BREAKING: Benue State Gets New Commissioner Of Police

A new Commissioner of Police, CP Okon Ene, has assumed duties at the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi.

The new CP who resumed duty on Thursday was a one-time Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Benue Command and a fellow of the National Defence College (FDC), Abuja.

He is a graduate of Political Science from the University of Ibadan and was enlisted as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on March 15, 1988, as a pioneer set of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil Kano State.

The new Commissioner in a statement by the Police Public relations Officer, DSP Moses Yamu, assured “the people of the state of the renewed resolve by Officers and Men of the Command to rid the State of all forms of criminality, in synergy with other Security agencies and cooperation of the general public through rendering credible information to the Police”.

Otukpo, Set To Kick Off As George Alli, Brig. Gen. M. Bashir Meets in Abuja.

 

Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Development Limited Estate, Otukpo, Set To Kick Off As George Alli, Brig. Gen. M. Bashir Meets in Abuja.

 

All is now set for the smooth kick off of the Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Project in Otukpo as the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chief George Alli and the MD/CEO, Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Development Limited, Brig. Gen M Bashir meets on Thursday, August 16, 2018 in Abuja.

 

The meeting which is a follow up on previous meetings held in Otukpo, is aimed at putting finishing touches to paper work concerning the agreements reached for a smooth take off.

 

With this project, Otukpo, the traditional headquarter and pride of Idoma Nation becomes the first town in Nigeria outside a state capital to benefit from this multi million naira investment by the Nigerian Army since the inception of the scheme in 1996. Recall that the the Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Hon. George Alli, allocated a vast portion of land for the project in the first quarter of 2017 when Alli was the Sole Administrator of Otukpo Local Government. Previous owners of the land were duly ompensated for the said land by the Nigerian Army.

The estate shall have all the features of modern estate facilities which includes roads: drainages; light; schools; commercial areas; sports facilities etc.

 

Hon. Alli, while thanking the Nigerian Army for bringing the project to Otukpo, called on the people of Otukpo to, "cease the opportunity provided in order to enjoy its full benefits by embracing and subscribing it massively".

 

The Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Development Limited Estate, Brig. Gen. Mahe Bashir said, "Indeed PHDL has made a mark in the provision of retirement homes to teeming Service men and members of the general public. This has greatly assisted in integrating military personnel in to the civil society on retirement from active service."

 

"The NA has taken a step further by ensuring that the civil component has equal chance of acquiring a house or plot of land by the pronouncement of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of a 50:50 ratio of allocation in all post-service estates", Gen. Bashir further said.

 

The Nigerian Army has 28 estates in 16 States capital across Nigeria including Makurdi. In line with keeping up with the local content requirement of every construction activities carried out by the Nigerian Army, an Otukpo based construction firm was engaged to undertake the clearing of the vast land. The clearing work has since been concluded.

 

According to the Company Secretary, Barr. Paul Ankwah Edeh: "This project will go down in history as one of the best things that has ever happened to Zone C in Benue State. It shows clearly that when people are united and collaborate for progress, development surely will come

 

" Barr. Edeh further said, "Today, my joy knows no bound as I reflect on the numerous job opportunities this project will provide for young men and women in Zone C. Indeed many Idoma sons and daughters particularly those in diaspora can now dream of owning a house back home in an environment that is secure and safe."

 

The benefits of subscribing to the scheme is that all Army estates is guaranteed security, genuine title; durable facilities amongst others.

 

The benefits includes:

(1) PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE. It is said that the company is one of the largest real estate companies in Nigeria with vast experience in mass housing development. It has constructed and allocated over 6000 houses in 28 locations in Nigeria.

 

(2) SECURITY: The benefits of subscribing to the scheme is that all Army estates are known for security. naturally people are drawn to places that provides assurances of security and safety.

 

(3) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. The construction of a vast estate such as this, comes with chains of activities that provides for the employment needs of many artisans. Young people in and around otukpo stands to gain a lot from the project.

 

(4) PROFILE BOOSTER: The project, when completed, will boost the profile of Otukpo town and it's environs to the outside world. This will in turn encourage and attract other investors and boost the economy of the town.

 

(5) SOCIAL REINTEGRATION: Since the post service housing schemes is designed for both retired military personnel and vetted civilians, it therefore creates opportunity for not only integration back into the society for retired personnel, but also, creates room for social interaction amongst people of divrse ethnic origin.

Super Eagles Star, Victor Moses Retires From International Football

Nigerian international footballer, Victor Moses, has announced retirement, stunning his many fans.



