SENATE, AGF, NDLEA AGREE TO HALT BURUJI'S EXTRADITION TILL...

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the authorities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Saturday agreed with the Senate to halt the alleged abduction of the senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu, to the United States.

Kashamu had alleged penultimate week that the anti drug agency was conniving with the authorities of the US government to abduct him from Nigeria, through unlawful means.

Kashamu’s lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, had in a petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, claimed that NDLEA operatives had perfected strategies to forcefully take him to the US in order to answer drug related charges.

He had urged both the NDLEA and the office of the Attorney-General to drop the alleged plan and follow the rule of law in prosecuting Kashamu.

It specifically directed the two government establishments to stay any further action on Kashamu’s alleged drug charges in America, pending thorough investigation of issues raised in Kashamu’s petition against them.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, said the parties had resolved to halt further action on the matter pending the determination of the suit on the matter at the court.

Anyanwu said, “The Senate, AGF, NDLEA have unanimously agreed to stop further harassment, intimidation, abduction and extradition of Kashamu until the conclusion of the matter at the law court.

“We had also agreed that the rules of law and due process must be followed in the case.”

BURGLAR'S HEAD STUCK IN BURGLARY PROOF

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at a plaza on Plateau Club Road, Jos, Plateau State the head of a suspected burglar got stuck between burglarproof bars while he was trying to escape with items he stole from a shop within the facility.

The 32-year-old suspect, Solomon Clement, had entered the shop through the roof in the night.

He was said to have stolen seven pieces of suits, two blankets, 13 pairs of shoes and three pieces of bed sheets after which he tried to escape with the loots through the window. He had forced his body out of the window but was unfortunate as his head was trapped between the burglarproof bars.
He struggled in vain to free himself, until daybreak when the police were alerted of the incident. He was arrested, while the stolen items were recovered.

He said, “That was not the first time burglars attacked shops here. We normally close around 6pm. I suspect they connive with insiders, who might have been giving them information. Most times, they (burglars) break the bars. It was God that orchestrated the man’s (Clement) arrest. I learnt that he had entered through the roof. It was the security man who was moving around the complex that saw him with his head stuck. The shop is owned by one Daniel. I learnt he stocked the shop with suits and shoes recently.

“I want the police to handle this matter seriously and mete out appropriate punishment to the suspect. Maybe through that, others would learn to desist from the act.”

An eyewitness, who identified himself only as Julius, said Clement was freed after a welder was employed to cut the bars.

“He was there for hours. We called the police from the A Division who arrested him. We had to get a welder to cut the bars,” he said.

The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abuh Emmanuel, said investigation was ongoing into the incident. He added that the suspect would be charged to court when the investigation was concluded.

He said, “The suspect, Solomon Clement, is from Agwa Mission, Gudu-Wada, Jos. People in that area alerted the police and he was arrested. Seven pieces of suits, two blankets, 13 pairs of shoes and three pieces of bed sheet, stolen from the shop, were recovered. The suspect is under investigation.”

LOVE CONQUERS ALL! FOLUKE DARAMOLA, KAYODE SALAKO NOW MARRIED

Star actress Foluke Daramola and her lover Kayode Salako have survived the odds that heralded their relationship four years ago. They were formally joined together as a couple today at the registry in Ogudu, Lagos.

We gathered that the event was a private one. Only a few close family members and associates were privileged to attend. The reception was held at Sunrise Chinese Restaurant, Ikeja.

Excited bride said  "I  give God the glory for everything. I also thank my husband and everyone who stood by us and are praying for us."

From the display message of the newest bride's Blackberry Messenger bbm, the couple may be planning something for Monday, February 15 , 2016 to mark the fourth anniversary of the relationship.

Wike suspends Commissioner for Finance, Accountant-General

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Friday suspended the Commissioner for Finance and Accountant General of the State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor (Electronic Media), in Port Harcourt.

It said that Dr Fred Kpakol, the commissioner and Sir Abere Dagogo, the accountant general, had been suspended by the governor.

It said the suspension took immediate effect, but did not give any reason for the suspension of the two senior government officials.

50YR OLD PASTOR RAPES 18YR OLD GIRL says I wish the ground opens up, swallow me

Pastor Oprite Amakiri  (50),  General Overseer of Agape Baptist Church, has been arrested and detained at the Rumuolumeni Police Division in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for raping 18year old member of his church.

