Presidency summons perm sec over proposed Ruga settlement

Apparently jolted by the barrage of criticisms the announcement of commencement of implementation of federal government’s cattle settlement policy, tagged Ruga settlement, has generated, the presidency Thursday summoned the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar.
Umar had on Monday, told journalists that the federal government had commenced the implementation of the policy in 12 states, saying it was a pilot scheme meant to test-run the government’s solution to the endemic herders’ confrontation with crop farmers nationwide.

His pronouncement attracted loud outcry from the government of Benue State and the governors of South-east states, who stated clearly on Tuesday that the policy would be resisted by them.

The protesters on Wednesday received hefty support from such socio-cultural groups as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan-Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle-Belt Forum as well as social critics, who rejected the policy as unworkable and unacceptable.

Ministry sources told THISDAY yesterday that Umar was called to the presidency to explain his statement, which is believed to be unauthorised, particularly given the sensitive nature of the policy said to still be at consultative stage.
The permanent secretary had said the federal government had commenced the building of Ruga settlements to curb the recurrent clashes between farmers and cattle herders, pointing out that the establishment of the settlements had been “settled along with other people that are interested in rearing animals.”

But THISDAY gathered that he might have exceeded the limits of his office by discussing the issue without authorisation as this ought to be the prerogative of the minister.

A source said the permanent secretary might have spoken too soon as the federal government had not concluded consultations with the pilot states, most of them still resistant to the policy.

Presidency summons perm sec over proposed Ruga settlement

Apparently jolted by the barrage of criticisms the announcement of commencement of implementation of federal government’s cattle settlement policy, tagged Ruga settlement, has generated, the presidency Thursday summoned the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar.
Umar had on Monday, told journalists that the federal government had commenced the implementation of the policy in 12 states, saying it was a pilot scheme meant to test-run the government’s solution to the endemic herders’ confrontation with crop farmers nationwide.

His pronouncement attracted loud outcry from the government of Benue State and the governors of South-east states, who stated clearly on Tuesday that the policy would be resisted by them.

The protesters on Wednesday received hefty support from such socio-cultural groups as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan-Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle-Belt Forum as well as social critics, who rejected the policy as unworkable and unacceptable.

Ministry sources told THISDAY yesterday that Umar was called to the presidency to explain his statement, which is believed to be unauthorised, particularly given the sensitive nature of the policy said to still be at consultative stage.
The permanent secretary had said the federal government had commenced the building of Ruga settlements to curb the recurrent clashes between farmers and cattle herders, pointing out that the establishment of the settlements had been “settled along with other people that are interested in rearing animals.”

But THISDAY gathered that he might have exceeded the limits of his office by discussing the issue without authorisation as this ought to be the prerogative of the minister.

A source said the permanent secretary might have spoken too soon as the federal government had not concluded consultations with the pilot states, most of them still resistant to the policy.

Presidency summons perm sec over proposed Ruga settlement

Apparently jolted by the barrage of criticisms the announcement of commencement of implementation of federal government’s cattle settlement policy, tagged Ruga settlement, has generated, the presidency Thursday summoned the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar.
Umar had on Monday, told journalists that the federal government had commenced the implementation of the policy in 12 states, saying it was a pilot scheme meant to test-run the government’s solution to the endemic herders’ confrontation with crop farmers nationwide.

His pronouncement attracted loud outcry from the government of Benue State and the governors of South-east states, who stated clearly on Tuesday that the policy would be resisted by them.

The protesters on Wednesday received hefty support from such socio-cultural groups as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan-Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle-Belt Forum as well as social critics, who rejected the policy as unworkable and unacceptable.

Ministry sources told THISDAY yesterday that Umar was called to the presidency to explain his statement, which is believed to be unauthorised, particularly given the sensitive nature of the policy said to still be at consultative stage.
The permanent secretary had said the federal government had commenced the building of Ruga settlements to curb the recurrent clashes between farmers and cattle herders, pointing out that the establishment of the settlements had been “settled along with other people that are interested in rearing animals.”

But THISDAY gathered that he might have exceeded the limits of his office by discussing the issue without authorisation as this ought to be the prerogative of the minister.

A source said the permanent secretary might have spoken too soon as the federal government had not concluded consultations with the pilot states, most of them still resistant to the policy.

Presidency summons perm sec over proposed Ruga settlement

Apparently jolted by the barrage of criticisms the announcement of commencement of implementation of federal government’s cattle settlement policy, tagged Ruga settlement, has generated, the presidency Thursday summoned the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar.
Umar had on Monday, told journalists that the federal government had commenced the implementation of the policy in 12 states, saying it was a pilot scheme meant to test-run the government’s solution to the endemic herders’ confrontation with crop farmers nationwide.

His pronouncement attracted loud outcry from the government of Benue State and the governors of South-east states, who stated clearly on Tuesday that the policy would be resisted by them.

The protesters on Wednesday received hefty support from such socio-cultural groups as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan-Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle-Belt Forum as well as social critics, who rejected the policy as unworkable and unacceptable.

Ministry sources told THISDAY yesterday that Umar was called to the presidency to explain his statement, which is believed to be unauthorised, particularly given the sensitive nature of the policy said to still be at consultative stage.
The permanent secretary had said the federal government had commenced the building of Ruga settlements to curb the recurrent clashes between farmers and cattle herders, pointing out that the establishment of the settlements had been “settled along with other people that are interested in rearing animals.”

But THISDAY gathered that he might have exceeded the limits of his office by discussing the issue without authorisation as this ought to be the prerogative of the minister.

A source said the permanent secretary might have spoken too soon as the federal government had not concluded consultations with the pilot states, most of them still resistant to the policy.

Presidency summons perm sec over proposed Ruga settlement

Apparently jolted by the barrage of criticisms the announcement of commencement of implementation of federal government’s cattle settlement policy, tagged Ruga settlement, has generated, the presidency Thursday summoned the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar.
Umar had on Monday, told journalists that the federal government had commenced the implementation of the policy in 12 states, saying it was a pilot scheme meant to test-run the government’s solution to the endemic herders’ confrontation with crop farmers nationwide.

His pronouncement attracted loud outcry from the government of Benue State and the governors of South-east states, who stated clearly on Tuesday that the policy would be resisted by them.

The protesters on Wednesday received hefty support from such socio-cultural groups as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan-Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle-Belt Forum as well as social critics, who rejected the policy as unworkable and unacceptable.

Ministry sources told THISDAY yesterday that Umar was called to the presidency to explain his statement, which is believed to be unauthorised, particularly given the sensitive nature of the policy said to still be at consultative stage.
The permanent secretary had said the federal government had commenced the building of Ruga settlements to curb the recurrent clashes between farmers and cattle herders, pointing out that the establishment of the settlements had been “settled along with other people that are interested in rearing animals.”

But THISDAY gathered that he might have exceeded the limits of his office by discussing the issue without authorisation as this ought to be the prerogative of the minister.

A source said the permanent secretary might have spoken too soon as the federal government had not concluded consultations with the pilot states, most of them still resistant to the policy.

Supreme Court to governors, you can no longer sack LG chairmen, councillors

The Supreme Court on Friday voided laws enacted by the states’ Houses of Assembly which allow governors to sack elected chairmen of local governments and councillors and replace them with appointed administrators, according to Therepublicannews.net reports.