Victor Moses (middle)

Victor Moses, one of the most talked about Super Eagles player, has retired from international duties.

The Chelsea star made the announcement on his Instagram page where he had built a huge fan-base. The footballer's announcement has left his many fans stunned.

According to Moses, he feels this is the time to "step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family."



He wrote: "I would like to announce that after much thought I have made the decision to retire from playing international football.


"I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime. Nothing will ever compete to what it felt like to represent Nigeria on behalf of our country.


"However I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and to flourish. We are blessed as a nation to have so many exciting young players coming through and now is their time.


"There are so many highlights that stand out for me over the years; from making my debut, to playing in two World Cups and being a part of the team to win the African Nations Cup for first time for our nation since 1994 being just a few of them.


"I have already spoken to the manager by telephone and would like to say thank you to him and his staff, the NFF and all of my teammates for all of their support over the years. Most importantly I would like to say thank you to the Nigerian people for believing in me and supporting me over the years. It’s meant the world to me and my family and I will always be a proud Nigerian supporting the team.


"Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future"

BREAKING: Six UNIAGRIC Makurdi students die, scores injured in fatal accident (PHOTOS)

No fewer than six students of the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi on Wednesday August 15th, 2018 lost their lives, several others injured after the bus conveying them reportedly lost control and collided with an Okada in the school premises.

The management of the school following the protest by the other students of the institution has declared an indefinite break.


The memo reads: “MID-SEMESTER BREAK

the vice chancellor has on behalf of the senate approved that students of the university of agriculture makurdi should proceed on mid-semester break with immediate effect.


By this notice all students are expected to handover all university property in the possession and vacate the campus before 2:00pm today, Wednesday 15th August 2018 until further notice.
Thank you.” The management added.

















(coiled from Idoma Voice)

Presidency Reacts To Reports That USA And UK Called On Buhari To Drop His Second Term Bid

Following reports that the US and UK reportedly asked President Buhari to end his 2019 re-election bid, the presidency has reacted.



President Muhammadu Buhari

The Presidency on Tuesday said there was no truth in a media report that some foreign powers including the US & UK were putting pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.

This was made known through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Adesina was reacting to a story titled “Pressure mounts on Buhari not to seek re-election” which claimed that foreign powers, including the European Union, United States of America, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, are putting pressure on Buhari not to seek re-election.

The presidential spokesman said contrary to the report, Buhari was being held in high esteem in the countries mentioned in the report.

He said because Buhari is not flippant, he gave a deep thought to the prospect before announcing his bid for a second term in office.

Adesina added that it is only those who fear electoral loss that are trying to dissuade the President from running by all means.

He said by claiming that it got feelers that Buhari may opt out of the 2019 presidential election, the newspaper embarrassed itself.

The statement read in part, “We thought fake news was the sole preserve of the social media in this season. Alas, a traditional medium has caught the bug. Obviously, the author of the story just got a brainwave, or got procured by anti-democratic elements, and then penned the mischief.


“If there are quarters in which President Buhari is held in very high esteem, and the work he is doing for Nigeria highly lauded, it is in the countries mentioned. Some of them are equally bastions of democracy, and will not interfere in the democratic affairs of a sovereign country. The newspaper should simply tell its story to the marines.


“President Buhari is not a flippant or frivolous individual. He gave deep thought to the prospect, before announcing his bid for a second term in office.


“It is only those who fear that their goose would be cooked, if they meet with him at the polls, that are trying to dissuade him from running by all means, including sponsored newspaper stories.”

IGP Obeys Osinbajo's Order, Makes Serious Changes With Immediate Effect (See Details)

The Nigeria Police Force has responded to the order given by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo ordering the overhaul of SARS.



IGP Idris Ibrahim

Following Acting President Yemi Osinbajo's directive ordering the overhaul of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, the Nigeria police force has reacted.

Below is a press statement from the Nigerian Police Force:

The Inspector General of Police in compliance with the Presidential directives has ordered the immediate overhauling of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to address complaints and allegations on human rights violations against some of the personnel of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) from members of the public in some parts of the Country.

2. In the new arrangement, a new Commissioner of Police has been appointed as the overall head of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad nationwide.

3. The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad previously under the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID) is henceforth to operate under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja. The Commissioner of Police (FSARS) is answerable to the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations.

4. In observance of full compliance with the Presidential directives, the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad will be intelligence driven and will be restricted to the prevention and detection of Armed Robbery, kidnapping and the apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offences only.

