We are not charging N12,000 for mobile app – Nigeria Police

The Police have said that they have no plan to attach charges to the use of services bordering on emergency crime reportage through the use of Police-VGS Mobile-App by Nigerians.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the disclosure followed a publication in one of the national dailies on August 2 captioned “Nigeria Police Demand N12,000 to use Emergency App’’.

Mr Mba, a deputy commissioner of police, said the mobile-app was still undergoing internal-test, adding that the Force was working out modalities on how Nigerians could benefit from its use without charges.

He said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, had directed the Management of Vigiscope Nigeria Limited to expunge the payment option on the app.

The FPRO said the IGP called for strict adherence to the original terms of reference.

According to him, the IGP has further directed a comprehensive investigation and forensic audit of all accounts concerning the alleged payment of subscription by some Nigerians.

He pledged the commitment of the Force to continue to partner with relevant private entities in evolving technologically driven solutions towards addressing security challenges in the country.

“Such partnership must be done taking into cognizance statutes guiding the Force, the overriding interest of the public and International Best Practices,” he said. (NAN)

Murder of Catholic Priest: Ugwuanyi summons meeting with neighborhood watch groups

In furtherance of far-reaching decisions taken at Friday’s emergency security meeting of Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has summoned a crucial meeting with all local Vigilante and Neighborhood Watch groups on Monday, August 5, 2019.

This is following the unfortunate death of the Parish Priest of St. James The Greater Parish, Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Paul Offu.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, he said the meeting will hold at the Government House, Enugu at 1pm.

Prof. Ortuanya, who conveyed the sincere condolences of the state government to the family of Rev. Fr. Offu and the entire Catholic Diocese of Enugu, over the painful death, also notified the public of planned air surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) along Ihe-Agbudu axis, Awgu, Aninri, Nkanu East Local Government Areas and their environs, as part of measures endorsed at the meeting to improve the security of the state.

The SSG therefore, enjoined citizens of the state not to panic in the course of the exercise, which he said is targeted at fishing out criminal elements in the affected areas and beyond. He maintained that the state government remains committed to security of lives and property in Enugu State and will continue to sustain the existing peace in the state.

In a related development, Gov. Ugwuanyi on Saturday commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its contributions towards the maintenance of peace and security in the state, especially the introduction of air surveillance of the state to enhance the state government’s successes in combating security challenges in the state.

The governor, who spoke when he participated at the annual 10 kilometer Walk/Jog for all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force in Enugu, stated that the exercise which was designed to ensure that the personnel of the NAF remain in the best physical and mental condition to carry out their very crucial responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity was timely and a welcome development.

The governor appreciated the wonderful partnership/ cooperation with security agencies in the state, adding that it has been largely responsible for the state’s enviable status as one of the safest and most secure states in the country.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, therefore, applauded the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal S.B Abubakar for sustaining the annual exercise and the laudable role of the NAF in combating insurgency and other security challenges in different parts of the country.

He also thanked and reassured the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, NAF, Enugu, Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, of the state government’s continued support and assistance towards the success of the Command in particular and the Nigerian Air Force in general.

Responding, the Command thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi and other invited guests, for their solidarity and active participation at the event, maintaining that “the event is aimed at testing the physical fitness as well as combat readiness of NAF personnel to ensure their readiness towards confronting the security challenges of our country”.

Other dignitaries at the event include the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Suleiman Balarabe and State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Abinbola Linkinyo, etc.

Edo Assembly crisis: Court orders Obaseki not to issue fresh proclamation

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, not to issue a fresh proclamation letter as directed by the Senate.

The court also restrained the Clerk of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, their servants, agents, officers or privies from interfering or taking over the legislative functions of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Furthermore, the court granted an order restraining the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service, their servants, agents, officers or privies from sealing up the Edo State House of Assembly, or obstructing activities at the Edo Assembly.

The court orders followed requests sought by the Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Yekini Idiaye; and the member representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency in the Edo Assembly, Hon. Henry Okhuarobo, who are the plaintiffs/applicants.

The plaintiffs had prayed the court in Suit Number FHC/PH/CS/159/2019, to restrain the Clerk of the National Assembly; the President of the Senate; the speaker of the House of Representatives; Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service; ( all defendants) from taking over the duties of the Edo House of Assembly.

