Senate president Bukola Saraki said allegation of Police is baseless over the offa Robbery and political victimization.

According to his Spokesman Yusuf Olaiyun, the attention of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a Press Conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

Dr. Saraki will want the entire public to disregard this claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.

“Let it be known that there is no way i could have been associated with armed robbery against my people. When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.”

“Members of the public will remember that on May 16, 2018, I alerted the Senate about the information passed on to me by my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, over a plot by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to frame me up by getting some suspected cultists arrested in Ilorin to implicate me. It is believed that the timely leakage of the plot in that case aborted the use of the suspected cultists to implicate me. Now, it is the Offa bank robbery suspects that are about to be used.”

“This plot is concocted to embarrass me and in the mind of the IGP, it is his own response after his refusal to honour the invitation by the National Assembly, headed by me, for him to come and offer explanations on the rampant killings and violence across the country.

“Like the earlier one, this frame-up will also fail as I hereby state categorically that I have no link with any band of criminals.

“As a person who has utmost respect for the rule of law and all constitutional institutions, when the invitation from the Police is formally extended to me, I will be ready to honour it without any delay.”

“It is however sad that this abuse of the criminal investigation process aimed at intimidating and over-overawing the legislature, thereby obstructing it from doing its work, is a big threat to our democracy “, the Senate President stated.

One person has reportedly died following the outbreak of cholera at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

The outbreak is said to have also led to the hospitalization of over 20 others, mostly students of the University at the institution’s clinic within its main campus Keffi.

Nigerian Pilot learnt that the worst hit are students living off campus at Angwan Lambu situated within the university community.

Confirming the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent yesterday,Angwan Lambu community head, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, one Ramatu Abdullahi, a house wife has died of the cholera, affirming that he was personally infected by the cholera outbreak about two weeks ago.

He explained that the late Ramatu, a mother of eight died shortly after she was rushed to the Keffi General hospital.

Mohammed further revealed that four of the victims infected by the disease were from the staff quarters of the University and eight others at the Angwan Lambu, including students.

“I am the first victim of the Cholera outbreak here. On the fourth day of the fasting, I was going to the farm, suddenly I experienced a spin in my stomach like an iron, I then rushed back home and purged three times”

“After me, my junior and senior brother’s wives were also infected, but we thank God, they got healed when they were taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, Ramatu, one of my subjects couldn’t survive. She was rushed to the hospital, while vomiting and purging but died the following day”.

Secretary of the Rapid Response Team of the state ministry of health, Dr. Liman Ahmed, who confirmed the ugly development to Nigerian Pilot, said the Rapid Response team was already on ground at the state university clinic.

He however pointed out that the disease has not been confirmed to be cholera as symptoms were currently that of vomiting and diarrhea.

Liman attributed the development to the unhygienic environment in most parts of the university community where students were living and consumption of water from unclean sources, noting that the ministry was collaborating with the state water board and the university management to arrest the situation.

He said that no life had been lost so far and that only 13 persons were currently hospitalized.

Public Relations Officer of the state university, Abraham Ekpo also confirmed the outbreak through a telephone conversation saying that the development had been reported to the management.

According to him the affected students were been attained to, at the institution’s health facility in collaboration with other health agencies.

Plateau state governor Simon Lalong commiserated with the Family of Late Dr. Bala Takaya . Our correspondent reports that Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Bala Takaya, died, recently , at the National Hospital, Abuja, where he had been treating an undisclosed ailment.

In a statement personally signed and made available to newsmen in Jos by Gov Lalong reads that tribute to a fallen hero Dr Bala Takaya (1949 – 2018).

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. These were the words credited to Julius Ceaser by William Shakespeare and they rightly capture the life of Dr. Bala Takaya who on account of several struggles for the emancipation of minorities of the Middle Belt came face to face with the feared effects of death, but conquer it all until the end itself arrived.”

The statement also reads that “The Late Bala Takaya was a Veteran Political Scientist, who was every inch a practical and radical reflection of his Education. His leading role in the Middle Belt Socio-cultural Struggle for inclusive Governance, which repeatedly called the attention of State Actors to the multi-ethnic configuration of Nigeria in the last four decades is worthy of note. He was a purveyor in identifying the visible ethno-religious indicators that were threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria, and as is typical of progressive minded people, his pursuit for a just and egalitarian society, saw him standing in the frontline and joining hands with other progressives, to advocate for justice and equity in public space.”