Amakiri was said to have told about 200 members of his church that he had been battling waist pain for the past two years and stressed that God told him that a girl between the age of 12 and 18 years old would be needed to massage his waist for him to be healed.

The pastor (Amakiri) decided to visit the home of his victim’s sister to get massaged while the owner of the house (victim’s sister), who is a roadside trader, had gone to work.

It was learnt that the pastor raped the girl on three occasions and threatened to deal with her if she dared expose his deeds to anyone, including her elder sister.

Not satisfied with the development, the victim (names withheld) slammed the door against the pastor on the fourth day and stopped him from gaining access into the room for another round of sex.

Angered by the girl’s effrontery, the randy pastor called the elder sister of the victim and told her that the 18-year-old girl was trying to stop ‘God’s prophecy’, an action that forced the naïve victim’s sister to abandon her wares and rushed home with dissatisfaction.

On getting to her house, the rape victim told her sister how she had been defiled on four occasions by the pastor. It was at that point that the trader raised the alarm and Pastor Amakiri was arrested.

The errant pastor confessed to the crime and said nobody should blame it on the devil and that he (Amakiri) should take the blame because he actually planned and executed the rape of the teenager.

“The elder sister to the girl I raped is a choir member of my church. It was after choir practice one Thursday that I informed the sister that I would like to visit her house for a serious discussion and she obliged me.

“The following day, I paid her the visit and requested that she allow her younger sister (his victim), to massage my waist, that I had been having ache on it in the past two years and every treatment, drugs and injection had failed.

“She then went and discussed with the younger sister, who accepted to help me. So, we had the first massage treatment that day while the elder sister was around and nothing happened between me and the little girl.

The cleric, whose wife is a health worker in Degem Locl Government Area of the state, explained that he could not tell his wife to massage him because she only came home from her work place once a week when she was off duty.

Amakiri, who has four children, stated that it was during his fourth attempt at raping the girl that he met a brick wall and since then, he had not regained his freedom.

“I sincerely regret my actions. It is like the ground should open up and swallow me. Don’t blame the devil for what has happened, blame me because I was tempted and I did it,” he added.

The victim, who simply gave her name as Goodness, told newsmen that she never knew the pastor that was respected so much by members of his church could think of having sexual intercourse with her.

She said the pastor had warned her on each occasion he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her not to disclose what happened to anybody, including her elder sister.

“I was in the house when the pastor came and asked me to massage his waist. On the first day, I massaged him, nothing happened between us. But on the second day, while I was massaging him, he began to touch my breast and raped me.

“I tried to escape, but he held me and warned me never to tell anybody what he did to me. He has raped me three times,” the victim said, adding that she used vegetable oil to massage the pastor’s waist.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, said the randy pastor had confessed to raping the girl on several occasions, adding that Amakiri would be charged to court at the end of an ongoing investigation into the matter.

He said the teenager would be taken to the hospital for a comprehensive medical check-up to ascertain that the pastor has not infected her with HIV or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

Money Laundering: Prosecution Opposes Ex-Gov Akwe Doma’s Document

The trial of Aliyu Akwe Doma, a former Nasarawa State governor, and two others, continued on  Wednesday,  February 10, 2016, before Justice A.A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, with the prosecution counsel, Femi Phinhero, SAN, objecting to the prayer of the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo,  seeking to tender a document titled ‘‘Annual Report in the Office of the Accountant-General of  Nasarrawa State of December 31, 2007-2011’’ , during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness, Solomo Katsa,  a former director of finance. 

Akwe Doma alongside Timothy Anjide and Dauda Egwa, a former Accountant-General are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 10-count charge bordering on money laundering and financial crimes.                   

The accused persons between January, 2007 and December, 2009 allegedly conspired and fraudulently laundered state funds to tune of  N8bn, an offence contrary to section 14(1)(a) of the Money Laundering  (Prohibition) Act 2004 and punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.

At today’s sitting, the prosecution counsel told the court that tendering of a document, during cross-examination of the witness, implied that the defence counsel wanted to contradict or discredit the statement of the prosecution witness.

Phinhero further argued that the document could only be admitted if it emanated from the witness.

According to him, there must have been an earlier reference to the document by the witness for the document to be admitted, such that the defence could then take him up on it.  

