Politics

John Oyegun, Tinubu’s arch enemy, emerges APC presidential screening committee chairman

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John Odigie Oyegun has emerged as the chairman of the screening committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, according to party insiders familiar with the development.

Mr Oyegun has started supervising the screening of APC presidential aspirants in Abuja, our sources said.

A source said Mr Oyegun’s emergence as the head of the committee could be problematic for Bola Tinubu. The top APC aspirant had openly led a fight that toppled Mr Oyegun as the party chairman in 2018.

Mr Tinubu then backed Adams Oshiomhole for the position, and the former Edo governor’s ouster in 2020 was seen as part of the game plan to cut Mr Tinubu to size ahead of 2023 politics.

Mr Oyegun also published several statements condemning Mr Tinubu’s dangerous political antics. Both politicians have stayed largely apart ever since.

The development could deepen concerns within Mr Tinubu’s camp that there were plots to frustrate his efforts to clinch the party’s ticket at its convention on June 6.

Politics

How the EFCC wrongly accused Mohammed Audu of fraud and then failed to apologize

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On February 20, 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission published a press release announcing the arrest and expected prosecution of Mohammed Audu for allegedly siphoning off “several million US dollars and billions of naira” donated to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The EFCC further alleged that Mr. Audu diverted the funds for his personal use through his companies, Mediterranean Hotels Limited and Mediterranean Sports.

However, new findings from PREMIUM TIMES showed that the anti-corruption agency misled the public on the matter, as the agency currently has no case against Mr. Audu.

This newspaper found that after the statement was issued, the EFCC questioned Mr. Audu but did not establish any wrongdoing against him and his businesses. The anti-corruption agency did not issue an indictment or charge him.

Sources inside the agency said that after the officers questioned him and cleared him as having no case to answer, Mr. Audu asked the EFCC to issue a public statement indicating that the published accusations against him were not true. The businessman had argued that the initial statement about his arrest was damaging his reputation and his business.

However, the anti-corruption agency has not yet issued such a statement.

Seizing the opportunity of the NFF probe

At the time Mr Audu was smeared, the EFCC was investigating Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials for allegations of embezzlement of sponsorship funds. The investigation was triggered by a request that agents later determined was without merit.

One of the sponsors, Aiteo, had retained Mr. Audu’s company, Mediterranean Sports, as the agent through which the sponsorship funds were routed through Bismark Rewane’s Financial Derivatives to the NFF.

It was based on his involvement in the sports agency company that he was invited by the EFCC and publicly shamed for alleged fraud. But neither he nor the company were ever prosecuted or charged.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that Mr. Audu’s repeated pleas to the EFCC to issue another statement to clear his name have yet to be considered.

EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren did not return repeated calls or respond to a text message requesting comment for this report.

This outlet also wrote to the agency seeking an update on Mr. Audu’s case. There was no response after our letter despite repeated reminders.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has since 2019 acquitted all NFF officials indicted by the Federal Ministry of Justice on the sponsorship deals allegations.

The court based its verdict on the prosecution’s withdrawal of the charges after the April 2019 Presidential Special Investigation Panel report that cleared officials of the NFF and its partners, including Audu’s Mediterranean Sports.

The EFCC’s investigation of the NFF was based on the same issues of alleged misappropriation of sponsorship funds that the court judged. Following the court ruling, the EFCC closed its investigation.

However, Mr. Audu’s request that the anti-corruption agency issue a public statement exempting him and his companies from any wrongdoing has not been met, authorities said.

Politics, World News

PDP primary: Atiku Abubakar meets Wike, Fayose, others

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Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, May 30, 2022, met with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.

Atiku had defeated Wike at the party’s presidential primary in Abuja on Saturday, May 28, 2022, night.

The Monday meeting, it was gathered, was to reconcile the two party chieftains and give the PDP a robust outing in the 2023 presidential election against the ruling All Progressives Congress

The meeting was also attended by former Ekiti State Governor and PDP presidential aspirant, Ayodele Fayose, amongst other PDP chieftains.

Atiku polled a total of 371 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who garnered 237 votes.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, scored 70; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, scored 38; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, polled 20 votes; Anyim Pius Anyim scored 14, Sam Ohabunwa polled 1 and Olivia Tariela also scored one vote.

