Oshiomole reacts to #80 Nigerians

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomole has reacted to the arrest of 80 Nigerians by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) charged and indicted with conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to launder money as well as aggravated identity theft.

Several others also face additional fraud and money laundering charges.

The APC Chairman reacting via his official twitter account condemned the act adding that the FBI’s steps are commendable and are the more reasons why we need to support our anti-graft agency, the EFCC to fight against these fraudsters that have brought nothing but pains to our loved ones and shame to our country;

”The arrest of these 80 Nigerians by the FBI is commendable and their fraudulent activities highly condemnable. More reasons we need to support our EFCC to fight against these fraudsters that have brought nothing but pains to our loved ones and shame to our country.

Tribunal sacks Dino Melaye as Kogi West Senator

The Kogi State National Assembly/State Assembly Election Tribunal has voided the election of Dino Melaye as the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District.

The three-man tribunal was unanimous that the election that produced Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a Senator was flawed.

The tribunal, led by Justice A.O. Chijioke, upheld the petition by Senator Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ordered that a fresh election be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeyemi’s lawyer, Dapo Otitoju had, while making his final submission on July 23, 2019, prayed the court to nullify the election on three grounds.

The first ground, the lawyer argued, was that INEC’s decision to collate and announce the election’s results in Lokoja despite a judgment of the Federal High Court identifying Kabba as the headquarters of the senatorial district, was a negation of the Constitution and Electoral Acts, which constitutes a substantial ground to nullify the election.

The lawyer argued that INEC’s failure to abide by the judgment of the Federal High Court, which it did not appeal, showed it had a hidden agenda.

Secondly, Otitoju argued that the presentation of the certified true copy of PVC distribution in Kogi West which revealed 48,200 excess votes in the result declared for the senatorial district was enough reason for the tribunal to nullify the election.

He urged the tribunal to take note of the mutilation of votes that was visible in the result sheet and argued that the mutilation was occasioned by INEC’s change of venue of collation centres.

The lawyer prayed the tribunal to void the election on the grounds that it was held in substantial non-compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and against the wishes of the people who voted.

Lawyer to Melaye, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), who made a counter-argument, prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petitioner, and argued that the documents presented by the petitioners were “mere hearsay documents.”

He urged the court to hold that his client was validly elected.

By the judgement on Friday, Melaye is allowed, under the Electoral Act, 14 days within which to appeal the decision.

The Court of Appeal, which is the final court in national and state legislative elections cases, has 60 from the day of judgment, to determine the appeal.

In a statement he issued in reaction to the judgement, Melaye described the tribunal’s decision as a total miscarriage of justice.

He said: “The judgement is full of importation of informations that are alien to the case.

“I however commend the courage and moral strength of the chairman of the tribunal for resisting evil and standing on the path of justice.

“I have confidence in the Appeal Court to right the wrongs contained in the pronouncements of the judgement.

“I also want to tell those jubilating that their jubilation will be short-lived while appealing to my teeming supporters to remain calm as their mandate is safe and secured and cannot be taken through any mischievous means.

“However, our legal team is already working on appealing the judgment and I assure all that justice will prevail.”

Why Buhari will be in Japan on Sunday

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Sunday for Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) holding in the City of Yokohama, August 28-30, 2019.

Buhari’s participation will be his second, having attended TICAD6 in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 2016.

With the theme, “Africa and Yokohama, Sharing Passion for the Future,” the Opening Session of TICAD7 will be performed by the Japanese Prime Minister and host, Shinzo Abe.

A statement to DAILY POST by his Special Adviser, Femi Adesina, said that “President Buhari will deliver Nigeria’s Statement during Plenary Session Three in which he will appraise Nigeria-Japan relations and takeaways from TICAD6.

“He will attend a State Banquet and also honour the invitation of Emperor Naruhito to a Tea Reception at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo.

“In addition to a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe, the Nigerian President will also attend some side-events and meet chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with huge investments in Nigeria.

