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Catholic priest protested, slammed Bello over non payment of salaries in kogi.

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Catholic community in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital and environs defiled the heavy down pour at the early hours of the day as they filed out in their hundreds to join other members in the country to protest the recent killings of the two Catholic priests and 17 other worshippers in Benue State.

The adherents gathered at the Bishop’s Court, near Government House, Lokoja as early as 8.00am, and in procession on Tuesday went through major streets in Lokoja, drenched with rains as they clinched their Rosary in their hands praying.

Before they filed out for the rosary procession, the Bishop of Lokoja Diocese, Bishop Martins Olorunmolu addressed the crowd, saying that there was too much blood shed in the country, calling on the Federal government to do something urgently to address the situation.

The clergy man said a country where Christians can no longer worship their God freely for fear of attacks and killings is a serious threat to the peaceful coexistence of such nation,calling on politicians to avoid playing politics with human lives

Bishop Olorunmolu who lamented the high rate of poverty and sufferings among the citizens in the state due to non payment of salaries called on governor Yahaya Bello to allow his administration wear a human face.

The clergyman stated that even the schools being run by the Catholic mission in the state are now passing through tough time ,as the parents could no longer afford to pay the school fees of their children and wards due to non payment of salaries.

The protesters later ended their procession at the Immaculate Catholic Cathedral, Lokoja with prayers and Thanksgiving.


Boy, 8, drowns in a well in Kano

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An eight year-old boy in Tamburawa Gabas town of Kano State, Sadi Yusuf, on Tuesday, lost his life after falling into a well.

Spokesman of Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred at about 7.30 am.

He said the deceased was sent by his mother to go and fetch water in the well.

“We received a distress call in the early hours of today (Tuesday) from a ward head, Isa Garba, at about 7:30am that a boy had fallen into a well.

”On receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team to the scene at about 7:42am

“Yusuf was rescued unconscious and later confirmed dead; his corpse was handed to the Ward Head, Isa Garba,” the spokesman said.

Mohammed therefore advised parents who had wells in their homes, to raise their height and provide covers for same, to protect children.

BREAKING: Ondo House of Assemble impeach Deputy Speaker, immediately sworn-in new deputy Speaker

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Ondo State House of Assembly has impeach its Deputy Speaker, Mr. Iroju Ogundeji, by his colleagues in the House.

The impeachment took place during the plenary session of the Assembly on Tuesday (today).

FG after me because of my refusal to investigate Saraki, Atiku, PDP chieftains – Special Investigator Uwajeh

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Embattled special investigator recently disengaged by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on recovery of Public Property, SPIP, Evangelist Victor Osita Uwajeh, has attributed his sack to his refusal to investigate Senate President Bukola Saraki and former vice president Atiku Abubakar and other perceived enemies of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Uwajeh, former consultant to the Economic and and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was recently employed by Okoi Obono Obla-led presidential panel but was disengaged last month later following revelations that he has a pending criminal case in court.

Evangelist Uwajeh’s travails were compounded on Monday following a bench warrant issued for his arrest by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the London-based investigator disclosed that apart from Saraki and Atiku, the presidency also wanted him to investigate Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike, Senator Jonah Jang, Patience Jonathan, Femi Fani- Kayode, some serving federal lawmakers and chieftains of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He alleged that his refusal to act on the courier document sent to him from Nigeria by the government which comprises of some names perceived to be enemies of the current administration responsible for his disengagement.

According to the statement: “It was the procedure of the Panel to courier documents to me from Nigeria for despatch to various Agencies in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

“Soon after I realised that the Panel has a mindset towards certain individuals and groups by the documents it sent to me.

“Documents sent to me from Abuja to despatch to the Serious Fraud Office and Home Office, Metropolitan Police, FBI and EUROPOL had the names of the following senators: Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Sen. Albert Bassey Akpan and Sen. Stella Adaese Oduah.”

Uwajeh revealed that he had suggested some names of APC members “who are high looters that I recommended for proper investigation but it was turned down.

“This raised a red flag and as a professional I made my complaint immediately cfand made my position known to Okoi Obono Obla to transmit to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

“I told him that I will not be a party to one sided investigation to muscle in the opposition and persecute them. I made my position known that I am ready to expose corruption and recover stolen assets as a professional but will not be involved in the politics of ‘Pull Them Down’ in Nigeria.

“My refusal to dance to the tune of the Government and SIPP led to my disengagement.

“After meeting in London on 18th April, 2018 with some officials during the CHOGM, it was evident that I will not bulge in my position not to go against the ethics of my profession by investigating only the opposition.

“As soon as they arrived Nigeria on the 23rd April, 2018 they drafted a letter to disengage me. They kept the letter and wanted me to change my mind but I refused. On the 27th April, 2018, they sent me a backdated letter of disengagement dated 23rd April 2018.

“In the said letter it was alleged that I had a criminal allegation against me pending in court as the reason for my disengagement which is laughable.”

Uwajeh said any right-thinking person should question why it took the Government of President Buhari a full month to know that he had a case in court.

“My refusal has led to sustained assault on my person by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami.