“I remember his many academic contributions and of particular note, is his co-authored book with our own Deputy Governor, Prof Sonni Tyoden titled “The Kaduna Mafia” which was published in 1987. In it he sought to liberate the mind of generations as to the need to fight the manipulation of the peoples common heritage and commonwealth, by a few to the detriment of the majority.”

“The Late Takaya died standing like every Gallant Warrior in War! He will be remembered for his struggles, academic prowess and immense political contributions, in shaping the Nigerian Political landscape for inclusive and participatory democracy.”

“Now that he is gone, his legacies will continue to beam the virtues he lived for, and the lessons to be drawn will show generations to come the value of living for something or falling for everything.”

“As the dark clouds of grief hover over the Family, Friends, Associates and all who have come close to experience his infectious personality, I enjoin all to rest assured of a bright future in the comfort the Lord Almighty will avail.”

Lalong further said that ” Our dear Takaya is gone! But he has no doubt left an indelible print in our memory and for this; I convey the condolences of my family, the Government and good people of Plateau State.”

“May the gentle soul of our dear General in the progressive line of battle and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace with the Lord. Amen.”

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that the three new Petroleum Industry Bills, PIB being considered by the upper legislative chamber, will boost economic growth and lead to a more efficient oil sector that is globally competitive.

The bills are the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill 2018, Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill 2018 and the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill 2018, respectively.

Declaring open a three-day public hearing on the PIB, organized by the Senate Joint Committees on the PIB in Abuja, Saraki said the three bills under consideration would have tremendous impact on the economy and investment opportunities when passed into law.

The senate president explained that the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill is to transform the administration of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the Nigerian petroleum industry.

“Firstly, the Bill creates a framework that will free up acreages that are not being developed by current license and lease holders, thereby creating opportunities for new investors. This will bring substantial new investment to our oil and gas industry.

“Secondly, it ensures effective management of the environment by petroleum operators and administrators.

“Thirdly, it provides a framework to unleash midstream activities which will open up the market for the supply of gas and other downstream products, for economic growth. Above all, I believe the most important feature of this Bill is that it provides much needed legal backing for the deregulation of our downstream petroleum sector”, he stated.

On the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, he said this would help fix the anomalies in the nation’s existing fiscal framework for the petroleum industry which is outdated, especially with regards to royalty and tax regimes.

“For instance, billions of dollars have been lost through non-invocation of provisions in subsisting laws, at those times when crude oil price crosses certain thresholds. The Bill will fix this as well as remove difficulties and uncertainties surrounding our tax assessment and collection system.

“Additionally, it will remove distortions created by the Associated Gas Framework Agreement; and provide comprehensive fiscal terms for the development of our abundant natural gas resources”, he stressed.

The Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill, according to him, provide for a legal framework for the development of the petroleum host and impacted communities.

“It is a pan-Nigeria Bill that will cater for communities that are hosts to upstream assets, as well as significant midstream and downstream assets and infrastructure”, he said.

He stated further that the bills are critical to the growth of the nation’s economy, the livelihood of all Nigerians and the interests of investors.

Earlier, chairman of the joint committees, Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC Zamfara Central), said the essence of the public hearing was to enable the public own the bills, but added that everything regarding them are subject to change.

Senator Marafa further revealed that the bills deal with how the nation’s petroleum industry should be managed transparently; pointing out that the industry is doomed by challenges of transparency.

According to him, the bills when finally passed into law would go a long way to ensuring that the country is financially competent and well positioned to attract international investment.

It would be recalled that the Senate recently passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB which is now before the Conference Committee of both chambers for harmonization.

Plateau Regeneration Group (PRG) on Monday commended the state governor Simon Lalong for his efforts at improving the lives of citizens of the state stressing that he has done excellently well in his first three years in office . The group also said the Governor’s second term bid is vital, saying he has performed creditably well and therefore is the best candidate for the 2019 governorship.

They also rated Governor Simon Bako Lalong high, stressing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor has earned the support of majority of the people and initiated development projects across the 17 local government areas.

The group in a statement by it’s President, Barrister Katlong Danbaba, in Jos, said they accorded Lalong with a score card of B plus. “As a group we commend the Lalong led administration for awarding road contracts for the construction of 22 roads spread across the seventeen local government areas of the state stressing that he was not selective in citing projects.

“We also commend our governor for recently commissioning Solar Mini Grid Electrification Projects at Demshin and Angwan Rina Communities in Shendam local government area of the stressing that the sustainable effort of the Lalong led government in providing energy to the people is part of his administration pillar policy in developing the rural areas.