It has become a tradition among governors to dissolve the Executive Councils of the states’ LGs and replace them with their appointees, who they call caretaker committees.

In a unanimous judgement of five Justices of the Supreme Court described the practice as “executive recklessness”, which must not be allowed to persist.

The judgment by the five-man panel, led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour was on the appeal in relation to the dissolution of the 16 Local Government Executives in Ekiti State, during Kayode Fayemi’s tenure.

The appeal marked: SC/120/2013 was filed by the Ekiti State Government.

It had Prince Sanmi Olubunmi (Chairman of Ido Osi LG and Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria – ALGON, Ekiti Chapter and 13 others as respondents.

Fayemi, (then) Minister of Mineral Resources reportedly announced the dissolution of the councils in a radio announcement on October 29, 2010, when the elected council officials still had up till December 19, 2011, to end their three-year tenure.

The Supreme Court, in faulting the law purportedly relied on by Fayemi, held that Section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which empowered the governor to dissolve local government councils, whose tenure was yet to expire, violated section 7(1) of the Constitution from which the state House of Assembly derived the power to enact the local government law.

Justice Centus Nweze, in the lead judgment, said: “There can be no doubt, as argued by the appellants’ counsel, that the Ekiti State House of Assembly is empowered to make laws of Ekiti State.

“However, the snag here is that, in enacting section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which empowered the first appellant to bridge the tenure of office of the respondents, it overreached itself.

“In other words, section 23(b) (supra) is violative of, and in conflict with section 7(1) of the Constitution (supra). “Hence, it is bound to suffer the fate of ll laws which are in conflict with the Constitution, section 1(3) thereof.”

The judge said Section 7(1) of the Constitution seeks to guarantee “the system of local government by democratically elected local government councils and conferred “sacrosanctity on the elections of such officials whose electoral mandates derived from the will of the people freely exercised through the democratic process”.

“The implication, therefore, is that section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which was not intended to ‘ensure the existence of’ such democratically-elected councils, but to snap their continued existence by their substitution with caretaker councils, was enacted in clear breach of the supreme provisions of section 7(1) of the Constitution.

“To that extent, it (section 23(b) supra) cannot co-habit with section 7(1) of the Constitution (supra) and must, in consequence, be invalidated.

“The reason is simple. By his oath of office, the governor swore to protect and not to supplant the Constitution.

“Hence, any action of his which has the capacity of undermining the same Constitution (as in the instant case where the first appellant, ‘Governor of Ekiti State and others’ dissolved the tenure of the respondents and replaced them with caretaker committees) is tantamount to executive recklessness which would not be condoned,” the judge said.

Justice Nweze said the tenure of the local government councils could not be abridged without violating the supreme constitutional provisions.

“Simply put, therefore, the election of such officials into their offices and their tenure are clothed with constitutional force.

They cannot, therefore, be abridged without breaching the Constitution from which they derive their force.

“The only permissible exception, where a state governor could truncate the lifespan of a local government council which evolved through the democratic process of elections, is ‘for overriding public interest’ in a period of emergency.”

He upheld the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal on the issue and adopted the orders made by the Court of Appeal on the case in its judgment delivered on January 23, 2013.

The Appeal Court had among others, ordered the Ekiti State Government to compute and pay all the allowances and salaries accruable to members of the dissolved councils between October 29, 2010 and December 19, 2011, both dates inclusive.

Justice Nweze directed the Attorney- General of Ekiti State to ensure that the orders of the lower court (Appeal Court) affirmed in his judgment, are complied with.

Airforce denies dropping weapons for Fulani herdsmen in Enugu

The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday denied reports circulating on the social media, alleging that its helicopters dropped weapons for killer herdsmen in the forest area of Akwuke Community, Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.

In a statement by Faith Aigbeoghain, Flight Lieutenant, Acting Command Public Relations and Information Officer, Headquarters Ground Training Command Nigerian Air Force, she described the report as false, “deliberately misleading and obviously concocted by the writer to cause disaffection and incite negative, divisive emotions”.The
The report, accompanied with a picture, had gone viral, claiming that the Airforce personnel were dropping weapons for the Fulani herdsmen ahead of a planned attack in Enugu State.
But the Airforce Spokesman had now dismissed it as unfounded.

The statement obtained by our correspondent read:

“The attention of Headquarters Ground Training Command (HQ GTC) Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Enugu has been drawn to a story being circulated by some mischievous, misguided elements purporting that NAF helicopters were being used to “drop” weapons for Fulani herdsmen in the forest area of Akwuke Community in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State. The report alleged that helicopters had been seen on several occasions flying at low level and landing in the forest area to “discharge their packages”.

Argentina beat Qatar 2-0 to qualify for Copa America quarter-finals

An early goal by Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero’s late second gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday that qualified them for the Copa America quarter-finals.

Already-qualified Colombia beat Paraguay 1-0 in the other Group B match to secure a place in the last eight for both Peru, who finished third in Group A, and Uruguay, currently second in Group C.

Argentina, who finished second in Group B behind Colombia, will play Venezuela at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium in the quarter-finals, while tournament debutants and guests Qatar are out.

Paraguay, on two points, must wait and see what happens in Monday’s Group C clash between Japan and Ecuador before finding out if they qualify as one of the two best third-place finishers.

Peru, with four points, are sure of that while only a draw between Japan and Ecuador would see Paraguay progress.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recalled Manchester City forward Aguero for the crunch tie while Martinez kept his place at the expense of Angel Di Maria.

Asian champions Qatar made a calamitous start when a weak headed clearance from Tarek Salman fell to Martinez 12 yards out, but the Inter Milan forward sent his volley over the top.

He didn’t have to wait long for another chance though as Bassam Hisham played a ball across his box and straight to the feet of Argentina forward, who scuffed a shot into the bottom corner after just four minutes.

“The goal came early and that allowed us to approach the game with greater calmness,” said Martinez.

“There was pressure, we had to win to progress and we’re happy. Now we have to work hard.”

With the weight was lifted from Argentina’s shoulders, they played with freedom expected of a side boasting talents such as Aguero and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

Qatar played with limited ambition but their talented forwards looked dangerous when they did venture into the final third.

Hasan Khalid Al Haydos got in behind the Argentina backline and tried to chip Franco Armani but the goalkeeper got a touch to divert the ball behind, although the linesman’s flag was up and it wouldn’t have counted.

“We paid for inexperience, we started two matches by conceding goals from unnecessary actions,” said Qatar’s Spanish coach Felix Sanchez, alluding to their opening tie against Paraguay when they also conceded in the fourth minute.

“We played a great team that knew they had to win, they took their first chance really well. It was our mistake.”

(AFP)

Soldiers with low fighting spirit must go, says Buratai

Soldiers with waning fighting spirit in the ongoing anti-insurgency war are to get the push, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said on Sunday.
Describing such soldiers as bad eggs, the Army chief said transformational leadership of which he is an advocate would not wait for them to get out of the way before they are kicked out.

Lt.-Gen. Buratai’s threat to ease out those he called “bad eggs” came less than a week after he decried their attitude on the battle field, blaming recent setback in the anti-terror war on “insufficient commitment to a common national and military cause by those at the frontlines”.