Addressing the issue of certification of the document, the prosecution counsel also stated that the document was not in conformity with the Section 104 of the Evidence Act.  

He said: ‘‘Apart from the first page of the document that is stamped, the entire document has no stamp. The implication is that the other pages are not certified, so they cannot be certified true copies for the purpose of tendering.’’ 

However, in his response, Ojo told the court that the position canvassed by the prosecution counsel was misconceived, adding that it was alien to any Nigerian.

‘‘It is inconceivable that in Nigerian law that a document cannot be tendered through a party cross-examining a witness who is relevant to the party's case,’’ he said. 

According to him, the relevance of a document should determine its admissibility either during examination in- chief or cross-examination.

Ojo further told the court that Section 232 of the Evidence Act, as argued by the prosecution counsel, could not be relied upon in this case.

‘‘The purpose of cross-examination is not only to contradict a witness being cross-examined, but to elicit from the witness such facts that are supportive of the case of the cross-examining party,’’ he added.

Justice Okeke adjourned to February 15, 2016 for hearing on the application filed by the defence and March 9 to 11, 2016 and  April 29, 2016 for ruling on the admissibility of the document,  respectively.

Dangabar, Conspired with Bank to Launder Police N24b Pension Funds- Witness

Mustapha Gadanya, the fourth prosecution witness (PW4) in the ongoing trial of the seven persons accused of complicity in the over N24billion scam in the police pension office before Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, February 11, 2016 told the court that, the accused conspired with banks to launder police pension funds.

The accused persons are: Esai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs. Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula, Sani Habila Zira, Uzoma Cyril Attang and Christian Madubuke.

Gadanya, whose evidence started yesterday, told the court while being led in evidence today by counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, that the first accused, Esai Dangaba’s bank statement was obtained and analyzed.

According to him, the analysis revealed that, the bank statement did not reflect the investments as seen in the pay deposits advices recovered from the accused office.

“The bank was helping accused to launder money. Funds were kept in the bank’s suspense account and later fixed, never entering his company account”, Gadanya told the court.”

The witness further stated that, several funds discovered in the first accused account (close to a billion naira) had been withheld by the Federal Government. 

“Investigations revealed that several hundreds of millions fixed as investment deposits made by the first accused person through his companies AMT Global Concept and Damule Nigeria Limited were made when he was a director in the Police Pension Office”, he said. 

Documents in support of the claim were tendered in evidence and admitted by the court as exhibits.

Giving further details of the complicity of Dangabar in the matter, Gadanya said, the accused was also discovered to be the managing director and the sole signatory of Damule Nigeria Limited, the company where he had his wife and two sons listed as directors. 

The witness also named two properties located at Utako and Jabi which Dangabar bought worth hundreds of millions naira, one from a senator, in the name of his company Damule Nigeria Limited which he said had been forfeited temporarily to the Federal Government. 

Justice Baba adjourned to March 17 and 18, 2016 for continuation of trial.

STOP SOWING SEEDS OF DISCORD - Gani Adams warns Benin Chiefs

Chiefs of Benin Kingdom have been advised by the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples ‘Congress. OPC, Otunba Gani Adams to steer clear from making unhistorically balanced statements capable of upsetting the socio- cultural chord of brotherhood between the children of Odulaja.
 
Otunba Adams who made this observation in response to the lingering controversy stoked by a purported claim of the origin of Yoruba churned out by a Chief from the palace of Oba of Benin .said that “such poorly researched assertion, lacking in historical credibility could be inflammatory and set the two nobles race against each other 
He pointed out that the relationship between the Yoruba Omo Oduduwa and the Edo is rooted in history which is shrouded in mystery in other to keep the two vibrant nations together and oil the chord of communal relationship for ever .