“The strong effort of government in providing the dividends of democracy has brought about smiles in the hearts of the people and this has reduced the untold hardship witnessed by the people in some rural areas .

“Our governor Simon Lalong has not failed Plateau people ,the prompt payment of salaries and pension by the governor at a time when most states in the country had defaulted in that regard is a strong testament of his achievements because the gesture had strengthened the economic fortunes of the state.”

Gov. Lalong is doing excellently well in the education sector too; by recently employing qualified teachers and also revamping the Plateau State University (PSU), Bokkos.

Also the governor has done well in the health sector, as well as reviving moribund companies like Bokkos Fertiliser Blending Plant, Highland Bottling Company and Hill Station Hotel,” the statement said.

“We also commend our governor for his efforts at revamping Plateau hospital. We call on the people of Plateau to continue to support Gov Lalong at the forthcoming 2019 elections.”

Embattled Deputy Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress APC Timi Frank petitioned the United Nations over perceived persecution of Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki by the President Muhammadu Buhari led Government.

According to the petition made available to Nigerian Pilot and addressed to Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations through The UN High Level Representative to Nigeria.

According to him “I write to update you on the increasing political intolerance, terror and persecution being unleashed against perceived opponents of the present administration in Nigeria led by President Muhammadu Buhari and to seek your urgent intervention to prevent an imminent breakdown of law and order capable of truncating the nation’s democracy.”

“Recall that last week, I wrote a similar letter to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, on the need for the international community to save Nigeria from the current political terror against highly placed and innocent Nigerians as the country approaches the 2019 general elections which is about nine months away.”

” The political scenario in Nigeria and the highhandedness of the executive and its agents against law abiding Nigerians is becoming unbearable and unless something is done urgently to salvage the situation, our hard earned democracy will be plagued by disaster of unimaginable proportion. This call is premised on the old wise saying that a stitch in time, saves nine.”

“Today, the entire country is in a dilemma. While terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements are having a field day in many parts of the country, citizens are also being framed-up and hounded by security agencies on the direct orders of the executive in order to retain power. The police that is supposed to protect the people is being used as an instrument of intimidation and brutality against law abiding citizens. I don’t think I need to recount the ongoing ordeal of Senator Dino Melaye because his humiliation and persecution by the agents of state is known even to the little children. I don’t also consider it necessary to refer to the frame-up of Senator Shehu Sani as having links with murder suspects in Kaduna. The incessant arrest of opposition PDP members would take an entire page of this write-up were I to chronicle them.”

“Only yesterday, the police, not tired of subterfuge came up with bizarre claims that robbery suspects arrested in connection with the Offa Bank robbery have implicated the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Recall that Saraki had two weeks ago raised an alarm about the directive from the Force Headquarters to transfer cultists and murder suspects arrested and being prosecuted in Ilorin, Kwara State, to Abuja, in a bid to tutor them to implicate him and the governor of the State, Abdulfatah Ahmed. Following the uproar, the police became silent for a while and have now decided to use the Offa robbery suspects to achieve their sinister goal against the President of the Senate.”

” l want you to note that the police on this occasion have not said anything new. What they wanted to achieve through the surreptitious transfer of arrested cultists and murder suspects from Ilorin to Abuja, they have now achieved through the Offa bank robbery suspects. Unfortunately, the President has not deemed it fit to call his stray agents to order in spite of the formal report on the issue made to him by a panel set up by the Senate following the alarm raised by Saraki on the impending fraudulent indictment about two weeks ago.

“I dare say that the President of the Senate is a man of integrity and high moral standing. Apart from his noble parentage, he has held several positions of trust in the private and public sectors of the economy. Some being his directorship of a bank, special assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on budget matters, two time Governor of Kwara State, Senator and now President of the Senate. He is also a major player in the global arena as a former President of Globe Nigeria and other international engagements. Over the years, his character has remained untainted and his reputation solid. Even under the last administration where he played a pivotal opposition role, all efforts to implicate him failed as several investigations raised against him found him blameless.

” Unfortunately, the present government has been out to bring him down by all means since the inception of this administration. He is currently facing trial on allegation of false asset declaration. He was accused along side his deputy of forging the Senate rules – a case that later collapsed following the inability of the government to concoct plausible evidence against them in court. The recent efforts by government to get him at all cost has led to blatant lies, harassment, intimidation and blackmail to damage his reputation and paint him black before the eyes of right thinking members of the public. The goal of the government is to make political capital out his anticipated fall and reap bounteously from the sordid enterprise in the 2019 general elections.