5. New FSARS Commanders are being appointed for the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) across the country that will now exist and operate in the State and Zonal Commands under the Commissioner of Police (F-SARS) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. A Federal SARS Commander of a Rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) but not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of FSARS in State and Zonal Commands across the Country.

6. All Commissioners of Police have been directed by the Inspector General of Police to comply with this directive with immediate effect and warn their personnel not to pose as SARS operatives. The IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit have been mandated to go round the Commands and Police Formations nationwide to ensure strict compliance with the Presidential directives and apprehend any erring police officer.

7. A new Standard Operational Guidelines and Procedures, and code of conduct for all FSARS personnel to ensure that the operations of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad is in strict adherence to the rule of law and with due regards to international human rights law and constitutionally guaranteed rights of suspects will be enforced in totality by the Commissioner of Police, FSARS. Other measures to be implemented by the Force in observance of full compliance with the presidential directives are as follows:

i. Human Rights Desk Officers for FSARS in every State to take complaints from the public and forward same to Force Headquarters, the officer will be answerable to the Commissioner of Police, FSARS at the Force Headquarters and not Commander FSARS in the States.

ii. Medical/Psychological evaluation of all FSARS personnel will be carried out immediately.

iii. Redesigning of new uniform with identity name tag for all FSARS personnel throughout the Country will be done immediately.

iv. Henceforth, FSARS personnel will not perform Stop and Search duties except on distress call to respond to armed robbery and kidnapping offences only.

8. The Force will be transparent, cooperate, and work cordially with the National Human Right Commission on the special panel that will conduct an investigation of the alleged unlawful activities of FSARS to address grievances from the public against the personnel of FSARS in compliance with the presidential directives.

9. Furthermore, a new training program to be organized by the Force in collaboration with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local and International NGOs, and other Human Rights Organizations on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights and Handling, Care and Custody of Suspects have been directed by the Inspector General of Police for all Federal SARS personnel nationwide with immediate effect.

10. A committee of Senior Police officers, Technical Consultants, Human Rights/Civil Society organizations (CSOs) has been setup to review the activities of FSARS under the new arrangement. They are to pay unscheduled visits to FSARS formations across the country with particular attention to States with high complaints index, to assess facilities and situations in these States and submit report to the Inspector General of Police on regular basis.

11. However, aggrieved members of the public who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) personnel anywhere in the country are to report through any of the following channels for investigation and redress.

i. DIG, Department of Operations: 08037025670

ii. IGP X-SQUAD

0902 690 0729, 08078662130, 08174041000 – CALLS

0903 227 8905 – SMS

0903 562 1377 – whatsapp

Email: integrityxsquad@gmail.com

iii. IGP Monitoring Unit: igpmonotoringabj@yahoo.com, 08036242591

iv. Commissioner of Police, FSARS: 08033476852

v. FORCE PUBLIC COMPLAINT BUREAU

07056792065 Calls/SMS/whatsapp

08088450152 Calls/SMS/whatsapp

Email: bailisfree@gmail.com, pressforabuja@gmail.com

Twitter: @PoliceNG

www.facebook.com/ngpolice

vi. PUBLIC COMPLAINT RAPID RESPONSE UNIT (PCRRU)

08057000001 – Calls Only

08057000002 – Calls Only

08057000003 – SMS & whatsapp only

Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU

www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU

NGOs/CSOs

vii. sega@aliensmedialtd.com, 08027757359

viii. koredebello@caspertainment.agency, casperentertainment@gmail.com, 09051133035

ix. oluogunsakin@hotmail.com

x. g.writer2011@gmail.com, 07037887630

NFF Crisis: FIFA Set To Ban Nigeria

The Federation Internationale de Football Association which is presided over by Gianni Infantino may ban Nigeria following political interference in football.




The world football ruling body, FIFA has handed Nigeria a stern warning to fix its issues or risk being hit with suspensions from all football activities.

The tussle for power in the Nigeria Football Federation is still ongoing with Chris Giwa and Amaju Pinnick factions yet to settle their differences.

FIFA is insisting that Pinnick is the legitimate head of the NFF following his triumph in the election held on 30 September 2014, hence, Giwa must stay off before August 20, 2018.

Failure to abide by the directive would see the country banned from all footballing activities.

However, Nigeria U20 women who have progressed to the last eight of the U20 Women's World Cup will be allowed to carry on provided they make the semi-final.

"Two decisions of the Bureau of the Fifa Council in relation to undue influence in the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation... have been notified on 13 August 2018," read a statement from Fifa.