“Formed in 1993, the now triennial TICAD, which has been convened alternately in Japan and Africa since TICAD6, according to the organizers, is the largest international conference held in Japan which ‘provides an open forum that generates innovative discussion among various stakeholders on African development.’

“Participants are drawn not only from African countries but also from international organizations, private companies and civil society organizations involved in development.

“TCAD7 is expected to focus on Africa’s ‘economic transformation and improvements in business environment and institution through private investment and innovation; promotion of resilient and sustainable African society for human security; and peace and stability in support of Africa’s domestic proactive efforts.’

“Nigeria has gained tremendously since her participation in TICAD6 at the highest level, during which Japan pledged $30 billion investment ‘for the future of Africa combined with the private sector;’ $10 billion infrastructure investment, and $500 million for vocational training of 50,000 Africans.

“Since the Nairobi Conference, the Japanese government and companies have been very active in supporting Nigeria’s agriculture, healthcare, electricity and youth empowerment.

“President Buhari and his delegation are expected in Yokohama to push for broader Japanese assistance in the areas of science and technology, innovation, human resource development, education, agriculture, power, health and disaster risk reduction, among others.

“President Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Babagana Zulum, AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Borno, Kwara, and the Lagos States respectively; ministers and other top government officials.

“The President is expected back in Nigeria on Saturday, August 31.”

NYSC: Three suspected candidates with alleged fake certificates handed over to police

The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in Taraba State says it has handed over three young men, posing as graduates of tertiary institutions, caught in possession of fake certificates, to the police.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Taraba Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Florence Yaakugh, on Friday, said the suspects were caught with the fake certificates during screening of prospective Batch B Stream 2 corps members at the orientation camp in Jalingo.

The suspects are: Nasiru Yau, who claimed to have studied Mass Communication, Shehu Murktar -Computer Science and Illiyasu Usman- Sociology, all from Isfop University of Cotonou in Republic of Benin.

She said, “They came for registration and the verification officer discovered them with fake certificates and verification papers.

“If you will recall, the Director-General of NYSC Brig.-Gen. Shauibu Ibrahim recently expressed deep concern over the activities of fake corps members who cannot make a correct sentence in the English language.

“He directed us to check and fish out such persons and hand them over to the security operatives for further investigation and this is what we are just doing.”

Yaakugh equally stated that an investigation to the case showed that the candidates involved could not write or say anything logical about their courses of study.

She urged the security agents to do a thorough job so that the truth would come out and justice done to the affected persons.

Yaakugh also said that another similar case involving a female, who also presented a foreign certificate, was being investigated by the verification officer.

PHOTOS: Buhari, Northern traditional rulers meet in Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with traditional rulers from the north.

Among those at the meeting include the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, the Emir of Bida, and Emir of Daura.

What Oshiomhole told APC Governors

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Friday expressed confidence that the party will continue to rule the country even after the expiration of the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

He stated this during a meeting with the Governors of the party under the platform of Progressive Governors Forum, on Friday where he also called for synergy among party members to move the party and the country forward.

Oshiomhole admitted that the task of leading the party has been quite challenging, adding that “It is quite a challenging experience for me. I try to compare myself as a governor and now as chairman of a party, coming in at the eve of primaries and dealing with fallouts of the previous congresses. And then proceeding to conduct elections.

“Then conduct primaries and campaigns across the 36 states and the FCT. And, working hard to ensure that we secure as many votes we can for our president.

“As, well as support our states particularly where we didn’t have state governors to ensure that we are able to lend a helping hand.

“I am happy to say that at the end of the day even though we lost some states we also gained some states.

”We gained Kwara, which for us is extremely important. And, we also gained Gombe state which is also very strategic among others.

“Of course, we have a clear majority in the National Assembly. We have more senators elected on our platform. We also have more of House Representatives elected on our platform.

“As it stands there are many cases in court. And until those cases are resolved, we won’t be able to say for sure where we stand. It is our prayer because we believed that a lot of our cases in court have merit. We hope that there will be justice and they are resolved in our favour.

”We also want to congratulate you for having being reelected. Sometimes it is easier to be elected the first time. But to be reelected implies a huge vote of confidence by the people of your respective states.