Permit me to say that Saraki remains a credible and responsible Nigerian and my call is not to say that he is above the law. If there is any genuine reason that would warrant him to account for any of his actions, I believe he will gladly do so as a law abiding citizen. However, using gestapo tactics to blackmail and try to hang a criminal charge on him would be tantamount to wickedness, repression and dictatorship. If they have anything against him, let them follow due process according to law. I believe that as a man who respects and believes in the rule of law, Saraki is at anytime ready to defend himself before a court of competent jurisdiction just like he has been faithful in doing same before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). There is a rising apprehension among the vast majority of Nigerians that if this atmosphere of intimidation being unleashed against the opposition in the country is allowed to continue unchecked, our democracy might suffer an incalculable damage and irreparable crash. God forbid!

“I therefore call on you and the leaders of the G-7 nations to intervene to prevent this looming catastrophe in Nigeria. I believe that prevention would be better than cure in this case because if highly placed Nigerians like the President of the Senate are being made to undergo these indignities, then there is no hope for democracy and rule of law which is about the preservation, welfare and protection of the common man. The country is dire political straits and we need your timely intervention to restore peace rule of law” He stressed

Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau Mrs Pat Emeordi said encouraging Nigerians to patronize bicycles as means of transportation was one of the surest ways of minimizing traffic congestion on the highways.

Emeordi said this during a road show organised to mark the 2018 United Nations World Bicycle Day today in Jos, with the theme “Cycling for Fitness”, that apart from reducing congestion, bicycle riding would ensure accident-free highways.

She said that in addition to the health and other numerous benefits derivable from cycling. “Cycling helps in keeping people fit, and also make our body system develop resistance to common illnesses.”

“With more people riding bicycles than cars, the less polluted the environment will be, because there will be minimal emissions.”

“When we have more bicycles and fewer vehicles on our roads, then the highways will be free; we shall have less crashes and traffic congestion.”

“In countries like Sweden for instance, 90 per cent of its citizens, including government officials, uses bicycle. This is why we are also using this day to urge Nigerians to go cycling, ” Emeordi urged.

The sector commander called on cyclists in state to always obey traffic rules and regulations, as those rules were binding on all road users.

She called on governments at all levels to consider creating lanes for cyclists when constructing roads.

Our correspondent reports that as part of activities to mark the day, officers and men of the command, alongside members of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria in Plateau, visited the Jos Network Centre of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to create awareness.

Police yesterday made a U – turn and wrote to Senate president Bukola Saraki to explain in writing in 48 hours and not to appear before them over his role in the Offa Robbery Attack .

Saraki who made this known in his twitter account said he certainly will reply.

The Senate president had earlier in the morning sent his ADC to the police headquarters to bring his invitation letter so as to appear as reported. Only for the ADC to come with the letter requesting him to reply in writing.

The Senate President had been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a Press Conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

Dr. Saraki had wanted the entire public to disregard the claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.

“Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people. When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.”

“Members of the public will remember that on May 16, 2018, I alerted the Senate about the information passed on to me by my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, over a plot by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to frame me up by getting some suspected cultists arrested in Ilorin to implicate me. It is believed that the timely leakage of the plot in that case aborted the use of the suspected cultists to implicate me. Now, it is the Offa bank robbery suspects that are about to be used.”

“This plot is concocted to embarrass me and in the mind of the IGP, it is his own response after his refusal to honor the invitation by the National Assembly, headed by me, for him to come and offer explanations on the rampant killings and violence across the country.”

“Like the earlier one, this frame-up will also fail as I hereby state categorically that I have no link with any band of criminals.”

“As a person who has utmost respect for the rule of law and all constitutional institutions, when the invitation from the Police is formally extended to me, I will be ready to honor it without any delay.

“It is however sad that this abuse of the criminal investigation process aimed at intimidating and over-overawing the legislature, thereby obstructing it from doing its work, is a big threat to our democracy “, the Senate President stated

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has released the final Hajj fare for this years pilgrimage.

The total sum of 1.4 76,328,91 Naira has been approved for this years pilgrimage as against the over 1.5 million Naira for last year’s hajj exercise.

Briefing journalists over the development today, the Bauchi state executive secretary of the state pilgrims welfare Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa said the move was part of Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar’s support towards facilitating the hajj operations for the state contingents.