"In line with art. 16 par. 1 of the Fifa Statutes, the Bureau of the Fifa Council decided that if by Monday, 20 August 2018, at 12:00 (CET), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) offices are not handed back to the legitimate NFF executive committee under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who was duly elected on 30 September 2014, the NFF will be suspended with immediate effect for contravening art. 14 par. 1 i) and art. 19, as well as art. 14 par. 1 a) of the Fifa Statutes.

"The suspension would be lifted only once the NFF, under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, confirms that it has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices.


"Furthermore, the Bureau decided that if the suspension of the NFF takes effect, the Nigerian team currently competing in the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 will still be allowed to continue to participate in the tournament on an exceptional basis given that the tournament is underway."

Acting President, Prof. Osinbajo Orders Immediate Overhaul Of SARS

The Inspector General of Police has been directed to overhaul the management and activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad with immediate effect by the acting president.



Yemi Osinbajo

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to immediately begin the overhaul of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Osinbajo also directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to set up a panel to probe allegations of rights abuse by the police unit.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed these in a statement made available to journalists.

Akande said Osinbajo’s directive was based on persistent complaints being made my members of the public against the SARS.

He said Osinbajo also directed the police boss to ensure that any unit that will emerge from the overhaul is intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of crimes.

The statement read, “Following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that border on allegations of human rights violations, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has directed the Inspector General of Police to, with immediate effect, overhaul the management and activities of SARS and ensure that any unit that will emerge from the process, will be intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of armed robbery and kidnapping, and apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offences, and nothing more.

“The Acting President has also directed the IGP to ensure that all operatives in the emerging unit conduct their operations in strict adherence to the rule of law and with due regard to International Human Rights Law and the constitutionally guaranteed rights of suspects. The operatives should also bear proper identification anytime they are on duty.

“In the meantime, the Acting President has directed the National Human Rights Commission to set up a special panel that will conduct an investigation of the alleged unlawful activities of SARS in order to afford members of the general public the opportunity to present their grievances with a view to ensuring redress.”

37 NYSC Members Involved In Accident After Leaving Orientation Camp In Ogun (Photos)

Some members of the NYSC who left the orientation camp in Ogun which ended on Monday, were involved in motor accident on their way to Sango Otta area of the state.



The NYSC members at the hospital

Shortly after leaving the orientation camp in the Sagamu area of Ogun State, a total of at least 37 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who completed their service on Monday, were involved in an accident.

While confirming the incident to reporters, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ogun State Command, Clement Oladele, said 19 of them comprising nine males and ten males were injured.



According to Vanguard, Oladele said the corps members were heading to Sango en route Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in a white coloured coaster bus, when the accident occurred around the Danco petrol station axis. He said none of them died, but some sustained “serious injuries.”

He disclosed further that the accident was caused by speed violation and loss of control by the driver, Mr Oladele said the injured victims were evacuated to FRSC Accident Emergency Clinic at Sagamu.



The official disclosed that four of the victims with “more serious injuries” were referred for further checks at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH, in Sagamu.

He advised corps members, when commuting, to always caution drivers who drive carelessly especially during the raining season, adding that officers will take necessary disciplinary action against such erring drivers.

The accident came over a week after some corps members drowned in Taraba while swimming in a river.

Senators sue AGF, DSS, police over alleged plans to impeach Saraki

As the plot by APC to impeach Senator Bukola Saraki thickens, two PDP lawmakers, Senator Rafiu Adebayo and Senator Isa Misau, have filed a lawsuit against the Attorney-General of the Federation, the police, the Department of State Services, the Senate and seven others in order to stop any attempt to remove Saraki as Senate President.

According to Punch, Senators Adebayo and Misau, who are supporters of Saraki and represent Kwara-South and Bauchi central senatorial districts respectively, instituted the fresh court action marked FHC/ABJ/CS/872/2018 before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday August 13th.

Other defendants in the suit are: the majority and deputy majority leaders of the Senate, the Clerk of the Senate, the Deputy Clerk of the Senate, the Senate President, the Deputy Senate President and the Deputy Minority Leader.

In the originating summons filed on their behalf by Mahmud Magaji (SAN), the plaintiffs want the Federal High Court to determine whether in view of the provisions of Section 50(1) (a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, Saraki, who defected to another political party as a result of the division in his former party, can be made to vacate his office other than in accordance with Section 50 of the constitution.