“My refusal to work with the APC led Government to humiliate the so-called enemies of Government has led me into exile. The Nigeria Police led by Ibrahim Kpotun Idris has continued to side with Senator Emmanuel Nnamdi uba (Andy Uba) to stop him from paying me my professional fees. IGP Ibrahim Idris is an expert in setting people up and twisting issues to incriminate his enemies.

“Abubakar Malami, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris and Mohammed Etsu should note that they cannot continue to be in this position forever and remember that power is transient.

“I will continue to maintain my dignity even in the face of a gang up against me.

“Nigeria can only move forward when the fight against corruption is not selective but holistic no matter whose ox is gored.”

Cholera Outbreak Kills 12 In Adamawa

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Adamawa State Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported that suspected cholera outbreak in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas has claimed 12 lives.

The Head of Emergency Operation Centre and Director Public Health in the ministry, Dr Bwalki Dilli, made this known to newsmen in Yola on Tuesday.

Dilli told NAN that, about suspected 134 cases had so far been reported from the two local government areas.

“For now we are in a period of suspected cholera outbreak in two local government areas of Mubi North and Mubi South.

“We quickly rushed to the local government areas and conducted our investigation. We carried out some basic laboratory tests.

“We took stool samples from 11 patients and all the 11 were positive for cholera. But it’s just rapid diagnostic test; it’s not confirmatory,” Dilli said.

He noted that the samples had been taken to a reference laboratory for further investigation and the results were being awaited.

Dilli said that the ministry with the support of other partners like WHO had set up a 24-hour treatment centre at Mubi General Hospital.

He urged the public to be on alert and observe personal and environmental hygiene, adding that the state emergency operation centre had dedicated toll-free telephone lines for reports and enquires on health emergencies.

He gave the telephone lines as 08031230359 and 07080601139.

FG after me for not investigating Saraki, Atiku, PDP chieftains- Uwaje

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Victor Uwajeh, a former private investigator with the presidential panel set up
to recover public property, has claimed that he was sacked for his refusal to
probe Senate President, Bukola Saraki and some members of the opposition
party.
Uwajeh was appointed to the panel to recover stolen funds hidden in the UK in
March, was sacked on April 23, in the same year, on grounds that he failed to
reveal a criminal charge pending against him.
The investigator, who disclosed in a statement yesterday, alleged that though
the mandate given to him was to recover assets of politically exposed persons,
he realized at the end that the panel had a different agenda of its own.
“This was also followed by a memorandum of understanding dated 3rd April
2018 and signed by the Chairman of the Panel Okoi Obono Obla. Subsequent
upon these, I started working for the panel to trace assets of politically
exposed persons in line with the mandate given to me in the documents
executed.
“It was the procedure of the Panel to courier documents to me from Nigeria
for despatch to various agencies in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Soon
after, I realised that the Panel has a mindset towards certain individuals and
groups by the documents it sent to me.
“Documents sent to me from Abuja to despatch to the Serious Fraud Office
and Home Office, Metropolitan Police, FBI and EUROPOL had the names of the
following senators; Senate President, Bukola Saraki, deputy senate president,
Ike Ekweremadu, senator Albert Bassey Akpan, senator Stella Adaeze Oduah.

“I was also given a list which includes former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar,
Femi Fani Kayode, Senator James Manager, governor Nyesom Wike and
senator Jonah Jang, Patience Jonathan amongst others” he explained.
He complained that he recommended that some members of the All
Progressives Congress, APC, be tried, but his suggestions were ignored.
Uwajeh who was declared wanted by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja
yesterday, complained that he recommended that some members of the All
Progressives Congress, APC, be tried, but his suggestions were ignored.
“My refusal has led to sustained assault on my person by the attorney-general
and minister of Justice Abubakar Malami. My refusal to work with the APC led
government to humiliate the so-called enemies of Government has led me into
exile.
“I will not be a party to one sided investigation to muscle in the opposition and
persecute them I made my position known that I am ready to expose
corruption and recover stolen assets as a professional but will not be involved
in the politics of ‘pull them down’ in Nigeria. My refusal to dance to the tune of
the government and SIPP led to my disengagement,” Uwajeh said.
He accused the Nigeria Police led by the IGP of taking sides with Senator Andy
Uba. He said that the IGP is an expert in setting people up and twisting issues
to implicate opposition.

Anguish!

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*As Catholics bury 2 priests, 17 others
*Senseless killings must stop – Buhari
*Killings stretch God's patience – Onaiyekan
*Arrest, prosecution of Miyetti Allah leaders, solution – Ortom
APPARENTLY outraged at the spate of killings in Benue State, particularly the
one involving two Catholic priests and 17 worshipers, President Muhammadu
Buhari has said the negative trend must be brought to a halt even as he
assures on revamping and rebuilding of the nation's security system.
Buhari who was represe4nted by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the burial
ceremony of the slain priests and worshippers in Se Sugh u Maria Pilgrimage
Centre, Ayati, Gwer West Local Government Area of the state yesterday
wondered what the rationale behind such satanic act is if not to cause pain and
anguish for fellow human beings.
"What manner of man is he that wakes up in the morning determined to kill
innocent men and women? Surely such a one has lost his peace; he is to be
condemned and cursed but perhaps, deserves our pity even more.
"There's none, perhaps a few of us who are not angered and outraged by these
killings. The bitterness and anguish of the families of the deceased is palpable.
We all see it and we all feel it and it is impossible to look around here today
and not be deeply saddened by the faces of so many who have lost their loved
ones.
"But what do we owe the dead today? What do we owe this 19 who died in
Benue and very many others who have been killed here? We cannot bring