His remark at a conference in Abuja sparked criticisms, with some saying it was damaging to the troop’s morale. Others praised Gen. Buratai’s “courage” in admitting that something was wrong.
According to Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa, the COAS made the latest remarks at the closing of Army Headquarters Transformational leadership workshop in Abuja.

Col. Musa said in a statement that the COAS implored officers and men of the Army to feel proud of their patriotic roles in their struggles to protect the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

He quoted Gen. Buratai as saying: “The NA is already working to evolve and institutionalise formal mentoring frameworks to compliment the informal system.
“It is with a great sense of accomplishment that I address this distinguished audience to mark the successful conclusion of the maiden Army Headquarters Transformational Leadership Workshop 2019.

“In my opening remarks, I observed how the attitude of quite a few bad eggs among us, whose commitment to our national/military cause has waned and led to setbacks in our operations. I am glad that this workshop has clearly shown to everyone that we have great reasons to be proud of our nation.
“The long standing culture of service, sacrifice and honour in the NA has been reaffirmed in the various life lessons and examples of our colleagues – serving, retired or late – whose stories were highlighted during the workshop.
“This culture should reinvigorate and motivate you as transformational leaders for selfless service to the nation.

In Borno State, far away from the workshop venue, troops neutralised two terrorists after thwarting an ambush plan by the insurgents, the Army announced on Sunday.

Col. Musa said the ambush was laid against the troops by desperate members of the Boko Haram terrorists, who were in dire need of food and other essential materials.
He said in a statement that troops on escort duty later killed two terrorists during a fierce encounter that followed.

Col. Musa said: “In its routine effort in providing and maintaining a secure, and steady passage of persons and goods as well as free vehicular movements on some notable roads/Main Supply Routes (MSR) in the Northeast, troops of 26 Brigade Garrison on patrol and escort duties of civilian merchants and commuters on Wala village and adjoining communities on Saturday, June 22, 2019, had a fierce encounter with desperate terrorists’ ambush team, desperately craving for food and other essentials.

“During the encounter, troops swiftly responded with heavy gunfire, thwarted the ambush, exterminated two terrorists and captured two AK 47 rifles.
“Subsequently, intelligence revealed that the terrorists were informed by their informants of the troops’ movement in order to use the opportunity to grab foodstuff that they direly need for survival.
“To consolidate on the gains achieved from the ambush clearance, further exploitation of the general area and beyond was undertaken with the troops of 121 Task Force Battalion dispatched to reinforce the 26 Brigade Garrison.
“During advance, troops discovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) concealed along their axis of advance. The IEDs were successfully detonated and cleared.
“Despite the IED threat, the resilient troops proceeded further to ensure the general area is cleared of terrorists and explosives. There is no casualty on the part of Nigerian Army troops during the operation.
“Instructively, the exploits in the ongoing Operation Halaka Dodois yielding successes. The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff commended the troops for the successes achieved. He urged them to be more vigorous and decisive to end the insurgency. He also conveyed the assurance of the unyielding support of the Chief of Army Staff in this regard.
In Katsina State, troops arrested 20 suspected bandits and kidnappers, among them a notorious kingpin, the Army said on Sunday.
According to the army spokesman, troops recovered weapons, motorcycles and foodstuff from the suspects.
He alleged in a statement that the gang was responsible for cattle-rustling and kidnapping in Katsina.

The statement reads: “In continuation of operations against armed banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminalities in Katsina State, troops of 17 Brigade on Operation Harbin Kunama III have arrested a notorious bandit/kidnapping kingpin, Mallam Bawa Gomna and 20 others during operations around Batsari, Jibia and Safana Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State between June 3 and 21, 2019.

“Those arrested so far are reportedly responsible for terrorising villagers in Batsari, Jibia and Safana local government areas.
“The criminal elements were apprehended based on credible intelligence from the locals, and have confessed taking part in several banditry activities, cattle-rustling and other sundry crimes.
“They, as usual, will be handed over to the respective law enforcement agency for further action.

“The 17 Brigade Nigerian Army commends and appreciates all those that provided the information that led to the arrest of the criminals and urged members of the public to continue to support security agencies with credible information to combat the insecurity.”
Col. Musa listed those arrested and seized items as: Bawa Gomna of Garin Waiziri in Safana Local Government Area, Mallam Bello Sabiu of Fafara village of Jibia Local Government Area and Ibrahim Umar of Fafara village, Jibia Local Government Area – logistics suppliers of the bandits.

“Others are: Mallam Ibrahim Labo of Shamushelle village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Musa Lawal (Maitonga village in Safana Local Government Area), Mallam Adamu Mohammed (Mairuwa village, Faskari Local Government Area) and Ibrahim Babangida Mairuwa (Faskari Local Government Area).
“Also arrested are: Sani Adamu (Mairuwa village, Faskari Local Government Area), Yusuf Abubakar ( Mairuwa village, Faskari Local Government Area) and Adamu Saidu (Mairuwa village, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State).

“Also, troops recovered motorcycles, foodstuff, handsets and jerry cans of petroleum motor sprit (PMS) from the bandits,” Col. Musa stated.

The Nation

Nnamdi Kanu rejects proposed Fulani vigilante group in South East

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to the call by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, to establish Fulani Youth Vigilante body in the South-East.

MACBAN and security stakeholders spoke, yesterday, during the South-East Security Summit organized by the South-East Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture, SECCIMA, in collaboration with South-East Governors Forum, SEGF, in Enugu.



National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Mohammadu Kirowa, regretted that once insecurity was mentioned in Nigeria, the first idea that came to mind was Fulani herdsmen, hence it wanted establishment of Fulani Youth Vigilante group, noting that the youth body would work with security agencies, the neighbourhood watch or vigilante to ensure security in all communities, as was done in Enugu State.

Reacting to the request Mazi Kanu, through a statement signed by him, said he, on behalf of the IPOB rejected and condemned in totallity the idea of establishing Fulani Youth Vigilante group, in South-East.

PRESS STATEMENT:

“I condemn in totality, both in letter and spirit the underhand agreement between South East Governors and Fulani terrorists that led to the idiotic call by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), the fouth most deadly terror group in the world, for the establishment of Fulani terrorist vigilante groups in Igboland Biafra. Without much ado, I wish to state as follows:

1. That it is extremely shocking and shameful that, at a time when Fulani cattle herders have turned to terrorists and ravaging the North, Middle Belt and Yorubaland, Southeast Governors allowed Miyetti Allah to get away with such criminal demand on our soil. It’s akin to telling someone in advance that you are coming to rob his house and he allowed you to just walk away, while pleading with you that you should reconsider.

Instead of ordering their immediate arrest on the spot for daring to so brazenly reveal their criminal intention to invade Igboland, the spineless cowards that pass for SouthEast Governors appear to want to accommodate their demands. No doubt as payback for being rigged back into power by Abba Kyari led Fulani Cabal that run the government of Nigeria in the name of a dead Buhari.

2). Miyetti Allah a mere cattle trading association, that later turned into a militant terrorist organisation is now openly threatening to conquer Igboland with the help of Igbo governors. It defies logic that Southeast Governors would care to give audience in the open in Igboland to an organisation that has been rated the fourth deadliest terrorist organisation in the world.

Did the Southeast Governors stop to consider that Biafran traders in the far North, even though law abiding, can never be given the audience and reverence that these Southeast governors have so shamefully extended to Miyetti Allah.