In an order paper made available to journalists on Saturday, the court said: “The plaintiffs/applicants are granted an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st-3rd Defendant/Respondents (Clerk of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives), their servant, agents, officers or privies from interfering or taking over the legislative functions of the Edo State House of Assembly pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

The court also granted “an order of interim injunction restraining the 4th-5th Defendant/Respondents(Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service), their servant, agents, officers or privies from sealing up the Edo State House of Assembly or obstructing the Plaintiffs/Applicants in whatever manners in the performance of their constitutional duties as members of the Edo State House of Assembly, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“The Plaintiffs/Applicants are granted an order of interim injunction restraining the 6thDefendant/Respondent (the Governor of Edo State) from issuing any fresh proclamation for the holding of another first session for the Edo State House of Assembly pending the hearing and the determination of the substantive suit.”

Amnesty Calls For Sowore's Release, Condemns Arrest

Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has called for the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore.

The global human rights organization made the call through its official Twitter handle on Saturday.

Sowore was picked up by men of the Department of State Services in the early hours of Saturday from his apartment in Ikeja area of Lagos State.

Reacting to the arrest, Amnesty International said it “is concerned about the arrest of Omoyele Sowore  @YeleSowore by DSS operatives. We urge the authorities to respect his rights and follow due process. If not charged for any offence, he should be released immediately.”

Sowore has been championing a protest against bad governance of Nigeria with the #RevolutionNow movement.

His arrest is not unconnected with this planned protest schedule to start on Monday, August 5.

Boko Haram: Jakana residents explain why they are leaving for Maidugur

Residents of Jakana village in Borno State, northeast Nigeria have said that, while they are appreciating the governor of Borno state for the show of love and visit to the area following the attack last week by members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, they are worried by lack of sincerity on the part of the security operative, in ensuring protection of lives and property in the area.

Bulama Kundiri, who spoke with DAILY POST in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, said they have expressed their worries to the governor when he visited and told him all that had happened including the abduction of some girls.

“The insurgents also looted our food after killing some of our people. The governor said, we should stop running away to Maiduguri, but the truth is, where did he want us to run to when these attackers came with AK47 rifles and other dangerous weapons?

“Some of our people are just returning back after the attack last week. We are here when the came to attack, security operatives who are supposed to provide protection were nowhere when all these is happening and the government is asking us to stay and not to run to Maiduguri.

“We heard him and we appreciate but if the security situation continues like this, we would all run to Maiduguri and stay with them,” Bulama Kundiri said.

Another resident, Mohammed Wakil, who has relocated with his families from Jakana to Maiduguri following the attack told DAILY POST in Maiduguri that, they thought that peace have return when government asked IDPs to return home, but that they never saw peace when they return.

“We live in IDP camp for three years before relocating to stay in the host community. When government said we should return home, we were happy that peace has returned. But what we saw last week with the attack, we know that peace in Borno is not near coming.

“The governor was in Jakana, he heard from our elders, so whatever he told us as our governor, we would listen but it is not good to ask us to remain with attacks going on. Some of our people are very angry with that plead from a governor who came and saw the hardship our people have been exposed to and the lack of protection in the area.

“For me, I am relocating to Maiduguri, because of the conflict,” Wakil said.

Ed-el-Kabir: Prices of rams rise in Kaduna

Ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the cost of rams has gone up, scaring customers in Kaduna State despite the availability of the animals.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria in some markets within Kaduna metropolis on Saturday revealed that the markets were flooded with rams but with few buyers.

At Zango, Bashama road and Rigasa markets, the least price for a medium-size ram was N40,000 while big ones went for as high as N95, 000.

Some of the customers told NAN that the prices were too high compared to last year when customers bought rams between N20, 000 to N85, 000.

A customer, Rayyanu Ibrahim, who NAN met haggling over the price of a medium-sized ram at Zango market, lamented the high price but hoped that the cost would crash before the commencement of the celebration.

Another customer at Bashama road market, Yakubu Sabo, a civil servant, said he was unable to buy any ram due to the high price, adding that he would wait until after the Eid prayers before buying one.

“There are other preparations to make ahead of the Eid; buying a ram at an exorbitant price is not necessary at this time. Hopefully, the prices would crash after the Eid prayer.

“The sellers would be willing then to sell at reasonable prices after Eid prayers to also have income to meet their family needs,” Sabo said.

Alhaji Musa Cikaji, a ram seller at Rigasa market, blamed the rise in prices on the high cost of breeding livestock, rise in transport cost and the general economic hardship in the country.

