AUG 1ST NEWS

CSOs In Borno State Applauds Gov Zulum

Transformation Agenda
The Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Borno State Chapter has commended Governor
Babagana Umara Zulum on the giant achievements recorded so far within the shortest period of his
assumption of office which has transformed the state rapidly and attended to the needs of the people.
CSOs also appaluded the Govenror on the transformation and progress his governemnts have made
towards speedy implementation of public policy and public driven priority projects especially the
activation of proactive governance and efforts he put in reactivating the state and local governments
civil authorities at the grassroots across the state,.
The Chairman and Executive Director of the Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Borno
State Chapter, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu stated this in a communique he issued and signed at the end
of it's two day capacity building training held at Barwee Hotel Maiduguri for the new executive council
members of the group.
"This act will build confidence on the citizens to return to their communities and ensure speedy
development. Borno state is blessed to have a governor who is conversant with the humanitarian
principles and Kampala convention.
"As a voice of the citizen, we wish to draw the attention of his Excellency to the following citizen’s
issues and proffer the recommendations below:
"The Network appreciate the effort and sacrifices of the security agencies in tackling the security
challenges and strongly condemned the recent attacks on soft targets and communities across the state.
"We also commiserate with the families and victims of the attacks. The network is amplifying the voice
and dismay of the citizens over the recent insurgent attacks across some Communities: Bama, Jakana,
Nganzai and Benisheck, etc.
"We wish to call on the federal and state Government to intensify effort by sustaining the gains
recorded in the fight against insurgency by strategically reviewing the security plans.
"We believe a revisit of the security architecture will go a long way towards ensuring sustainable peace
and stability since the existing apparatus is challenging.
"The citizens have utmost confidence in both the federal and state government that it will fulfill its
responsibility of protecting life’s and property."
The Chairman added that the Network also observed that the recently released list of nominations for
commissioners fall short of meeting the requirement of the 35% affirmative action on appointment of
women as enshrined in various fora.
"The nomination has only two women making the list , this has been generating huge outcry in the
General public considering the role that women play in all strata of the society. It is acknowledged that
women in Borno state have resource and potentials to contribute to the reconstruction and development
plan of your administration .
"We wish to call on his Excellency to consider appointing more women into key strategic positions in
his cabinet."

Borno Apc Chieftain Commends Zulum Over

Commissioner Nominees
Former Secretary of the Defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Borno state, and special Adviser
on political affairs to former Governor Kashim Shettima, Hon. Yusuf Adamu has commended governor
of the state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum over the choice of Commissioner Nominees, mostly
Technocrats and Engineers by profession.
He said, bringing these set of people into the new cabinet will go a long way in the ongoing
Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement process in all the liberated communities hitherto
destroyed by insurgents across the state.
Recall that about 22 names of nominated Commissioners were sent to Borno State House of Assembly
for screening and confirmation, out of which Technocrats in the likes of former Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, Hon. Adamu Law an Zaufanjinba, Hon. Bello
Ayuba, Architect Yerima Saleh, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Hon. Yerima Kareto and Dr. Salish Kwayabura
who meritously served as Commissioners in the last dispensation as well five Engineers in various
fields make up the list.
He said, Governor Zulum at this moment need support from all and sundry to deliver qualitative and
quantitative services, restore peace back to the state which has remained under Boko Haram attacks and
destructions in the last 10 years.
Hon. Adamu said, "there are better days ahead for Borno people under the present administration
however appealed to those who could not make the list of Commissioner nominees, but have also
laboured for the ruling All Progressives Congress's (APC'S) victory during the 2019 general elections
to be patient, as according to him the Zulum/Kadafur led Government is determined to carry everybody
along in its policies and programmes irrespective of tribal, ethnic or political consideration.
On whether he was worried that being one of those who have made a lot of sacrifice to the APC led
Government at the State and National Level, but did not make the list, Adamu, said, " As somebody
who have been appointed in various political offices in Borno state, I am not desperate in any position
so far, but i will continue to give my maximum support to the present administration to succeed in all
ramifications".
While appreciating Governor Zulum for the approval given to construct a befitting Local Government
Secretariat in Biu, where he hail from, and the speedy work ongoing at site, he is optimistic that the
present government has kept to its promises in grassroot development and good governance.
On the deteriorating security situation in some parts of the state, Adamu called on all and sundry,
particularly those who are currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2019 Hajj Exercise to pray fervently for
peace to reign in Borno and the country at large.

Zulum urges community to shun collaboration

with insurgents
Governor Babagana Zulum on Thursday called on Jakana community in Konduga Local Government
Area of the state to shun collaboration with Boko Haram insurgents.
Zulum also called on the villagers not to flee their homes for fear of the insurgents’ attacks, assuring
that the military was on top of the situation.
Jakana community is about 40 kilometers from Maiduguri on the Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway.
The governor made the call when he paid a visit to commiserate with members of the community over
fresh attacks by the insurgents in the area on Tuesday.
He said: “I appeal to parents in Jakana community to prevail on your children, who are involved in the
process to desist from collaborating with the insurgents, if any.
“The state government and the military will provide avenues under the Operation Safe Corridor; for the
insurgents willing to surrender for de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.”
Zulum disclosed that the state government was considering options to re-establish a police outpost in
the area, to enhance security, protect lives and property.
While commending the Federal Government, Armed Forces and police over the successes recorded in
the counter insurgency operations, Zulum called for deployment of security apparatus to fasttrack peace
building process in the conflict prone areas of the state.
He added: “We must commend and appreciate the Federal Government, the military and police in
maintaining law and order in Borno.
“The situation between now and 2015 cannot be compared; the demarcation line is very distinct, there
is improvement over the years, we must commend the efforts of the Federal Government and the
military.
“The Federal Government has done a lot, we are still appealing to it to provide more security in the
region especially in Jakana community.”
The governor urged the media and the people to ensure dissemination of correct and accurate
information.
It will be recalled that the insurgents had abducted two persons and looted food items during the
Tuesday night attack in the area.
Also, Boko Haram insurgents on July 27 killed over 60 mourners at Badu village in Nganzai Local
Government Area of the state.

