their home.

“This is your home. You’ve lived here, married and done business with us. Nobody is going anywhere. The statement by the Ondo State Government had no eviction reference. Akeredolu cannot ask Fulani to vacate Ondo State. The area concerned is the forest reserves, and it is about registration and also to work in line with the law,” Fayemi said.

“What we are after is the criminals, not Fulani herdsmen, criminals are criminals irrespective of their ethnic group,” he added

Politics

Some Nigerians dislike Buhari for his perceived identity, not incompetence, says El-Rufai’s son

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Bashir, the son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has risen to the defence of President Muhammadu Buhari over his alleged incompetence.

Bashir, who has been vocal in his opinions, said on his Twitter handle on Monday that President Buhari is not hated by some Nigerians because of incompetence but because of his “perceived identity.”

The younger el-Rufai, however, noted that the perceived enemies of Buhari are too shameless to admit why they dislike the president.

He wrote: ”They do not dislike President Buhari for his ‘alleged’ incompetence, they hate the president for his perceived identity and they are too shameless to at least admit that on a basic level so we can all fundamentally recognize the beast staring at us as a nation.”

Many Nigerians particularly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition elements have continued to accuse Buhari of incompetence over his alleged inability to effectively address the country’s security and economic challenges.

Politics

Uzodinma imposes curfew on 10 local government councils in Imo over gunmen attack

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The Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, has imposed a dusk-to dawn curfew in 10 local government areas of the state over Monday’s killing and maiming of innocent citizens by gunmen in the state.

Uzodinma, who reacted to the incident in a statement on Monday evening, said the curfew runs from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.

The affected local government areas are – Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideao South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.

He also ordered security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to book.

Uzodinma said: “This afternoon, I received a very disturbing report on the activities of a group of militants who unleashed a shooting spree in the Orlu area of the state, killing and maiming innocent citizen in the process

“I am totally appalled by this sad report which appears to paint a picture of near breakdown of law and order in the Orlu area. The government condemns in its entirety this act of extreme hooliganism and brigandage.

“This is completely unacceptable to this administration. Those behind this callous barbarism will surely regret their actions.

“Consequently, I have directed the security agencies to fish out without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book. Let no one be in any doubt that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will ever escape justice. I assure them that they will pay for their cruelty against a peace-loving and innocent people.

“As an interim measure to immediately restore the peace in Orlu zone, a dusk to dawn curfew (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) is hereby imposed in the following Local Government Areas of Orlu zone; namely; Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideao South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.

“All law-abiding citizens are advised to comply strictly with the curfew as announced. Anyone caught violating the curfew will be treated as a suspect.

“The government wants to assure all Imo people that the situation in Orlu area is under control. Security operatives have been deployed on a 24-hour patrol of the zone. Equally, every security measure necessary has been put in place to ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their businesses in the affected areas without any fear of molestation.”

Uzodinma condoled with the families of victims of the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.

Politics, World News

“Don’t negotiate with Miyetti Allah”- Yoruba Leaders

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Amidst the move by governors to douse the rising tension over quit notice to herders, some Yoruba leaders have asked the six South-West governors not to negotiate with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) met with MACBAN leadership in Akure, Ondo State following the expiration of the quit notice given to herders to vacate Ondo forest reserves by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

But Yoruba leaders under the aegis of Yoruba World Assembly said herders should not be allowed to remain in Ondo forests to guarantee the safety of the state and by extension the South-West zone.

Secretary-General of YWA, Dr. Victor Taiwo, who spoke on behalf 9f the group which represents 15 other Yoruba also warned the Federal Government against arresting Sunday Igboho who on Friday chased away Fulani herders in Igangan Ibarapa, Oyo State after giving them seven-day ultimatum.

He said arresting Sunday Igboho was tantamount to assaulting the entire Yoruba nation.

Taiwo who spoke with newsmen ahead of a security summit fixed for Ibadan next month called on all governors in the zone to see the issue as a collective struggle devoid of political coloration.