3). Considering the weak and rambling response of Governor Dave Umahi to this criminal demand, we are certain these Southeast Governors have already granted this request; and in the unlikely event they have not, it’s highly probable that they will, albeit secretly.

In such event, I hereby warn Miyetti Allah, Southeast Governors and their collaborators in the Southeast and elsewhere in Nigeria that IPOB will not tolerate the establishment of any Fulani militia, masquerading as vigilantes, in Southeast or anywhere else in Biafraland.

4). We recall that it is the stated intention of IPOB to set up vigilante services, otherwise known as Biafran Security Services (BSS) that was used as the immediate excuse by the same Southeast Governors to proscribe IPOB, whereupon they proceeded to invite the Government of Nigeria to declare IPOB a terrorist organisation, all of which culminated in the Python Dance that claimed scores of innocent Biafran lives.

We are eagerly waiting for Miyetti Allah and their Fulani terror militia in Biafraland, an adventure they will regret for as long as they live. Their ancestors tried the same nonsense 300 years ago and returned to Zaria in humiliation, so will this Fulani army of darkness fail in 2019. Fulani caliphate must know that IPOB will not allow any of piece of Biafran territory to become another Illorin. We are waiting for Miyetti Allah with open arms.

Signed:
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
IPOB Leader

Fulani herdsmen give condition to stop killing

Bandits in Zamfara State have given conditions for laying down their arms.
One of the conditions is that extra-judicial killings of Fulani, especially in local markets, should be halted.

They bandits are also demanding that they be allowed to attend local markets without fear or intimidation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Usman Nagoggo, disclosed this yesterday during a meeting with vigilantes and volunteers popularly known as Yan Sakai, Nagoggo said authorities had recently reached out to the armed men and that they had assured that they would stop the carnage in the state only on conditions.

The CP said: “Part of the conditions they gave was that the Yan Sakai should halt the extra judicial killings of Fulani especially in local markets. The bandits said they should be allowed to attend local markets without fear or intimidation.

“That is why we are holding this meeting to intimate you about the new peace road map being designed by the government. In a situation whereby a local vigilante will kill one of the bandits and the armed men would slay about 30 persons in retaliation, what is the gain here?”
The CP urged the leaders of the vigilantes to reach out to their followers and ask them to stop unlawful executions of suspected criminals, adding that “it is part of what is fuelling the crises.”

In his reaction, the secretary of the Yan Sakai group in the state, Sani Babbar Doka, said: “In the peace pact that took place about three years ago, we surrendered our arms as demanded by the government, but the armed criminals did not. We are ready for anything that will ensure that peace returns to our communities, but not at the detriment of the opposing group,” he said.

Daily Trust

Wike receives Osinbajo in Port Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike today received Vice President Yemi Osibanjo who was in Rivers State to commission a liquid waste treatment plant owned by African Circle Pollution Management Limited.

The plant which has taken over USD 8 million investment by  African Circle Pollution Management Limited is done on a 20 year Build Operate and Transfer basis with the Federal Government.

The event also had in attendance Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar who is also the Chairman of the board of African Circle Management Limited, Governor of Niger State, Alahaji Sani, Vice Chairman of the board and Ex Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni among other dignitaries.

Domestic staff murders employer, mother 24 hours after he was hired

The Lagos state police command have arrested 22 year old Joseph Ogbu, for the gruesome murder of his employer, Oreoluewa John, 38, and her 89-year-old mother, Adejoke John, at their residence at Number 4 Ogunlana drive in Sururlere, Lagos state.

A statement from the command's Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, says at about 3am today, the Surulere Police Station received a distress call from No 4 Ogulana drive in Surulere that Joseph who is from Oju Local Government Area, Benue State and who was employed as a domestic staff on 18th June, 2019, murdered his employer Oreoluwa and her 89 years old Mother at their home.

The suspect confessed to the Crime.

In his statement, he averred that, his employer asked him to clean the house at about 9pm of 19th June, 2019 but an argument ensued between them, which prompted him to stab her with a knife. Joseph said the shock caused the mother to slum and die.

Considering the fact that they were both dead, he moved some valuable Properties such as electronics, handsets and household items into the employer's Toyota Camry Salon Car and attempted to escape to where he cannot be found, before he was apprehended by Policemen on patrol at Ogunlana pindown point.

The vehicle and items stolen were recovered. The Crime scene was sealed off and corpses of the two victims were taken to Mainland hospital Yaba for autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu mni has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba to take over the investigation and charge the suspect to Court.

Professor murdered in Rivers State

Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers have killed Emmanuel Amadi, a lecturer at the Rivers State University (RSU).

According to The Nation, the victim was murdered at his residence close to Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuorlumeni, Port Harcourt, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Until his death, the professor lectured at the department of microbiology in RSU.

Sydney Enyindah, spokesman of the university, confirmed the tragic incident, saying: “Prof. Amadi was attacked in his house at Rumuorlumeni, Port Harcourt in the early hours of today by armed robbers.

“The sad information came while we were having management meeting. The situation will become clearer tomorrow.”

Nnamdi Omoni, spokesman of the Rivers police command, also confirmed the incident.

“I spoke with the Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Port Harcourt, Prof. Blessing Didia, five minutes before you called me,” the newspaper quoted him to have said.

“The VC of RSU told me through the telephone that he heard of the attack on Prof. Amadi from the grapevine, without official communication from the family to the university’s authorities.”

Rivers is among the states across the country battling insecurity. On Wednesday, the foreign and commonwealth office of the United Kingdom listed it among 21 Nigerian states it advised British citizens not to visit because of insecurity.

But the police later dismissed the travel advisory, saying security challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria.

US confirms drone was shut down by Iranian missile

A US military surveillance drone has been shot down by Iranian forces while flying over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the drone had violated Iranian airspace. But US military said it had been over international waters.

IRGC commander-in-chief Maj-Gen Hossein Salami said the downing of the drone sent a "clear message to America" that Iran's borders were its "red line".

It comes at a time of escalating tension between the US and Iran.

On Monday, the US defence department said it was deploying 1,000 extra troops to the region in response to "hostile behaviour" by Iranian forces. It has already sent an aircraft carrier strike group and B-52 bombers.

The US has also accused Iran of attacking two oil tankers with mines last Thursday just outside the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman. Iran rejects the allegation.

Media captionThe BBC's Mark Lowen gets close access to stricken oil tanker
It was the second time in a month tankers have been attacked close in the region, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes each day.

Tensions were further fuelled on Monday when Iran announced its stockpile of low-enriched uranium would next week exceed limits it agreed with world powers under a landmark nuclear deal in 2015.

What we know about Gulf tanker attacks
The Iran nuclear crisis in 300 words
Iran stepped up its production in response to tightening economic sanctions from the US, which unilaterally withdrew from the deal last year.

What happened on Thursday?
The IRGC said its air force shot down a US "spy" drone in the early hours of Thursday after the unmanned aircraft violated Iranian airspace near Kuhmobarak in the southern province of Hormozgan.

The drone was identified by the IRGC as a RQ-4 Global Hawk, but the US military official told Reuters news agency the drone was a US Navy MQ-4C Triton, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft based on the RQ-4B Global Hawk.