Tiv-Jukun crisis: Wukari varsity shut as Benue

evacuates students
Federal University of Wukari, Taraba State, was shut yesterday following the alleged abduction and
killing of some students and staff of the institution in the ongoing Jukun-Tiv ethnic crisis.
The crisis has also forced the Benue State government to evacuate its 812 students trapped in the
institution.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abubakar Kundiri, yesterday approved the suspension of
academic activities and closure of the institution.
This is contained in a statement issued in Wukari by the Registrar, Mr. Magaji Gangumi, which was
made available to journalists.
Gangumi said the suspension became imperative following protest by students over the incident.
He said: “The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, has approved the suspension of lectures
and closure of the institution till further notice.
“This follows the protest by students over the kidnapping of their mates along Wukari -Katsina Ala
highway on Tuesday.
“Students are directed to vacate the hostel and university premises by or before noon.”
The latest round of the Jukun-Tiv crisis, which started since April 1, 2019 in Kente village, lingered on
till the Tuesday incident in which three students were reportedly abducted and murdered.
But the VC, Kundiri, told our correspondent on the phone that adequate security measures had been put
in place to ensure the safety of “both staff and students as they leave Wukar”.
He said apart from school buses, the Chairman of Ukum Local Government in neighbouring Benue
State was sending about 10 buses to evacuate students from that state.
Kundiri added that security had also been reinforced from both the Army and the police to ensure that
members of academic community conveniently left Wukari without any hitch.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Benue State, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, told journalists in
Makurdi that government evacuated about 812 students of Benue origin who were trapped in the
Jukun-Tiv crisis that spilled over to the university in Taraba State.
Ityavyar, who gave an update on the students’ unrest which led to the closure of the university, said the
gesture became imperative to safeguard the lives of the students studying in that state.
The closure of the institution followed students’ restiveness in the aftermath of protest staged by Tiv
Students Union after Jukun militants allegedly kidnapped two of their mates and a university’s official,
also of Benue extraction, and killed them.
The commissioner said government had provided four Marcopollo buses, 60-seater each, and 10 of 15
and 16-seater buses to help evacuate the students to different locations to meet their parents.
He said the buses were accompanied by a detachment of troops of the Operation Whirl-Stroke
of the Nigerian Army to provide security going to Wukari and back to Benue State.
Ityavyar said the Ukum Local Government Chairman, Mr. Tor-Tyokyaa Ibellogo, also provided six
additional buses to assist security in the evacuation of the trapped students.
He added: “We inquired to know how many students were involved, and we were told that 812 Benue
State students were involved.
“The 812 students were all assembled in one place waiting for the arrival of the evacuation team. We
sent about 15 buses and out of this, there were four Marcopollo buses that will take about 60 people
each and 10 of the 15 and 16-seater buses. We have a detachment of members of the Operation Whirl-
Stroke who will provide security going to Wukari and back to Benue.”
It was learnt that the students and the university official were killed on Wukari-Jootar Road close to the
institution.
They were on their way to Jootar to get items they needed to use in school when people suspected to be
Jukun militia ambushed and killed them.
In a statement, the President, National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), Comrade Tyonor
Smith, identified those killed as Tsav Mark, Vihior Sughter of Microbiology Department and a non-
academic staff member of the institution.

Your Plans To Frame Atiku Will Fail - PDP Tells Buhari

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that alleged plans by President
Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to frame former Vice President Atiku
Abubakar will fail, The Nation reports

The APC had, in a statement on Tuesday, accused Atiku of committing felony through his various
statements on topical national and international issues.

In a statement Wednesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the main opposition
party said comments so far made by Atiku were patriotic and within his constitutional right and
freedom of speech.

According to the party, by being the presidential candidate of the PDP in the February 23 elections,
Atiku and his party command the followership and solidarity of overwhelming majority of Nigerians.

“As a responsible political party, we boldly state that none of the statements made by our presidential
candidate falls within the realm of a felony in any way whatsoever.

“However, intelligence available to the PDP largely posits that the threats against Atiku Abubakar
emanated from certain persons around the Buhari Presidency who are jittery that President
Muhammadu Buhari’s defense is collapsing at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, for which
they have become desperate to use underhand methods to stop Atiku Abubakar.

“The PDP invites Nigerians to note that the renewed allegations against Atiku Abubakar came after a
witness told the court, as has been publicly reported, that the Army never required any enlisted officer
to submit his WAEC certificate, in total contradiction to claims that Mr. President’s certificates were in
the custody of the Army.
“Our party counsels the APC to rather get ready for justice instead of seeking ways to frame Atiku
Abubakar on flimsy and unconstitutional grounds.

“Moreover, the APC is reminded that while the PDP was in power, it never gagged the APC and its
leaders, including President Buhari, from exercising their freedom of speech and freedom after the
speech, in line with our laws”, the PDP said.

The party recalled that Buhari issued over 160 statements while he was in the opposition, including
inflammatory remarks like the one that called on his supporters to take their fate in their own hands.

The PDP added, “It is instructive to note that none of the PDP administrations threatened General
Buhari over such comments.

“Furthermore, it is quite disturbing that the APC is attacking Atiku Abubakar for commending British
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, for appointing 39-year-old Nigerian, Kemi Badenoch, as a minister in
his cabinet.

“Contrary to President Buhari’s projection to the world that Nigerian youths are lazy and should not be
given an active role in governance in our country, other nations are finding accommodation for our
youths. Atiku Abubakar cannot but commend such world leaders, no matter whose ox is gored.

“It is also instructive to note that the APC has further shown its disdain for the Nigerian youth as being
demonstrated by President Buhari, whose cabinet has no place for our youths.

“Instead of attacking Atiku Abubakar for standing for our energetic and focused young men and
women, Nigerians expect that APC will accept its failures and advise President Buhari against total
disregard for young Nigerians.