He said those breeding the rams also wanted to break even in order to get money to take care of other problems.

Another ram dealer at Rigasa market, Kabiru Shehu said,“We are not making much profit because of the cost of transporting the animals.

“We also have to tend to the rams, feed and vaccinate them while waiting for customers.”

(NAN)

Fayemi’s value reorientation policy laudable — Dele Bravo

Popular musician, Bamidele  Ajetomobi, aka Dele Bravo, has described the efforts of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi Administration in rejuvenating the dying culture and tradition of Ekiti State through the Council for Arts and Culture as a laudable, commendable and exciting development.

Ajetomobi said: “Governor Fayemi has through his value restoration and cultural policy showed the world that his cosmopolitanism has not blocked out his native intelligence and cultural identity.”

He also described the appointment of Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre as the Director General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture as an attestation to Fayemi’s genuine intention to his value reorientation policy.

He said Ojo-Lanre is a round peg in a round hole

Ajetomobi, who spoke during his visit to the Council, expressed optimism that Ekiti State would soon be in the front row of those using culture, arts, tourism and entertainment as  tools for economic development.

He said: “I have been following the Council activities since April and I can boldly say we’ve never had it so good.

“I know how the state was before now and with what I am seeing on daily basis, I have hope that Ekiti will soon overtake others.”

The Efon Alaaye born musician promised to collaborate with the Council in showcasing Ekiti cultural heritage through music locally and internationally.

While welcoming Ajetomobi to his office, Ojo-Lanre said the mandate of the council is to rejuvenate, promote, develop and brand culture and arts, shifting its perception from being a mere entertainment endeavour to an empowerment agent

He said: “Already we are going into partnership with stakeholders in arts and culture industry and we will want you to be part of the success story.”

During the meeting, the state cultural troupe engaged Ajetomobi in a collaborative musical to thrill the council management and staff who joined the DG to welcome him.

Five suspected cultists killed in Anambra by rival groups

No fewer than five persons suspected to be members of various cult groups were on Friday shot dead by their rival colleagues.

The incident happened in Ogidi and Ogbunike communities of Idemili-North and Oyi local government areas, both in Anambra State.

Although the cause of the clash was not immediately ascertained, DAILY POST gathered that the clash was between memebers of the Vikings Confraternity and another undisclosed cult group.

Identity of those who were shot has as of the time of filling this report not be ascertained.

Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed confirmed the killings, but put the number at three persons, all male adults.

Mohammed told our correspondent that about three persons were shot and later confirmed dead by medical personnel at the hospital on arrival.

He said, “It was a cult clash. They equally shot two others at Ogidi. Police patrol teams rushed to the scene and took the victims to Iyienu hospital for medical attention but were certified dead on arrival.

“Meanwhile, the Police are intensifying efforts to apprehend perpetrators in order to bring them to justice.”

But sources around the communities insisted that about five persons were killed during the clash.

SEAP employee docked over alleged theft of N4million in Ondo

A 38-year-old staff of Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme, SEAP, has been dragged before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State for allegedly stealing the sum of N3,905,400.00.

The defendant, identified as Saheed Adebayo, was accused of breach of trust and theft after failing to remit contributions made by some members of the organisation into the SEAP account.

It was gathered that Adebayo allegedly converted the contributions of SEAP members, who were said to be 34 in number, for his own personal use.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him, was said to have committed the offence between the month of April 2013 and June 2016 at SEAP’s Odotu Area Office in Ondo town.

The offence is contrary to section 383 (1) (2) (a) (b) and punishable under section 390 (8) (b) (9) of the Criminal code cap 37 volume 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The charge sheet read in part, “That you, Saheed Adebayo between the month of April 2013 and June 2016 being an employee of Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP) at Odotu area office of the above named organisation Ondo in the Ondo magisterial district did steal the sum of N3,905,400.00 being contributions made by thirty four members of the said association which you fail to remit to the account of the said SEAP Organisation but converted same to your own use and thereby committed an offence contrary to section (1)(2)(a)(b) and punishable under section 390 (8)(b) (9) of the Criminal code cap 37 volume 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.”

The police prosecutor, Benard Olagbayi told the court that he would be calling six witnesses to testify in the case after which he subsequently applied for a date to enable him study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

The presiding Magistrate, Bolatito Ajibade granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000.00, with one surety in like sum following the application for bail by the defendant’s lawyer, O.O Onipe.