“Though some writers of historical documents about the relationship and chord of brotherhood between the two have allowed personal sentiments and pecuniary consideration to overrule their sense of judgement, clarity, fairness, objectivity and harmonious cohabitation consideration. “ Adams said

“We should not indulge in diluted information coined by agents of destabilization which emphasised those things that divide us instead of talking of those things that unite us “

He further affirmed that whatever angle  or point of view any writer posits, this discourse on fact remain constant that there is a bond of relationship which is not fleeting but fundamentally essential between the Yoruba Omo Oodua and the Edo Omo Eweka the Great “
He appealed to the traditional institution in Benin and Ile –Ife to be wary of palace chiefs who are only out to pitch the two noble royal houses against each other by their sheer impetuosity and face service”

Otunba Adams commended the royal sagacity and visionary posture of the Ooni of Ife , His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi   not only at remaining calm, but at having refused to dignify the sender of those ill researched statements with any response, as well as his consistency in his peace  diplomacy shuttle  among the traditional Obas in Yoruba land which has kicked – off a brand new era of harmonious relationship among the Obas in the south – west “

Otunba Adams warned the scripter of divisive statements, the procurer of false history and the spreader of ill – researched historical fallacy to put a stop in their unholy act and allow peace, unity, harmony and era of brotherly interaction take control among the Obas in the south west including their sibling in Edo State. 
We are warning them to “stop sowing seed of discord among the Omo Oduduwa and their siblings in Edo State.

PARTNERSHIP WITH EFCC WILL CURB OIL THEFT - Army

Brig Gen S. O. Olabanji, Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, remains pivotal in the military’s efforts to check oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country.

He also pledged the army's support to the EFCC in carrying out the onerous task of sanitizing the oil industry.

He gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s zonal office in Port Harcourt on February 10, 2016.

Noting that oil theft contributed to the sabotage of the Nigerian economy, he said, “I am aware that part of the mandates of the EFCC is to prosecute any person or group that is involved in any form of economic sabotage.”

He stated that the Nigerian Army would assist the EFCC in the area of information gathering.

“There should be a synergy of government agencies in Port Harcourt, particularly the South-south zone so that we can find a lasting solution to the issue of oil theft, and tackle the issue of vandalism,” he said.

On his part, the Zonal Head, Ishaq Salihu, appreciated the Brigade Commander for his kind words, and promises.

“Your presence will go a long way in not only solidifying an already existing relationship between the EFCC and the Nigerian Army, but will go a long way in the joint fight against oil theft/bunkering,” he said.

He added that the agency had hope and confidence in the Army to partner the agency in the fight against the menace of pipeline vandalism, oil theft and other economic and financial crimes.

TWO FEMALE MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES MISSING

Hauwannat Yussuf  and Nasirat Oyefeso who are both female undergraduates of the Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu  Bello University, Zaria have been declared missing.
They were said to be last seen on Saturday, February 6 , 2016 on their way to Ewanto and Sabongari, Zaria  to visit their relatives.
Members of the public with any valuable information on any or both of them are enjoined to get in touch with the nearest police station.

Breaking News! Taraba: Supreme Court upholds Gov Ishaku’s election

The Supreme Court has upheld the outcome of the April 11, 2015, governorship election that produced Governor Darius Ishaku of the People Democratic Party, PDP. A seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court, in a unanimous judgment this afternoon, dismissed the the appeal that was lodged by Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour who delivered the lead verdict, affirmed the earlier judgment of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal ‎which declared Gov Ishaku as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest. “I am of the firm view that there is no merit in this appeal and it is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of the ‎Court of Appeal is affirmed and the election of governor Darius Ishaku is hereby upheld”, Justice Rhodes-Vivour held.  However, the apex court panel reserved its reasons for the judgement till February 22. Senator Alhassan who is currently the Minister of Women affairs, had prayed the apex court to set aside the verdict of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal which earlier upheld governor Ishaku’s election. Ishaku-Darius ‎It will be recalled that the appellate court had on December 31, 2015, reversed the judgment of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which nullified Ishaku’s election. In voiding the decision of the tribunal, a five-man panel of Justices of the appellate court, held that Ishaku, validly won the governorship contest. It maintained that the Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar led tribunal,‎ “grossly misdirected itself”,  when it not only nullified governor Ishaku’s election, but went ahead to declare the APC candidate winner. Justice Abdul Aboki who read the lead judgment, said the tribunal acted outside its jurisdiction when it invalidated Ishaku’s election on the premise that he was not validly nominated by the PDP. The appellate court stressed that the issue of nomination of a candidate by a political party “is clearly a pre-election matter which no tribunal has the jurisdiction to entertain”. ‎According to the court, neither the APC nor its candidate, Alhassan, had the requisite locus-standi to query the outcome of the PDP governorship primary election that produced Ishaku. ‎It emphasised that under section 87(9) of the Electoral Act, only those that participated in the said PDP primary election, has the statutory right to challenge its outcome at the Federal High Court or State High Court. ‎The appellate court said contention on  whether the PDP rightly or wrongly conducted its governorship primary election, did not fall within matters that could be entertained by an election petition tribunal.

