Politics, World News

Why insecurity continues to fester in Nigeria – Atiku

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The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, shed light on the lingering insecurity issues bedeviling the country.

He said the festering insecurity challenges, particularly incessant attacks on helpless Nigerians were the resultant effect of the Federal Government’s inability to enthrone a regime of law and order.

Atiku’s position was coming on the heels of the terrorist attack on the Kuje custodial center in Abuja. The PUNCH reports that the terrorists attacked the center and freed inmates including 64 of their members held in the custody on Tuesday night.

But reacting to the attack in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Wednesday, the former Vice President noted the missing regime of law and order in the country was emboldening the terrorists.

He wrote, “I am concerned and saddened by reports of the attack on Kuje Prison by suspected terrorists. My concern arises not only from the prospects of the escape of detained terrorists and hardened criminals but of its implications for the security of lives and property to residents of Abuja and its environs.

“I wish to restate what I said to @THISDAYLIVE on Monday that our inability to enthrone a regime of law & order in which the arrest and prosecution of criminals will be made a priority as a deterrent to copycats is the reason why insecurity continues to fester in our country.-AA.”

Politics, World News

Tight security in Plateau prison after Kuje attack

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Following the attacks by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members at Kuje Correctional Centre, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates, Tuesday night, there is tight security in and around the Correctional Centre in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Wednesday.

The road leading to the correctional centre situated opposite the Police Command Headquarters was barricaded with an iron bar when our correspondent visited the facility, Wednesday afternoon. 

It was observed that vehicles plying the road were only allowed to pass after a thorough search by security operatives manning the checkpoint.

Some armed operatives from the Department of the State Security Service and other security agents were seen patrolling the premises of the prison whose roofs were yet to be replaced after they were removed some months ago for repairs.

Efforts to get across to the spokesman for the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service were unsuccessful.

However, a senior official of the service, who spoke to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday on condition of anonymity, said they were not taking the security breach at the Kuje for granted.

The source said, “What do you expect us to do if not to step up security in this place?

You know that the attack on Kuje prison is a daring one by those who perpetrated it. Nigerians are talking about it and we are not taking it for granted because we don’t want what happened in Kuje to happen here again at the Jos Correctional Centre. 

“I’m sure other prison facilities across the country may have taken extra measures to safeguard their facilities too. Moreover, you are aware that a similar attack happened here at the Jos Correctional Centre recently in November last year where over 200 inmates also escaped while others died during the attack by gunmen.

“I know that after the attack, a search team was put in place to recapture the fleeing inmates but I’m not sure if all of them have been recaptured up till now. So, if you see an unusual security presence around Jos Correctional Centre, especially given the security challenge we are facing at the moment, you can understand why we are doing what we are doing.”

The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, also said that the command was leaving no stone unturned to ensure adequate security in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police does that (deployment of personnel) every time to protect the headquarters and other facilities from coming under attack. If you see additional deployment of police personnel to the command headquarters or elsewhere, maybe the attack on Kuje prison is just a pointer to what we have been doing because it is a normal routine for the CP to ensure the security of lives and property in the state,” The PPRO added.

World News

N5bn Investment Scam: Fraudster, David Wealth Ezuzu jailed 3 years, loses 9 Asaba properties to FG.

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The Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, secured the conviction of David Wealth Ezuzu, an investment fraudster, before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.

Ezuzu, a pastor and the chief executive of Arerben Ventures, an investment company, was arraigned on one count charge of obtaining by false pretense.

He was said to have fraudulently obtained over N5 billion from unsuspecting members of the public on the pretext of investment in forex trading.