Map of Iran and Strait of Hormuz showing Kuhmobarak
Later, in a speech carried live on Iranian state TV, Gen Salami warned the US that it needed to respect Iran's territorial integrity and national security.

"The downing of the American drone was a clear message to America, and the message is this: those who defend the borders of the Islamic nation of Iran will react in a total and decisive way to any intrusions by foreign elements on our land. Our borders are our red line."

He added: "Iran is not seeking war with any country, but we are fully prepared to defend Iran."

Iran's foreign ministry warned of the consequences of "provocative measures".

Presentational grey line
First direct incident of crisis
Analysis box by Jonathan Marcus, defence correspondent
This is the first direct incident of the current crisis involving the US and Iranian militaries and is a powerful reminder of the dangers of escalation in the Gulf.

As far as the Iranians are concerned, the downing of the drone was intended to send a clear and explicit message to the Americans - "our borders are our red line" - a point underscored by the IRGC's commander-in-chief.

So there is no doubting who shot down the US drone, an MQ-4C Triton. It is a massive aircraft with a wing-span equivalent to a small airliner. But the two sides differ as to where it happened. The Iranians say it was in their airspace; the Americans say that it was not.

According to some reports, US President Donald Trump himself is eager to dial down the tension, fearing a spill-over into outright conflict. But this is just the kind of incident that could provoke just such a cycle of action and response.

Presentational grey line
Is this the first time Iran has targeted a US drone?
Last week, the US military accused Iran of attempting to shoot down a US MQ-9 Reaper armed drone with a surface-to-air missile in an attempt to disrupt surveillance of one of the tankers that was attacked, the Kokuka Courageous.

The drone had earlier observed a fire on board the other tanker, the Front Altair.

Media captionWhy does the Strait of Hormuz matter?
The previous week, another US MQ-9 Reaper was shot down over Yemen by a surface-to-air missile fired by the Iran-backed rebel Houthi movement.

The US military said the altitude of the engagement "indicated an improvement over previous Houthi capability, which we assess was enabled by Iranian assistance". Iran denies providing weapons to the Houthis.

In 2011, Iran said it had captured a US RQ-170 Sentinel reconnaissance drone that had been reported lost by US forces in neighbouring Afghanistan. It developed its own version of the drone, one of which was shot down by Israel last year.

Presentational grey line
US-Iran tension: Recent events
May 2018: US President Donald Trump withdraws unilaterally from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, and begins reinstating sanctions to force Iran to renegotiate the accord. Iran's economy slumps as they take effect.

2 May 2019: Mr Trump steps up pressure on Tehran by ending exemptions from secondary sanctions for countries still buying Iranian oil.

5 May: The US sends an aircraft carrier strike group and B-52 bombers to the Gulf because of "troubling and escalatory indications" related to Iran.

8 May: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says Iran will scale back its commitments under the nuclear deal in retaliation for the sanctions, including by allowing its stockpile of low-enriched uranium to increase. Enriched uranium is used to make reactor fuel and potentially nuclear weapons.

12 May: Four oil tankers are damaged by explosions off the UAE coast in the Gulf of Oman. The UAE says the blasts were caused by limpet mines planted by a "state actor". The US blames Iran, but it denies the allegation.

13 June: Explosions hit two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The US again accuses Iran, releasing footage purportedly showing Iranian forces removing an unexploded limpet mine from a damaged vessel. Iran says the evidence is fabricated.

17 June: Iran says it will breach on 27 June the limit on its stockpile of enriched uranium set under the nuclear deal, unless Europe protects Iranian oil sales.

20 June: Iranian forces shoot down US military drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

BBC

Oil war in Rivers State

The six division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, on Monday, said its personnel have killed a notorious oil bunkerers, Korobe Menele Loveday, aka Mene.

Recall that gunmen on Saturday night, killed a soldier and two Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, personnel in Gio, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The security personnel were guarding an oil pipeline belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, Trans-Niger Pipelines.

The gunmen also carted away their rifles.

The army in a statement by the Army’s Deputy Director of Information, Aminu Iliyasu, said that “In the early hours of today Sunday the 16th of June 2019, troops of 29 Battalion of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guarding Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State were attacked by suspected militants who were hitherto prevented from vandalizing 24″ and 28” TNP thereby putting them out of the illicit business.

“Unfortunately, during the ensuing firefight one soldier and 2 personnel of the NSCDC lost their lives and their weapons (one AK 47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by the assailants.

” An immediate reinforcement by troops at the location led to the cordon and search of the general area with the view to finding any criminal believed to be harbouring within the communities.

“Reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.

” Consequently, at about 9:00 am, troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without a number plate, hastily driven with 4 occupants.

” Efforts to stop the vehicle by troops at a checkpoint was ignored. The gallant troops chased the speeding vehicle and caught up with the suspects around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.

“Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid to escape. Troops reacted and incapacitated the militants’ vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others with him believed to escape with gunshot wounds – leaving trails of blood".

The following items were recovered from the scene and in the vehicle: 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines loaded with 52 Rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK 95DP RIVERS and some documents.

” The body and other recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State Command for further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to face justice”

Gbajabiamila may lose House of Rep seat

The Speakership position of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has come under intense threat as members of Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN under the auspices of Coalition of Civil Society Organization for Justice and Equity, CCSO-JE, have asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to order the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Gbajabiamila as member representing Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

Incorporated Trustees of the Network, in a public interest suit, sought for Gbajabiamila’s seat in the House of Representative to be declared vacant on account of him purportedly not being qualified to contest in the 2019 election, having allegedly lied under oath for purposes of contesting the 2011 election that he was not in the last ten years before then convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty.

This group stated that Gbajabiamila’s claim flies in the face of the judgment of the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, USA led by Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears showing that he was truly convicted on 26th February, 2007 for fraud involving the sum of $25,000 which the Speaker was said to have collected as personal injury claims from an insurance company due to one Ms. Hadyatou Barry but failed to disburse to her in the year 2003 in USA, where he was practising as an attorney.

In its Originating Summons filed pursuant to Order 3 Rules 6, 7 and 9 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, GICN also asked the court to compel the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute Gbajabiamila for the offence of perjury having allegedly lied under oath in EXHIBIT GICN 10, which he submitted to INEC for purposes of contesting the 2011 General Elections that he was not in the last ten years before then convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty.

Aside Gbajabiamila, who is the first defendant in the suit, other defendants are the House of Representatives, Clerk to the National Assembly, the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Nigeria Police Force, who are the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents, respectively.

Meanwhile, the case which came up for mention on Monday, 17th June, 2019 before Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court 6, saw Edward Omaga, Esq. leading Abiodun Sodiq Babalola, Esq. and Joseph Chinelo Nwaegbu, Esq. announcing appearance for the Plaintiff who was represented in court by their Secretary, Board of Trustees, John Obor, Esq.

When Omaga sought to move Motion Exparte seeking abridgement of time, amongst other reliefs, one Barr. Adedeji with Barr. Ope Adeyemi from Lagos entered appearance for Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila being the 1st Defendant. They applied to receive service of all the originating processes on his behalf, thus necessitating withdrawal of Prayer 2 on the motion paper seeking to serve Hon. Gbajabiamila by substituted means vide Leadership and Daily Trust newspapers. Meanwhile, as a way of erring on the side of surplusage the Plaintiff has mobilized bailiff of court to serve all parties with both the originating processes and Enrolled Order for abridgement of time.