He said the same method used in 1840 when Fulanis from Ilorin were repelled by combined Yoruba forces, drawn from all supporting towns of Oyo power, in line with defence arrangement perfected by Yoruba leaders led by Alaafin Atiba should be adopted.

Taiwo said, “It is too late to cry when the head is off. We have had enough of Miyetti Allah people. We don’t think anything good can come out of it.

“They have killed us, messed us up enough. We have had enough patience in the land. Brigands come killing, maiming  our people. To now come and say you’re meeting with Myetti Allah is a concession that they are the ones causing mayhem.

“The only way forward is to protect ourselves. These people are incorrigible because they have godfathers who are propping them. They have given them license to do whatever they like.”

Politics, World News

#Fulani herdsmen: Open grazing of herdsmen have been banned in South West states.

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Open grazing of herdsmen have been banned in South West states, Nigeria. Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde revealed this via his tweets as follows;

” Today, the SW governors held a security stakeholders’ meeting in Ondo State. The meeting was attended by our brother governors from Kebbi and Jigawa States; security chiefs, SW zone led by the AIG Zone 11 and leaders from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.”

“Collectively, we resolved to ban open grazing in all parts of the south west. In Oyo State, we already have a law against open grazing which will continue to be implemented by our security agencies.”

Governor Seyi Makinde.

“I restated that we will not permit criminality as a response to criminal actions. Instead we will continue to support our security agencies to do their duties. Also, we will work with our people to face our common enemies – the criminals; kidnappers, armed robbers and bandits.”

Politics

Yoruba leaders have warned President Buhari not to arrest me- Sunday Igboho says.

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Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, says Yoruba leaders have called President Buhari and warned him not to allow the police to arrest him.

Igboho made news last week following the eviction notice he gave to Fulanis residing in Igangan, Ibarapa north local government area of Oyo state. His comment reportedly incited some of his supporters to destroy houses and cars, including those of Saliu Kadri, the Seriki Fulani of Igangan.

Following the attack on the Fulani settlement, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, directed the state Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, to arrest Igboho and transfer him to Abuja.

In a recent video shared by Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, Igboho while addressing a crowd, said Yoruba leaders are not pleased with the killing of their people by herdsmen and have warned President Buhari against arresting him.

“All our fathers, we thank them, including the Aare Onakakanfo. They have all spoken up. Now that we are here, I beg you in the name of God, I don’t want us to disrespect any of our Yoruba leaders.

You people are just unaware… I swear by God, they are also not happy with what is going on but now they are speaking up and won’t condone what is going on.

Look at all the Yoruba leaders that have spoken up; the way Yorubas are warning them, that Buhari dares not. That now, it is war, if they dare arrest Igboho, it will turn to war.

See the way Fani-Kayode has spoken up and he is not joking with what he is saying. They are killing us, kidnapping us, treating us badly in our father land.”he said

Politics

Turnah, ex NDDC MD’s adviser, others re-arraigned for fraud, money laundering

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A former Special Adviser to a one time Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dan Abia, Mr. George Turnah was on Monday re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for faud and money laundering charges to the tune of N2.9 billion.

Turnah was re-arraigned alongside Ebis Orubebe and Uzorgor Silas Chidiebere and nine companies on 23 count charge bordering on fraud, abuse of office, obtaining under false pretence and money laundering.

A statement by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Iwajuren gave the names of the companies arraigned alongside Turnah before Justice Mohammed Turaki of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, by the Port Harcourt zonal office of the EFCC, to include El- Godams Global Services Ltd., Turnoil and Gas Nigeria Ltd., Kolo Creek Petroleum Development Ltd., Celtic Pride Consult and Events Ltd., Yenagoa Mall Ltd., the Incorporated Trustees of Concerned Niger Delta Initiative, Akara Boro Marine Services Ltd., Sugarland Integrated Farms Nig. Ltd and Geohan Telecommunications Nig. Ltd.