“Furthermore, the PDP notes the reference by APC to President Buhari as a ‘sitting’ President. Our
party, however, states that what Nigeria needs at a time like this is a working President, not a President
that sits down while our country becomes the world headquarters of poverty; not a President that
relaxes in an arm-chair while insecurity festers and our economy continues to nosedive to the extent
that Ghana has overtaken our nation as the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
West Africa.

“This is why the PDP stands with Nigerians in their determination to retrieve Atiku Abubakar’s stolen
mandate at the tribunal and no amount of threats by the APC can detract from this resolve."

Dangote Dedicates 53% Of Refinery Capacity

To Petrol - Details
The Dangote Group says upon completion of its refinery, it will dedicate 53 per
cent of the capacity to the production of petrol. This translates to dedicating
344,500 barrels of its projected 650,000 barrels per day refining capacity to the
production of petrol.

The President and Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said
this at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,
according to a statement issued by the corporation’s Group General Manager,
Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu.

Dangote also said that the group was not in competition with the refineries of
owned by the corporation.

While the Dangote Refinery has a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil
per day, the consolidated capacity of the NNPC’s four refineries, according to the
corporation’s latest operations report on its refineries, is 445,000 barrels per day.

However, the NNPC’s refineries for several years running had hardly delivered up
to half their consolidated capacity in terms of crude oil refining.

On Tuesday, The PUNCH reported exclusively that Nigeria’s four refineries under
the management of the NNPC had made no profit since May 2018; rather, they
posted losses consecutively since May 2018 till May this year.

The country’s refineries under NNPC management include Warri Refining and
Petrochemical Company, two plants at Port Harcourt Refining Company and
Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company.

Dangote emphasised that the business approach of the Dangote Refinery was to
see the NNPC as a collaborator rather than a competitor, noting that the refinery
would rely heavily on the corporation’s knowledge of the refining business in
Nigeria to achieve its central objective.

He aligned his company with the Federal Government’s aspiration to ensure

adequate in-country refining capacity.
The NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, also stated that the national oil
firm was not in contest for market share with the forthcoming Dangote Refinery.

He added that the corporation was rather providing support to the promoters of
the project to boost in-country refining capacity.

 Dangote was quoted to have said, “The most important thing for us is to see how
we can partner with the NNPC; it is not to see how we can compete with the
NNPC. We would like the NNPC to be part of us and we also want to be part of the
NNPC.  I think that is the only way we can achieve a win-win situation.”

Kyari stated that as the chief enabler of the Nigerian economy, NNPC had a duty
to rally industry players like Dangote Group to achieve the long held target of
making Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products.

The NNPC boss assured his guests that the same level of support would be
provided to other promoters of refineries, noting that the ultimate goal was to
enhance in-country production to the point of self-sufficiency and ultimately for
export.

'Atiku Is Not Coming Anywhere' - Deji Adeyanju

Atiku is not coming anywhere.

Buhari controls the 3 arms of government. The courts are in his pocket.
The legislature is under his feet. Stop fooling yourself.

Nigerians must have sense by force

https://mobile.twitter.com/adeyanjudeji/status/1156590093836148736
Breaking: UNILAG Cancels Sowore’s Invitation
To Speak At A Event On Campu

Barely 72 hours into a highly publicized students’ event on the campus,

Management of University of Lagos (UNILAG) ordered its organizers to delist him
as speaker at the event, Objectv Media has exclusively learned.

Mr. Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporters and convener of the TakeItBack
movement was to headline the 2nd August, 2019 event convened by the UNILAG
Chapter of the Muslim Students Society (MSS).
Many students and admirers of Mr. Sowore had publicized the events and were
brazing to attend.

But a “regrettable correspondence” from the organizers, which was obtained by

Objectv Media announced reversal of his invitation.

Objectv Media learned that UNILAG Management feared that Mr. Sowore’s
presence on campus and his speech might instigate the students to rise up in
protests against most of Management’s unfair policies, and had decided to
immediately intercept his planned presence.

Fulani Christian Leaders Warn Buhari On

Activities Of Arewa Pastors

The National Leader of Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria (FULCAN), Rev.

Buba Aliyu, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government
to be wary of the activities of ‘Arewa Pastors’ a non denominational initiative for
peace.

He said that the pastor’s recent call for the leadership of CAN to apologize to
President Buhari or resign were capable of generating problems between the
federal government and the leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria.

Aliyu told journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, that the recent utterances
of the leader of Arewa Pastors, Bishop Richard John, against the leadership of
Christians in Nigeria have portrayed the leadership of CAN in bad light before the
federal government.

“While in the true sense, the leadership of Christians (CAN) has nothing against
the federal government as it only gives a word of caution when necessary, to the
federal authority so that they will be peace in the polity.”

The FULCAN leader, therefore, disociated himself from being the North-East
Coordinator for Arewa Pastors; wondering why he would be linked with Arewa
Pastors who have refused to operate under the Leadership of CAN, the overall
leadership of Christians in the country.

According to him, the difficult time both Christians and Muslims are currently in,
should be used by all to work as a team in collaboration with the federal
government to bring about lasting peace in the North and other parts of the
country not a period for anybody to cause bad blood between the government
and CAN leadership.

He noted that both Christian Fulanis and their Muslim brothers have for long co-
existed peacefully with their host communities in Plateau and Benue States and
also other North-Central states.

“However, whatever could be responsible for the recent disagreements and

conflicts between them could be sorted out through dialogue.”

The FULCAN leader equally advised President Muhammadu Buhari to see Christian
leaders in the North and at the national level as partners in progress and not
allow himself to be deceived by Arewa Pastors.
On the suspended Ruga Policy of the federal government, Aliyu advised
government to handle the matter with caution and wisdom, warning that without
peace, the Ruga Settlement policy no matter how well intended, will be an
exercise in futility as the natives of the land will not buy into the policy.

‘’The Fulanis cannot live in isolation as they will find it difficult to live in these
proposed settlements, so peace must be given a chance,” he admonished.

He appealed to non-governmental organizations and public spirited Nigerians to

help in training the children of Fulani like others, saying every tribe in this country
can contribute meaningfully to the development of this country.