The charge reads: that you, David Wealth Ezuzu ( trading under the name and style of Arerben ventures) sometimes between 11th January, 2020 and 1st day of March, 2021 in Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did transfer the aggregate sum of N15,2000,000 (Fifteen Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira) out of the total sum of N5,458,171,996.95 (Five Billion, Four Hundred and Fifty-eight Million, One Hundred and Seventy One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-six Naira, Ninety-five Kobo) you received in your account from unsuspecting members of the public as investment into Forex trading to your Bank in the name of Ezuzu David knowing that same represent proceeds of Ezuzu David’s criminal conduct, to wit: obtaining money by false pretense and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( Establishment ) Act, 2004 and punishable under section 17(b) of the same Act”.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Francis A.Jirbo, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, the defence counsel, A. Afamefena, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as restitution shall be made to the victims of the crime.

Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Ezuzu to three (3) years imprisonment with an option of Two Million Naira fine, while his company, D.W. Arerben Global Investment, was convicted and slammed with a fine of N2 million. 

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of N102, 131.45 in the defendant’s business account and five other bank accounts in the name David Wealth Ezuzu, to the Federal Government through the EFCC for the purpose of restituting victims of the crime. 

The court further ordered that the defendant forfeits to the Federal Government through the EFCC for the benefit of the victims of the crime the following properties:

  1. 5 Bedroom duplex and security house situated at Plot 3 Block 7 Kewkagbor Family Layout, Off Ibusa Road, Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State.
  2. Landed property situated at Okotomi Layout, Obadogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam Quarters, Ibusa Road, Asaba, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
  3. Landed property at Anieluenonu New Layout, Obadogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam, Asaba, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
  4. 5 Bedroom duplex with bungalow situated at 12 Okwunze Street, Off Stadium Road, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State.
  5. Two bungalows of three bedrooms and 2 bedrooms respectively at Obiaje Family land, Off Asaba, Oshimili South LGA Delta State.
  6. Landed property, Plot 27 situated at Umayi Umuezeafadia Family land, Okosolo, Asaba-Benin Road in Oshimili South LGA, Delta State.
  7. Bungalow situated along R.N. Okonkwo Street, Ogbeowelle Quarters, Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
  8. 26 Hectares of land located at Ngbo Ofuke Village, Asaba, Delta State.
  9. Three storey building into 3 places situated at Obduogwu Family.land, Opposite NNPC Filling Station, Asaba, Delta State.
  10. A piece or parcel of land measuring approximately 200ft By 200ft ( 1 Acre ) lying and situated at Elibujor ogne- of Layout by Benin – Asaba Expressway.

Also ordered forfeited are: one leaflet of Keystone bank manager’s cheque valued ( N400,000), 13  leaflets of Zenith bank manager’s cheques valued at N115,000,000, 10  leaflets of Guaranty Trust Bank manager’s cheaque valued at N61,700,000.00, 28  leaflets of First City  Monument Bank manager’s cheque valued at N33,550,000 and 2  leaflets of UBA  manager’s cheque valued at 300,000.

Lifestyle, World News

Top sniper and model from Brazil killed by Russian forces while fighting with Ukrainian troops in the war.

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A Brazilian model and female sniper has been killed by a Russian missile strike in Ukraine just three weeks after she joined the fight against Putin’s forces.


Thalito do Valle, 39, took part in humanitarian missions around the world and had previously fought against ISIS in Iraq. She was killed last week after a missile struck her bunker in Kharkiv, the north-eastern city.

The attack also killed former Brazilian Army soldier Douglas Burigo, 40, who returned to the bunker to find Thalita.


She was the only troop member left behind after the first missile strike took place, according to other fighters.

Thalita documented her conflict experience on her YouTube channel where her videos on fighting ISIS gained her 32,000 views.


She previously studied law after working as a model and actress in her youth, and has participated in animal rescues with NGOs.

Her videos reveal how she received sniper training when she joined the Peshmergas, the armed military forces of the independent Kurdistan region of Iraq.


Thalita’s brother Theo Rodrigo Viera described her as a hero with a vocation for saving lives and participating in humanitarian missions.

He explained that she had only been in Ukraine for three weeks, where she had been working as a rescuer as well as a sharpshooter. 