According to the Magistrate, “the sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction, while they must attached affidavit of means, passport of the defendant and sureties must be attached also.”

She also directed that the court orderly should verify the residence of the would-be surety and report back to court.

The case was consequently adjourned till September 23, 2019 for further hearing.

Nnamdi Kanu reacts to killing of Catholic priest, Paul Offu; names those to be held responsible

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has condemned the killing of the Catholic Priest in charge of St. James, the Greater Parish, Ugbawka, in Enugu State, Rev Fr. Paul Offu.

Offu was reportedly shot dead by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Thursday evening.

Reacting, Kanu said such death would have been prevented if South-East governors had allowed the establishment of Biafra Secret Services, BSS, in the region.

Kanu, consequently, charged the people of the region to hold South-East governors responsible for such death.

He stated this in a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

The statement reads: “Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu was shot dead last night by Fulani terrorists along Ihe/Agbudu road in Awgu L.G.A of Enugu State.

“His death is a direct consequence of a disgracefully timid and failed leadership model of acquiescence to the dictates of Fulani rulership in return for crumbs, instituted and perfected by the likes of Nnia Nwodo, Dave Umahi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Willie Obiano, Okezie Ikpeazu and others in Igboland.

“Years of slavish submission to the whims of semi-literate Fulani cattle herders have reduced two successive generations of Igbo leadership since after the war to mere tools of the Fulani caliphate in their agenda of conquest and subjugation of the south.

“Nnia Nwodo, Dave Umahi, Rochas Okorocha, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Willie Obiano were the key men that connived with this same murderous Fulani terrorists killing us to today, to ban, proscribe, kill and clamp down on IPOB- the only hope of the people.

“Had Ohaneze Ndigbo, Igbo governors and their cohorts supported IPOB in the formation and deployment of BSS, this senseless loss of the life at the hands of marauding primitive Fulani savages from the far north would have been prevented.

“The family of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu and all besieged communities in Enugu and Ebonyi must hold Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dave Umahi, Nnia Nwodo, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Aka Ikenga, Nzuko Umunna, South East Governors’ Forum and other mushroom Lagos-Abuja based Igbo/Fulani socio-cultural associations responsible for these preventable deaths in our land.

“They are the people that conspired and supervised Operation Python Dance 2 that killed, detained and disappeared many IPOB in the calculated effort of Caliphate to neutralise the credible threat IPOB posed for their invading Fulani terror herdsmen.”

FAAN suspends officer for allegedly stealing pilgrims’ $600 at Yola Airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it has suspended the Aviation Security Officer, Jennifer Luka, who was involved in an alleged $600 theft at the Yola International Airport indefinitely

Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, made this known on Friday in a statement in Lagos.

We had reported that a female staff member of FAAN, Luka, was arrested at the Yola airport for allegedly stealing 600 dollars belonging to a female pilgrim, Hafsat Mohammed.

Yakubu said the suspension would remain effective pending the completion of investigation into the case.

She said “The authority has consequently handed over the erring officer to the appropriate security agency for further questioning and prosecution.

“FAAN deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and the conduct of Jennifer, which does not reflect the values of the authority and its staff.”

She equally assured the general public that the airports remain safe and secure for travellers and other airport users.

According to her, FAAN remains committed to its core values of safety, security and comfort of passengers and airport users.

DSP Suleiman Yahaya, the Adamawa Police Command spokesman, said Luka discovered pepper in the bag of Mohammed which she threatened to seize, if she was not given bribe.

Yahaya said the FAAN official was given 10 Saudi Riyal by the pilgrim to allow her to go with the pepper.

The spokesman said it was during the bribe negotiation that the lady took 600 dollars from the woman’s bag.

Yahaya said when the pilgrim later discovered that her money was missing, she raised the alarm and the money was found in possession of FAAN staff member, NAN reports.

Useni vs Lalong: What Tribunal decided on Friday

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has fixed August 22, for adoption of final written addresses in a petition filed by Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, challenging the declaration of Gov. Simon Lalong of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the state governorship election in March.

Mr W.O. Ugwu, the tribunal secretary, on Friday disclosed the date to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview.

NAN reports that the tribunal had Aug. 15 for the adoption of final written addresses.

“The Judges of the tribunal only called to tell me of the change in the date for adoption of written addresses by all parties involved in the matter.

”No reason has been giving to me as to the change in the date. The parties should take note of the change and do the needful ” Ugwu said.

The secretary also called on the general public to also take note of the change in the date.