The statement reads in part: “Count 6 of the charge reads: “that you George Turnah Alabh, Uzogor Silas Chidiebere, El-Godams Global Services Ltd., Turnoil and Gas Nigeria Ltd, Kolo Creek Petroleum Dev. Ltd, Celtic Pride Consult and Events Ltd, Yenagoa Mall Ltd, The Incorporated Trustees of Concerned Niger Delta Initiative, Adaka Boro Marine Services Ltd, Sugarland Integrated Farms Nig. Ltd, Geohan Telecommunication Nig. Ltd and others at large, on or about the 24th day of November, 2014, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did take possession of the sum of Seven Hundred and Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N708,500,000.00) which you reasonably ought to know that the monies is obtained by a false pretence from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) purportedly for the purpose of providing quick win jobs for 300 youths and women groups and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under 15 (3) of the same Act”.

“Count 23 of the charge reads, “that you George Turnah Alabh in 2014 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did receive the sum of $1000,000.00 (One Million United State Dollars) (at the exchange rate of N184 to a Dollar) cash from one Umar Lawal of Hakuri Global Concept exceeding the statutory limit without going through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b) of the same Act”.

“They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. Prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, adopted the subsisting evidence on record, praying the court that “we shall not be calling any other witness or any other prosecution witness who earlier testified before this court.”

The statement further disclosed that the Defense counsel, Professor Amuda Kaneke, SAN, prayed the court that the defendants be allowed to maintain the bail earlier granted them.

He also prayed the court for an adjournment so as to enable him study the new amended charges before proceeding with his defense.

Justice Turaki, while granting the two prayers of the defense counsel, adjourned the matter till 15, 16 and 17 of March, 2021.

Politics

Akwa Ibom govt denies secret civil service recruitment

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The Akwa Ibom State government has denied reports making the rounds that it recently staged a secret employment of workers into the civil service.

The allegation was denied in a statement issued on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, who described the report as fake news.

According to Ememobong, the state government has never failed to publicize its employment slots to enable the generality of job seekers in the state to avail themselves of such an opportunity.

He said; “There is no secret recruitment of workers in the state. And there are different levels of recruitments. There are talks about strategic replacement, for example.

“Last year, doctors were recruited and it was published. When you talk about recruitment, there are strategic areas that the government recruits and those that have been made public.

“Like we are recruiting teachers now, it’s public. The Civil Service Commission can call for a strategic replacement like what happened in the doctors’ recruitment. If you recall, teachers were recruited after the issue of the 5000. That’s the recruitment we know about.”

While responding to questions on the inability of applicants to access the website for registration on the ongoing recruitment of 1000 teachers, the Commissioner of Information & Strategy blamed it on internet failure.

“it is the challenge of the internet in Nigeria but the technical team is aware of the complaints and they are working to rectify it,” Ememobong assured.

Politics

Court throws out EFCC money laundering case against Atiku’s lawyer

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A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a case of money laundering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instituted against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s lawyer.

The court presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke sacked the case on monday.

Atiku’s lawyer, Uyiekpen Giwa-Osagie, and his brother, Erhunse, were dragged to the court by the EFCC on a three-count charge of money laundering to the tune of $2 million.

Giwa-Osagie was said to have delivered the money illegally to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the 2019 general election.

However, ruling on the matter, the judge said that the anti-graft agency was unable to prove that the money was illegal.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Kufre Uduak, told the court that the EFCC sometime in 2019 gathered from intelligence that some politicians were moving around with US Dollars to influence the result of the last general elections.

However, ruling on the matter, the trial judge sacked the case for the commission’s failure to establish its claim.

Politics

Governor Akeredolu did not ask Herdsmen to leave South West – Nigeria Governors Forum says.

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The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has said that there was no eviction order to herdsmen in Ondo State or any part of the South West region.