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Kim Kardashian endorses Rick Caruso for LA mayor

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Reality television star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian announced Friday she is endorsing Rick Caruso (D) for mayor of Los Angeles. 

In a video posted by Caruso to Twitter, Kardashian said she met with the mayoral candidate, adding “I really believe in what he stands for.”

Kardashian pointed to two major issues in the race — crime and homelessness — that she said she believes Caruso is ready to tackle. 

“I think that with him he can offer a better path to a better life for people that are homeless in California and in Los Angeles. I really believe in what he stands for. I was really inspired by him,” she said. 

Caruso embraced the endorsement from Kardashian in a Friday tweet.

“Kim, it was a privilege to speak with you and your family about the policies I intend to implement as mayor. We must do better. This is our hometown, and we need to care for our city and her people. Thank you for your confidence. I won’t let you down. #CarusoCan,” he tweeted. 

Kardashian said she stays out of politics, but her family was thrown into political the political foray after Kanye West, her ex husband, decided on a bid for president in 2020. West has previously been supportive of former President Trump.

Caruso is running as a Democrat in the primary election that will take place on June 7, but primary challengers have slammed him for his tied to the GOP.

Caruso will also face off against Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) in a race to replace Mayor Eric Garcetti (D). Caruso and Bass currently lead the group in terms of media coverage and fundraising of nine Democrats in vying for the nomination, according to Ballotpedia.

Caruso was previously registered as a Republican until 2011 when he dropped the affiliation, and refused to define his political party. Before running for mayor, he registered as a Democrat. 

Politics, World News

EFCC has no legal justification for arresting dad – Okorocha’s daughter

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Uloma Nwosu, daughter of embattled Senator Rochas Okorocha, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had no legal justification to arrest him on Tuesday, May 24.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV today May 25, Uloma claimed the EFCC operatives failed to present any legal document or arrest warrant to justify breaking into their Abuja home and forcefully arresting the politician.

“The way they (EFCC operatives) had presented themselves did not show that it was something that was official, because there was no legal documents supporting their action. So you could say it was illegal battery or whatever we may call it. At this point, I was also scared as well, because it didn’t look official, it didn’t look like something that was done right. So of course we were afraid for His Excellency’s life, and that is why he requested something that was simple: ‘give us a document, give us a paper, a court order.’”she said

She said no one has heard from him since he was arrested at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Politics, World News

ASUU, Polytechnic Lecturers, Others To Get N34b Minimum Wage Adjustment Arrears – FG.

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The Federal Government has said it would spend about N34 billion on the ongoing payment of minimum wage consequential adjustments to education sector workers with effect from 2019.

According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the beneficiaries include the members of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and their counterparts in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, disclosed this while responding to questions from Labour correspondents in Abuja on the prolonged ASUU strike.

According to Ngige, the universities would get N23.5b, the polytechnics N6b and the Colleges of Education N4b, totaling about N34b.

Regarding the ASUU strike, the Minister said the committees set up during the last tripartite-plus meeting of the government and university-based unions were given a fortnight to turn in their report, and they were still working.

He added that the reports of the committees were being expected this weekend.

He said, “Those committees are working. The one on NITDA is testing the three platforms, the government’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) of ASUU, and the Universities Peculiar Personnel Payroll System (UPPPS) of the non-teaching staff.

“They started the testing last Thursday. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has issued their amendment circulars. The unions also have copies to take care of responsibility and hazard allowances wherever it has not been properly captured.

Ngige assured Nigerians that there may likely be wage adjustments as the government intensifies efforts to streamline wages through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

“We have done that of the Police, for example. It wasn’t envisaged that we should do it in bits. But you can see that it has been done. You can also see university teachers saying that their own should be done immediately, since we have done police. So, something is being done. It was part of the 2009 negotiation they had with the government then. So, the committee of Prof. Briggs is on it, discussing with the university unions and their employer, the Federal Ministry of Education. They will bring up something for government to see.

“There are other people. The doctors are complaining about brain drain, this and that. Their hazard allowance has to be touched and it was touched by close to 300 percent. From N5,000 paid across board for each person, the least person in the health sector is getting N15,000 while the big ones are getting N45,000. That is a quantum leap.”

The minister appealed to ASUU and other university-based unions once more to suspend their strike so that academic activities could resume in public universities across the country.

Politics, World News

Kaduna Train Attack: Terrorists Threaten To Kill Victims In Seven Days, Relatives Cry Out.