them back but we can provide succour and comfort for those that they left
behind.
"We can ensure justice for them by apprehending and punishing the assailants.
We must rebuild the many places that have been damaged and heal the
wounds that have been caused.
"We must rebuild and revamp our security system of law enforcement to
ensure that all that live and work in this land are safe, most importantly, we
must and will stop these senseless killings.
"Sometimes evil seems to be winning but as night follows day, this evil will be
defeated and good will triumph”, the VP said.
Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, John Cardinal Onayekon who also
attended the burial ceremony condemned the killings which he said stretches
God's patience, stressing "our nation is in a state of emergency that calls for
grand alliance of all persons of good will for justice and peace.
"To keep us safe is the primary responsibility of government, there can be no
excuse for failure to perform in this regard, if the present state of affairs is the
best that government can give, it should be clear that their best is not good
enough.
"We need a radical change for the better; that is imperative. There is already
conspiracy theory making the round and ugly rumour of a grand and
mischievous plan for territorial conquest, ethnic cleansing and religious
imposition but only concrete and visible step by government can change it. It is
then government will lay to rest such rumour that are dangerous for peace of
our nation.
"This must go beyond the politics of politicking before the coming election. It is
the very survival of our nation that is now at stake.
"We can rescue our nation if we are united in truth, justice and determination,
if we are united in prayer to God. It is only then the killing of our brothers and
sisters will not be in vain.
The state governor, Samuel Ortom on his part recalled two other previous
mass burials carried out in the state this year, including the 73 killed in Guma

and Logo LGAs on New Year day and the 26 in Omusu, Okpokwu Local
Government Area.
"From January 1 till date, Benue state is being attacked by herdsmen nearly
every day not only in Guma and Logo but also in Ukum, Agatu, Okpokwu,
Kwande, Gwer West, Gwer East even Makurdi local government areas. At
least, 18 of our 23 local government areas have been under attack and siege.
"In the early hours of April 24, 2018 Rev. Fr. Joseph Gor, Rev Fr. Felix Tyolaha
and 17 other worshippers were again brutally killed by armed herdsmen at the
Quasi Parish, Mbalon in Gwer East local government area of the state.
"They were in the early morning prayers in the church when they were gunned
down. The Reverend Fathers were not farmers. They were not in the farms.
The church where they were holding the mass had no grass.
"It is therefore curious why Reverend Fathers who do not have farm and
parishioners who were worshipping God could be killed by herdsmen in the
church.
"By so doing, the armed herdsmen have moved the narrative of the current
crisis from the search for grass to other obvious motives.
"On this very difficult day, in this difficult time for Benue state and Nigeria, it is
important to ask our country, what kind of a nation are we? What direction do
we want to move to, are we going forward or backward, are we also in the
21st century?
"People are killing us, we know our killers but they have never been
questioned or arrested. In two separate press conferences which were widely
reported in the media by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Herders Association, called on herders in all of West Africa and
beyond to reject the law on ranching and to come to Benue state to help them
reclaim their land.
"They swore that more blood would flow in Benue state if the ranching law
was not rescinded. We are continually being killed not because we do not
know our killers; it is because we know our killers that we are being killed.
"Our concern is not with herdsmen militia, whether the Libyan mercenaries or
Boko Haram or ISIS of West Africa or any other type of mercenaries work that

is going on. Our concern is those who hire them, who bring them and show
them the killing fields.
"The arrest and prosecution of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and Miyetti Allah
Cattle Herders Association will be the beginning of elementary practice of
justice for the 492 people who so far have been killed in Benue state by these
herdsmen since the beginning of this year.
"Our ranching law which prohibits open grazing is an instrument of
development. It launches Nigeria into the 21st century where open grazing is
extinct in many other countries of the world," Ortom said.
The paramount ruler of Tiv nation, His Royal Majesty, Tor Tiv, James Ayatse,
urged Tiv people not to retaliate since two wrongs do not make a right,
stressing that the people will get over the prevailing insurgency where they were holding the mass had no grass.
"It is therefore curious why Reverend Fathers who do not have farm and
parishioners who were worshipping God could be killed by herdsmen in the
church.
"By so doing, the armed herdsmen have moved the narrative of the current
crisis from the search for grass to other obvious motives.
"On this very difficult day, in this difficult time for Benue state and Nigeria, it is
important to ask our country, what kind of a nation are we? What direction do
we want to move to, are we going forward or backward, are we also in the
21st century?
"People are killing us, we know our killers but they have never been
questioned or arrested. In two separate press conferences which were widely
reported in the media by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Herders Association, called on herders in all of West Africa and
beyond to reject the law on ranching and to come to Benue state to help them
reclaim their land.
"They swore that more blood would flow in Benue state if the ranching law
was not rescinded. We are continually being killed not because we do not
know our killers; it is because we know our killers that we are being killed.
"Our concern is not with herdsmen militia, whether the Libyan mercenaries or
Boko Haram or ISIS of West Africa or any other type of mercenaries work that