The Court, whilst adjourning the suit to Monday, 1st July, 2019 for further mention, ordered the Plaintiff to serve parties within seven days to enable them to respond within the abridged period of fourteen days instead of the thirty days allowed by the rules.

Daily Post

Return my virginity, good health, if you want dissolution - Wife tells husband

A 28-year-old woman, Suliat on Wednesday told her husband, Lateef, that she would only consent to his request for the dissolution of their marriage if he returns her virginity and good health, as she was two years ago before the union.

Suliat stated her conditions before an Iseyin Grade C Customary Court, where the husband had gone seeking  for the dissolution of the marriage over “frequent public embarrassment.”

He told the Court that Suliat was in the habit of harassing him at his workplace and social functions attended by his friends and relatives.

The husband said he had to move out of their matrimonial home due to the unbearable development.

Responding, Suliat said she was charmed by Lateef before she agreed to marry him.

“Ideally I will not marry this type of human being, if not for the charm he used on me.

“I was looking for the charm to help my business grow and he told me that he will need to get some hairs from my private part and also make love to me, that was how I found myself married to him.

“When I got to his house, my business boomed and he also made a lot of money too and we got it renewed twice but now my health is deteriorating and he now moved out of the house.

“He must look for a way to return my virginity and my health before he can say he wants to leave me.”

Ruling on the matter, the President of the Court, Chief Raheem Adelodun, said the case would be put on hold until the health condition of Suliat improves.

He ordered the families of the estranged couple to seek urgent medical help for Suliat and update the Court every 15 days.

(NAN)

Police to partner with OPC to tackle insecurity in South West

Following the seven-day ultimatum handed down to Fulani herdsmen in the South-west by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has sent his Chief of Staff, Mr. Jude Nwankor, to the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Abiodun Ige Adams.
Speaking during the visit in his house in Lagos, Adams tasked the IG on the need to be proactive in tackling the various security issues in the country.

Adams restated his belief in boosting local security, saying the best measure is to get people at the grassroots involved in local security.
He told the top police hierarchy that as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, “there are pressures on me to act on the issues”.
Adams admitted that the OPC “is ready to partner with the police in solving the security challenges in the country”, adding that “our group has a history of winning war against kidnapping, banditry and other social vices”.

“I commend the Inspector General of Police on this move. The visit, as far as I am concerned, is a welcome development and it goes a long way in solving the menace.
“The security situation in the country is becoming too worrisome with cases of Killings, kidnapping, raping and banditry prevalent across South-West states, and there is an urgent need to curb the menace”

Responding, Nwankor, who led the police team, said the reason for the visit “is to seek your support in solving the security challenges in the country”.
He said the police will be willing to partner with the Aare, giving his deep knowledge and experiences at the grassroots.

“We are happy to relate with you as a prominent voice in Yorubaland. We know there is no way we can secure the grassroots without local intelligence. The IG has indicated interest in seeking your assistance and support and that is why we are here to tell you that the police, as an institution, is ready to partner with you”, he said.

Other personalities present at the meeting included Asoju Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Yinka Oguntimehin, Assistant General Secretary of OPC, Mr. Lasun Ogunfowokan, Chief Superintendent of Police Peter Gana and Mrs Stella Gowon.

Adams later presented a letter to the IGP, indicating his support and proffering solutions to insecurity across the country.

Meanwhile, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBN) held a meeting in Osogbo yesterday to fashion out ways of ensuring peaceful coexistence and improved security in Osun State.
During the meeting, OPC in Osun State gave the Fulani herdsmen living in the state a seven-day ultimatum to fish out the bad eggs among them in the interest of peace in the state.
OPC, however, expressed readiness to use everything within its reach to tackle the security challenges currently facing the state.

The OPC leader in the state, Alhaji Leke Akintayo, gave the ultimatum during a peace meeting held with the leaders of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Castle Breeders Association in Osogbo, the state capital, yesterday.
Akintayo, who also sounded a note of warning to Fulani herders who have been engaging in criminal activities such as kidnapping, banditry, robbery among others, to vacate the state immediately or be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Expressing worries on the spate of kidnapping and other form of criminalities in the state, the OPC leader said one of the major objectives of OPC since its creation in 1998 is to protect the lives and property of Yoruba people.
According to him, “We called for this peace meeting to find lasting solution to the issue of security breakdown such as kidnapping, armed robbery and all sorts of criminal activities in the state.

“Over the years, Osun had been adjudged as the most peaceful state in Nigeria until recently when the so-called Fulani herders invaded our land and started kidnapping our people,” he explained.

ThisDay

Ex minister's son kidnapped in Oyo

Some unknown gunmen on Tuesday evening abducted Dayo Adewole, who is the son of the immediate past Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

The military, the police, security agents and local hunters were already on the trail of the kidnappers as at press time.

The ex-minister has however been forced to cut short his trip abroad.

The abductors were yet to contact the family on their motive and the condition  of their victim.

According to a source, Dayo Adewole was waylaid at gunpoint on his farm in Iroko, near Fiditi in Afijio Local Government Area of  Oyo State at about 6pm.

Read also: Adewole consoles murdered health worker’s family
Although there were some staff with Dayo, the abductors went for him as a prime target.

It was gathered that the kidnappers later took Dayo away to an unknown destination.

A source said, ” The villagers were alerted by the staff who survived the ordeal. Local hunters were mobilised by the Oniroko of Iroko.

“The hunters were said to have located the car of the abductors along the road to Iware village near Iroko.

“But they are yet to locate Dayo’s whereabouts. It was suspected that the kidnappers might have changed their vehicle following persistent announcement on radio after Oniroko had raised the alarm on air.”

Findings confirmed that the military, the police and security agencies have joined forces with the villagers to search for Dayo.

A top official of the Federal Ministry of Health said: ” We are in sad mood over the abduction. Dayo was a graduate of agriculture and he opted for farming.

” He has been managing his farm peacefully in Iroko until he was abducted by some gunmen on Tuesday.”

Responding to a question,  the official said: “The ex-minister left for abroad last Thursday for recess but he is on his way back. He has cut short his trip.

” The military, the police and other security agencies are on top of the situation.”

Yahoo boy falls in love with his maga

We got connected through fb, she would've been a victim, but I decided to keep it real and clean with her,"

"Some of my friends said am getting emotional with my client but I turned a deaf ear to all their advice, I went ahead to add her up on my real whatsapp, we dated online for 4 months and things went quite well. Then she summoned the courage and came down here to see me."

"She stayed in Nigeria for 2 weeks, and promised to come back and pay for my groom price with her family members".

"Yahoo sweet, but being real, legit pass" — Nigerian guy excited as his white fiancée is set to pay his groom price in Abia State.

Inter, Man UTD, agree €70m Lukaku fee

Inter Milan and Manchester United have agreed terms over a deal for Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgium striker settled on a contract with Inter last month and now Sportmediaset says Inter have also struck an agreement over a fee with United.

United want to sell Lukaku for €70m cash – and Inter are happy with the valuation.

However, they’ve asked United and Lukaku for some time as they seek to raise funds from player sales.

Offers to include Mauro Icardi and Milan Skriniar in the Lukaku proposal have been turned down by United.

We can't disclose details of Buhari's assets declaration, CCB tell SERAP

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) says it cannot disclose the details of President Muhammadu Buhari’s assets.