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Family members of the Kaduna train attack have raised concern over threats by the terrorists to kill the victims if the Federal Government fails to yield to their demands after seven days.

The devastated relatives of the abductees said the terrorists have spoken to them directly, and are demanding the release of their eight children being held by the Federal Government in Adamawa State before they will release the 61 abducted train passengers.

They, however, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to order for the immediate release of the eight children to the terrorists , so as to secure the release of their loved ones who have been in captivity for 59 days.

They also said that the bandits released videos of the victims in their custody to prove to them that they are still alive.

The aggrieved relatives held a peaceful protest on Wednesday morning to continuously call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of the victims.

Politics, World News

Osinbajo Meets Kaduna Delegates Ahead Of Presidential Primary.

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Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has visited Kaduna State in continuation of his presidential campaign ahead of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary.

Osinbajo arrived in the state on Sunday night where he met with the APC Adhoc delegates behind closed doors at the Murtala Mohammed Square.

He was accompanied by Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the Director-General of his campaign organisation Senator Kabiru Gaya among other top government officials.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Professor Osinbajo expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his discussion with the Kaduna APC Delegates.

The Vice President added that the delegates were impressed by his presentation in the areas of security, economy, and healthcare service delivery if he is elected as the next president of the country in 2023.

Politics, World News

Ansaru terrorists are protecting and indoctrinating some Kaduna communities – Community Leader

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Days after Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State raised the alarm that Boko Haram and Ansaru terrorists are now in forests across the state, a community leader in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state Zubar Abdurra’uf has shared more insight on how Ansaru terrorists have taken over some communities and are protecting the residents from attacks by armed bandits.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast programme Sunrise Daily on Monday May 23, a community leader in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state Zubar Abdurra’uf said some of the locals feel secure having them around to help fight against those he called bandits in the UAC forest.

Abdurra’uf who is also a former Head of Kaduna State Media Corporation, also revealed that the terrorists ride on motorcycles in military uniforms across the communities. 

He said; 

“If you look at Giwa and Birnin Gwari, the Ansaru presence is still there; nobody knows their motive. In some areas, the Ansaru are patrolling the roads and you’ll see them with their arms and even the military fatigues.

“If you go from Maganda in Birni Gwari LGA to old Birnin Gwari up to Funtua, you would see these people(terrorists)…

“The Ansaru is in charge on these roads and if they spot any armed bandit…any Fulani bandit they chase them away. That road is more secured than the Kaduna to Birnin Gwari Road because the Ansaru is in charge.”

The community leader also said the terrorists are prominent in “eastern part of Birnin Gwari and some part of Giwa LGA notably in 6 wards Kidandan, Galadimawa, Katarge, Yaka Wada and to some extent Bangoya”.

When asked if the people are okay with the arrangement, he said the locals, who are being indoctrinated, are forced to choose between the two evils of the terrorists and bandits but they rather pick the terrorists who seem more friendly.

Politics, World News

Putin wants to eliminate Ukraine’s identity-Biden

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United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday, accused President Vladimir Putin of Russia of trying to destroy Ukraine’s identity.

According to Biden, this is as witnessed by Russian bombardments of civilian targets such as schools, hospitals, daycare centres and museums.

“I believe what Putin is attempting to do is to eliminate the identity of Ukraine.

“He can’t occupy it, but he can try to destroy its identity,’’ Biden said in Tokyo.

Biden said “Putin must pay a dear price for his barbarism in Ukraine,’’ in order to deter others from taking similar action, in reference to military tensions around Taiwan.

He was speaking at a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida.

NAN

Politics, World News

Security Situation In Nigeria Would Have Worsened If Buhari Was Not President, Umahi Praises President Amid Obvious Failure

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The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the way it handled the security situation in the country.

Umahi, a Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, said Buhari has done well in piloting Nigeria’s affairs since assuming office in 2015.

According to him, the spate of insecurity in the country would have worsened but for Buhari’s administration and efforts to tackle the menace.

He said, “In terms of naming all the indices that are needed now to improve on what Mr President has done because whether you like it or not, this President has done very well. If it is in infrastructure, security, economy, and uniting Nigerians, I think God has helped him to do very well in each and every one of them.

“Nigerians are very tired of political promises. They want to see evidence of what you have done. I have evidence of what I have done and I believe that what I have done could be replicated at the national level.”