The senators also want the court to determine whether Saraki can be compelled to vacate his office on the grounds that he is not a member of the political party with a majority of senators in the Senate in view of the combined reading of Section 50 of the constitution and Order 3 Rule 8 of the Senate Standing Orders.

The court was also urged to determine whether the Senate President could be said to have vacated his office by virtue of Section 50(2) of the constitution when he had not ceased to be a member of the Senate or the Senate dissolved.

In a motion on notice filed along with the originating summons, the plaintiffs prayed the court for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining all the defendants (except the Senate, Senate President and Deputy Senate President) jointly and severally either by themselves, their agents, servants and privies from unlawfully removing the Senate President pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

They also prayed the court for another order of interlocutory injunction restraining the AGF and the Inspector-General of Police from unlawfully interfering with the lawful legislative duties of the Senate President pending the hearing and determination of their originating summons.

Besides, the plaintiffs asked for an order of interlocutory injunction stopping the IG and the DSS from harassing, intimidating, arresting or detaining the President of the Senate in respect of the lawful exercise of his duties pursuant to Section 50(1) of the constitution and another order directing parties in the case to maintain status quo pending the determination of the substantive matter.

The motion was predicated on seven grounds amongst which were that the agents of the IG and DSS had taken steps to flagrantly breach the provisions of Section 50 by employing their agents to disrupt the plenary of the Senate without recourse to the said provisions.

Another grounds were that the constitutional provision of removal of the Senate President does not empower the AGF, police and DSS to unlawfully interfere with the legislative duties of the Senate by causing a blockade at the premises of the National Assembly complex or using their agents to disrupt the lawful duties of the Senate.

In a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion on notice and deposed to by Senator Isah Misau, he averred that the Senate was a body recognised and established by the 1999 Constitution vested with powers of making laws for the good governance and well-being of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The deponent averred that the Senate held a plenary sitting between July 24 and 27 and that it was presided over by its President and that at the end of the sitting members adjourned till September 25.

Misau claimed that the All Progressives Congress as a platform for the Senate President had been bedevilled by crises resulting in divisions and factionalisation at the federal, state and local government levels.

Newly engaged couple Justin Bieber, 24, and Hailey Baldwin, 21, postpone their wedding until 2019

Pop star, Justin Bieber, 24, and his fiancee, IMG model Hailey Baldwin, 21, have decided to postpone their wedding until 2019 despite getting engaged last month.

According to TMZ, the pair have decided to postpone their wedding until 2019, as they don't want to 'put pressure' on themselves and rush the big day.  

A source told the site: 'Justin and Hailey are waiting until sometime next year to tie the knot as they feel they've made the commitment, and that's the most important thing.'

Also speaking on  the criticism the pair have been receiving for getting engaged so quickly, the insider added: 'Justin's been in love with her for a long time, so this didn't just come from out of the blue.'

Why I Ordered Invasion Of National Assembly - Sacked DSS Boss, Lawal Daura

There are indications that powerful politicians might have instigated Daura to order the blockage of the National Assembly by DSS operatives.



Lawal Musa Daura

The sacked Director General of the Department of State Security Service, Lawal Musa Daura, has confessed that he deployed hooded operatives of the secret service to the National Assembly on Tuesday based on intelligence report that unauthorised persons were planning to smuggle dangerous weapons and incriminating items into the complex.

His confession was disclosed in the interim investigation report submitted by the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim to the acting president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

In the report seen by Daily Trust, IGP Idris argued that Daura carried out the siege on the National Assembly without the approval of the acting president.

"The former Director-General, Department of State Security Service, Mr Lawal Musa Daura acted unilaterally without informing the presidency. He did not share or intimate other security agencies on the unlawful operations," Idris said in the report.

The IGP said the purported intelligence report by Daura cannot be substantiated as the personnel deployed were not EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) experts or specialist in this regard.

Masked and unmasked DSS operatives laid siege to the National Assembly on Tuesday halting lawmakers and staff from gaining entry into the complex.

A female member of the House of Representatives, Boma Goodhead from Rivers State (PDP) confronted the DSS men laying siege at the National Assembly, daring them to shoot her.

[BREAKING] EFCC Raids Ex-SSS DG Ita Ekpeyong’s Abuja Home, Arrests Him

According to some sources, the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, ordered the raid following a meeting with the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu; and the new DSS boss, Matthew Seyifa, on Wednesday.

It is gathered that operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed Mr Ekpeyong’s home just before noon today and the ex-DG of SSS was arrested at his 46, Maman Nasir Street, Asokoro, Abuja residence this afternoon by operatives of the anti-graft agency.