He stated that about 3,090 intending pilgrims are expected to perform the hajj exercise from the state.

Magaji Hardawa called on prospective pilgrims who earlier deposited above the approved fare, to go to the commission to claim their remaining balance, while those willing to perform the Hajj operations in the state should strive to pay the amount before the deadline.

Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a phenomenon in the nation’s politics, saying the President did not contest for the number one position to make money but to transform Nigeria into a great country.

He spoke while addressing leaders of the North East Youths Coalition for President Buhari, who paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly complex, Abuja where he was also made the Grand Patron of the group.

Senator Lawan, who represents Yobe North senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said Buhari contested for the Presidency four times before he won due to his drive to serve the people and improve their living conditions, and socio economic development of the country and not for frivolity or personal ambition.

“Buhari is a phenomenon, he’s a movement, and he’s not a man. What I mean here, let me not be misquoted when I said Buhari is not a man. Buhari is an attitude to life, what is that attitude, integrity, commitment”, he said.

The senate leader added: “Buharism means delivery of services in transparent and accountable manner. We are not only asking President Muhammadu Buhari to run in 2019, we want Buhari to finish in 2023 and then another Buhari should come”.

He explained that people’s attitude to governance should be transparent and demonstrate accountability like the president.

While accepting to be the Grand Patron of the group, he said the people of the North East are supposed to be the most grateful to President Buhari administration “because he has been accused of favouring the North East in appointments”.

“We need to remind our zone that this president and his administration have done wonderfully well in so many ways. It is our duty as citizens not to allow the president to do it alone. No matter how you are, how equipped you are, when it comes to leadership and administration, especially of a country that is as complex Nigeria, you need every hand to be on deck.

“I congratulate you and commend you for coming together as a coalition of youths to ensure that we go round and propagate what this administration has done for us in the North East and indeed in the country”, he said.

According to him, “When the president came in 2015, the first actions he took were the actions that were necessary to rescue and secure the North East”.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Engr. Abdullahi Awwal said the group was formed to rally support the support of the people of the North East for President Buhari in view of his achievements in the region, especially in the area of security and infrastructural development.

No fewer than four people were reported killed Monday afternoon as armed herdsmen attacked Tiv farmers in Gassol local government area of Taraba State.

An eyewitness, Mr. Terkimbi Tahav who said he escaped death by the whiskers, told our correspondent by phone that they were in the farm at Dinya village in Gassol local government when nine armed hersdmen who rode on three motorbikes came and forced them out of the farm.

“One of them told us that the land we were farming on was sold to them by the Village Head of Kwararafa (Dekechin Kwararafa), Alh. Ibrahim Isah.

“We were shocked and tried to resist their attempt to chase us out of our farm, but they started attacking us with cutlasses and we ran for our dear lives.

“It was when we were running for safety that we discovered four of our relations dead on their farm. They had killed them earlier before they went to attack us. It’s only God that saved some of us to tell our story,” he said.

Recall that farmers and herders clashes became worse as soon as the Taraba State enacted the Anti open grazing law which prohibit open grazing in the State. A youth leader in the area, Mr. Titus Gowon told journalists that the attackers killed four Tiv people on their farm along Dogon Ruwa road while many others sustained bullets and matchet wounds.

He lamented the failure of the police to rescue the situation as the reasons why many were affected in the attack.

“The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Gassol has come around, but he refused to go to the scene of the attack on the account that there was no fuel in their vehicles,” he said.

The village head of Kwararafa, Alh. Ibrahim Isah denied the allegations that he had sold out land belonging to Tiv people in the area to Fulani as the reason for the bloody clash.

Taraba state police commissioner, David confirmed the clash but put the casulty figures at seven with only one dead.

“It started from dispute over land and some Tiv youths were alleged to have attacked some fulani men and destroyed the motorcycle they were riding;

The fulani managed to escape and went and mobilised their people who in turn attacked the Tiv community, in the process six got injured, unfortunately the seventh one, a twentieth year old died;

“But right now our men are there and I can confirm that the situation has been calmed”, he said.

No fewer than four people were reported killed Monday afternoon as armed herdsmen attacked Tiv farmers in Gassol local government area of Taraba State.

An eyewitness, Mr. Terkimbi Tahav who said he escaped death by the whiskers told our correspondent by phone that they were in the farm at Dinya village in Gassol local government when nine armed hersdmen who rode on three motorbikes came and forced them out of the farm.