DAILY POST recalls that last Friday, the Arewa Pastors Non-Denominational
Initiative for Peace (APNIP), had cautioned the Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN) over their alleged attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari.

The national chairman of the Arewa pastors, John Abu Richard, made the call
while briefing journalists in Abuja, urging CAN to immediately apologise to the
president over the unwarranted attacks.

“We caution CAN leadership to immediately apologise to the Nigerian Christians

for going against the objectives that form the association and should resign from
their positions for allowing themselves to be used by some certain quarters of
politicians to heat up the polity.”

According to him, “CAN leadership now instigates the Nigerian Christians to hate
President Muhammadu Buhari, build tensions and are trying to divide the country
along religious lines and if possible cause religious war,” he said.

He noted that CAN leadership has dabbled into high sensitive national security
issues that could set the entire country on fire, adding that “as clergymen, we are
charged by our Holy Book to pray for our leaders irrespective of tribe and
religion.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/29/fulani-christian-leaders-warn-buhari-activities-
arewa-pastors/

We Killed 40 Nigerian Soldiers, Islamic State

Claims

Islamic State says killed or wounded more than 40 Nigerian soldiers - Amaq

CAIRO (Reuters) - Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or
wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two
separate attacks on Tuesday.

The group said militants attacked a military post in Baga and killed at least 15
soldiers before carrying out a second attack on an army barracks in the town of
Benisheik, where they killed around 25 more.

Locals and military sources told Reuters there were clashes between insurgents
and soldiers in the state on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters was unable to
immediately verify the number of people killed or injured in those clashes.

An army spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls requesting

comment.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in northeast Nigeria since 2009 in an
Islamist insurgency.

At the weekend at least 65 people were killed in Borno, the birthplace of the
insurgency, when militants targeted civilians travelling from a funeral.
Reporting by Samar Ahmed in Cairo

APC Urges EFCC To Probe Bayelsa Internal

Revenue Dept, Finance Commission

APC Urges EFCC To Probe Bayelsa Internal Revenue Dept, Finance Commission

...Bayelsa State APC Chairman Insists EFCC Must Look Into The Financial Books

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to probe
Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Department and Finance Commission.

The call was made by the All Progressive Congress in Abuja and the Bayelsa State
APC Chairman, Hon Jothan Amos.

A source at the Party National Secretariat, who disclosed this to our

correspondent, said the ruling party is asking the anti-graft commission to go into
the books of the state finance, as the numbers of aspirants that picked forms to
run for the state governorship election were allegedly funded by the state money.

The source added that some of the aspirants were not only funded from the state
resources, but that the funds came from the state internal revenue.

The source said: "Most the aspirants, who bought forms were sponsored and
funded with state money. Specifically, the funds used were gotten from the
Internal Revenue. We want the EFCC to look into the books of this department
and also the finance department."

It was gathered the a total of 21 aspirants have picked forms to fight for the PDP
ticket at the cost of N21 million each. A rough calculation shows that the total
cost is placed at N441 million.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed
November 16 for Bayelsa State governorship election.

A source, who also spoke to our correspondent from Bayelsa added that the APC
State Chairman, Hon Jothan Amos, insisted that the state revenue board must be
probed by the anti-graft commission.

The source added that the position of the state APC is that state money cannot be
used for personal issue, adding that "people are suffering and the money meant
to address their plight, is used for personal aggrandizement.

"We cannot fold our arms and watch people, who are supposed to defend the
interest of the citizens, using their money for personal interest."

Epia Is A Politician Hiding Under Journalism To

Defame Me - Nwulu

My attention has been drawn to media reports citing claims by Oke Epia, a
politician and publisher of Order Paper stating that I am using the Nigerian Police
to attack or persecute him. This is false.

Epia is not a journalist but a political hatchet man simply doing the bidding of his
sponsors under the umbrella of the press. He has been whipping up sentiments,
hiding under the false allusion that he is a journalist and tagging media houses
both locally and abroad. But the truth is, he is not a journalist. He is a politician
that has held political office as the Chief Press Secretary to Emeka Ihedioha, the
incumbent governor and my rival during the last governorship elections in Imo
State.

I have a lot of respect for journalists and the media as the fourth estate of our
democracy, especially in the face of the risk that they undertake on a daily basis
to keep us informed. I say this with special tribute to the late Precious Owolabi, a
corper who served as a correspondent with Channels TV but was shot dead while
on duty.

The Not Too Young to Run bill that I sponsored enjoyed the greatest media
support because of the tireless efforts of journalists who supported me. But I
charge journalists to device means of identifying those I call wolves in journalist’s
skin. As a major stakeholder and beneficiary in journalism, I can never undermine
a journalist. I believe in freedom of the press.

Rogues claiming to be journalists must be identified and shamed. Some are

nothing but grant hunters that set up projects to defraud unsuspecting
development partners and NGOs. Journalists must be careful to identify those
that are truly their colleagues otherwise such individuals will undermine the daily
sacrifices being made by genuine journalists across the world who leave their
families unsure if they will return alive and others who fled their countries and are
today exiled because they dared to speak the truth. No one should be allowed to
rubbish their sacrifices, certainly not a criminally minded fellow.

I am aware Epia has equally alleged that I have issued threats to his life. Nothing
could be further from the truth and I challenge him to produce any evidence of
such threats. These are barefaced lies calculated to court public sentiments.

I am the one who went to the Police. I did this to exercise my constitutional rights
as someone who has been defamed under the guise of “journalism”. I reported
this issue to the Police because of the weight of the allegations made against me.
These allegations are unsubstantiated and no responsible media house anywhere
in the world should use words like “missing funds” or “tens of millions” without
any shred of evidence to back up such claims. It is against the tenets of
professional media practice just as it is a common principle of law that he who
alleges must prove.
It is my hope that at the end of this whole process, the law takes its course and
the truth is allowed to prevail. I also hope that this will serve as an incident that
enriches broad conversations around the professional ethics that guide the
practice of real journalism.