GUNMEN KILL OONI'S SECURITY OFFICER

Some unknown gunmen have shot and killed one of the officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The incident happened on Sunday night at a private residence of Oba Ogunwusi located in Ile-Ife.

The NSCDC operative identified as Marcus was said to have just returned to his duty post at the Ooni’s private residence gate from where he had gone to buy airtime for his telephone when his assailants opened fire on him.

Although sources in the area said the hoodlums neither attacked the residence nor robbed any of the occupants, they were said to have made away with the officer’s rifle.

The deceased’s colleagues who were on the premises were said to have rushed out upon hearing the sound of the gun but the assailants had sped off before they came out.

Marcus was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Some sources said the hoodlums were probably members of an armed robbery gang returning from an operation.

The Head, Public Relations Unit of the NSCDC in the state, Mr. Wale Folarin confirmed the killing.

“His killers went away with his gun and he died at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife.”

Folarin said that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing, adding that the command was still investigating the matter.

Amb Patrick Cole Chairs Promasidor Quill Awards Judges Panel Again

Promasidor Quill awards has announced the returning of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole (OFR) as Chairman of the Panel of Judges for the 2016 edition of the coveted journalism awards. 

A former Ambassador of Nigeria to Brazil, Amb. Cole was the former Managing Director of Daily Times Nigeria Limited. 
According to Mr. Andrew Enahoro, the company’s Head of Legal and Public Relations, other members of the panel that will work with Amb Cole are: Kadaria Ahmed, a veteran journalist and television personality; Reze Bonna, a trained Architect and celebrated photographer; and Ray Echebiri, a British Chevening Scholar/seasoned financial journalist.
Enahoro said their selection was based on their high profile, wealth of experience and integrity.
He therefore expressed optimism that with the calibre of judges put in place, Promasidor is confident that the ultimate goal of the awards of rewarding excellence in journalism profession in Nigeria will be achieved again this year.
His words: “Promasidor Quill Awards is committed to setting the pace on rewarding journalists based on merit for their work and not a self-seeking approach to get accolades, but a professional platform of assessment, recognition and reward for outstanding journalistic work”. 
There are seven Award categories available for potential contestants to apply for. The categories are: Brand Advocate of the Year; Best CSR and Industry Report of the Year; Best Photo Story of the Year; Best Report on Children and Nutrition; Education Reporter of the Year; Future Writer of the Year; and Best Online Reporter of the Year.
For this year, Enahoro said though entries opened January 14, 2016, competitors could submit any of their works published between May 1, 2015 and April 14, 2016 via: http://quillawards.promasidor-ng.com
He said the organisers of the award have put together a panel of judges with vast experience and commitment to media excellence to ensure the standard of assessment is fair and thereby pick the best material.

WE ARE CONSOLIDATING ON OUR SECURITY FEATS - AMBODE

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owosen on Tuesday assured residents of the State that it was working hard to consolidate on  the gains recorded over the past few months in reducing crime to the barest minimum.

At the end of the monthly State Security Council meeting chaired by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and attended by heads of all the security agencies in the State, said the Council considered and agreed to build on the momentum of successes recorded so far with the view to safeguarding lives and property, as well as maintain a safer environment for investment.
He said: “As you all know that one of the tripod upon which the State Government built its policy thrust is security. We have once again looked at what is happening security wise; the gains recorded especially with the successful hosting of the Lagos Marathon held last Saturday.
“Looking at that, we have considered and agreed that there is need to build on the momentum and further improve on what we are doing in order to keep Lagos State safer and more secured in order to attract investments which will also translate into giving employment to people in Lagos,” Owoseni said.
Owoseni, who briefed journalists alongside service chiefs and top government functionaries, also highlighted the positive impacts which the ‘Light Up Lagos’ Project, an initiative of Governor Ambode’s administration😨, has had on the security architecture in the State.
He said: “It is one of those key things with which we can prevent crime. Apart from the aesthetical value that you gain in it by making everywhere beautiful, you are also preventing crime when the places are lit up at night.
Those in attendance at the meeting include the Commander, 9 Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier General Bulama Biu; Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship Beecroft Apapa, Navy Commodore Abraham Adaji; Commander 435 Base Service Group, Ikeja, Air Commodore Danladi Santa Bausa and Director, State Security Service, Mr. Adekunle Ajanaku.