NAN reports that on Tuesday, July 30, the Justice H.A. Saleeman led tribunal had fixed Aug. 15 for adoption of the final written addresses by all parties involved in the Governorship tussle

200 Catholic priests protest murder of Rev. Fr. Offu by suspected herdsmen

No fewer than 200 Catholic priests serving in the Diocese of Enugu Friday staged a protest over the killing of their colleague, Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, in Enugu State.

Offu was killed by yet to be identified gunmen, suspected to be armed herdsmen, while travelling on Ihe-Agbudu road in Awgu Local Government Area of the state in the evening of Thursday, Aug. 1.

The Catholic priests, who marched peacefully through major roads within Enugu metropolis on their white official cassock, displayed placards with various inscriptions such as: “Enough is Enough’’, “Catholic Priests are Targets of Hoodlums’’, “We Cannot be Living in Fear’’, “Government Must Address Security Challenge in Enugu’’ and “We Are Not Happy with Government’’.

Addressing newsmen on the development, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga said that the protest was to register the displeasure of the diocese at the incessant attacks on Catholic priests by hoodlums in the state which has lasted for seven years now.

Onaga said that the Catholic priests were simply demanding for more security in the state, adding that “if there are crop of bad herdsmen in the state they should be fished out and we will continue to live in peace with the good ones’’.

The bishop, however, noted that the attack had become unbearable as the diocese lost a priest in March who was killed by suspected armed herdsmen.

He said that two weeks ago, another priest was shot in the state and “he is still receiving intensive medical attention as we speak’’.

“I am sorrowful and utterly disappointed on the security in the state. This year alone, we (diocese) have suffered some casualties.

“While we get worried when our priests are attacked is that it shows the level of insecurity other Nigerians face daily.

“Our priests are very much respected and honoured by the people (locals); so if these things can happen to them, what happens to the flock (the people they shepherd?).

“We were shocked to see a priest that joined in our meeting yesterday afternoon in this Bishop’s House very healthy and sound being reported to have died.

“Everybody is so sad because it is becoming too constant especially within the past six or seven years now; we have suffered serious kidnapping of our priests.

“It is becoming too bad. In 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 our priests were kidnapped at various locations in the state.

“Only in 2017, we were given some breathing space. It continued in 2018 and this year, 2019; it is worse as we have suffered the death of a priest in March this year and now another issue,” Onaga lamented.

Okada riders protest in Ekiti over N3,000 levy, want union proscribed

Members of the Motorcyclists/Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State chapter, on Thursday evening staged a violent protest in Ado Ekiti to oppose the imposition of N3,000 jacket by their leaders.

The protest affected free flow of vehicles along the state secretariat road and the popular Basiri-Ijigbo-Ajilosun dual carriage way, as the visibly livid motorcyclists rode recklessly to Ekiti State House of Assembly complex to show their grievances.

It was the timely intervention of leadership of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, that saved the face off from causing wanton destruction of lives and property.

The protesting okada riders, led by Mr. Ogundele Filani, urged the assembly and the governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to save their members from harassment by their colleagues, who were obstructing their daily businesses on the road over the contentious fee.

Sequel to the mounting pressure, police were quickly drafted to areas like Fajuyi , Ijigbo and Okeyinmi areas, to prevent further protest that could tinker with the relative peace in the state.

Sensing danger in the actions of the irate Okada riders, numbering over 500 at the Assembly complex, Afuye appealed to them to maintain peace and resolve issues through dialogue, rather than violence.

The Speaker, who was supported by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Hakeem Jamiu, advised them to make their complaints known to his office officially and that it would be addressed accordingly.

“Taking laws into your hands would rather jeopardize your aim than helping it. I promise to look into your grievances if properly channelled”.

In spite of the plea, the leader of the Okada riders, Ogundele Filani, however, insisted that they did not want Okada riders union again.

Filani said they were protesting against unnecessary levies being imposed on them by leaders of the Union in Ado-Ekiti among which was purchase of an apron at N3,000 by all the members despite the heavy levies their unions collected from them.

He alleged that “our union leaders have been feeding fat on the sweat of other members of the Union . All we want is for the state governor and the Assembly to save us from the union leaders by proscribing the union with immediate effect”, he pleaded.

Man asks court to order ex-fiancée, parents to return N140,000

A middle-aged man, Mohammad Tahir, on Friday, prayed a Sharia Court ll sitting in Magajin Gari, Kaduna state, to order his former fiancée, Maryam Isiyaku and her mother Rabi Muhammad, to pay back the N140,000 he spent during courtship.