“One of them told us that the land we were farming on was sold to them by the Village Head of Kwararafa (Dekechin Kwararafa), Alh. Ibrahim Isah.

“We were shocked and tried to resist their attempt to chase us out of our farm, but they started attacking us with cutlasses and we ran for our dear lives.

“It was when we were running for safety that we discovered four of our relations dead on their farm. They had killed them earlier before tthey went to attack us. It’s only God that saved some of us to tell our story,” he said.

Recall that farmers and herders clashes became worse as soon as the Taraba State enacted the Anti open grazing law which prohibit open grazing in the State. A youth leader in the area, Mr. Titus Gowon told journalists that the attackers killed four Tiv people on their farm along Dogon Ruwa road while many others sustained bullets and matchet wounds.

He lamented the failure of the police to rescue the situation as the reasons why many were affected in the attack.

“The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Gassol has come around, but he refused to go to the scene of the attack on the account that there was no fuel in their vehicles,” he said.

The village head of Kwararafa, Alh. Ibrahim Isah denied the allegations that he had sold out land belonging to Tiv people in the area to Fulani as the reason for the bloody clash.

Taraba state police commissioner, David confirmed the clash but put the casulty figures at seven with only one dead.

“It started from dispute over land and some Tiv youths were alleged to have attacked some fulani men and destroyed the motorcycle they were riding;

The fulani managed to escape and went and mobilised their people who in turn attacked the Tiv community, in the process six got injured, unfortunately the seventh one, a twentieth year old died;

“But right now our men are there and I can confirm that the situation has been calmed”, he said.

This is Nigeria music video by Falz the bahd guy, has been garnering a lot of reaction, although almost positive, but the Negative reaction has everyone concerned, one of which is the Muslim Rights Concern, who alleged that the music is a slap to Islamic religion.

The Islamic body on Tuesday stated that the video which featured a group of Hijab-clad women dancing the popular dance style Shaku Shaku is an offence to Nigerian Muslims, and the body have hereby demanded that Falz withdraw his latest music video, This is Nigeria, or face legal action.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Convener of MURIC, in a telephone conversation admonished that the “video was a slap on the face of Islamdom.”

Akintola said, “That video is provocative. That video depicts Muslim women dancing Shaku shaku.

“According to Falz, it represents the Chibok girls. [But] Chibok girls cannot be known to be dancing. They are despondent, they are in despair, they are frustrated. They have not been rescued. There are so many of them in captivity and all Nigerians are praying for them. So, how can they be dancing?

“So, it is ironical; it doesn’t represent reality. The video itself is a slap on Islamdom.”

The Professor of Islamic Eschatology added that MURIC chose to take the legal route, rather than the route of violence, so as not to further denigrate the name of Islam.

“Some Nigerians cannot just be taking things for granted. This country is fraudulent. Our Constitution contains freedom of religion but people don’t give us that respect.

“Even the people who are supposed to call defaulters to order pretend to be sleeping when Muslims are knocked on the head.

“And when lawless people go to the streets, using the name of Islam to destroy, to be violent, to beat up people, destroy houses, destroy government properties, to kill and maim, the media is happy that the name of Islam is being destroyed.

“We are against that. We are against violence. And that is why we are taking this guy to court. If he doesn’t withdraw that video and if he doesn’t apologise to Nigerians, especially the Nigerian Muslims.”

Asked if MURIC would speak with the rap artiste, Akintola reiterated that the Islamic organisation was not opposed to dialogue if Falz so wishes, but that MURIC would not call him first.

Akintola, however, restated the legal repercussions if Falz fails to accede to the organisation’s demands within seven days, starting on Tuesday (today).

MURIC had, earlier on Tuesday, issued a statement demanding that Falz withdraw his This is Nigeria video and to also tender an apology within seven days for using women wearing hijabs and dancing Shaku shaku.

The group also dragged the National Films and Videos Censors Board into the matter and hinted at a possible legal battle unless Falz withdraws the video and tenders an apology within seven days.

Falz has not responded to phone calls and a text message as of the time of filing this report.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, to arrest the dwindling fortunes of the nation’s democracy.

Specifically, Ekweremadu appealed to members of the association to be vigilant on every development in the polity.

The deputy senate president, who spoke at the 2018 Law Week of the NBA, Abuja Branch, recalled the sacrifices of courageous lawyers and other pro-democracy activists in enthroning the current democratic dispensation.