“And Looking at things from here, I know a lot went into trying to seize the deliberate attempt by the opposition to discredit the good ones. Like, we have said during the retreat, we believed our party has made a lot of progress in the three key areas that were reflected in our manifesto.

“But, there is a lot to be done. And I am sure working together at both the executive, state and federal by the special grace of God, we will do better in this second time. As to merit, our party will continue to govern the country post-2023.”

The delegation of the progressive governors was led to the meeting by their Chairman and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu.

Fayemi congratulates Adebayo on inauguration as Industry Minister

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Wednesday congratulated Chief Adeniyi Adebayo on his inauguration as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment by President Muhammadu Buhari.Fayemi, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti described Adebayo’s appointment as recognition of his statesmanship, steadfastness and exemplary character.


The governor described Adebayo, who was governor of Ekiti between 1999 and 2003, as a man of class, character and courage.

Fayemi said he had no doubt that the new minister would bring his wealth of experience, extensive contacts and managerial skills to bear in the new assignment.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, we say a big congratulation to our very own man of honour, former governor and distinguished son of Ekiti on his inauguration as a minister of the Federal Republic.

“He is a visionary leader who takes every assignment with calmness and diligence. The imprint of your socio-economic policies as governor of Ekiti almost two decades ago remains indelible.

“We are confident that he will bring his wealth of experience, extensive contacts in the public and private sectors as well as managerial skills to bear on the new assignment as he had always done.

“We wish him a successful tenure as minister and as a strategic player in our collective efforts at taking our dear country to the next level of development,” he added.

It took me over a year to understand my job as minister, says Adamu

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu on Wednesday said it took him one and a half year to understand how Federal Ministry of Education operates when he was first assigned to the ministry.

The minister said he first had to get the idea of what education was when he first got to the ministry, adding that he could only see what was happening at the ministry after a year and half.

According to him, haven worked in the ministry for over three and a half years, he was returning home to his “family.”

He said these in his remarks when he and Emeka Nwajuiba, the new Minister of State for Education resumed briefly at the Ministry.

The ministers both arrived at about 2:45 pm after they were inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Buhari had retained Adamu as the main minister and named Mr. Nwajuiba as the minister of state for education.

The duo were welcomed by excited staff of the ministry led by the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono and some directors in the ministry.

Malam Adamu, hailed Echono and directors of the ministry for their support during his first stint in office.

He said both him and the former Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah had worked hard to put together the Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP 2016-2019) to the point of implementation before their tenure ended on May 2019, 2019.

The minister said: “We had laboured over the time on the strategic plan for the education and only to the point of implementation then we had to leave. I had the opportunity to remind President Muhammadu Buhari that the nation was expecting so much from him.

“When we were sent here the first tenure, it took me one and half year to understand the ministry, it also took me as a surprise when I was re-assigned to the ministry of education. I had thought I would be sent to another ministry where I would have to learn all over again. Now, I know that I am coming back to a family.

“You all are my teachers and hopefully we will work well together again.

“The reality is the confidence I reposed in the Permanent Secretary. When I came here I had to get the idea of what education is and I could only see what is happening here after a year and half.”

Adamu noted that Nwajiuba had abandoned his Doctorate programme to serve in the cabinet of President Buhari as minister, adding that his appointment as minister of state would be helpful.

Nwajuiba was Chairman, Board of the Tertiary Education Trustfund (TETFund) until his appointment as the minister of state for education.

Nwajuiba said he was at home at the ministry.

”I am comfortable that I do not have to go to another ministry but here with my senior brother at the ministry of education I can be tutored and well directed,” he said.

The ministers were presented with the handover notes by the permanent secretary after meeting with workers.

They left immediately after the presentation.

They are expected to resume fully tomorrow and brief the press on their programmes.

Thousands stranded as Nigeria suddenly closes Seme Border

A major border crossing between Nigeria and Benin Republic remained closed on Wednesday without formal notice, leaving thousands of people and vehicles stranded on both sides.