He further described Buhari as humane, saying Nigeria’s situation would have been worse if not for him.

“The security situation in the country, I have always told people that if we didn’t have the kind of President we have that is very humane and not vindictive, nobody knows where Nigeria would have been by now,” he said.

“So, he has helped us tremendously in the security of the South-East. This thing started as a joke and today it is quite a big issue.”

Since Buhari, Nigeria’s security cannot be said to have improved. Many Nigerians have accused Buhari’s government of not doing enough to tackle the security challenges in the country, saying it has worsened.

Killings and abductions have been very rampant across the country, including in Abuja, the seat of power.

Politics, World News

US President Biden Vows Military Response If China Invades Taiwan

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US President Joe Biden addressed the issue of Taiwan during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, pledging to protect the island against any invasion.

“That’s the commitment we made,” he said when asked if Washington would intervene militarily against a possible attempt by Beijing to take control of Taiwan, Sputnik reported.

“We agreed with the One China policy, we signed on to it… but the idea that it can be taken by force is just not appropriate,” he added.

This is not the first time Biden has confirmed that the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked: Last year, he also noted it, while the White House stressed that the US won’t change its policy regarding this matter.

Tensions between China and the US have been brewing over the past months, amid growing deliveries of American weapons to Taipei.

At the same time, China voiced protest over a number of US policies on the Taiwan issue: Most recently, the US Department of State edited its website, omitting the phrase “the United States does not support Taiwan independence”.

In response, Beijing urged the US to “stop engaging in political manipulation”, stressing “there is only one China in the world”, FARS News Agency reports.

Taiwan, which formally calls itself the “Republic of China”, has been governed separately from the rest of the country since the end of the civil war in 1949. Beijing considers the island to be a part of the People’s Republic of China, and while the US does not recognise Taiwan as an independent nation, Washington enjoys close relations with Taipei, delivering weapons and pledging to protect the island.

Last month, however, US media suggested that American defence contractors had a backlog of $14.2 billion worth of military equipment that Taiwan bought back in 2019. According to the reports, less than 20 percent of the weaponry ordered has been delivered to Taipei due to “COVID-related acquisition issues”.

Addressing the backlog, Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of US Naval Operations urged Taiwan to boost its defence, citing a possible “aggression” by China in light of the crisis in Ukraine. It triggered a painful reaction in Beijing, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressing that Taiwan was none of America’s business.

Politics, World News

Gunmen Behead Anambra Lawmaker, Soludo Places N10m Bounty On Killers

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Gunmen have beheaded Okechukwu Okoye, the lawmaker representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka, were kidnapped on Sunday, along Aguluzigbo road, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. He represented Aguata 2 Constituency in Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses told Channels Television that Okoye’s head was dumped at Chisco park in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area on Saturday, six days after he was abducted.
Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Saturday night.
Reacting to the murder, Governor Charles Soludo condemned the gruesome killing of the lawmaker and commiserated with his family on the loss.
Soludo in a statement by his media aide, Christian Aburime, described the lawmaker’s killing as heartless and barbaric, saying he received the news with rude shock and deep sadness.
According to him, it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that is once again on the prowl.
The governor also reassured the people of Anambra State of his administration’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they are brought to justice.
This is even as he placed a N10m reward for anyone or group that will avail valuable information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.


“Soludo condoles with his kinsmen of Isuofia, noting that it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that are once again on the prowl. But they can never cow down Isuofia and Anambra State,” the statement read.
“The governor is still in shock over the barbaric acts against his two kinsmen, vowing that the perpetrators, as well as all criminals operating in Anambra, must be decisively brought to book.
“Governor Soludo has consequently placed N10m reward for anyone or group that will avail valuable information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Anambra will soon be hell for these criminals.
“He wishes to reassure Ndi Anambra of the government’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Anambra will win against the forces of darkness. Ndi Anambra should brace up for the all-out war against the criminals.”

Politics, World News

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Presidential aircraft carrying the president and members of his entourage landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4.10 p.m.

While in Abu Dhabi, Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigeria’s condolences on the passing of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The president also joined the Juma’ah prayers, at which prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased on Friday.

During a short interaction with Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, Buhari expressed his condolences and that of Nigeria on the demise of the late Sheikh Khalifa and congratulated the new president on his election.