is going on. Our concern is those who hire them, who bring them and show
them the killing fields.
"The arrest and prosecution of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and Miyetti Allah
Cattle Herders Association will be the beginning of elementary practice of
justice for the 492 people who so far have been killed in Benue state by these
herdsmen since the beginning of this year.
"Our ranching law which prohibits open grazing is an instrument of
development. It launches Nigeria into the 21st century where open grazing is
extinct in many other countries of the world," Ortom said.
The paramount ruler of Tiv nation, His Royal Majesty, Tor Tiv, James Ayatse,
urged Tiv people not to retaliate since two wrongs do not make a right,
stressing that the people will get over the prevailing insurgency peaceful disposition. He cursed any Tiv man or woman that joins forces with the assailants to
destroy Tiv man or woman that joins forces with the assailants to
destroy Tiv people, saying "all the children that would want to bring
destruction upon us, our soil will swallow them.”
"I call on all my subjects, that nobody should go out to retaliate; two wrongs
will not make right. We remain in peace and in peace we will have our victory
because we believe in God. We believe in God who will defend us.
"But we must be vigilant to ensure that the enemy does not continue on this
path of destruction. The church of God in Benue prays and victory will be
certain," Tor Tiv assured.

What Manner Of Anti-Corruption War?

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In pre-Buhari Nigeria, it was unthinkable that a General, serving or retired, could ever be made to account for funds misappropriated under his care. It was unthinkable. The myth that doing such may somehow result in a breach of national security (as was the belief induced by decades of military rule and associated impunity) has been permanently shattered by Buhari. Winning elections on grounds of his perceived iron will to fight corruption, it is to President Buhari’s credit that the obscene cover which a class of the corrupt have protected themselves with in the past has been broken. Under his watch, Nigerians have witnessed with satisfaction that even the former highest ranking military officer, a former Chief of Defence Staff, is being prosecuted for crimes related to corruption. Former service chiefs and sundry high-ranking military officers and frontline politicians have been arrested and made to refund various sums of money. While their prosecution is ongoing, the mere fact that they can be called to account at all is a delightful break from a tradition of reckless impunity which has served to strip Nigeria of its resources and make the citizens of a rich country poor and beggarly.

The sad aspect, however, is that where Buhari scores high in breaking with the perverted praxis of incomprehensible reverence for the corrupt, his administration unfortunately tangles itself in the irony of failing in its duty of successfully prosecuting them thus leaving the argument open about their culpability or otherwise. Also, by politicizing the anti-corruption war all by itself, it has succeeded in creating another class of untouchables such that safety from the anti-corruption agencies is now sought in becoming a vocally pro-Buhari member of the ruling party.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign centred on the three core issues of security, tackling corruption and revamping the economy but imaginably, the promise of fighting corruption weighed heaviest on the minds of those who voted him outside the core of his traditional supporters motivated perhaps by other ethnoreligious inclinations. When he assumed office, expectations were very high and the feeling of a Hercules who will cleanse the Augean stables of corruption in Nigeria were justified on account of his personal image of integrity.
Three years down the line however, to say it has been an anti-climax will be putting it mildly. Many Nigerians feel such a strong sense of disillusionment at the farce called the anti-corruption war that many have publicly expressed a readiness to do away with the administration at the coming general elections.

A few days ago, the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) set up by the Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen submitted its report to the National Judicial Council wherein it identified poor prosecution, absence of counsel for parties in Court, reliance on irrelevant documentary evidence, multiplicity of charges, non-adherence to Court rules and procedures, retirement and transfer of Judges, re-assignment of cases to start de-novo, amendment of charges after commencement of trial, and cumbersome record transmission process to the Court of Appeal amongst others as some of the factors militating against speedy disposal of corruption cases.
For Nigerians who are worried at the seeming lack of progress in the Buhari’s administration’s anti-corruption war, this report serves as a valuable means of taking stock of the fight against perhaps Nigeria’s greatest single malaise as it also serves as a strong wake up call for what is turning out a mass hypnosis induced by an unyielding propaganda blitz by the government.

The reasons why corruption cases are delayed and sometimes lost by the FG as highlighted by the COTRIMCO report should give conscientious Nigerians cause for worry especially in light of several revelations concerning the prosecution of the anti-corruption war. For example, the competence of anti-graft agencies in the fight was severely called to question in 2017 when they lost a string of high profile cases due mainly to poor prosecution. With the highest respect to the learned senior prosecution counsel maintained by the anti-graft bodies, it sometimes appeared as if desperate political exigency to hang the label of looter on certain individuals outweighed the desideratum of a thorough investigation and prosecution. The case of Godsday Orubebe calls to mind. The trial Judge Olukayode Adeniyi of the Abuja High Court was forced to strike out charges of diversion of N1.97bn against the former Minister for Niger Delta following a nolle prosequi filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation who revealed that the said funds were still domiciled in the Ministry! It is astonishing that a so-called anti-corruption agency would waste its time and resources and that of the court to prosecute a matter which had no investigative basis in the first place. That case exemplifies the travesty which the current anti-corruption war is fast becoming especially in light of other court rulings. The shoddy handling of the cases against some Judges also calls to question the ability and sincerity of the FG in prosecuting the war as the cases against a good number of them have been dismissed.