The Seme Border, the busiest land crossing in Nigeria, was shut on Tuesday after some truckloads of prohibited tramadol and codeine were intercepted in Lagos on August 16.

The closure continued on Wednesday morning, with Nigerians streaming towards their country’s border from Benin Republic hoping they would be allowed into their country.

Benin Republic traders who had entered Nigeria to supply goods in Lagos were also stranded and prevented from returning to their country.

Victims of the abrupt shutdown of West Africa’s main commerce corridor were seen fuming about their ordeal on social media Wednesday.

The Nigerian government closed the border “without any information and we have thousands of Nigerians stranded in Benin Republic trying to come into Nigeria,” Alfred Eseoghene, a used car salesman who was amongst those stranded, told PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday afternoon. “The military is not allowing anybody to come in or go out through the land border.”

“I came in through the bush partly because I have been working in Seme for years,” Mr Eseoghene added.

Another Nigerian traveller caught in the disruption posted a video of the hardship on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

“Nigeria immigrations are treating their fellow Nigeria’s (sic) like animals are the Seme border. I have been here since 6pm yesterday. I pity this country,” another Twitter user, Oyelesi Mayowa, said in an update at 3:01 a.m. Wednesday.

The travellers said officials at the border have declined to explain the cause of the closure, which we learnt was still in effect as of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sunday James, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), did not immediately return requests for comments. But the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said an ongoing joint security exercise caused the disruption.

“A joint security exercise is ongoing to better secure the border,” Customs spokesperson, Joseph Attah, told us. “It will take several days and we have been working to ensure that it does not result in too much disruption for travellers.”

The official was unable to clarify why there was no formal announcement about the planned security exercise that was capable of causing such interruption to persons and businesses across the sub-region.

APC speaks as Buhari inaugurates ministers

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the newly-inaugurated ministers.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Wednesday, hailed the selection and Senate’s speedy screening and confirmation.

According to the statement, “While the APC-led administration has recorded remarkable milestones in these three areas, we align with the position of the President that there is more work to be done”, it said.

“There are challenges to build on the foundations that have been laid in the last four years.

“To state a few, the APC-led government has an urgent task to lift Nigerians out of poverty, secure lives and property, grow our economy, build infrastructure, bring back discipline to our private and public conducts and mobilize Nigerians through personal examples towards evolving a Nigeria we all can be proud of.

“We, therefore, urge the new ministers to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and, indeed, all Nigerians, by settling down to work quickly, and hit the ground running and consolidate on the progress that have been made in the various sectors.

“We join the President in calling on the newly-inaugurated ministers to ensure teamwork amongst themselves so as to create harmony in the governance system. This is the only way we can achieve synergy in our policy implementation and overall implementation of our Next Level manifesto for the country.

“It is important that our newly-inaugurated ministers understand they are ministers of APC administration, hence, they should reflect the best and progressive ideals of the party in their conduct and actions.

“The Party wishes our newly-inaugurated ministers best of luck as our party through the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari works towards taking our country to the Next Level. We assure the new ministers of the Party’s maximum cooperation and support to make them succeed.”

Boko Haram crisis could last 15 more years – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that the  Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East could take 15 more years to eliminate if the government fails to focus on education.

He also warned the country about the risks of a population explosion.

According to him, Nigeria’s population will be 450 million in the next 30 years.

Obasanjo gave the warnings while addressing some youths and students at a youth programme organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library,  in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

He urged the government to find a lasting solution to the big rise in the number of children out of school in some parts of the country, saying the development had contributed to the  Boko Haram insurgency.

Obasanjo said, “There should be no Nigerian child that should be out of school for any reason.

“You have already got your Boko Haram in the next 15 years if you don’t do anything about that. So, whatever you are talking about, unless you take care of inclusivity, you will not get there. Quality is important,  but  inclusivity is much better.”

He urged Nigerian youths not to lose hope despite the challenges facing the country.