Breaking! ACTOR ARAKANGUDU DIES,... TO BE BURIED TODAY!

Popular yoruba actor,Sikiru Adeshina better known as Arakangudu is dead. The  versatile actor according to sources passed on yesterday after he was said to have experienced heart attack. He  will be buried in Oshogbo today.

I GET CONFLICTING REPORTS ON SHEKAU- Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari gave an exclusive interview to the Daily Telegraph recently . Here is the full record of his remarks.

Are you willing to talk to Boko Haram about the missing Chibok schoolgirls?

"As long as we can establish the bona fides of the leadership of Boko Haram, we are prepared as a government to discuss with them how to get the girls back. But we have not established any evidence of a credible leadership."

30 DIE,AS TRAILER VEERS OFF HIGHWAY IN IBADAN

No fewer than 30 male passengers died in the Adeosun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday after a trailer conveying them tumbled down the road.

Over 50 other people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash, while two rams were killed.

The accident occurred on the portion of the expressway which had been recently reconstructed.

Our correspondents counted 25 corpses at the scene of the accident. Eyewitnesses said about five corpses had been taken to a mortuary.

OBEY TRAFFIC RULES TO AVOID GOING TO JAIL- Dele ODULE, TAMPPAN President

As Lagos State traffic mobile courts begin sitting , Omo'oba Dele Odule, President, Theater Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPPAN, has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his resolve to restore sanity and safety to Lagos roads .
 

LAWAN, LOYALISTS PLOT SARAKI’S RESIGNATION

Senators opposed to Senate President Bukola Saraki under the platform of the Senate Unity Forum, regrouped to force Saraki out of the seat.

This new move to ensure that the senate president is out of office is coming on the heels of the Friday decision of the Supreme Court that his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal should continue. The highest court in the land had affirmed the propriety of Saraki’s trial, on 13 counts of false assets declaration, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

There Is More To Buhari’s Sudden Vacation - Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose said that the statement issued by the Presidency on President Muhammadu Buhari’s sudden vacation was vague, saying, “Nigerians deserve to know the truth about their President because the President is an open book that every Nigerians should be free to read.

Tinubu, Daar Comm In Out Of Court Settlement

Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, was Friday told that parties in the N150 billion libel suit filed by APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu against Daar Communications PLC, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) have agreed to settle out of court based on certain terms of settlement. The terms of settlement are: “That the defendant hereby makes a public and unequivocal retraction of the said documentary titled ‘Lion of Bourdilon’, which was broadcast on its television station (AIT), and shall further make the retraction, three times, once daily, on AIT. “That the defendant hereby tenders an unreserved apology to f claimant for the broadcast of the documentary on its television station, AIT, and shall further tender an apology to the claimant on its television station, three times, once daily, on AIT. “That the claimant and the defendant hereby wholly and completely withdraw their respective claims from the court. ” That the claimant and the defendant shall bear their respective costs in this suit. That these Terms of Settlement shall be made the judgment of this Honourable Court in this suit.’ It would be recalled that Justice Akinkugbe had referred the parties to the Case Management Conference (CMC), maintaining that if during the conference the parties could not reach a compromise, the case would be referred to a trial judge. Tinubu had dragged the Daar Communications Plc to court, claiming damages over alleged documentary titled: “Lion of Bourdilion” ran by the television the house, which the politician claimed to have lowered his reputations in the eyes of the public. He said the documentary was politically sponsored to tarnish his reputation in the public eye. During Friday’s proceeding, counsel for both Parties (Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and Chief Woke Olanipekun SAN) thanked the judge for giving them chance to settle the issue amicably. “We have come for settlement out of court. Every war that was fought is finally settled on a round-table. We have agreed to settle out of court based on the Terms of Settlement dated January 29, 2016" Ozekhome said.

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY CULTISTS, POLICE FACE - OFF - Varsity Reacts

Afe Babalola University has reacted to the recent violence that has engulfed the campus. In a statement signed by Tunde Olofintila, Head, Corporate Affairs of the varsity presented the institution's position on the recent unfortunate development.