Dasukigate, perhaps exemplifies more than any other case, how not to fight corruption. Guilty as charged by the FG in the media, the court trial of former NSA Col Sambo Dasuki has fallen short of every standard of prosecution especially those identified in the COTRIMCO report. For most of 2017, the EFCC failed to produce him in court while the charges against him have been amended so many times that it makes a ridicule of the media evidence the FG claims to have against him. Being the centrepiece of the govt’s show of fighting corruption, there’s no worse advertisement for its gross incompetence and/or insincerity that in the shoddy handling of Dasuki’s trial. It appears as if the FG is more content with milking the maximum propaganda value from the case than seeing substantial justice done.

Asides incompetence, the FG’s neutrality in fighting a malaise that has eaten deep into the fabric of nationhood is equally in doubt. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, indicted by the Senate on a N200m grasscutting scandal and further indicted by the Vice-President’s report which led to his removal, is not only a free from prosecution but is prominent in the ruling APC hierarchy and was spotted calling the shots at the recently held congresses in Adamawa state. Furthermore, two Ministers under Buhari, Rotimi Amaechi (Transport) and Kayode Fayemi (Solid Minerals) have been indicted by judicial panels in their home states but the silence by the FG is loud. Amaechi was even implicated by two of the Supreme Court Justices on trial as allegedly attempting to subvert justice in several state election petition cases and while comparatively, Senator Dino Melaye is standing trial today merely on being mentioned by suspected armed robbers, Amaechi enjoys continuous influence in the govt without even the formality or decency of an investigation. The case of the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme also astounded many Nigerians because while the probe by the Ministry of Health was still going on, his reinstatement was announced by the Presidency without the knowledge of the Minister and without any formal investigation by any anti-graft agency.

There’s no gainsaying that Nigeria’s development is stunted by the leech-like effect of corruption and all effort must be made to curtail it. However, for such efforts to get citizen buy-in, they must be genuine and unbiased. A situation where the head of the nation’s prime anti-graft body appears on national television wearing the re-election lapel of the President brings such anti-corruption efforts to ridicule and reduces it to a sham and a mockery. The independence of anti-graft agencies is a non-negotiable ingredient for any compelling fight against corruption.
All effort must be made by the judiciary to scrupulously follow the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 just as prosecution agencies and judicial officers alike need more training and exposure to its provisions.
Nothing will trigger a greater patriotic enthusiasm for the anti-corruption war and produce the needed deterrence among would-be criminals than to see looters whom the courts have duly adjudged guilty clamped in prison but this can only happen when the right things are done and no amount of propaganda, media trial or blackmail can suffice for competence and impartiality.


TUITION FEE INCREASE IN BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY

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There is another repugnant development currently going on in Benue State. This time, it is not about the intractable barbarism of marauding killer herders who go about killing innocent people, destroying homes and communities, as well as their means of livelihood; rather, it is a disheartening disquiet in the state-owned Ivory Tower.

On Monday, students of the Benue State University took to major streets in Makurdi, the state capital, to protest against the jerking up of school fees by the institution from N56,000 to N92,000. Major roads were blocked and movements were restricted thereby crippling commercial activities.

Travelers in and out of the state who plied highways through the state capital that day had ugly experiences as they were constrained to park and patiently wait endlessly or move at slow pace, bumper to bumper in order to avoid violent encounter with the protesting students. The demand of the students was simple and straight: the management of the University should reverse the tuition increment immediately because it is unaffordable.

The reaction of the school authority to the students’ angry protest was very swift. The Acting Registrar, Mrs. Catherine Bur, in a terse statement stated that, “some group of miscreants parading themselves as students of the University, in the early hours of Monday, May 21, 2018, took over, locked up and displaced the security manning the main gate of the University, bringing to a halt the flow of human and vehicular traffic into the University, including Nursery and Primary School pupils for reasons yet to be ascertained.

“This action is particularly worrisome in view of the fact that the University is scheduled to commence accreditation of programmes by the National Universities Commission from Monday, May 21, 2018”, and urged parents and guardians to “advise their wards to restrain from actions capable of breaching the peace on campus as no student has engaged management on any grievance whatsoever”, she stated.

We consider it a rather cheerless development that this is happening in the state at a time that Benue has become a killing field, where citizens, families and communities are daily struck with heart-wrenching trauma as a result of horrifying humanitarian conditions of displaced persons and victims of conflict who are huddled in IDP camps at the mercies of the state government and philanthropists.

Why would the state government approve that the management of the state University implement tuition increment at this ungodly period of pain and agony by people who are living in fears of attacks in the face of injustice? Where would students of the University whose parents, guardians, families and communities are lost in the face of the brutishness of militia in the state still struggling to comprehend the horror of inhumanity they are suffering from understand the actions of the University management?