She was also reportedly responsible for providing cover from advancing Russian forces.

After surviving a bombing in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Thalita explained to her family that she could not talk much as mobile phone activities were being monitored by Russian drones and would only call to let them know that she was fine.

The last time they spoke was last week Monday after Thalita had just moved to the city of Kharkiv.

Lifestyle, World News

Two female passengers die in boat mishap in Lagos.

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Two female passengers have been confirmed dead after a 20-seater boat that departed Ipakodo ferry terminal in Ikorodu capsized in the early hours of Wednesday July 6.

The General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, who made this known in a statement, said the boat capsized almost immediately after take-off. He however added that 15 occupants of the capsized boat were rescued alive.

The statement reads

“At about 7.45am today (Wednesday), the 6th of July 2022, a 20 passenger ferry boat carrying 17 passengers named “R & N 2” suddenly capsized not more than 200 meters from the terminal and submerged immediately after it departed the Ipakodo ferry terminal in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The Water guards and the search and rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) were mobilized to the scene of the incident, leading to the rescue of 15 persons alive.

While two female unconscious passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. They were, however, later confirmed dead at the hospital.

The Boat Captain is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities while full investigation into the cause of this mishap is ongoing as of the time of this press release.”

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

Beyoncé ‘running #MeToo checks on producers and artists for her album after one of her former collaborators was arrested on sexual assault charges’

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Beyoncé has reportedly been running checks on producers and artists working on her upcoming album Renaissance, after one of her former collaborators was charged with rape.


The singer, 40, whose long-awaited new release will drop later this month, has allegedly rejected two songs from artists that have faced accusations of abuse and harassment.


It comes after Detail, who worked on Beyoncé’s 2013 hit Drunk In Love, was arrested in August 2020 after being charged with 15 counts of sexual assault. He since denied the claims. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Beyonce was devastated when she found out Detail, one of her collaborators, was accused of rape and sexual assault.


‘She stopped working with him and her team now run #MeToo checks on any potential collaborators. Two songs from high-profile artists have been rejected because of alleg­ations they are facing.


‘Although neither has been found guilty, she’s sending a clear message to the industry in the wake of troubling cases from people like R Kelly and Harvey Weinstein.’


The source added that while her decision has ‘rubbed people up the wrong way,’ she ‘doesn’t care’ because she ‘wants to set an example that any abuse shouldn’t be normalized.’

Lifestyle, World News

We killed Nkemdili because our deity needed virgin’s blood – Suspected ritualist confesses.

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A suspected ritualist, who allegedly participated in the killing of one Miss Nkemdili Eze at Ede Oballa, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chidera Agbo, has said that she was sacrificed because their deity needed the blood of a virgin to be powerful.

Vanguard reports that Agbo made the confessional statement shortly after he was caught by the Neighborhood personnel in connection with the crime.

The suspect, who was burnt to death with his accomplice, Ifeanyi Onyishi, a.k.a, Aro bi n’agu, by an irate mob, added that Onyishi, who is a native doctor, asked him to bring Nkemdili to him for the sacrifice after he recommended her.

The Neighbourhood official quoted late Agbo as saying;

“Ifeanyi didn’t like the fact that I was being caught most of the time I went for robbery operations. He was looking for a way to fortify his deity. One day, he told me that he had brought an abandoned deity named Idenyi, to his shrine. 

I was shocked to hear that from him. I asked him if he knew how to appease the deity. He equally told me that he needed the blood of a virgin to make the deity powerful. That was why he asked me to bring someone to her and I recommended Nkemdili.

So, there was a masquerade festival in my village. A day before the festival, I searched for Nkemdili but without success.

However, a day after the festival, I was in the bush smoking Indian hemp when she passed. I quickly notified Ifeanyi and he moved to the location with another suspect who I didn’t recognise.

“When they got there, his friend stopped her, while Ifeanyi covered her mouth and they took her into the bush. I followed them also.