Buhari expressed optimism that under Sheikh Mohamed the two countries would continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

NAN reports that the Nigerian leader returned to Abuja amidst confusion on whether or not he had signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill forwarded to him by the National Assembly few days ago.

The amendment is crucial to the participation of statutory delegates at the primaries and national convention of political parties.

They have been excluded from voting and being voted for during the exercises in the previous amendment signed into law by the President.

When asked to confirm whether or not Buhari had indeed assented to the latest amendment, the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Sen. Jide Omoworare, simply said the president ”should have signed” the amended fresh electoral act into law.

Also a member of the House of Representatives, Emeka Chinedu, representing Ahiazu/ Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was quoted by a national newspaper confirming that the president signed the fresh amended electoral act bill on May 21.

“I can confirm to you that Mr President signed the bill into law this afternoon and we are all happy about it as it will give us and other statutory delegates the power to vote at the primaries,” Chinedu said.

However, NAN reliably gathered that the president had not signed the latest Electoral Act Amendment as being speculated in some quarters.

Earlier in the course of the week, the president had on May 17 congratulated newly-elected Somali President, Hassan Mahmud, “for successfully staging a comeback after being unseated in 2017’’.

The president commended the outgoing president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, for his swift acceptance of Mahmud’s victory which inevitably would lead to a peaceful transition in the best interest of the people.

He reassured the new Somali leader that “Nigeria will continue its usual support for peacekeeping efforts in Somalia’’.

Buhari stressed that “African countries must unite against terrorists and other evil forces seeking to disrupt and destroy our territories’’.

Also on the same day, the Nigerian leader received the Secretary General of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Mr Juan Carlos Salazar, at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Buhari assured that more investments would be deployed to the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable civil aviation in the country.

According to him, Nigeria will support the ideals and aspirations of ICAO and achievement of its strategic objectives, in collaboration with other Member States of the organisation.

The president also presided over the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday where members of the cabinet observed a minute silence in honour of former Minister of Communications under retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime, Olawole Ige, who died at 83.

NAN recalls that the family of Ige announced his death on May 9.

The council approved N169.7 billion for the reconstruction of four roads under the tax credit scheme.

Buhari on May 18, condoled with families of victims of the Sabon Gari, Kano, gas explosion in which nine casualties were reported.

He directed relevant officials to provide adequate treatment for the injured persons.

The Presidency on Thursday stressed the significance of President Buhari’s visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to the president’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, Nigeria has very strong economic and defense ties with the UAE.

The countries, which are trying to strengthen their post-COVID recovery, are banking on strategic partnerships to further commercial ties.

“UAE, which is today a recognised financial and manufacturing hub and has shown, to our admiration, a remarkable willingness for energising our industry to industry cooperation, which will help strengthen the post-COVID economic recovery in both countries,” he stated.

Sheikh Mohammed was once credited with a statement, saying that “security in Nigeria means security for Africa. If there is no security in Nigeria, we cannot say there is security in Africa”.

“Flowing from this, they have helped us to curb illicit financial flows to the Boko Haram terrorist organisation. Also ongoing are military procurements and supply to the Nigerian Armed Forces of seriously needed hardware.

”A few weeks ago, a brand new warship for the Nigerian Navy was commissioned in Dubai and has set sail to Nigeria.

”The Nigerian Army just procured 100 Mine Resistant Armoured Personnel Carriers (MRAPS) from the UAE,” Shehu said in a special feature on the president’s trip to Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Politics, World News

APC appeal panel upholds 2,619 Kaduna delegates.

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The Appeal Committee for the Ad-hoc Delegate Congresses of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kaduna State, on Saturday, upheld the congress while declaring the exercise as “successful.”

A total of 1,275 delegates were elected for the local and state levels each while 69 national delegates were unanimously elected, bringing the number to 2,619 delegates in all.

The party had last week conducted congresses to elect the local government, state and national delegates.

The exercise was done by consensus in accordance with APC’s elections guidelines and constitution.The five-man committee, headed by Mrs Tinuke Gbadejo-Ogunrinde, while addressing journalists at the state secretariat of the party, said the congresses were hitch-free, stating that no complaint was received before, during or after the congresses.