We consider the action of the University management as insensitive, inhuman and ill-timed, no matter the reason adduced by the school authority that propelled this tuition increase. This is shameful and reprehensible. If the state government does not pity its own citizens and other Nigerians under the claws of insecurity, what justification does it have to make desperate calls for help in the face of odds?

Benue State runs a civil service powered economy. As an agricultural state, its farmers are largely subsistent farmers and have been driven from their farms because of the conflict with suspected killer herders. Or has salaries of state workers been increased by the state government? Has the Samuel Ortom-administration paid off the backlog of salary arrears of civil servants in the state?

The University should stand down the tuition increase policy for now and find a common ground with the state government on how to fill any financial gap in the University. At the moment, it is coldhearted and unfair to jerk up tuition fees for the students at a time the economy and life of citizens are in disarray.

Abacha loot: Don’t witch-hunt Malami, APC youths advise NASS

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Socio-political youth group, All Progressives Congress, APC, Grassroots Youth for Change, has warned against witch-hunting the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF,and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, over the repatriation of $322.5 million Abacha loot.
The appeal is coming as the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee begins a public hearing into the scheduled payment of five percent professional fees to Nigerian lawyers who completed the repatriation of the loot.
National Coordinator, APC Grassroots Youth for Change, Mr. Orlu Henry Manuchimso, said ahead of today’s sitting of the committee, the lawmakers must disabuse their minds and refrain from preconceived notions against the AGF.
Manuchimso urged the committee to approach the probe with sincerity of purpose, even as he tasked it to conduct a thorough and painstaking investigation into the entire assets recovery and repatriation regime that have spanned about 20 years in order to have a good understanding of the issues involved.
According to him, “For any investigation or inquiry into the Abacha loot recovery to be meaningful, the principal actor, the Swiss lawyer, Mr. EnrichoMonfrini, who began the process, must be invited to answer some probing questions otherwise the probe would be tantamount to a waste of time and a needless distraction.
“We sincerely hope that the public hearing into the payment of professional fees to Nigerian lawyers who travelled and worked assiduously to ensure that the last tranche of $322.5 million Abacha loot is repatriated would not be used as a contrived process to settle scores with the AGF.
“As a matter of concern, our group has since found out that the AGF was open and transparent in the recovery process and nothing untoward was done in the engagement of the Nigerian lawyers who have gained more global exposure and built a good network of relationships in the arduous task of recovering our stolen assets.”
Manuchimso said “every year, the National Assembly gets between two and five percent of our yearly budget; many lawmakers who skip sittings get all their entitlements; it will be disingenuous and wicked to crucify Malami for appointing lawyers who diligently worked round the clock to bring into the country $322.5 million that it had been finding difficult to repatriate since 2014.
“We make bold to say that Malami deserves national accolades, while the lawyers deserve their wages just like their foreign counterparts.”

Forget second term over killings in Nigeria, CAN tells Buhari

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As killings of innocent Nigerians continue unabated, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek a second term in office.
CAN said this yesterday while commiserating with the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN,when it conductedthe mass burial of two priests and parishioners killed by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, recently.
Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant on Media to the CAN President, Rev. Samson OlasupoAyokunle, in a statement,said this is a trying time for the church.
“We also urge all Christians to identify with the Catholic Church in its nationwide peaceful protest against senseless killings in Nigeria”, it noted.
CAN asked security agencies to rise up to the security challenges in the country.
“CAN calls on President Muhammadu Buhari not to forget his 2015 campaign promises including fighting insecurity and keeping Nigeria united and upon which Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for him.
“Buhari’s government should not fold its arms and watch misguided Nigerians, mostly Boko Haram and herdsmen promote killing as a past time in the name of politics while solutions appear elusive.
“It is disheartening to note that criminal Fulani herdsmen, bandits, kidnappers and other hoodlums have reduced Nigeria to a banana republic. This development is unacceptable and we call on well-meaning people anywhere in the world to join hands in praying for the deliverance, freedom and liberty from this self-inflicted bondage.
“CAN asks President Buhari to suspend his re-election bid until he restores sanity to the country, while ensuring the release of Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls and other abductees from the captivity of Boko Haram terrorists”.

The Free-Half-Full Campaign!!!

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To be able to join the program and enjoy this privileges, you have to pay for 3 adverts before hand. Which makes it a payment for only one and a half advert instead of three adverts. That makes this campaign pricing a PRIZE, yes! You read right, a PRIZE. 50% of it is free for God’s Sake! No more price but PRIZE!

Assuming, an advert goes for 10 naira each. Ordinarily for 3 adverts, you will need to pay 30 naira but with our program, you will pay 15 naira only while saving your extra 15 naira. Alright, here is the most catchy part, after the 12 months, you have 3 weeks to send in as much advert as you have in a week for the price of one. That way, first week is free, second week is half and third week full. Ofcourse you will need to pay for the 3 altogether before it commences.

For enquiries and advert placements, kindly reach us via pilot.nigerian@yahoo.com, or call in 08091674139.

Reflects on Yemi Osibanjo’s speech

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The Government of Nigeria, through its tweets have been singing its praises this past hour, reflecting on the speech given by the Vice president Yemi Osibanjo at the direct Investors’ Summit organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Industry in Abuja.