“After the sacrifice, he promised he was going to settle me very well. He said he was going to sell a portion of his land to give me a huge sum of money that would make me not to expose him.”

Lifestyle, World News

Writer and gender equality activist, Solomon Buchi, gets engaged .

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Writer and gender equality activist, Solomon Buchi, has proposed to his girlfriend, Arike, after one year of dating.

He shared the good news on social media today July 6. 

”Àríké said YES. We are engaged and we’ll be getting married!

On the 20th of June 2022(our one year dating anniversary), I asked the most awesome woman @arikeadeola.o, to marry me after a year of dating — one that came with some reconstruction, intentionality and obedience to God.

Adeola(@arikeadeola.o) — Àríké Mi, from the first week we spoke over that video call, I knew you were my wife. We’ve grown in the past 1 year plus, we’ve put in arduous work, we’ve had extremely difficult conversations, we’ve struggled, we’ve unlearned and relearned and we are still growing into graceful imperfection. Healthy relationships/marriages aren’t a walk in the park, but it is easier with you because you put in the effort.

I’ve been bedevilled with many pains and anxieties in my 26 years of existence, but with you, my worries dissipate. Literally. The longest time I’ve stayed without a panic attack was around you. Your love heals. You’re my favour and you fit into my forever.

I am proud to be your husband-to-be. I’m beyond enthralled with you in my life. I choose you, Àríké. In the multitude of others, na you. You’re my favour & I never knew how much I needed the beauty you brought until God gifted you to me.

Life is filled with uncertainties, but I’m pledging to keep loving you every day, even when it’s tough and inconvenient. I pledge to put you first and exemplify Godly headship. You’ll be the best version of yourself with me because I am submitted to God, and in Him, I will not lead you astray. I’ve been a purveyor of sagacious marriage values, and I can’t wait to live the reality with you by God’s grace.

Now, I can show you to the world. Finally. I eagerly waited for this moment. I’ve been your fiancé for 16 days now, and man, I can’t wait to build a godly marriage with you.

Ife mi. Ayanfe mi. Iwo o shey litemi, mi ni yin e nu naye naye, moshe Ileri ko e fi ife mi a to e.

Ah, you’ve made an Igbo man learn Yoruba. Not just Yoruba but Ondo. My Ondo princess! My London baby.

We have a wedding to plan.”

World News

Bayelsa State Govt reacts to viral photo of secondary school students sitting on bare floor to learn.

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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has directed the relocation of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Kaiama in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa state to a new site and facility.

The Governor gave the directive after a photo of students of the school sitting on bare floor to receive lectures, went viral on social media. 

A statement issued on Wednesday, July 6, by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ayiba Duba, said the Government is not unaware of the condition of the schools and a holistic plan of action is being implemented to revamp them.

According to him, this explains why government is committing huge resources on several ongoing renovation and reconstruction of existing school’s infrastructure and construction of new ones.

He said the case of the Government Girls’ Secondary School Kaiama is particularly pathetic because the school is susceptible to perennial flooding which often results to damage of facility and equipment in the school.

The Commissioner said the state government will continue to implement the ongoing reconstruction of infrastructure in a phased and systematic manner within the limit of available resources.

Duba said the public should be aware that government is in the know of the situation of the schools and the challenge it poses to quality learning is been addressed.

He said the state government wishes to assure the Bayelsa Public of its determination to revamp the system and hope that the public understands. 

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

Megan Fox says she once asked fiance Machine Gun Kelly if he was breastfed as a child to understand his ‘psychology’ and ‘temperament’.

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Megan Fox has opened up about an unusual conversation she had with her fiance, rapper Machine Gun Kelly.


The 36-year-old American actress was on the red carpet to support her 32-year-old fiance’s new Hulu documentary Life In Pink when she told E! that she asked MGK if he was breastfed as a child.


While it remains unclear if he was breastfed or not, Fox explained why she thought it was a ‘great question’ that helped her know MGK better.