The operatives then searched the mansion for over two hours before leaving at 3.20pm. It was observed that no cash was recovered.

It would be recalled that an attempt was previously made to search it in November 2017, but  the recently sacked DG boss, Mr Lawal Daura prevented it, despite a court order, sparking a stand-off that nearly turned fatal between SSS and EFCC operatives.

The EFCC at the time had accused Mr Ekpeyong of being culpable in the arms purchase scandal that rocked the exit of President Goodluck Jonathan. Scores of individuals and firms have been identified as allegedly sharing in the mismanaged funds, which were earmarked for the war against Boko Haram.

It was not immediately clear whether today’s raid at Mr Ekpeyong’s home, which government gave to him after his exit as DG of SSS, was a continuation of the botched search from last year.

Mr Ekpeyong led the SSS between 2010 and 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Lawal Daura, himself now removed from office.

BREAKING News: Reps Deputy Speaker Announces Date National Assembly Will Reconvene

The Senator Bukola Saraki-led National Assembly will reconvene over some important issues in the polity, the Reps deputy speaker has announced. 

 

NASS Abuja

 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuff Lasun, has just announced that the National Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, August 14.

 

According to PUNCH, the agenda will primarily be the presidential budget request to fund INEC’s operations for the 2019 polls, he said.

 

We'll bring you more details later…

Governors Blast EFCC For 'Unconstitutionally' Freezing Benue Gov't Accounts

Nigerian governors under the aegis of Nigerian Governors Forum have reacted to the freezing of Benue state government accounts by EFCC.



Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, the Chairman of NGF

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has described as unconstitutional the freezing of the accounts of Benue Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, the Chairman of NGF, spoke with State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday in Abuja.

EFCC had on Tuesday froze the state’s account which was confirmed by Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Samuel Ortom.

Yari said that by the security situation in Benue, it was not wise to dislocate the state financially.

“If EFCC freezes the accounts of any state government, Benue or anywhere else, I think it is unconstitutional, it is not right, because you are shutting down government.


“Government must spend, more especially Benue where there are issues of insecurity.


“So, we do not know why the EFCC took the action. I do not think it is correct, but if it is correct, then in my own point of view, it is wrong.


“But I believe this government will not sit down and oversee unlawful operations happening from the security agencies.


“From what happened yesterday, someone can understand that this government is following due process and laws of Nigeria.


“EFFC’s action in Benue is something that should be reversed,” he said.

Speaking on Tuesday’s blockade of the National Assembly, Yari said it was very unfortunate.

He however, said that the attendant reaction by the acting president had vindicated the Federal Government in the eyes of local and international communities.

The governor recalled that similar incidents occurred in 2011 and 2014 respectively but no serious action was taken by the then government.

According to him, the government of Muhammadu Buhari is following due process and will never oversee unlawful activities within the security agencies.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, who was also in the Presidential Villa, told correspondents that Tuesday’s incident at the National Assembly was an embarrassment which should not have been allowed to happen.

On defection of his Deputy, Prof. Hafizu Abubakar to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ganduje said there was no cause for alarm.

According to him, it is the season of defection as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is also receiving defectors from other parties.


“The state House of Assembly wanted to impeach him but I was prevailing on them but they insisted, when he saw the handwriting on the wall, he decided to resign.


“They wanted to continue with the impeachment because he committed some impeachable offences, but I pleaded and they dropped the charges and allowed him to go, that is politics,” he said.

-NAN

ASUU Threatens To Embark On Fresh Strike

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has hinted about a fresh industrial strike action which could cripple academic activities.




The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rose from its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Calabar yesterday and said it could no longer guarantee that its members would continue to work if Wole Babalakin, negotiating on the part of the Federal Government, was not sacked.

Addressing journalists at the University of Calabar, ASUU President Biodun Ogunyemi said that Babalakin had become a stumbling block to peaceful negotiations and implementation of the union’s demands.

Ogunyemi warned that the union might soon embark on strike if Babalakin was not replaced.

“Our Union has had series of negotiation meetings but it has been a fruitless exercise. The Chairman of the Government Renegotiating Team, in the person of Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), has constituted a stumbling block in the process of the renegotiation.


“He has arrogantly exhibited “I-know-it-all” attitude and also conducted himself as a judge, instead of a negotiator. With unwarranted arrogance, he has disregarded the cardinal principles of collective bargaining, deliberately slowed the process and made mockery of the core tenets of industrial democracy.