The Chairman of NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who spoke to newsmen after a meeting with the national leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) today January 25, said the speech of Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was misconstrued.

Some of the governors in attendance include Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Jigawa, and Kebbi states.

Recall that on Monday, 18, Governor Akeredolu ordered all unregistered herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserves. This generated a lot of controversies as many people interpreted it as the governor asking the Fulanis to vacate the state.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting with Miyetti Allah members, Governor Fayemi said Akeredolu didn’t talk about herdsmen vacating the state but about the registration of herdsmen who want to operate within the reserves.

”Many members of MACBAN were born in the South-West. So, Akeredolu cannot ask Fulani to vacate Ondo State. The area concerned is the forest reserves and it is about registration and also to work in line with the law.

What we are after is the criminals, not Fulani herdsmen, criminals are criminals irrespective of their ethnic group.”he said

Politics

APC chairmen of northern states to meet on Tuesday

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The Forum of 19 States APC Chairmen comprising of state Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 19 northern states of Nigeria will be meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Tuesday (tomorrow).

The meeting is with a view of charting a new course for the party in the region as well as brainstorming on how to move the party forward.

The Chairman of the Forum, Chief Letep Dabang who is also the Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the APC disclosed this at a news briefing in Jos on Monday.

Letep said that the meeting which would hold periodically in different states of the federation, “was coming at a time the party had concluded all modalities to welcome new members into its fold as well as revalidate its existing membership.”

“The APC Chairmen from 19 northern states will be in Jos to fashion out ways for more success in the region and discuss other issues critical to the continuous growth of the party.

“As we are all aware, Nigeria is in a very challenging time at the moment, grappling with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 and economic challenges.

“Therefore, the meeting has become imperative to further galvanize and build more effective ways of working with the APC governors within the region to further deliver good governance to the people.

“Our party is set to welcome new members into our growing fold and this exercise will be done at the various poling units across the country,” Datep said.

Politics

Falana backs Akeredolu’s eviction notice to herders, says presidency jeopardising national security

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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has said that the order by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on unregistered herders to vacate Ondo forest was legal.

He accused the Presidency of mismanaging the crisis by rushing to the media to challenge the order, adding that the action of the Presidency polarised the people along ethnic lines to the detriment of national security.

In a statement he released on Sunday, Falana maintained that the order by Akeredolu was in line with Section 42 (1) (e) and (g) of the Forestry Law of Ondo State which stipulated that whoever in any forest reserve, except with the authority in writing of the prescribed officer, digs, cuts, turns or cultivates the soil or makes a farm or plantation; pastures cattle or permits cattle to trespass or trespasses in any part of forest reserves in which trespass shall be prohibited by an order of the governor.

Wondering why the Presidency failed to study the law carefully before condemning Akeredolu’s order Falana said:

“Without addressing the relevant provisions of the Forestry Law or reaching out to Governor Akeredolu, the Presidency rushed to the media to challenge the directive of the Ondo State Government as it might affect undocumented herders operating in the said forests.

Regrettably, such official mismanagement of the crisis has been allowed to polarise the people along ethnic lines to the detriment of national security.”

Meanwhile, Falana said “with respect to the brewing 4082 in Ondo State we call on Governor Akeredolu (SAN) to extend the seven-day ultimatum to allow all farmers and herders operating in the forest reserve to register with the state government without any delay.”

He added, “The Miyetti Allah and similar groups should ensure that all their members who have not registered with the state government do so without any further delay in the overall interest of the security of the people in the state.”

To address the issue of insecurity across the country, Falana urged President Muhammadu Buhari to summon a Nigeria Police Council meeting.

“As a matter of urgency, the Federal Government should mobilise adequate police and other security forces to halt the menace of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the land,” he said.

Politics

Biden Set To Repeal Trump’s Ban On Transgender People Joining Military.

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The plan marks the latest effort by the Biden administration to roll back many of Trump’s policies.