Signed

Hon. Tony Nwulu

31st July 2019

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/08/epia-is-politician-hiding-under.html?m=1

Presidency Backs Lawan As APC Senators

Protest Over Juicy Panels

• PDP lawmakers calm, beneficiaries hail appointments

• Buhari, Senate president meet in Aso Rock

By Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Terhemba Daka and John Akubo (Abuja)

Barely 24 hours after the Senate unveiled the chairmen of its 69 standing committees, early
signs of rancour have appeared in the caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the
chamber.

The Guardian learnt that the distribution of some 23 committees considered to be at Grade
A level (otherwise referred to as juicy committees) is at the heart of the growing tension.

Although 16 of the 23 Grade A committees went to APC senators, some are claiming that
the method of sharing was a breach of what they described as a gentleman’s agreement
among the top notchers of the ruling party who wanted the whole 23 restricted to APC
lawmakers.

In a swift intervention to check the brewing crisis, the presidency has defended the actions
of the Lawan-led Senate leadership.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate),
Senator Solomon Ita-Enang, explained to journalists in Abuja yesterday that the refusal of
the Senate to restrict committee chairmanship positions to only the APC was in line with
the best parliamentary practices.

“When somebody is elected to the Senate, he becomes a member of that Senate and he is
entitled to all the rights and privileges. When somebody is campaigning to be elected as
presiding officer, speaker, deputy speaker, president of the Senate or deputy president of the
Senate, he is doing so for votes of the majority party and the minority party that are
represented because each senator has one vote. When a senator is elected, he represents his
constituency first, and secondly, he represents his party by sitting on his party’s seat.

“Therefore, in the distribution of assignments and privileges, it is normally considered that

you should not by any means make one constituency inferior to the other. That is the
principle that causes the presiding officer to embrace the minority parties.

“Also, when one becomes a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are entitled to
all the privileges and rights of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, on the basis of
equality of senators, equality of membership and equality of seats, the discretion to
embrace all is in the heart and hand of the presiding officer,” Ita-Enang said.

The APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who was at the Senate earlier on
Tuesday before the names of the chairmen of committees were announced, had in March,
directed the APC-dominated National Assembly to ensure that the party was made to head
an overwhelming number of the committees.

It was also learnt that Oshiomhole’s mission to the Senate on Tuesday was partly to put
more pressure on the leadership to give greater consideration to the APC in the distribution
and appointment of chairmen for the panels.

In the company of Oshiomhole was a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva,
who was reported to have made a case for an APC senator to be made the chairman of the
committee on Niger Delta Affairs. But Lawan picked Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP, Delta State)
to disappoint the APC leaders.

Among the protesting lawmakers in APC is a ranking senator from one of the most
prominent states in the South West.

On the condition of anonymity, the lawmaker expressed disgust that he was not made the
chairman of the committee on appropriation even after he had not only merited it but struck
an agreement with Lawan to that effect.

Meanwhile, there are allegations that the original list of committee chairmen agreed to by
the selection committee was tampered with.
It was further alleged that the list Lawan read out on Tuesday was dominated by hand-
written names as against the list that was earlier typed for him.

Among the APC senators who are to head some of the Grade A committees are Barau Jubril
(Appropriation); Oluremi Tinubu (Communication); Abdullahi Adamu (Agriculture); Uba
Sani (Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions); Abubakar Kyari (FCT); and
Mohammed Bulkachuwa (Foreign Affairs).

The case against Lawan by some of his party men in the Senate is further amplified by the
allegation of giving undue attention to a few non-ranking APC lawmakers in the
distribution of the Grade A panels. The fact that 20 out of 44 PDP senators were appointed
chairmen of committees has further created problems in the APC caucus.

It is the opinion of some lawmakers in the ruling party that the opposition party has been
overrated.

“I am not in support of the school of thought that canvassed total restriction of committees
to the ruling party, the game of politics is essentially about number. Of the 63 APC
senators, about 15 are now shut out of the committee chairmanship as constituted on
Tuesday. What I am saying, essentially, is that more APC senators out to have been
appointed as chairmen of panels, “ another lawmaker said.

But the PDP caucus has been calm since the names of the panels’ chairmen were announced
on Tuesday even as some beneficiaries have expressed satisfaction and appreciation to the
Senate leadership.

Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, the only senator of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) from
Anambra State, said his appointment as the vice chairman of the Committee on Petroleum
(Upstream) Resources would boost technological growth and innovations in the sector.

“The upstream petroleum sector is a value chain which comprises oil exploration, drilling,
production and development. As a first term and the only YPP senator, it is deeply
humbling to be accorded the privilege of being the vice chairman of the Senate committee
saddled with the task of overseeing the upstream sector of the oil industry which is the
mainstay of Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

Also, Yakubu Oseni (APC, Kogi Central) said he dedicated his appointment as chairman of
Committee on Information and Communication Technology/Cyber crime to his
constituents.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with Lawan at the Presidential
Villa, Abuja.

The Senate president’s visit came barely a day after he led his colleagues to screen 43
ministerial nominees presented by Buhari. All the nominees were cleared by the parliament.

After the closed-door meeting with the president, Lawan did not speak to newsmen when
he departed the State House.
 Buhari had on Tuesday lauded the Senate for the swift confirmation of the ministerial
nominees, via a process he described as efficient.