According to him, the current state of the nation’s democracy would make heroes of the struggle like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief MKO Abiola, Chima Ubani, Bamidele Aturu, and Kudirat Abiola sad in their graves.

“Our society is in despair today; democracy is receding; rule of law appears to be at the crossroads; and the killings across the land have become so massive, frequent, and mindless. Politicians that were once friends have turned our politics into a war of attrition.

“Our elections, in many instances, have been highly militarised, with some security officers accused of physically assaulting the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‘Nigerians have watched on live television the raid of the hallowed chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the carting away of its mace by thugs.

“As if emboldened by that, political thugs stormed the premises of the Rivers State High Court. The nation watched with great concern the heavy and prolonged gunfire by armed thugs, who, but for the resistance put up by the people of Rivers State, had virtually succeeded in preventing the court from carrying out its legitimate duties.

“Today, to hold a different political opinion appears tantamount to a political suicide”, he stated.

The deputy senate president, however, said that frightening as the emerging trend appeared, he was more troubled by the loud silence of the NBA.

“The Bar has not uttered any word of condemnation of these and other clear acts of aggression against the legislature or the judiciary in recent years.

“We must bear in mind that democracy does not die in a day. Democracy dies a slow and painful death. Democracy will die if the independence of the judiciary is destroyed, the National Assembly turned to a rubber stamp, the media gagged, the civil society organisations sucked-in, and the electoral umpire annexed.

“But it is not in anybody’s interest, let alone the Bar, for our democracy to fail. However, we cannot fold our hands, keep sealed lips, and expect Heavens to play our parts as lawyers. So, the Bar must rise in defense of democracy.

“There is no sitting on the fence. The poet, Dante Algheri, warns that the hottest parts of hell are reserved for those, who in the time of moral crisis, preserve their neutrality. The Bar must speak up against impunity. The Bar must be heard loud and clear in condemnation of desecration and intimidation, and annexation of key institutions of democracy.

“The Bar must stand up in defence of the rule of law, separation of power, rights, liberties, and other laudable tenets without which democracy becomes an empty barrel, a civilianised dictatorship, and, above all, the Bar must continue to promote justice, equity and fairness to sustain our democracy”, Ekweremadu emphasised.

The Nigerian Senate and house of Reps Members went into a three hour heated joint session on Tuesday, where they threatened to impeach president Muhammadu Buhari if he declines from steering the ship of state in a much more civilized manner in line with the rule of law expected in a constitutional democracy.

According to our correspondent, They passed a 11–point resolution which among includes a vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim.

Saraki in the resolution said they will not hesitate to invoke necessary constitution if all the resolutions are not adhered to.

The eleven resolution are as follows

1. That the Security Agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killings of Nigerians across the country and protect life and properties of Nigerians as this is the primary duty of any responsible Government.

2. The systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions including Legislators and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies must stop.

3. There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees.

4. The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger our country and democracy.

5. The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.

6. The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace.

7. National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy.

8. Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections.

9. The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy

10. The President must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that we have advantage of the oil price having risen to $80 per barrel.

11. Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly.

”we reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerian and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.”

Finally, the National Assembly says it will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.

For the second time in one week, the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant order of interim injunction against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking to stop the two respondents from their plan to extradite a serving senator, Prince Buruji Kashamu to the United States of America for the purpose of trial in an alleged criminal offence.

Justice Babatunde Quadiri yesterday declined to issue injunction order against AGF and NDLEA when an ex-parte application was argued before him by counsel to the Senator, Mr. Olusegun Odubela SAN.

Justice Quadiri said that in view of the sensitivity of the issue in dispute, merit of Justice will not be served if the two respondents (AGF and NDLEA) are restrained on the extradition matter at the ex-parte stage.

Instead, the judge ordered the senator to put the AGF and NDLEA on notice on the pendency of the suit against them

In his ruling on the motion, Justice Quadiri ordered the three parties in the matter to maintain status-quo pending the hearing on the originating summon filed by Kashamu against AGF and NDLEA on his planned extradition

Kashamu had in the ex-parte motion filed on May 18, prayed the court to restrain the AGF and NDLEA from arresting, detaining and extraditing him to the United States of America (USA) to face trial in a drug related charges.

The senator tendered a publication of Punch Newspaper of May 13, 2018 titled “AGF requests for extradition process on Kashamu” to establish an alleged fact that the AGF office was making move on his extradition.