The United States President, Joe Biden, will repeal Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people enlisting in the US military.

The plan marks the latest effort by the Biden administration to roll back many of Trump’s policies.

According to a Reuters report, a source said the ban will be lifted on Monday. 

Trump had announced the ban in July 2017, reversing a landmark decision by his predecessor, Barack Obama, which allowed transgender people to serve openly and receive medical care to transition genders.

He, however, allowed transgender military personnel to keep serving while new recruits were kept out.

According to US Department of Defense data, there are about 1.3 million active personnel serving in the U.S. military, but no official figures on the number of trans members are available.

Showing his support, the newly confirmed Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, said at his confirmation hearing, 

“If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve and you can expect that I will support that throughout.”

Politics

Lagos state is under-policed , says Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has raised an alarm of Lagos state being under-policed. 
The Governor of Lagos state said this on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics while explaining his government’s efforts at combating crime.

Sanwo-Olu said; 
“We believe Lagos State is under-policed in terms of the ratio. We believe that the population is also growing but we do not have the same growth in terms of the number of police officers that we have. That is some of the places where the imbalance lies. 

“If we can get the ratio right, if we can get the proportion right, then we can see a lot more activity; you can see a quicker response time between when it (crime) happens and when they respond.”

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos state Governor said that the State Government can do nothing to increase the number of police officers in the State. He however assured security officers that they will continue getting the government’s backing.

Sanwo-Olu added; 
“The minimum I can do is to up the skills and up the infrastructure and the equipment for the number we have in the Lagos State Command. 

“We give them all the support that they require.”

Politics

#Fulani Herdsmen Ban: We’ll Take The Next Step Today – Akeredolu.

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The governor had also banned night grazing and outlawed underage herders as part of his administration’s effort to stop kidnapping in the state.

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said the state government will take ‘the next step’ in line with the quit notice issued to the herders in Ondo forest reserves.
The governor had also banned night grazing and outlawed underage herders as part of his administration’s effort to stop kidnapping in the state.

The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo said the state government “will wait for the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum handed down to the herdsmen occupying the forest reserves before it will know the next step.”

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

SaharaReporters gathered the South West States’ governors would meet (today). There has been an uproar following the quit orders given to Fulani herders by governor Akeredolu and a youth leader in Oyo State, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known Sunday Igboho.

Igboho was indicted in the recent attack on Fulani communities at Iganga, Ibarapa LGA of Oyo state.

Politics

Iwuanyanwu says IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, chasing Biafra the wrong way

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has counseled IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu to follow the footsteps of the late Biafra leader, Odimegwu Ojukwu, in his clamour for secession (Biafra).

The elder statesman who made the comments on Sunday while speaking when the leadership of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) conferred on him the award as its grand patron in Owerri, the Imo State capital, added that before the beginning of the Biafra War in 1967, Ojukwu did not declare secession on his own, but was called upon by all to do so.

According to him, Ndigbo at the moment are not talking about secession but are demanding the restructuring of the country to allow for equity for all Nigerians.

Iwuanyanwu said; “Ojukwu did not ignore elders and he never declared Biafra on his own. It was the people from all walks of life – the academia, businessmen, civil and public servants that called upon him to declare the state of Biafra and become its leader.

“That was why Ojukwu was able to hold Nigeria for three years without rebellion. Most of us who fought the war were intelligent, but we had to join and fight the war. We’re very proud that we fought that war.

“You (Nnamdi Kanu) can’t come on your own and declare Biafra and ask me, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, to follow you. Even in a monarchical system, people’s opinions are sought. What do you have that you are declaring war here and there? You are only endangering the lives of your brothers, the youth who you claim to lead. You have to come and seek advice from Igbo elders. They’re the people that will guide you.

“All we’re asking for in Nigeria is to restructure Nigeria, which Gowon agreed, but his people rebuked him. Gowon also tried his best to fulfill most of the things that were agreed before the end of the war.”