Ministerial List: Buhari Has

Indirectly Inaugurated 2023
Presidential, Campaign Council - Osi
- Samuels. -
Lagos – Dr. Jay Osi-Samuels, founding national chairman of the Alliance for New
Nigeria (ANN) on Wednesday, said President Muhammadu Buhari has indirectly
inaugurated the 2023 Presidential Campaign Council with the ministerial list he
submitted to the Senate last week.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, he said with the Ministers who have been confirmed
by the Senate, President Buhari is already focusing on the 2023 elections by empowering certain
political gladiators, especially from the Southern part of the country.
Osi- Samuels who argued that President Buhari should have accommodated
bright minds from other political parties rather than With the list, he said
members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) members alone said with
the current set of Ministers, Buhari will have absolute power to decide who
succeeds him in 2023.
In my own opinion, it is a window into the mind of the president for the 2023 elections. Apart from
compensating politicians, what he has done is a masterstroke with this list”.
He has potentially created or empowered individual power blocks especially in the south, ensuring that
power is not concentrated in the hands of anyone individual”.
This will become more evident by the time the portfolios are announced”.
What this portends is that absolute power to decide who becomes president in 2023 will now rest with
him rather than be at the mercy of anyone,” he said.
‘senate Yet To Inform Buhari About Confirmation
Of Ministers’
The Presidency Wednesday said it was yet to be officially informed by the
leadership of the Senate about the confirmation of 43 ministerial nominees sent
to the upper legislative chamber last week.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Muhammadu Buhari on National

Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, told reporters that more than 24
hours after the confirmation of all the nominees, the Senate had not
communicated that to President Buhari.

According to him, the President is expecting official communication from the

National Assembly to enable him to inaugurate the ministers-designate and
assign ministries to them.

“The President upon receipt of the communication from the National Assembly,
will on a date he will fix and notify the screened and cleared nominees and
inaugurate them as appropriate.”

He explained that the President did not assign portfolio to the list of ministerial
nominees because the constitution of the country did not ask him to do so.
“You are saying that the president should have attached portfolios. I am sure
from 1999 to 2019, this question has been asked. This means that the question
has been asked for the past 20 years.

“The constitution says the president shall appoint persons as ministers of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria subject to confirmation of the Senate. The constitution
did not oblige the President or a governor to attach a ministry or a portfolio in his
nomination to the legislature.

“The reason is that the candidate is screened and cleared as a minister of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is not cleared as a Minister of Education or
Minister of Health or Industry.”

“Portfolios may change and the structure of government may not be the same as
it were. When a minister is screened and cleared, he is assigned a portfolio. It
may arise in the course of his assignment, the president or the governor may
decide to reassign him to another ministry at that time if you assign and the
person is screened and in respect of that portfolio; that means the president may
have to send the name again back to the Senate for screening or for
confirmation.

“That is why the constitution did not make it mandatory to assign portfolio while
sending it to the legislature. Therefore the President has not done anything
wrong.”

Enang also revealed that the president had assented to two new bills including
the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru in Kebbi State bill and the Architects
Registration Council of Nigeria Amendment bill
According to him, “The (first bill) is converting the Federal college of Agriculture,
Zuru in Kebbi State to a full-fledged university with all the powers and authorities
of a university, with all the principal officers of the university from the Chancellor
down to the staffers and from the date thereon, there is now established the
Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru in Kebbi State.

“The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria Amendment bill has also been
assented to and what the bill is about is that it has increased fine or penalty from
the N1000 it used to be to N500, 000 in appropriate places and generally
enhanced the power of Architect registration process, so this bill is now law and it
is an offence to go against it.”

The SSA also defended Buhari’s declining of assent to the upgrade of Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo to a university while assenting to the upgrade of the
Federal College of Agriculture to a university.

“When a bill is received by Mr. President, he looks at the content of the bill; he
looks at the technical issues of the bill and if all is correct on the bill, he assents
to it.

“When he doesn’t assent to a bill, he will state the reason that he has not. Some
could be drafting issues, some could be question of duplicity in section of the bill,
some could be questions of conflict with the constitution, some could be any
question which is normally stated.

“Therefore the two bills I have mentioned, just assented to qualify on the basis of
these technical reasons, others which may not yet be assented to something is
being done to send them back to the legislature through an appropriate channel
so that they can be attended to.”
You Can't Coarse Gov. Ugwuanyi In To
Constituting His Cabinet - Group Tell Critics
Our attention has been drawn to the seven days ultimatum given to the Enugu
State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to constitute his cabinet or face legal
action by a sponsored group known as Civil Realisation and Advancement
Network.

It is very unfortunate that out of over 25 state governors in Nigeria who are yet
to constitute their cabinet, it is only Gov. Ugwuanyi that was singled out for
vilification by the hypocritical group.

Where was the group when former Governor Rauf Aregbesola governed Osun
State for over two years without cabinet? Aregbesola was re-elected as Osun
State Governor in 2014 but only constituted his cabinet in 2017, about 18 months
to the expiration of his tenure.

Even in the Second Republic, we had the experience of where former Kaduna
State Governor, Balarabe Musa governed the state for 19 months without
cabinet.

How come Gov. Ugwuanyi is been singled out for denigration?

Even when a Secretary to the state government whose office is the fulcrum to all
government activities in the state has been appointed, the group in a bid to
satisfy their paymaster still went to issue the frivolous and hilarious ultimatum.

Therefore, we will never allow any group or individual to coarse the governor in to
constituting his cabinet or taking any hasty decision in that regard.

The governor is only accountable to Ndi-Enugu and not to a section, group or any
special interest.

We also advise the governor to take his time to study the several sectoral adhoc
committees report before taking whatever decision he so wished on the
composition of his cabinet.

Signed:

Dr. Edwin Obune,

National Coordinator,
Enugu Youth Coalition

Shi’ites Deny Suspending Their Protests

The Shi’ite Muslims in Nigeria also referred to as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria,
IMN have debunked earlier report that they have suspended all protests for the
release of their Leader, El-ZakZaky.

In a video released by a member of the El-ZakZaky family, Suhaila Ibraheem

Zakzaky, she debunked the statement made by the supposed Spokesperson of
the movement Ibrahim Musa, suggesting that all protests are suspended.

She said that there was a protest in Abuja today and the protest will continue
until the Federal Government obeys court directive.

Suhaila maintained that there is nothing like a “spokesperson” in the movement

rather what they have is “Chairman of the media forum” which is the office, the
fellow that gave the statement occupies
https://youtu.be/P_C_5Gv8S3c

Oyo State To Ban Open Grazing; Herdsmen To

Carry ID Cards
Move to ban open rearing, herding and grazing of livestock outside permitted
ranches in Oyo State has been regurgitated, as the Open rearing and grazing
regulation bill, 2019, passed the second reading stage at Wednesday’s plenary of
the state House of Assembly.