‘It has a lot to do with your psychology and your temperament. So I ask things like that,’ Fox explained.


She added that it’s important for her that every question in a conversation can, ‘go deep right away’ instead of learning basics like favorite colors or films.


Fox added that she tries to learn as much as possible about someone she’s just getting to know, as early as possible.


‘If you know me and I know you, it’s impossible for me to not know almost everything about you,’ she admitted.


She even proved her wealth of knowledge about MGK when they took a couple’s quiz for British GQ last fall.
‘If you were my Jeopardy! partner you would honestly win every single category,’ MGK said of Fox.

‘You are an almanac, and encyclopedia and dictionary all in one,’ he added.


Fox and MGK started dating in June 2020, just a month after she filed for divorce from Brian Austin Green. In January 2022, the couple announced their engagement. 

World News

TV host, Doyin Kukoyi laments as body responsible for pilgrimage to the holy land “Mecca”, dupes her and others.

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TV host, Doyin Kukoyi laments as body responsible for pilgrimage to the holy land “Mecca”, dupes her and others.

She posted a video on her instagram page where she narrated how herself and others who wanted to travel to the holy land were being extorted and duped.

Despite the amount of money paid, they were not given the clearance to travel.

Watch videos below…

World News

Victoria Beckham’s daughter Harper, 10, says Spice Girls fashion was ‘unacceptable’

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Victoria Beckham’s daughter Harper has made it clear she’s not a fan of her fashion back in the day, branding her Spice Girls skirts as ‘unacceptable’.

Victoria Beckham’s daughter Harper isn’t too impressed with her past fashion choices (Picture: Instagram/@victoriabeckham/REX)

The former popstar might be a well-respected fashion designer, but it seems Harper, 10, isn’t afraid to tell her mum what she really thinks.

‘She’s not one of these kids who are going out with a full face of make-up and a crop top,’ the star said of her daughter.

‘She actually said to me recently, “Mummy, I’ve seen some pictures of you when you were in the Spice Girls and your skirts were just unacceptable. They were just too short.”‘

Safe to say, Victoria’s husband David did not help the situation.

‘Then David piped up and said, “Absolutely, Harper! They really, really were.” And she was actually quite disgusted at how short my skirts were,’ she added to Vogue Australia as she covered the magazine.

Victoria’s fashion choices have changed just a little over the years (Picture: Dan Jackson/Vogue Australia)
She declared Victoria’s Spice Girls looks ‘unacceptable’ (Picture: JM Enternational/REX/Shutterstock)

‘I said, “Are you never going to wear skirts like that?” She said, “Absolutely not.” We’ll see.’

The Spice Girls are definitely remembered for their iconic fashion choices, from Geri Horner’s Union Jack dress to Mel B’s leopard print.

The band formed in 1994, with Victoria still being best pals with Geri, Mel B, Mel C, and Emma Bunton – but fans are still waiting for all five to reunite. We live in hope!

Victoria covers Vogue Australia (Picture: Dan Jackson/Vogue Australia)
The Spice Girls are still best pals (Picture: Ray Burmiston/Avalon/Getty Images)

In more recent years, Victoria’s fashion choices have changed a lot – but it seems she might be going back to her roots, as she recently opened up about ‘spicing up’ her wardrobe.

‘For quite a few years, the more time I spent working in fashion, the more clothes I wore and I ended up buried under all these fashion “layers,”’ she explained to Grazia.

‘So, last year, when I was in Miami and starting to go out again, post-Covid, I wanted a change. I wanted to feel sexy again.’

Meanwhile, the mum-of-four has been spending some quality time with her daughter after Harper’s trip to Venice with dad David, recently sharing a sweet video of her trying on makeup.

‘She learned from the best,’ Victoria declared in her caption.

World News

Sweden to send demining, anti-tank weapons to Ukraine

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Sweden said on Thursday that it will be donating anti-tank weapons and demining equipment to Ukraine to help wage war against Russia.