“He has arrogated to himself the power to decide matters that should be collectively debated, analysed, and agreed upon by the two parties. He has also consistently attempted to substitute core constitutional provisions of Nigeria on education, including university education, by market principles of trading in and purchasing higher education, putting Nigerian children in debt peonage in order to acquire higher education.



“This situation is not acceptable to the Union. ASUU has tried through several entreaties to make him see reason and return to the path of collective bargaining and respect for the Constitutional provisions on Education to no avail. The Chairman of the Government team has amply demonstrated that his major interest is to force ASUU to accept the dependence of the education of our youth on debts whereas the Constitution promises free education,” he said.

The national trustee of ASUU, Dr. Dipo Fashina and a former president of NLC, Hassan Sunmonu, said the union had been patient with the committee, but that had been overstretched, saying “anything can happen anytime from now if our letter to the Minister of Education was not addressed properly.”

EFCC allegedly freeze Benue state govt accounts

The Benue state government’s bank accounts have been reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. According to Vanguard, the government accounts were frozen by the anti graft agency on the premise that the Governor’s security vote was being investigated.

 

The state government is yet to release a statement confirming this report. 

Idoma Carnival Celebrates Chief Barrister John A. A. Ochoga

On the 7th August, 1953, Agila community in particular and Nigeria in general were blessed with a HERO. A man who is, A Chief by community recognition, A Lawyer by profession, An Honourable by moral/ethical behaviour and A Politician by popular demand.

He is no doubt, A Political Institution and A Legal Luminary whose political sagacity have touched the nooks and crannies of Benue Environment, A Kingmaker, A Political Iroko and Political Scientific Calculator of Benue Zone C, A Community Leader who has influenced and contributed so much to the development of Benue Community.

 A man whose political Institution have produced so many successful political graduates. A Visionary Leader full of competent indices of profiling solutions to critical problems. A Prompt Attention Giver of emergency situations. A Critical Stakeholder with details and comprehensive knowledge of Nigeria political geography. 

An Accurate Tactician full of high principles and reasonable logics. A Legal Researcher who by last month (July, 2018), had spent 41 years Post Call as a lawyer.

Please join me to felicitate and wish Chief Barrister John A. A. Ochoga ( Akpa- Olofu 1 ) a warmest happy birthday as he clicks 65 years today. 

May the Almighty God bless you with more years and good health to continue with your humanitarianism and may the blessings, peace, love and happiness of our Lord Jesus Christ always be with you now and forever.

Signed: Honourable Ochonu William.

BREAKING: Osinbajo sacks DSS boss, Lawal Daura

This was disclosed by Osinbajo’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande .

Akande in a statement said, “Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has directed the termination of the appointment of the Director General, State Security Service, DSS, Mr. Lawal Musa Daura with immidiate effect.




”Mr. Daura has been directed to hand over to the most senior officer of the State Security Service until further notice.”

Osinbajo had earlier summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Malam Lawan Daura at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The two security chiefs, who arrived Aso Rock at different times, were to update the acting president on security developments including the blockade of the National Assembly by security officials.




The Inspector-General of Police was the first to arrive at about 12.35 p.m. before the arrival of the DSS Director General at about 1.15 p.m.

It was  reported that the police and operatives of the DSS on Tuesday morning blocked the main gate of the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers and staff from gaining access into the complex.

The security operatives later allowed the lawmakers access into the complex while journalists and other staff were barred.

It’s generally believed that the sack of the DG of DSS may not be unconnected to his role in the Tuesday’s siege of the National Assembly.

Community Shield: DSTV Apologize For Not Airing Chelsea Vs Manchester City

DSTV Nigeria has lost the rights to show the FA Cup & Community Shield to the dismay of millions of sport lovers across the country.

 

File Photo

 

DSTV Nigeria has apologized for not airing the Community Shield game between Manchester City and Chelsea on Sunday.

 

After the match, the cable TV network, took to their official Twitter handle, to pacify angry Nigerians who were left disappointed. Fans were left to scour streaming sites to catch a glimpse of the encounter, which is the traditional curtain raiser of the English football season.

 

DSTV also used the opportunity to list the competitions they have rights to in the 2018/2019 season.

 

“Dear esteemed subscribers, we don’t have rights to air the FA Cup & Community Shield this year but you can enjoy pulsating football action from the #PL, #UCL, #LaLiga & the recently added Italian #SerieA and Uefa Nations League. Thanks for choosing DStv,” the post read.