Obasanjo,  who described himself as “an incurable optimist about Nigeria”, said although the situation in Nigeria was bad, he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Obasanjo recalled how he and the late Gen Murtala Muhammed turned around the country’s fortunes after the 1970  civil war.

He said,  “Having run the affairs of Nigeria as a military Head of  State   when some people felt there was virtually no hope,   we turned it around.”

Obasanjo added, “I have tremendous hope in Nigeria; I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria.

“During the Murtala Muhammed government and my government soldiers who were working in Lagos and who had to go to office in public transport did not wear their uniforms,  they were ashamed. But within the space of six months, they were proudly wearing their uniforms.  So, it can be done.

“Don’t lose hope. The current situation is bad. I don’t need to tell you that, but I can see the light beyond the tunnel. There is light beyond the tunnel.”

Shehu Sani loses at tribunal

The National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Kaduna has dismissed the petition of Senator Shehu Sani of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) challenging the victory of the elected Kaduna Central Senator, Uba Sani of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for lack of merit.

Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice A. H. Suleiman, in a two hour judgment on Wednesday described the sitting as successful based on evidences presented to the Tribunal.

Lead Counsel to Senator Uba Sani Barrister Frank Ikpe, said the Tribunal upheld the election of the APC Senator based on the evidences before it.

Also commenting on the Tribunal’s judgment, the second lead councel to Senator Uba Sani, Barr. Sulaiman Shu’aibu described the judgment as appropriate, urging those that are not satisfied with judgment to go to the Court of Appeal.

In a reaction to the Judgement, another Senator Uba Sani’s Lawyer Barrister Abdulra’uf Atiku hailed the tribunal for fair judgment and thanked all those that contributed to the success of the case.

BREAKING: Police arrest officers who killed suspected Lagos phone thieves

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the four policemen who killed two suspected phone thieves in broad daylight in the Igando area of the state.

Police spokesman, Bala Elkana, said they would face murder charges.

A viral video had surfaced on the social media on Tuesday, showing the officers manhandling, and, later, ultimately, the suspects.

Elkana identified the policemen as Inspector Fabiyi Omomayara, Sergeant Olaniyi Solomon, Sergeant Solomon Sunday and Corporal Aliyu Mukaila; adding that they were attached to the Iba Police Division and not the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The men had been filmed shooting dead the suspects after they were arrested for allegedly robbing people who sold phones on Jiji, an online sales platform.

The Police said the action of the cops violated the code of conduct of the Force.

Elkana said, “The attention of the Lagos State Police Command was drawn to a video on social media showing some police officers shooting two unarmed suspects who were arrested and already in their custody, against the code of professional conduct and laws guiding how suspects in Police custody should be treated.

“The policemen were identified as Inspector Fabiyi Omomayara, Sergeant Olaniyi Solomon, Sergeant Solomon Sunday and Corporal Aliyu Mukaila, attached to Iba division patrol team.

“The incident happened on August 19, 2019 at about 3pm, when Iba Police Station received a distress call from one Anugu Valentine of Agege Motor Road, Mushin, that he was attacked by a group of armed men numbering about four on two motorcycles at Ipayi area, Iba, and they dispossessed him of one iPhone Max valued at N450,000.

“Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, Iba, promptly deployed the divisional patrol team to the scene.

“Two of the armed robbers were arrested, while two escaped.

“Two locally-made pistols with six live cartridges and five expended cartridges were recovered.

“The gang is said to be notorious for a series of robberies in Iba and environs.

“It was a well celebrated operation by the team, as the suspects were gallantly arrested.

“The team, however, went extreme by killing the suspects who were already in their custody, instead of taking them to the Police Station and allowing the normal process of investigation and prosecution to be initiated as stipulated under procedural laws.

“That act of extra-judicial killings falls short of Police professional standards and cannot be condoned by the Command.”

Elkana added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Zubairu Muazu, had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Elkana said the Police officers were being subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings, noting that if found culpable, they would be dismissed from the Force and handed over to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, for prosecution.

PHOTOS: Tinubu, Oshiomhole, others in Abuja for swearing-in of ministers

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