Sweden, one of the two countries that have just joined NATO, will be sending weapons worth 500 million Swedish Krona ($49 million) to Ukraine.

According to the country’s defense ministry spokesperson, Toni Eriksson, the equipment was requested by the Ukrainian government.

He said they would be delivered “as soon as possible.”

The ministry revealed that Sweden has already donated military equipment to Ukraine on four previous occasions.

He further told CNN that they will also be providing further support weapons.

World News

War: You’ve made a big mistake – NATO tells Russia

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NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg has said that it was clear Russia underestimated Ukraine’s resistance.

According to him, President Vladimir Putin of Russia also underestimated the unity of the NATO military alliance, adding that Putin has made a big mistake.

“He [Putin] has made a big mistake; he totally underestimated the strength of Ukrainian armed forces,” he told CNN.

According to him, President Putin did not foresee the courage being displayed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine.

He also claimed that the Russian leader had failed in achieving one of his major objectives at the beginning of the war, which was to weaken the NATO alliance.

Stoltenberg believes that what is before Putin at this point is a more strengthened and stronger NATO with two new members, Finland and Sweden, the former which shares a border with Russia.

Stoltenberg added that he is ignoring Putin’s rhetoric and that he will “assess him on his actions.”

World News

Again, Army denies planned protest by personnel over welfare

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The Nigerian Army has again denied that its personnel were planning to protest over poor working conditions and unpaid emoluments among others. 

The Army had on May 18 refuted a similar claim.

Also, in a statement on Wednesday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu described the assertions as unsubstantiated and a failed attempt at institutional blackmail. 

He accused those behind the claims of trying to cause disaffection among personnel of the service. 

Onyema added that in addition to welfare packages introduced by the current leadership of the Nigerian Army, salaries and other allowances of personnel were paid as and when due. 

The statement partly read, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to yet another mischievous report peddled by some online media, alleging serving officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are planning to storm Abuja, to protest over unpaid emoluments, poor working conditions and other unsubstantiated allegations.

“Judging by the unprofessional and irresponsible manner in which the release was made, citing faceless persons, it could have been ignored. However, the weighty nature of the claims demands some clarification for the sake of well meaning Nigerians. 

“It is on record that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, like never before, has witnessed exceptional positive changes in the moral and physical components of the force. It is therefore crucial to state in very clear terms, that the NA has never had it so good, given the quantum of combat and logistics equipment that have been injected into the theatres of operations, a circumstance that has evidently turned the tide against the complex array of threats facing the nation.

“It must be made crystal clear that the NA remains a symbol of national unity and therefore cannot afford to be divided along ethnic or religious lines.

“Troops deployed in ongoing operational engagements are putting in their best for the nation and should be encouraged, rather than plotting disaffection amongst them. ”

He, however, urged all personnel  to remain steadfast and unswayed by the antics of those he regarded as unpatriotic elements, who wanted to plunge the nation into chaos. 

Politics, World News

Breaking: FG engages lawyers for Ekweremadu

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Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom has engaged the services of lawyers to defend the senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife, Beatrice.

Lawan made this known on Wednesday while giving details about the outcome of a closed session held by the upper chamber before the start of plenary proceedings.

The closed-door session which started at about 10:57 a.m ended at 11:49 a.m.

The PUNCH reports Ekweremadu, alongside his wife, was arrested by the UK Metropolitan Police last Tuesday for conspiracy to harvest the organs of a minor.

Ekweremadu and his wife allegedly facilitated David’s entry into the UK to transplant his kidney into their daughter, Sonia, who is suffering from kidney failure.

The couple was arraigned at the Uxbridge Magistrate Court in London on charges of conspiracy and organ harvest on Thursday.