Ogunrinde said, “Our great party, the APC assigned us to serve as the Appeal Committee for the Special Congress held on May 17 and 18, 2022 to elect the local government, state and national delegates for Kaduna State.This Appeal Committee received records from the congress committee appointed by our great party, confirming that various categories of delegates emerged from the Special Congress in the 23 local government areas as follows: 1,275 local government delegates; 1,275 state delegates and 69 national delegates were unanimously elected during the Special Congress by consensus.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Loyalty to your political party or political leaders doesn’t mean you should trivialize the crucial times we are in. – Skit maker, Mr Macaroni.

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Comdedian and skit maker, Mr Macaroni condemned the act of some people trivializing crucial times because of the loyalty they have towards certain politicians and political parties.

He revealed his statement via his Twitter page;

“Loyalty to your political party or political leaders doesn’t mean you should trivialize the crucial times we are in.
Remember that these people you defend are well protected. When push comes to shove, it is the defenceless people that bear the brunt.”

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Deborah’s Death: Soyinka wants National Mosque Imam sacked over blasphemy comment.

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Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called for the sacking of Professor Ibrahim Maqari, the Imam, National Mosque, Abuja, over his comment on the killing of Deborah Samuel.

The deceased, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, was gruesomely murdered by a mob following accusation of blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.

Reacting to the dastardly act, Imam Maqari claimed that there are some red lines in Islam which must not be crossed, adding that if issues of blasphemy against the prophet are not addressed by the authority, the Muslims would do so themselves.

Soyinka has now accused the Islamic cleric of instigating his followers to take laws into their hands in the name of religion.

The Nobel Laureate made the accusation during the one-year remembrance of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and the launch of Attahiru’s biography written by author, Niran Adedokun held in Abuja on Saturday, May 21, 2022, reported The Punch.

He condemned extrajudicial killings in the name of religion, adding that the “apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office.”

The Prof added that, “It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

“We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilised norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.”

Soyinka insisted that Imam Maqari’s comment served as further encouragement for his followers to kill anyone that commits blasphemy against the Prophet.

He said, “Professor Maqari, however, insists, with a handful of others, including vocal serving policemen quite recently, that there is no remorse involved in the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth.

“Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and innovation. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to a nation embroiled in his madness of multiple incidences.”

Meanwhile, the Sokoto state police had arraigned two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Deborah.

The two suspects, Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci, were brought before a Sokoto State Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 16, 2022, over charges allegedly bordering on ‘public disturbance.’

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Kumuyi cancels planned South-East crusade after IPOB warning.

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The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has cancelled the crusade scheduled to hold in Aba, Abia state, following warning by the proscribed group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Punch gathered on Saturday, May 21, 2022, that the cancellation was as a result of the volatile security situation in the South-East region.

The crusade was billed to take place in Aba from May 24 to May 29, 2022, but IPOB had cautioned Kumuyi against proceeding with the event citing security concerns in the region.

The newspaper spoke with an official of the Global Crusade With Kumuyi who confirmed the cancellation, adding that a new venue for the crusade would soon be announced.

The Chairman of the organising team for the crusade, Pastor James Akpofure, also issued a statement on Saturday to confirm the cancellation.

“As there are currently some security challenges at the intended alpha location (Aba, Abia State, Nigeria), the Global Crusade Convener, Pastor (Dr) W.F. Kumuyi commiserates with our people in Abia State and will be praying along for God’s Divine Intervention,” Akpofure said.

In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on Thursday, May 19, 2022, the group had urged Kumuyi to consider security situation in the South-East before he comes to Aba for his gospel crusade.

Powerful also reiterated the call on Saturday when he implored Kumuyi and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to not ignore its advice, alleging that political thugs have perfected plans to attack the crusade attendees.

He said, “It is unbelievable that CAN would not summon the courage to fight for their members when Muslims and security men attack and murder their members.

“They should understand that IPOB will not fold its arms and watch our people deliberately put in harm’s way to be slaughtered because of crusade, when they know that politicians will employ their local thugs to slaughter people and tag it that IPOB was responsible for such attack.”

Powerful then asked both Pastor Kumuyi and CAN to publicly declare that they should be held responsible if anything should happen during the course of the crusade.

“Security intelligence and strategy are what is required in a situation as this, which is what we are applying now by advising Kumuyi and his ministry. The CAN must understand that IPOB has Judeo-Christians also as family members and it is our responsibility to protect them from political tugs and criminal elements.