The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Debo Ogundoyin; his
deputy, Honourable Abiodun Fadeyi; Majority Leader, Honourable Sanjo Adedoyin
and Minority Leader, Honourable Asimiyu Alarape, states that anyone who
engages in open rearing or grazing of livestock is guilty of an offence and liable
on conviction to imprisonment for seven years or a fine of N200,000 or both,

Specifically, the bill prohibits the movement of livestock on foot from one
destination to another in the state, with all herdsmen mandated to submit
themselves for registration and get an identification card, which must be worn at
all times.
Cattle movement is only permissible by rail wagon, truck or pick-up wagon, while
any person found moving livestock on foot is liable on conviction to imprisonment
for one year or a fine of N50,000 or both.

The penalty for any herdsman who fails to register is imprisonment for two years
or a fine of N100,000 or both, while anyone without identification card is liable on
conviction to imprisonment for six months or a fine of N50,000 or both.

A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under

the supervision of an adult, while anyone found guilty of possession of offensive
weapon within or outside the ranch, is liable on conviction to imprisonment for
one year or fine of N100,000 or both.

If the bill is passed into law, any herdsman wishing to set up ranches or anyone
intending to graze livestock on ranches is expected to pay a permit fee with the
permit, renewable after one year, subject to the governor’s approval.

Such herdsman is expected to apply for one year lease of land from the owner,
and get the consent of the Ministry of Environment which will carry out an
environmental impact assessment before issuance of the permit.

Also prohibited, by the bill if passed into law, is the sale, transfer or mortgage of
any land leased to herdsman for the purpose of ranching.

However, the governor is empowered to revoke the permit, without

compensation, to the herdsman for any breach of security.

The Ministry of Agriculture will also be empowered to impound any livestock

found grazing or wandering or herding in an area not permitted as a ranch, while
impounded livestock not claimed within seven days will be sold on auction to the
public and the proceeds paid into the state’s coffers.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any herdsman found guilty of damage to
farm or crops shall after evaluation of the damage by the ministry pay the
prevailing value of monetary compensation to the owner of the farm.

If any person is injured, the herdsman will be deemed guilty of an offence and
liable on conviction to imprisonment for three years or a fine of N50,000 or both.
In addition, the convicted herdsman will pay the medical bill of the injured person
including relevant compensation determined by the court.

If the onslaught leads to death of any person, the herdsman, upon conviction, will
be sentenced for unlawful homicide under the criminal code law.

Where any livestock strays into another person’s land and causes destruction to
crops or contaminates any source of water supply, the herdsman will be liable to
pay damages or compensation to the owner or community with a proprietary
interest in the land or source of water.

To see to the implementation of the objectives of the bill is an Open Grazing

Prohibition Task Force comprising representatives of the state government,
security agencies, farmers’ association, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association,
vigilante and the judiciary.

The eighth Assembly had in 2017 also started similar move to prohibit open
grazing, establish controlled grazing and regulate the activities of herdsmen in
Oyo State, with the bill also passing the second reading stage.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/230837/

Buhari Treating Miyetti Allah As Above The Law,

Afenifere Laments
Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Wednesday said President
Muhammadu Buhari is giving special preference to Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders
Association and making them feel as if they are not subject to the laws of the
land.

Yinka Odumakin, the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, told Daily

Independent that despite the various atrocities perpetrated by the group in the
last four years, none of them is being tried in the law courts.

He also mentioned the issue of Ruga, Fulani Radio and N100 billion compensation
as some of the special privileges the Buhari administration has given to Fulani
herdsmen despite their alleged atrocities.

He said, “He is giving more than special preference to them. Miyetti Allah has
been treated as ‘above the law’ group who are not subject to the laws of the land.
For a group whose members have been accused of rape, killings and all kinds of
crimes against humanity, tell me one court where any member of Miyetti Allah
has been convicted of a crime.

“There was a report towards the end of last year that about 30,000 Nigerians
have been killed by herdsmen in the last four years in Nigeria. They have done all
these things and they are bold in it because the government is soft on them. The
law is not being enforced against them.

“I even read in the papers today that they want to embark on nationwide tour?
With who? With all the women they have raped or the people they have killed?
You must have seen the video of the woman who came to Nigeria with her 9-
year-old daughter. She was raped for days in the bush and she said she will
never visit Nigeria again. Will Miyetti Allah go and meet her in America to
reconcile with her?

“We do not have any problem with the president. He is our president but the way
Miyetti Allah issue has been handled by him has left much to be desired. It has
eroded confidence of Nigerians in his government and the capacity to run an
inclusive government in the country. It is not surprising that it is a former Head
of State that is calling a peace summit today when we have a government in
place.

“This government has conducted itself in a way that it has opened itself to
suspicions from different groups in Nigeria and it has lined up behind Miyetti Allah
to the extent of saying it has obtained AM licence to establish Fulani Radio, it is
offering them N100 billion compensation, doing Ruga for them, you want to take
people’s ancestral lands and give to them.

“Femi Adesina, the media adviser to the president even told Nigerians that ‘Your
land or your life!’ Garba Shehu was insulting us that Miyetti Allah whose members
are carrying AK-47 and killing people are on the same pedestal with Afenifere,
Ohanaeze, PANDEF and the rest. That was the major reason why we boycotted
the peace summit by General Abdulsalami when we realised he lumped us
together as socio-cultural groups with Miyetti Allah”, he said.

https://www.independent.ng/buhari-treating-miyetti-allah-as-above-the-law-
afenifere/
RUGA, Ranching: Akwa Ibom State Government
Imports 2000 Cows From Brazil
The Akwa Ibom State Government has said that it had imported 2,000 cattle from
Brazil as part of efforts to produce sufficient meats with a view to increasing
protein intake for people of the state.