But speaking on Wednesday, Lawan said a delegation from its Committee on Foreign Affairs would depart Nigeria for London on July 1, 2022, to pay a visit to the embattled couple presently in detention over an allegation of organ harvesting.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant (Press) to Lawan, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, titled, ‘Senate delegation to visit Ekweremadu, wife in London’.

According to Lawan, the decision to wade into Ekweremadu’s arrest and detention was against the backdrop of a briefing received by the Nigerian High Commissioner to London.

He further disclosed that the Senate would engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian High Commission in London on the recent arrest of Senator Ike Ekweremadu by the London Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom.

He said, “I had a personal engagement with our Nigerian High Commissioner to Britain, Alhaji Isola Sarafa, who has done so well to establish contact with our colleague, who has been able to get his team to be in the court at Uxbridge where Ekweremadu was taken to.

“The high Commission has also been able to provide some consular services that include the engagement of some lawyers who will defend our colleague.

“We commend them for giving attention to the issue at stake. Equally, the Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister has been engaged here, so that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes steps to provide diplomatic support for our colleague.

“Because this issue is already in court, we have limited opportunity to discuss beyond what we have done so far.

“But I want to ensure the family of our colleague, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Nigerians, that the Senate will continue to engage with our ministry of foreign affairs as well as our high commission in London.

“The High Commission has done so much but we still expect that it will continue to provide any other further consular services.

“We have also mandated our committee on foreign affairs to engage with the British high commission here in Nigeria, to find more details on this case, as as far as the high commission is involved.

“There will be a delegation to London to see Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife. A delegation from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Senate will leave in the next two days to London for that purpose.

“I want to urge all federal government institutions that can do anything to ensure that justice prevails in this case, that they do so.”

Politics, World News

I’m yet to receive God’s approval to support my party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar – Governor Ortom

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Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has said that he is yet to receive God’s approval to support his party, Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. 

Ortom who criticized Atiku’s choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state as his running mate over Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, stated that he will be supporting Atiku’s presidential bid only if God directs him.

In the interview on Arise TV on Wednesday June 29, the Benue state Governor praised Wike as “somebody who stood for the party and made sure that things worked”. He also said “some of us believed in him” as the party’s best choice for the vice-presidential candidate.

Ortom said; 

“All of us have our weapon; Wike can be ‘something something’ but when it comes to mobilisation, impact, value addition and reaching out to make sure that the party works the man is an instrument. He’s somebody who stood for the party and made sure that things worked. Some of us believed in him, but unfortunately, it was somebody else. But the party is supreme,” he said.

“However, some of us have resorted to prayers. I have been in hibernation. We’ve resorted to prayer: ‘Lord God, where do we go from here.’ I believe as a Christian that power belongs to God. The Bible says a man can receive nothing except it is given to him from above.

“I am praying. I have gone into hibernation. I am fasting and praying. So in the end, if God directs me that I should support Atiku, why should I not do it? After all, he’s my party member. But I am waiting for him to do more. I expect him to reach out to Wike, who came second in the presidential primary. The man he denied the popular view of the PDP members — 14 out of 17 — who said Wike should be the vice-presidential candidate. I expect more explanation. I expect him to talk to Wike — whom we are supporting — first. I expect him to reach out to some of us so that together we can work as a party.”

Entertainment, Football, World News

I waited 17 years to win first league title – Ighalo.

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Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has stated that his wait for a league title in his professional career took 17 years.

Ighalo won the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal on Monday night finishing as the league’s highest goal scorer with 24 goals.

Expressing his gratitude for winning his first league title, the former Manchester United striker took to his Instagram page to share the win with words of encouragement.

“I waited 17 years before winning my first league title, it doesn’t matter how long it takes, if you keep working hard and never give up, you will get it right one day. God is the greatest,” he wrote.

Ighalo, who started his professional career with defunct Julius Berger FC, Lagos, has played club football in six countries across Europe and Asia without winning a league title.

The former Watford star has, however, won the highest goal scorer award at different clubs he had played.

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