The press statement :

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), a 21st Century modern University which places high premium on Academic, learning, Research and character, has rules and regulations which must be obeyed at all material times.
To give vent to the all-important academic aspect of the University’s business, it is a a well-known convention or culture among members of the ABUAD community that students cannot score less than 1.5 CGPA. Those who are within this unacceptable range of academic performance are therefore encouraged to do better so that they can be what the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN and Management want them to be in future, great men and woman.
The Founder therefore goes as far as awarding cash Awards of N500,000 to those with 5.0 CGPA, N250,000 to those with 4.8 CGPA and N100,000 for those with 4.5 CGPA. It is on record that there are students who have collected this largesse for two to four years consecutively.
However, there were some skirmishes on Campus on Sunday night. As it is in some public Universities, the said skirmishes was engineered and orchestrated by those who were not doing well academically and who are not prepared to improve on their academic performance.
It must be emphasized here that the University’s First Semester Examinations which commenced two weeks ago are programmed to be rounded off this weekend after which the students would proceed on their First Semester Break.
But rather than continue with the examination, those with low Academic grades, some of who did not have clearance certificates for the First Semester and/or who did not register for the First Semester examination, went on rampage and in the process vandalized some University’s property, the cost of which is being assessed.
We want to assure all parents, well-wishers and stakeholders that the situation has been put under control with people going about their business without let or hindrance.
In consonance with our well-respect culture of uninterrupted academic calendar, the examinations will go on, contrary to their plan, and Management will not close down the six-year old institution of Higher Education.

Breaking News CULTISTS, POLICE IN SHOOTING BATTLE AT AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY NOW!

A parent (name withheld) of an undergraduate in Afe Babalola University just shared this message now

My daughter just called me at AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY NOW dat school has bn taken over by cultist shooting at each other sporadically,that a police was shot in his hand other shootings going on now, dat d whole students are running helter skelter now. She said d school gate has bn set on fire right now nd some part of d school, I can hear noises nd screaming going on underground
There was a Gang Fight at ABUAD yesterday. Police came in and tension rose when a Student was shot in the hand. Serious Riot and looting ensued. Right now some Students are being taken away to an "unknown destination" by the Police. But they are Students in whose possession looted items were found.
Hostel and Cafeteria in ABUAD has been thoroughly destroyed by these frat boys, cars are damaged.

We will keep you posted on further development on this  face off.

OONI IS THE FATHER OF YORUBA RACE - Alake of Egbaland

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The Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo described Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II  as the overall father and spiritual leader of the yoruba race.

In a press statement signed by
Comrade Moses Olafare,
Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni's Palace,  Alake made this known during a courtesy visit by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi ‎to his palace in Abeokuta,Ogun State.

He commended the Ooni of Ife  for his efforts on the unity among Yoruba traditional rulers and pledged his support and that of Egba people for the progress of the race.  
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According to him ‎"you have done very well,  your unity agenda which you have embarked on in the last one month is highly commendable and we in Egbaland are solidly behind you as the Spiritual leader and father of all Yoruba people". 
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He maintained that "Ile-Ife remains the source of all of us in Yoruba and and the entire humanity as those who have refused to acknowledge this fact over the years are now beginning to see the light". 
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He also showered encomiums on former President Olusegun Obasanjo for prostrating flat before Arole Oodua recently at Ile-Ife. He described Obasanjo as a man of Culture and values who should be emulated by all.‎
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In His remarks, Ooni Adeyeye who was accompanied by the Oluwo of Iwo Kingdom Oba Adewale Akanbi Telu I praised God Amighty for making the visit a reality and thanked the Alake of Egba Land for his hospitality and love demonstrated to him and his entourage. .

He also lauded Alake for supporting the agenda of the uniting Yoruba Nation with a view to bringing together our people towards the development of our nation.‎
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He emphasised  that Yoruba did not value themselves as a nation and maintained that we must value our nation and ourselves by ourselves in order to make necessary progress.

Others on his entourage include the High Chiefs Jaaran of Ife, Waasin of Ife, Arode of Ife, Lowa-Ate of Ife, Erebese of Ife, Obadio of Ife, Obalesu of Ife, Magistrate Lekan Ijiyode, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, Architect Tokunbo Omisore, Mr Akin Daodu and Mr Jide Fadairo

The train subsequently moved to the palaces of Olowu of Owu and Osile of Okeona-Egba, Oba Dosumu and Oba Tejuoso respectively where Ooni was also treated as the father of Yoruba Race.