“IPOB does not have any issues with Kumuyi or other pastors or men and women of God for that matter; what we are talking about is the security of Biafrans.

“CAN should know that all politicians in Nigeria have criminal thugs they use to pursue a particular political interest and these people are not minding the repercussions or outcome, therefore we still advise Kumuyi and deeper life ministry to think twice and stop this crusade.”

Recall that the leader of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was recently denied bail by the a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, held that since Kanu was earlier granted bail in 2017 and jumped the bail, the court must first determine the real reason he jumped the bail before he reapplies for another one.

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Lagos NURTW Caretaker Chairman accuses MC Oluomo.

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The newly appointed Caretaker Committee Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State, Fatai Adeshina, aka Akeweje, has accused the Chairman of the Parks Management Committee in Lagos, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, of snatching his wife.

Adeshina’s allegation was contained in a tell-all interview published by The Punch.

The Caretaker Chairman also detailed how Oluomo hijacked his branch and unit from him despite all his efforts to make peace.

He said the age-long rivalry between them took another dimension when he contested the NURTW Chairmanship position with Oluomo in 2019.

Adeshina said despite him being the popular choice amongst the unionists, the Lagos state government settled for MC as the preferred choice, and offered him a Vice Chairman position instead

However, to his dismay, his name was struck out from the executive members list with a pen on the day of inauguration as no position was offered to him.

“When he took over as the NURTW chairman in Lagos. The worst thing he did to me that made me part ways with him was that after his inauguration, I bought a foreign used car for N13m and took it to him as a gift.

“I added N10m to the car gift, but he rejected them. I begged him but he refused to make peace. I am not MC Oluomo’s peer and he knows this, but I prostrated before him to make peace,” Adeshina said.

The Caretaker Chairman alleged that Akinsanya’s rejection of the peace offering was because he had his eyes on his second wife at the time.

He accused Nollywood actress and an associate Ronke Oshodi Oke of helping Oluomo to snatch his then second wife.

“Yes, there was a lady called Ronke Oshodi Oke, a popular actress. She was a friend to my second wife. Though they met outside my residence, Ronke started visiting my home at one point. So, I challenged her and warned her not to ever step into my house again.

“Yes, Ronke was an associate of MC Oluomo and I know what Oluomo is capable of doing. When I challenged Ronke, she told me that she came to see her boss, adding that my second wife was her boss. I told her not to come to my house anymore, because MC Oluomo and I did not belong to the same camp.

“My second wife and Ronke knelt and apologised, but after five days, I met Ronke in my house again. I was furious and I accused her of trying to carry out a mission in my house. I sent the two of them out of my house that day. To my surprise, Ronke took my second wife, who I sent packing, to MC Oluomo.”

Adeshina said his wife was housed in MC’s hotel for over one month before he purchased a house for her.

“Some concerned close allies at MC’s hotel in Oshodi phoned me that they saw my second wife at MC’s place. They asked whether MC and I had settled our issues, but I said we were yet to resolve our differences. They told me that MC had asked them to give my second wife a room in his hotel. She was there for one month and seven days in his hotel.”

“Yes, my second wife, Queen B. She stayed in his hotel for one month and seven days before he bought her a house. Unionists in the state know this story very well.”

Recall that the national body of the NURTW had sacked MC Oluomo as the Lagos branch chairman.

The union said the decision was based on the provisions of the union’s constitution.

Politics

APC filled with crass nepotism —Adamu Garba

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Former presidential aspirant under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) has branded the party as being characterised by crass nepotism holding Nigeria down.

Adamu defected to the Young Progressives Party (YPP) having raised about N83 million as an APC presidential aspirant, accusing his former party of over-financialising politics.

Adamu, who featured in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, said the APC was full of cronyism.

He noted: “That is why I said since APC has taken us to that direction, we have to define a new path.

“A path that would remove Nigeria from poverty and transit it to one of the greatest countries in the world away from the crass nepotism and cronyism that is evidently happening in the APC.

“In a situation where you commercialise political participation in the country, you are causing so much damage to the future of the country.

The YPP presidential hopeful lamented the outrageous fees pegged by the APC for presidential aspirants, adding that young Nigerians had no future in the party.

“By fixing the presidential form price at N100 million, the APC has succeeded in pursuing young people from politics.

“If you are a young man in Nigeria and you try to participate in any political activity in the APC, it is very clear that you are just trying to waste your time.”

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