The politician also added that IPOB members are endangering the lives, investments and properties of Igbos in Igboland and across Nigeria by their unguarded and provocative comments and actions.

“Igbo youths must avoid circumstances that they do not understand. What IPOB did during the #ENDSARS protests was very heinous. Their leader went about taking responsibility for issues and destructions they knew nothing about.

“He also ordered his followers to kill some people in Igboland. If you give orders for another person to be killed in your place, don’t be surprised that your people will be killed also. There is no place in Nigeria that you can’t find an Igbo man. So, ordering the killing of anyone in your community is endangering your people. Apart from the fact that most of our population live outside Igboland, Igbo investment outside Igboland is over $2 trillion,” he said.

Politics

Oyo Crisis: Fulani Leaders Beg For Forgiveness, Pledges Peaceful Co-existence.

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Recall that there was violence at Igangan on Friday when a popular Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo, well known as Sunday Igboho, alongside his followers, stormed the Fulani settlement in the ancient town to eject Seriki Fulani, Salihu Abdukadir, and herdsmen accused of perpetrating crimes ranging from kidnappings, killings, rape to invasion of farmlands with their cattle.

Two Fulani leaders, the Seriki Fulani of Igbo Ora, Alhaji Idris Abubakar, and the Seriki Fulani of Eruwa, Alhaji Sule Mohammed, have solicited for forgiveness, assuring the people of Oyo State that they would facilitate peaceful coexistence in Ibarapaland.

The community leaders spoke during a visit of the state government delegation to the town on Sunday.

At the meeting, residents of Igangan in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State recounted their ordeals in the hands of Fulani herdsmen.

The community also presented to the delegation, pictures and other evidence of ransoms paid to the herdsmen. They accused the Seriki Fulani of complicity in the negotiation of ransoms.

During the meeting, those who paid ransoms to the bandits presented pictorial evidence to back up their claims.

The traditional ruler of Igangan, the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdulazeez Adeoye, whose cousin was kidnapped, tendered the evidence of the ransom he paid to secure his release.

Residents also stormed the venue of the meeting with photographs of those who were killed and those who suffered attacks in the hands of criminal herdsmen.

Oba Adeoye confirmed to Punch that victims and their families came to the meeting with photographs to back up their claims.

He said, “Our people brought photos. I also showed the evidence of ransom paid for one of my children.”

The PUNCH gathered that despite that Seriki Fulani in Igangan had fled; there were still some Fulani living in the midst of the people in the town unmolested.

Some youths were also bearing placards, with inscriptions, which condemned the atrocities perpetrated by herdsmen in the community.

The Commissioner of Police, who led senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioners of Police and Mobile Police Commanders on a tour of Igangan, Tede and Ago Are communities, urged the residents to toe the path of peace.

She expressed the police’s readiness to carry out a thorough investigation to ensure justice for victims of kidnappings, rape and other crimes committed in the areas.

But Fulani leaders, who attended the meeting, begged for forgiveness, saying the Fulani were ready for peaceful coexistence with their hosts.

The Secretary of Igangan Development Advocates, Lawal Akeem, said the people were tired of the antics of the Seriki Fulani of Igangan, whom he accused of complicity in different kidnap cases.

He also said that the community had been forced to pay about N50 million in ransoms for different kidnapping cases while also accusing Fulani herders of regularly vandalising farms and raping women of the community.

A youth in the town, Taiwo Adeagbo, said that no fewer than 15 women had been raped in recent weeks.

A member of the state House of Assembly, Peter Ojedokun, also told the delegation that the peace in Ibarapaland had been stirred by the Fulani herders with the incessant attacks on community members, kidnappings and other crimes.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ibarapa North-West Local Council Development Area, Okediji Olusegun, corroborated the allegations levelled against the Seriki Fulani of Igangan, saying that the Seriki had been fingered in the series of security challenges in the area many times.

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