Senate in closed door meeting with service chiefs over insecurity

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Senate is presently meeting the Service Chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin over the increasing rate of insecurity as a result of illegal possession of firearms by non-authorised people in the country.

The meeting, which started behind closed doors at 12.28pm following their arrival into the Red Chamber at 12.26pm, is also being attended by the Director General of the Department of Security Services, DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura.

The senate had on May 8 summoned all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police; Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS; and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS and that of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS to brief it on “the proliferation of dangerous firearms, spate of killings by terrorists and kidnapping by hoodlums across the country”.

Specifically, upper legislative chamber invited the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd); Chief of General Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe; and the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadique to appear before it to “discuss on the way out of this situation”.

Others are the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris; Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura; the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Col. Hameed Ali and his Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS counterpart, Mohammed Babandede.

The Senate invitation was sequel to a motion, titled: “Proliferation of dangerous firearms in Nigeria” by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC Kaduna North) during plenary. However, no date was given for their appearance

The upper legislative chamber also mandated its Committee on Intelligence and National Security to conduct a thorough investigation into the development to unravel its remote and immediate causes as well as proffer a lasting solution to the problem.

Presenting the motion, Senator Hunkuyi noted that tribal, communal, religious, and other sectarian clashes; including the farmers/herdsmen crises are now more devastating due to a wrongful and easy acquisition of firearms in violation of due process as laid down.

Senator Hunkuyi attributed the situation to the “inability to control the proliferation of firearms within the country; as well as negligence from the departments of government entrusted with the responsibility to control how individuals, corporate entities can acquire and maintain firearms in Nigeria, but particularly the free access by hoodlums to acquire firearms easily”.

He lamented that despite the killings in Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria, apart from the mayhem still being caused by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, no meaningful effort is being done by the government to curtail the proliferation of firearms in the country.

Again IG shuns senate as Security chiefs brief s on Arms proliferation

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Again the inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris today failed to turn up as other security chiefs led by the National Security Adviser NSA brief the Senate
on the proliferation of Dengerous firearms spate of killings by terrorist and kidnapping by Hoodlums across the county.

Other persons that didn’t show up in person include the comptroller General of Customs Hameed Ali,Chief of Army Staff Lt General Tukuru Buratai


Innoson motors chairman declared wanted

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Chairman of Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma has been declared wanted over his failure to make an appearance in court for his arraignment for the fifth time.

Justice Mojisola Dada of the special offences court sitting in Lagos, on Thursday handed over verdict

Chukwuma, alias Innoson is standing trial in a matter between his company and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Dada had declared the automobile boss wanted, granting the request of Mr Anselem Ozioko, the lead prosecuting counsel of the EFCC.

Nigerian Pilot reports that Innoson had previously failed to make an appearance in court for his arraignment on Jan. 17, Feb. 9, March 14 and April 25.

His failure to appear before the court for five consecutive times informed the issuance of bench warrant.

During the proceedings of March 14, it was revealed that Innoson had petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over Justice Mojisola Dada, the judge trying the case.

Ozioko in his submission seeking the declaration of Innoson wanted said: “This appears to be the fifth time this matter is coming up before your Lordship for arraignment.

“The learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the second defendant (Innoson) is still insisting on taking his application without ensuring the defendant is physically present in court.

“The question is, where is the second defendant? Is he too big for the court? Is he too big for the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Is he too big because he has money? Where is he?

“What my learned friends, the defence counsel are doing is contemptuous.

“We shall be applying for an order to declare the second defendant wanted.”

Acceding to Ozioko’s request, Justice Dada said, “The second defendant is hereby declared wanted and the case adjourned until June 22 for possible arraignment.”

Earlier, during the proceedings, Ozioko had informed the court that the anti-graft agency will also be taking some steps to ensure Innoson’s attendance in court on the next adjourned date.

Counsel to Innoson, Mr George Uwechue (SAN) had requested that the court hear his application despite Justice Dada’s declaration that no application will be heard until Innoson is physically present in court.

“At the last hearing, the court maintained its position that it will not take its pending application unless the first defendant is arraigned.

“We were about to cite our position regarding the court’s declaration but we were interrupted by the prosecuting counsel and that interruption led to today’s proceedings.

“Whatever we did that day, we sincerely apologize; we urge this court to allow us to continue our presentation.’’

Prof. J. N Mbadugha, counsel to Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd, in his submission told the court that he had an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

Mbadugha informed the court that he had made an appeal at the Court of Appeal over the case.

Justice Dada however maintained her position that the applications of the defence will not be heard until Innoson is physically present in court.

It will be recalled  that Chukwuma and his company, Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd., are to be arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to obtain property by false pretences, obtaining property by false pretences, stealing and forgery.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants committed the offences between 2009 and July 2011 in Lagos.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants with intent to defraud; conspired to obtain by false pretences containers of motorcycle, spare parts and raw materials, property of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) from Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, Apapa, Lagos.

They are alleged to have fraudulently induced staff of Mitsui OSK and Maersk Line to deliver to them via their clearing agents the goods which were imported from China in the name of GTB by falsely pretending that they were authorised by the bank to clear the goods.