He also told the Judge that one Sheu Abubakar, a staff in the AGF office was the person who informed him of the concluded plan by AGF and NDLEA to extradite him based on the judgments of the Court of Appeal delivered on May 4 which voided all restraining orders granted in favor of Kashamu.

Kashamu argued that twice, the courts in the United Kingdom have exonerated him on the alleged drug offence and that his fundamental human rights will be breached if the AGF and NDLEA are not restrained from taking further steps on the issue.

Justice Quadiri while refusing to restrain the AGF and NDLEA said he would prefer to give fair hearing to parties in the suit

The judge granted an order to serve the originating summon on NDLEA in the Lagos office on the pendency of the court action

Meanwhile, hearing in the originating summon has been fixed for September 24 this year.

Another Federal High Court in Abuja had on May 30 refused to stop the execution of the two judgments secured by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice against the senator representing Ogun East Senatorial district in the senate.

The court had held that granting the request by Kashamu to stay the appellate court decisions against him in an ex-parte application will be against the rule of law and natural justice.

In a ruling on the first ex-parte application filed against the AGF and the NDLEA, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed had rather asked the senator to put the AGF and NDLEA on notice in respect of his fresh suit.

Justice Mohammed noted that since what the senator sought in his originating summon was to prevent his extradition, it will be unfair against the AGF and NDLEA to put the extradition on hold without going into the merit of the whole issue as contained in the originating summon.

The Judge therefore declined to stop the implementation of the appeal verdict delivered on May 4 this year.

Kashamu had through his counsel Dr. Alex Izinyon SAN in the ex-parte motion, argued that he was afraid and apprehensive that the federal government may likely pick him and extradite him to USA on the strength of the Court of Appeal Judgments.

He told Justice Mohammed that if the extradition is executed via the judgments of the appellate court, his fundamental right to freedom of liberty will be jeopardized.

The senior lawyer argued that if senator Kashamu is picked by the federal government through the NDLEA; no court in Nigeria will have jurisdiction to safe him because he (Kashamu) would have been flown to a foreign country.

Izinyon SAN insisted that there is likelihood now of his client being picked by the Federal Government and the NDLEA adding that his fundamental human rights will be breached in the process.

But Justice Mohammed stood his ground that his court was not persuaded to stop the appellate court judgment but will rather wish that Kashamu puts both AGF and NDLEA on notice to show cause on why the two Judgments against the senator should not be stayed from execution.

The Judge consequently fixed July 2 for the parties involved to appear before him.

The Court of Appeal had on May 4 cleared the coast for the federal government for the federal government to extradite the senator, who had engaged government in a long drawn legal battle since 2014

The appellate court in a landmark judgment voided and set aside all orders made by a Federal High Court between 2014 and 2017 restraining the government from proceeding with the extradition.

In a judgment in an appeal filed by the AGF Justice Joseph Ikyegh held that the orders granted Kashamu by Justice Okon Abang were invalid, nonsensical and unacceptable to laws because they were based on hearsays and speculations by Senator Kashamu.

The unanimous judgment was prepared by Justice Ikyegh and was delivered by Justice Yargata Nimpar.

The court held that the hearsay that a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was instigating the extradition was not established under any law.

The appeal court said that an affidavit deposed to by the senator on the issue was worthless and not in compliance with Evidence Act because the senator himself claimed that he was told by several persons who were not called to testify in court.

Justice Ikyegh held that Justice Abang in his two judgments on the issue erred in law by playing undue reliance on affidavit that offended Evidence Act to give judgment against the Federal government.

Consequently, the order of injunction stopping the extraction process was voided and set aside.

This afternoon, Governor Nasiru El-Rufai had a meeting with Aliko Dangote and the Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria John Coumantaros, discussions were centered around increasing Agricultural production in Kaduna state.

Details later

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong ordered MTN Nigeria to reconsider issues surrounding the call centre in Jos which was at one point in time the highest private employer of labour in the state.

Lalong stated this when he played host to Chief Executive of MTN Foundation.

Lalong who was represented by his Deputy, Professor Sonni Tyoden noted government was ready to resolve all grey areas to ensure that plateau people benefit maximally from all services being provided by the communication network provider.

Last night, the President Muhammadu Buhari was with the state Governors, the President hosted the state Governors to the breaking of Ramadan fast at the state house.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today, launch the East Humanitarian Innovation Hub in Yola Adamawa State.

The idea is to provoke tech-based innovative ideas to tackle the challenges of IDPs in the States affected by the insurgency.