Tahir, who resides within Kaduna metropolis, through his Counsel, Musbahu Mustapha told the court that his client paid N90,000 to his former fiancée’s parent as bride price.

The plaintiff said while waiting for the former final marriage rites, Isiyaku got engaged to another man.

“We are praying the court to order them to return the N90,000 bride price and N50,000 my client spent on their daughter during their courtship.

“We are also praying the court to order them pay us N6,000 as compensation for not appearing before the court on the date of hearing the case.

Witnesses to the complainant, Sani Muhammad and Muhammad Aliyu, confirmed that the complainant and defendant were lovers.

They said that the two lovers did not get married due to some problems they encountered during the relationship.

The Judge, Murtala Nasir, after listening to both parties and the witnesses, adjourned the case until Aug., 16 for hearing.

(NAN)

We have removed 5 million Nigerians from poverty – President Buhari

President Buhari has said that his government through its National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), has in three years, lifted no fewer than 5 million Nigerians out of extreme poverty.

The president made this known at the opening of the Global Youth Employment Forum of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Abuja today Thursday August 1st.

Represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, President Buhari commended the ILO for committing itself to youth employment. He also disclosed that the Federal government has since its incception in 2015, created over 2 million direct and indirect job opportunities.

“We note at this point that the issue of youth unemployment has assumed a global significant, and on the front burner of development discourse. The government of Nigeria understands the need to focus attention on youth empowerment by creating the enabling environment for job opportunities and capacity building. The present administration from the onset, made the investment in our people, one of the key goals of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which is the national development blueprint from the period of 2017 to 2020.

“The implementation of the plan also has the flagship programme such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP). It has yielded some measurable outcomes in the form of increased school enrolment and the creation of more jobs. One of the key components of the NSIP is the N-Power programme and its sub-components has led to the creation of job opportunities in different sectors of the economy for young persons.

“For example, in the past three years, the programme has yielded over 2 million direct and indirect employment opportunities and has lifted over 5 million Nigerians out of extreme poverty. In addition to this achievement, some sectors of the economy with high propensity for massive job creation and employment generation were specifically target by the government for various forms of suppor” he said

Buhari noted that these sectors included agriculture, solid minerals, power, works and housing, trade and investment, and also in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The president said some programmes of the federal government were also targeted at the informal sectors, improving their capacity and boosting the domestic economy, such as the import restriction the executive order on ease of doing business.

Kogi guber: PDP accuses APC of buying PVCs

Ahead of the November 16th governorship election in Kogi State, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, claims it was aware of plot by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to rig the election.

According to the Spokesman of the PDP in Kogi State, Mr. Bode Ogunmola, the party noted that that it has been reliably informed that APC members in the state have started purchasing voter’s cards from some ignorant electorates.

The PDP used the medium to advise the electorate not to sell their rights, assuring the people that any attempt to use fake or unidentified PVC, which was allegedly freely used during the last elections will be vehemently resisted.

The PDP called on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the International, and Local Election Observers to be aware of the alleged sinister motives of the APC.

The PDP described the APC as a party that has reached its expiry date, saying “no amount of PVC buying would salvage the sinking ship of APC led administration in the state.”

Alawe is Ekiti Council of Obas Chairman

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade 1, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Oba Alabi succeeds the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju, who has completed his two-year tenure.

The new Ekiti Council of Obas chair is to spend two years in office.

The Alawe is also the Chairman of Ekiti Southwest Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers.

Oba Alabi, a retired diplomat who had worked in Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions in many parts of the world, ascended the Alawe throne in 2012 after the late Alawe, Oba Adeyemi Ademileka, joined his ancestors.

The first class monarch confirmed his appointment  by Ekiti State Governor  Kayode Fayemi,  in a chat with The Nation. He said he visited the Governor’s Office to receive the letter of his appointment at about 4.30 pm.

Oba Alabi described the chairmanship of the Ekiti Council of Obas as a “huge responsibility” which he promised to discharge to the best of his ability.

He said his experience as a diplomat would assist him on the job to ensure peace, progress and development of Ekiti State.

Oba Alabi also expressed gratitude to Governor Fayemi for finding him worthy of the office, promising not to let his brother monarchs and the people of the state down.

He sought the cooperation of fellow traditional rulers, the state government and other stakeholders.