Court remands three INEC Staff in Ikoyi prison for N177.3m fraud

The Lagos Zonal office of EFCC on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, arraigned the trio of Gbadegun Isaiah Abiodun, Oladipo Oladapo and Afolabi Peter Albert, before Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N177, 300,000(One Hundred and Seventy-seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira).



The defendants, who are staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Osun State, were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves to receive a cash payment of a sum of N177, 300,000 from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, on the eve of the 2015 general election, without going through a financial institution.


One of the counts reads: "That you, Gbadegun Isaiah Abiodun, Oladipo Oladapo and Afolabi Peter Albert and others at large, on or about the 30th day of March 2015 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to accept a cash payment of the sum of N177,300,000( One Hundred and Seventy- seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only), which exceeded the N5,000,000.00( Five Million Naira) Limit, without going through a financial institution, contrary to Section 18 and punishable under Section 16(2) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended by the Act NO.1 2012 ).”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.



In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Iheanacho Ekele, asked the court for a trial date and prayed that the defendants be remanded in prison custody. Counsel to the defendants, Dapo Esan, informed the court of application for bail, which was filed today, and prayed the court for a short adjournment to argue the application.



He also urged the court to remand the defendants in EFCC custody on the grounds of ill health. Consequently, Justice Obiozor adjourned the case to August 7, 2018 for hearing of the bail application and ordered the defendants to be remanded in Ikoyi prison.

Ortom confirms withdrawal of MOPOL from Benue

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has confirmed the withdrawal of MOPOL from the state, including those posted to Internally Displaces Persons (IDPs) camps.

a memo was obtained from the Nigeria Police, ordering the withdrawal of Mobile Policeman, otherwise known as MOPOL currently on special duties in Benue State.

The officers, who were earlier, sent to the state to curb the clashes between farmers and herdsmen, have been asked to return to their various duties.


A signal dated July 31 and sent to the COMOPOL headquarters in Makurdi, asked all mobile policemen across the state to withdraw with immediate effect.

Ortom confirmed the development on Wednesday at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House Makurdi while playing host to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and the Governors of Bayelsa, Taraba and Gombe States, Dr. Seriake Dickson, Architect Darius Ishaku and Alhaji Hassan Dankwambo.

Governor Ortom in a remark said despite the persecution, he remained committed to ensuring justice, fairness and equity for his people.


Governor Ortom informed the gathering that, “as part of the witch-hunt against me and Benue people, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the withdrawal of policemen from all the Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state, leaving the IDPs vulnerable.”

21 Years after: Remembering late Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo Kuti who died in1997

On this day 21 years ago, Fela Anikulapo Kuti a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, composer, pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, human rights activist, and political maverick died at the age of 58 from complications related to AIDS.



If the Nigerian legend were still alive, he would have clocked 80 on October 15, 2018 unfortunately that day will be the climax of the annual Felabration Music Festival held in his honour.



In his lifetime, Fela was known worldwide as a great musician and activist and years after his death, his Afrobeat sound continues to dictate and dominate the sound of music all over the world leaving his indelible footprint in the sands of time.



His self pioneered Afrobeat sound has put Nigerian music, culture, arts and sound on a new pedestal in the world as much as lyrics of Fela's songs continue to remain relevant in the current politicial and economic clime in Nigeria.



Late Fela Kuti let the world with a rich repartoire of music and albums including Why Black Man Dey Suffer (1971), Shakara (1972), Afrodisiac (1973), Gentleman (1973) and many more.

Youths Shut Down Benue Capital Over 'Police Brutality', Call Akume A Traitor (Photos)

Many youths in Benue have shut down commercial activities in the state capital as they take to the streets in protest.



The youths took over the streets

It has been reported that over 5,000 youths drawn from various groups, on Wednesday, paralyzed commercial activities in Makurdi, the Benue State capital over what they termed police brutality in the State.

According to Daily Post, the youth group displaying placards bearing various inscriptions lamented that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat.



The protesters, who described former Benue State governor, George Akume a betrayal for selling out his people, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was a threat to the nation’s democracy.

They vowed to stand by the state governor, Samuel Ortom despite the distractions from the presidency.

More to come…

BREAKING News: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal Defects From APC, Joins PDP

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).



Gov. Tambuwal

According to Channels TV, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor announced his defection on Wednesday at a press conference in the Government House in Sokoto, amid hundreds of supporters who stormed the Government House to declare their support for him.



Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is the third APC governor to exit the APC after his Benue and Kwara state counterparts, Samuel Ortom and Abdulfatah Ahmed joined the PDP.



We'll bring you more details later.