Etisalat Drags MTN to Court Over Acquisition of Visafone

MTN Nigeria is enmeshed in another controversy as Etisalat Nigeria  is kicking over the recent acquisition of the last surviving Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, Visafone Communications.

Etisalat has instituted a legal action against MTN over the acquisition of Visafone’s 800MHz spectrum.

The grievance of Etisalat is about the transaction, claiming that the South African firm, which has been a dominant player in Nigeria, is enjoying too much favoritism and that the deal would further give MTN more powers to dominate other players in the industry,  coupled with the allegation that the bid was not made open for other players to participate.

Public Relations Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Division Officer of Etisalat , Chinesie Amanfo, confirmed that the firm has filed a suit against MTN over the acquisition.

“The legal action is considered necessary to prevent the use of the Visafone’s 800MHz spectrum by MTN at this time, as it will entrench the dominance of MTN in the retail data services market.

“You will recall that MTN Nigeria was declared dominant by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2013 and remains dominant in the wholesale leased line and retail voice markets.
“The use of the 800MHz spectrum to deploy broadband services ahead of its competitors, particularly those who, prior to MTNs purchase of Visafone, held similar spectrum bands as MTN, will further entrench MTN’s dominance in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.

“We have in addition and in line with Section 86 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 engaged the NCC to understand the basis of its decision to approve the acquisition. As you are aware, the matter is already in court, as such, we are restrained from commenting further on the matter.”

When MTN was contacted on the matter, a senior official of the telecommunications firm confirmed that Etisalat had taken the telecommunications firm to court over Visafone acquisition. “I can’t say more than that for now,” the official said.

-Guardian

KUNLE AFOLAYAN IS THE BULL OF THE INDUSTRY - Tade Ogidan

Celebrated film maker Tade Ogidan who has directed several award winning movies recently commended Kunle Afolayan the  rave of the movie industry  particularly over his new Pan-African movie  - The CEO.
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During a courtesy  visit  to  Afolayan' office, he  previewed  a rough cut of the  movie and said “You are now like a bull that has charged into a chinaware shop of film obstacles. You demolish all the myths, fears and film making challenges with insane dare, grit and unstoppable determination. Now, that is good. God will always make all good things doable for you.”

The CEO which features music star, Angelique Kidjo among others is expected to hit the cinema across Africa and beyond later in the  year

Humiliated Homosexual Fuji Band Members Go into Hiding

Two embarrassed band members of a prominent Fuji star who is highly rated even beyond his genre of music locally and internationally have gone underground after they were discovered to be homosexuals.

Insiders hinted that the two partners, Ibrahim and Ayodeji drew suspicion to their  amorous  activities because of their closeness as they are always fond of hiding from other band members whenever they are on long road shows,they are said to always insist on being paired in rooms during out of state engagements. Their secret was blew open late last year when a close friend of Ibrahim,Kola Adeyemi had a face off with him at Emporium Club located on Lateef Jakande Road,Ikeja.

FINDING CHIBOK GIRLS IS FUTILE - Obj

Amid a general mood of cautious optimism about a successful resolution of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnap saga, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the girls may never be found. Obasanjo said this on Friday night at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Staff Club, during an interview with journalists.

He blamed the disappearance of the girls on the nonchalance attitude of the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, under whose government they were kidnapped by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, in April 2014. The former president’s latest assertion is a departure from his earlier opinion that some of the girls would never return.

Another Boat Mishap in Lagos.... two feared dead

Barely a week after seven people lost their lives in a boat accident in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, another boat has capsized in the Badagry area with two feared dead.

It was gathered that the fibre boat took off on Saturday from Ebute Iworo Jetty, en route to Daddilowe in Badagry, when the crash occurred around 11 am, with10 people on board.

68yr old Woman Completes 42km Lagos Marathon Race

A sexagenarian, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, who not only participated in, but completed the 42km Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday has commended the sponsors and organisers of the event.

Oshodi-Adeniyibada, 68, told the News Agency of Nigeria at the Teslim Balogun Stadium starting point of the race that her aim was to reach the finishing point.