The prosecution claimed that the defendants in order to facilitate the fraud forged a bill of lading numbered 598286020 of Maersk Line Limited and 11007950841 of Mutsui O.S.K Lines by knowingly putting a false GTB stamp and signature of the bank staff.

The alleged forgery was in order that the forged documents be used or acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of any person within Lagos or elsewhere.

The offences contravened Sections 1(1)(b), 1(3), and 8(a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2016 and Sections 309(9), 388, 465 and 467(1)(j) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2003. (

I resigned based on principles, says Bauchi Deputy Gov

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In what look like shocking news to the people of Bauchi state, late evening last Wednesday the Deputy Governor of the state, Engineer Nuhu Gidado announced his decision to resign voluntarily due to some reasons based known to him.

Engineer Gidado that was elected together with his former boss, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar during the 2015 general election under the auspices of All Progressive Congress party in Bauchi state informed the Governor of his decision to resign in a letter dated May 16, 2018.

In the letter, Mr. Gidado explained that his decision was based on his commitment to serve for only a single term as deputy governor of the state and based on that principles he decided to tender his resignation, saying his continue stay as the number two citizens in the state will not be fair.

“Ordinarily, I should have remained up to the end of the tenure, but, with the currently dampened spirit and waning zeal as it relates to my official engagements, my continued stay will not be fair and truthful to you as my brother and leader. Therefore I also believe that staying on in office will be unfair to the system and my conscience.” He added

Engineer Gidado however reminded the governor that during their meeting on April 19th he had informed him that he was thinking about stepping aside due to his principles of fairness but thanked Governor Abubakar and the people of the state for the opportunity given to him to serve as deputy governor of the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Abubakar Esq has accepted the resignation of his former Deputy Engineer Nuhu Gidado as Deputy Governor and wish him well in his future endeavors, describing his tenure and service to the state as meritorious and therefore, deserved commendation.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Ali M. Ali indicated that the governor particularly commended the former Deputy Governor for the remarkable manner of his resignation.

He expressed optimism that he will avail his vast wealth of experience to the state anytime he is called upon in the future and thanked him for his meritorious service while in office, saying he remains vital to the administration and the ruling party in general.

Gov Abubakar therefore wish him well in his future endeavors, and the former Deputy Governor should count on the support of the Governor as he is optimistic he will avail the state his service when called upon in the future.

Bella Naija cord lace styles 2018

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Have you seen the latest Bella Naija cord lace styles 2018? Amazing clothes for ladies who have an eye for the latest fashion tendencies! Choose the most suitable for you!

Bella Naija styles

The latest collection of Bella Naija cord lace styles 2018 consists of a wide variation of gorgeous attires. As always, it contains a lot of styles for wedding parties and other special occasions. Beautiful blue, white, yellow, pink, and many other soft colours will create the perfect look for you.

By the way, many Nigerian ladies are showing a preference to all shades of blue and green this tear. Just take a look at these tender and deep colors!

Soft colors look brilliant and beautiful! It doesn’t matter if it is pale yellow, pale pink or light blue.

By the way, if you prefer a one-colour attire, bright accessories and Gele will complement your look.

Cord lace is a unique material which is simply marvelous for both festive and casual look. So, if you think that cord lace is only for big and festive events then you should definitely look at the photos below.

There are a lot of different types for a more casual style. Nigerian ladies can choose skirt-and-blouse attires, or find a gorgeous gown that would suit your figure. So, let’s look through some Bella Naija dresses and casual gowns. Why wouldn’t you want to look gorgeous every day? Cord lace attires always have that luxurious look.

Good news for those who prefer blouse and wrapper (iro and buba) styles. For this type, Bella Naija presented us with cool models in bright and soft colors. You can choose a casual variant of cord lace blouse styles, and festive one for a special occasion as well.

For example, this beautiful white cord lace blouse will complement your festive look, especially if you add some bright accessories.

Cord lace gown styles

This photo below will show you how to create a unique gown that looks amazing by combining two materials that might look incompatible at first.

Take a look at how a small decorating element made of Ankara brightens the pale cord lace gown. The colour of shoes should match the colour that can be found on the brightening element.

Here you can see the beautiful Bella Naija cord lace gown styles. Right now, various dress styles are in a trend. Long dresses, as well as short dresses made from cord lace, will look equally adorable. So, just look through these sleeveless long and short gowns, and you will definitely find something for you.

So, as you can see, that cord lace styles proposed by Bella Naija look gorgeous and amazing. In the new collection 2018, we can observe different colour combinations that will combine together to make a perfect look!

Source: Naija.ng

Breaking: Buhari appoints Former IG Musliu Smith as chairman police service commission

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president Muhammadu Buhari appointed Former IG Musliu Smith as chairman of police service commission.

This was made known in a letter he forwarded to Senate for confirmation. He will replace Mike Okiro whose tenure will expire soon

Details coming

Buhari appoints Former IG Musliu Smith as chairman police service commission

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appointed Former IG Musliu Smith as chairman of police service commission.
This was made known in a letter he forwarded to Senate for confirmation. He will replace Mike Okiro whose tenure will expire soon
Details coming…
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