The bureau responded to a freedom of information (FoI) request by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), seeking a disclosure of assets declaration submitted by successive presidents and governors from 1999 till date.

It said the information requested cannot be provided on the grounds of “invasion of privacy’.

In its FoI request, the civil society organisation had asked the CCB to provide “details of declarations made immediately after taking offices and thereafter, and for those who have left public offices, at the end of their term of office.”

SERAP also wanted the CCB to make public, “information on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the CCB and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, by the Bureau.”

In a letter signed by Musa Usman, on behalf of CCB chairman, the bureau said the request “falls short of the requirement of the law”.

The letter with reference number CCB/HQ/LU/047/59 said only the national assembly can prescribe conditions for the release of the forms, but such conditions are yet to be prescribed.

“Paragraph 3(c) of the 3rd schedule to the 1999 Nigerian constitution (as amended) empowers the bureau to retain custody of asset declaration and make them available for inspection by any citizen on such terms and conditions to be prescribed by the national assembly. These terms and conditions are yet to be prescribed,” the letter read.

“Assuming the freedom of information Act is the term and condition, Sections 12(1)(v) and 14(1)(b) of the Act makes information in the asset declaration form private and producing such information would be an invasion of privacy of presidents and governors. Section 14(2)(3) of the same Act stipulate conditions for granting requests for private information but these have not been met by SERAP’s application.

“Section 12(1)(a)(4)(a)(b) exempt production of information relating to investigation for the purposes of law enforcement and such investigation must have been carried out pursuant to an Act or regulation. Verification is investigation carried out pursuant to Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act for the purposes of law enforcement.

“Referring breaches of the Code of Conduct for public officers to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for prosecution is a matter of discretion of the bureau and not a matter of FOI.

“Consequently, I am further directed to convey to you that the request in SERAP’s application for information on details of asset declarations by presidents and state governors since the return of democracy in 1999 is hereby denied on the grounds that it falls short of the requirement of the law. Please accept the assurances of the highest esteem of the Chairman CCB.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s deputy director, said the civil society organisation will challenge the decision of the CCB at the court, adding that “declaration forms are public information, and not private information”.

TheCable

China to give preference to Nigerians applying for visas

The government of the People’s Republic of China on Monday said that it would create more opportunities for more Nigerians to visit China in the years ahead.

Mr Chu Maoming, Consul General of China in Lagos State, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the Consulate and the Chinese

Embassy would facilitate visas issuance to more Nigerians.

Maoming said that the signing of the agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative between Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Xi Jingpin was a welcome development for both countries.

“Within the framework of the agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative signed between Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Xi Jinping, there would be more business and trade transaction between China and Nigeria.

“We do know that more Nigerians would be travelling to China and more of Chinese businesses and investments coming to Nigeria.

“We, therefore, know that the need to provide more Nigerians with visas is very important.


“What we want Nigerians to know is that the process for applying for the Chinese visas is one of the fastest and most convenient,’’ hesaid.

Maoming said that the Chinese Consulate and Embassy would continue to give preference to Nigerians applying for visas to China for
businesses, investments and other purposes.

The Envoy, who expressed the Chinese government’s commitment to strengthening relations with Africa, said that more businesses and investments should be expected in Nigeria from China in the years ahead.

“We are going to be seeing more of Chinese businesses, trade and investments in Nigeria. We would also be seeing more investments from Nigeria in China.

“We are very happy to see the strengthening of our areas of cooperation within the framework of the One Belt and Road.

Punch

Angry Nigerian destroys properties at the Nigerian Embassy in London

A Nigerian, identified as Jeffery Ewohime, destroyed properties, mainly cars, at the Nigerian Embassy in London.

PREMIUM TIMES has obtained amateur footage of the incident shared on social media.
Full details of what led to the incident are still sketchy but an official narrated what she heard about it.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman, Nigerians In the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), condemned the attitude of the 32-year old Nigerian.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement by her media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said such an attitude was unpatriotic and an act of indiscipline.

The NIDCOM boss said she received a report that Mr Ewohime went to the Nigeria Embassy in London on Monday
”He had approached the embassy to collect his passport which expired since November 2017 at about 2 p.m. and was told collection of passports would close at 1 p.m.
”He then insisted on collecting his passport, and was told to bring his collection slip which he could not produce,” she said.

According to reports from the Embassy, it would, of course, be wrong to hand over his passport to him without his collection slip.

She said that Emohime thereafter left, agitated and returned from a nearby hotel to destroy about seven cars, five belonging to the mission, and two to visitors who parked nearby.
”His attempt to destroy the High Commissioner’s car failed as it is bulletproof.
“I am told that he had been arrested by the police.

”He destroyed seven brand new cars, except the Ambassador’s car which is bulletproof. “
“This is a despicable act, which must be condemned by all. Of course, the law must take its course,” she said.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa implored Nigerians abroad to exercise restraint and be good ambassadors of Nigeria at all times in all circumstances.

(NAN)

Former Egyptian president, Mohammed Morsi dies in court

Mohammed Morsi, ousted president of Egypt, has collapsed during a court session and died, according to state TV.

It is believed that the 67-year-old former leader was attending a session in his trial on espionage charges on Monday when he collapsed and then died.


The Associated Press tweeted
@AP
 BREAKING: Egypt's state TV says the country's ousted President Mohammed Morsi has collapsed during a court session and died.

Multiple bomb blasts in Borno, 17 dead, 30 injured

No fewer than 17 persons have been killed in a multiple bomb blasts that rocked a Borno village on Sunday night, according to local vigilantes. The sources also told Daily Trust that dozens sustained different degrees of injuries in the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Daily Trust gathered that the incident occurred at Mandarari village in Konduga local government area of the state at exactly 8:50pm.

According to the sources, three suicide bombers detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, at a viewing centre which killed no fewer than 17 people, including a mobile policeman. “The information revealed that it was three suicide bombers, two female and a male, who detonated the IEDs, killing themselves in the process and others around a viewing center and a joint opposite the clinic at Mandarari ward, Konduga.

 “Though 17 persons, including one mobile policeman are dead while the injured may be as high as 30 civilian,” said a vigilante who doesn’t want his name mentioned. As at the time of filing this report, the military and police have not issued any official statement to ascertain the magnitude of the attack. However, some sources at the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, have confirmed the same figure. Officials of the agency were on their way to Konduga, as at the time of filing this report, to evacuate the dead and convey the injured to the hospital.

Students force Ekiti University to postpone exams

A protest by students of Ekiti State University, (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, has forced management to postpone the first semester examinations which were originally scheduled to begin on Monday, June 17.

In a news release issued on Sunday night and signed by the Registrar of the institution, Akin Arogundade, the new date for the examinations is now Monday, July 1.

The postponement according to the statement is to ensure security of lives and property on campus and its environs.

It failed to dwell on the effect of an earlier protest by students as a possible cause of the shift.

“Consequently, all academic activities on campus has been postponed until Monday, July 1, 2019, while students are expected back on campus on Sunday, June 30, 2019,” the statement said.

It directed all students preparing for exams to ensure payment of all necessary fees, as evidence of payment would be used for clearance and examination permit.

“The University community, parents, and guardians are assured of adequate security on campus as well as the safety of staff and students,” it said.

NAN recalls that the students held a peaceful protest early on Sunday to criticise the sudden fixing of the examinations without adequate lectures.

The protesters were also worried that many students might be denied participation as the data system had yet to capture all who had cleared their tuition.

NAN

Buhari sends message to Amaechi

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated First Republic Aviation Minister, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, on the occasion of his 90th birthday anniversary.

His spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the president joined family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the elder statesman, foremost nationalist and respected community leader who has remained steadfast in proffering the way forward for Nigeria and building bridges that will help strengthen the foundations of the country.

“On this auspicious occasion, the President enjoins all who celebrate the nonagenarian to reflect on the ideals he shared so much with national founding figures like the great Zik of Africa, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, who used their leadership positions to serve the country with dedication, dignity and discipline”, it read.

“The President believes Nigeria needs nationalists like Chief Amaechi to constantly remind us of our national history and inspire all Nigerians to embrace the core values of unity and faith, peace and progress.

“President Buhari prays God to preserve the celebrant with good health, happiness and peace and wish all those celebrating him a joyous day.”

Daily Post

INEC Chairman asked to resign over EU report

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the sack of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Yakubu Mahmood.

HURIWA in a statement on Sunday by its Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Media Affairs Director Miss Zainab Yusuf, made the call in reaction to the European Union report on Nigeria’s 2019 election.

The group stated that the election was so rigged to an extent that over 40 percent of the results returned by the compromised Yakubu Mahmood have been voided and rendered a legal nullity by competent courts of law and election petition and appeals’ tribunals all across the country

“What is Yakubu Mahmood still doing as Chairman when the shoddy and shabby electoral heist he supervised has been discredited locally and globally?” it quipped

HURIWA said it was shocking that Mahmood who presided over the most brazenly manipulated and criminally rigged election in the political history of Africa has refused to voluntarily bow out and resign from office for his spectacular and historical failure to conduct a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election even when he had over 4 years to prepare for the just ended polls.

HURIWA also noted that the conduct of the Mahmood led INEC before the presidential elections petition Tribunal in which INEC denied deploying the technological transmission of results (electronic servers) which the electoral commission budgeted and got the facilities installed has shown that Mr Yakubu Mahmood has no business remaining as chairman of an agency that ought to be independent and operate as an unbiased umpire.

It added: “How come that an umpire who claims to be unbiased be the party in an electoral petition that actively undermines and is frustrating one of the parties in the matter from accessing basic evidence to help the Tribunal reach an objective and just determination? This shows that INEC was an affiliate of All Progressives Congress during and after the widely disputed polls. An independent commission ought to be focused on helping the election tribunal to reach an objective and truthfully honest determination rather than be the megaphone of one of the contending parties in the petition before a competent court of law.

“A self-respecting academic professor would on his own volition quit from office in any sane government and civilized nation the moment it becomes notorious that he has failed to discharge the public functions and duty for which the Nigerian State invested multibillion dollars of public fund to enable a constitutionally independent body like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to perform.

“But this discredited Chairman has continued to pontificate and parade about as the Chairman of an agency that was sold and bought. It’s a shame that the Chairman of INEC under whose watch over 150 potential voters and electoral officers were slaughtered by political thugs affiliated to the central government has refused to show dignity and conscientiousness by quitting his job to allow for a fresh head to steer the ship of affairs in INEC.

“This INEC that has shamelessly failed to pay the allowances and wages of youth corpers who worked as ad-hoc electoral officers is the same that is pretending to be interested in any transparent reforms of the decadent electoral system. This is comedy taken to an unimaginably farcical but offensive dimension.

“We agree totally with the conclusions of the election observations made by the EU election monitoring team that watched the 2019 polls to such an extent that the reports highlighted the state sponsored violence that marred the polls and the lack of openness and transparency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We also accept the EU’s observations about the misbehavior of some rogue armed security operatives and their officers who were deployed by politicians to kill, maim and destroy many lives and electoral materials in the areas that the leading opposition Peoples Democratic party (PDP) was coasting home to victory in both the National Assembly, governorship and Presidential polls.

“The violence in Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom were so well coordinated to such a level that only the Federal Government with such overwhelming federal might and control over the security forces can so abuse their powers to destroy the credibility, integrity and independence of the just ended National Election and most specifically in the Presidential election.

“HURIWA agrees with the conclusions of the final reports of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria for the March 2019 general election where it said a combination of factors, including incumbency, suspension of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, a few weeks to the election, and violence shaped the poll’s outcome but the EU did not go far enough and did not call a spade by its name may be in a bid to appear to be politically correctt as most diplomatic missions would.

“The EU report said Onnoghen’s suspension did not follow due process. And it alleged that over 150 people died in the violence that characterized the elections. We had consistently maintained that the last elections became increasingly marred by violence and intimidation, with the role of the security agencies becoming more contentious as the process progressed.

“These tendencies were so noticeable that at a point in some parts of Nigeria like in Lagos the armed thugs paid by All Progressives Congress (APC) stopped voters of South East origin from accessing polling booths even as the security forces were teleguided and directed from Abuja to do nothing to stop these hired armed party thugs from stopping Igbo voters from exercising their right to vote because of widespread apprehension within the Presidency then that the Igbo block votes in Lagos will undermine the plots of the ruling party to coast to victory seamlessly but the APC adopted raw violence and bloodshed.

“The national leader of APC was seen with two bullion vans reportedly conveying raw cash on the eve of the Presidential polls which were suspected to have been deployed to influence the conduct and outcome of the Presidential poll but EFCC working for APC looked the other way but refused to act even when the money laundering law specifies the sealing or limits of cash that an individual have physically at a time”.

Daily Post

Women aren't your subordinates, Osinbajo tells young men

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has called on young men to be mindful of the fact that women are not subordinates by equal partners in society. 

Speaking after a special Father’s Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja, Osinbajo said the responsibility of fatherhood in families and society is very crucial in setting good examples for future generations, as it would guide them in the right path to lead exemplary lives.

While noting that men should honour and love their wives, not just in families but in society, he said that it was equally important for them to teach young men to also honour and respect all women.

“Fathers, as you know, have very important role to play in any human society or setting,” the vice-president said.

“I think it was (former US) President Barack Obama who said that it’s not the ability to father a child, or the ability to have a child that makes you a father, it is the courage to raise one. That’s really what makes you a father.

“I think that the responsibility of fatherhood is absolutely immense, whether one is a biological father to children or one who wants to take care of other children.

“All of us have a role to play, not just in the lives of our children, but so many others; those who have no fathers, even some who have fathers; to whom we have a responsibility to set examples to lead exemplary lives. And to bring them up, as the scriptures says, in the way of the Lord.”

Speaking on the equality of men and women, Osinbajo said: “So, the responsibility of the father is incredible indeed. One of the most important things is to teach our young men growing up that they must honour women, not just their wives”.

“Of course, you must honour and love your wife, but I think it is also very important that we honour women. We shouldn’t treat them as subordinates; they are not.

“They are created equal to men. But most importantly, we must honour them and recognize their roles as partners, not just in families, but in society as well.”

Also present at the Father’s Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel were the Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation; Ovie Omo-Agege, deputy senate president; other senior government officials and private sector chieftains, including Cosmas Maduka, the president/CEO, Coscharis Group of Companies.

TheCable