It added that the development is also aimed at ensuring food sustainability in the
oil rich state.

State Commissioner for Information, Charles Udoh stated this while interacting
with newsmen in Uyo. He added that the state government had adopted a holistic
agriculture plans on food security.

He said: “The ranch was established in conjunction with foreign investors. The
cattle have been quarantined. You know in the heat of the election, nobody
wanted to venture into that ranch. And in the heat of that too, the Commissioner
for Agriculture lost his seat.

“The reason we quarantined the cattle was that, first we needed to inoculate
them. What I mean by quarantined is that we needed to get them acclimatised to
the weather and prepare them for the long trip across the Atlantic Ocean.

“While we quarantined and inoculated them, we tried to get some pregnant

because it is a long journey and some could die on the way. These are rare breed
of cattle that can produce milk and meat at the same time. We are expecting
2,000.”

source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/ranching-akwa-ibom-imports-
2000-cattle-from-brazil/

Apapa Gridlock Saddens Me –buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Wednesday that he was saddened by the
Apapa gridlock, especially the toll it had taken on business in the Lagos area.

He spoke during a meeting with the leadership of the Lagos Chamber of

Commerce and Industry led by its Chairman, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, in Abuja.
However, he expressed hope in the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government
and the Lagos State Government to end the gridlock.

“I must admit the Apapa gridlock still remains a challenge. It saddens me that
businesses have had to suffer as a result of this.

“We are doing our very best working with the Lagos State Government to bring
an end to this issue,” he said.

The President also briefed the visitors on the investments undertaken by his
administration in the last four years on infrastructure development and in support
of business environment, including the establishment of “development banks to
provide loans to traders and small enterprises.”
Buhari and the LCCI leadership reviewed Nigeria’s recent signing of the African
Continental Free Trade Agreement, both agreeing that there were pros and cons
for the country.

Buhari said, “The consultative approach Nigeria took on the Africa Continental
Free Trade Agreement is just another example of our desire for sustainable and
inclusive growth. The team visited all the geopolitical zones. We met farmers,
commodity traders, manufacturers, bankers and stock brokers. We listened and
made notes of their views.

“Our studies revealed that although the services sector was doing okay, other key
job creating sectors such as manufacturing and processing were still lagging
behind.

“This is evident from the fact that intra-African trade only accounts for 14 per
cent of Africa’s total trade. As a continent, our consumption is mostly of goods
imported from outside the continent.”

The President also said, “We viewed this as both an opportunity and a threat. It is
an opportunity as Nigerian manufacturers can aggressively expand to meet the
huge demand across the continent. It is a threat as one can abuse the rules of
origin to flood the market with imports from outside the continent, thereby
destroying jobs here at home.

“Nigeria’s engagement in the next phase of the negotiations is to ensure proper

safeguards are put in place to support African manufacturers. We shall continue
to count on your support to ensure this goal is achieved.”
On his part, the LCCI’s chairman noted that AfCFTA would promote economic
integration in Africa.

He urged the government to speed up the implementation of the agreement by

putting necessary measures in place to enable Nigeria to harness its maximum
benefits.

How I Escaped Death 4 Times In One Year –

Melaye
The lawmaker representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, said his
decision to oppose the alleged oppressive leadership of the present administration made him escape
four assassination attempts between 2018 and 2019.
Melaye, who was speaking at a media parley in Lokoja on Wednesday to declare his governorship
ambition, said he won’t stop criticizing the Yahaya Bello led-APC government until the right thing is
done for the people.
He observed that his criticisms of the present administration also led to his arraignment in 18 different
courts in one year.
The federal lawmaker while disclosing reasons Kogi was yet to meet up with other states in terms of
development, said the state lacks visionary leaders who could transform ideas to meaningful
development.
He described himself as a political general, adding that it was untrue that he was working for a
particular candidate ahead of the November 16th governorship polls.
Melaye added that he remains the best candidate to fly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to
challenge the incumbent governor who he alleged has continued to impoverished the people in the last
three and half years.
His words “I will challenge Governor Bello pumper to pumper. I can’t be intimidated by the constant
harassment by the APC led government.
“I am using this medium to challenge the NUJ to organize a debate among all the aspirants vying for
the number one seat of this state. I am very convinced that some candidates will be taken off from here
with an ambulance because they lack idea. Other aspirants have money than idea, but Dino Melaye has
idea than money.”

Buhari: I’ll Deal Severely With Evil Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is ready to deal severely with “evil”
Nigerians fomenting trouble in Nigeria as he assured traditional rulers from the
South-west that his administration was doing everything possible to tackle
security challenges in the country.

He said: “We will enforce the law, prosecute lawbreakers and secure an
atmosphere of tranquility for all Nigerians wherever they choose to live and also
protect our communities from all forms of crimes.

“This is both in our interests as an administration and the interests of the people
who voted us into office. We need security to deliver on our many programmes to
the people. There can be no prosperity if there is no security.

“This is not only a message of hope but a call to action to all of us as we seek
ways to secure our country. On our part, as the Federal Government, we are
ready to deal decisively with anyone that is fomenting this spate of criminal
activities by every means necessary.

“We intend to deal severely with those evil Nigerians inciting violence for political
ends,” Buhari said.

The president stated this when he responded to an address by the traditional

rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi during a courtesy visit to
the State House.

The president revealed that the federal government would continue to partner
with the state governments in equipping the Nigeria Police Force to check cases
of insecurity across the country.

Buhari added: “Working with the State governments we intend to beef up the
equipping of the police force with advanced technology and equipment that can
facilitate the work of the security agencies.

“We also intend to install CCTVs on highways and other strategic locations so that
activities in some of those hidden places can be exposed, more effectively
monitored and open to actionable review.

“As a government, we remain committed to the ideals of our democracy,

particularly entrenching the rule of law and the sanctity of life.
Olu Of Warri To Buhari: Open Up Ports Facilities
In Eastern Corridor
THE Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiamen Ikenwoli, has called on President
Muhammadu Buhari to open up ports facilities in the Southern and Eastern
corridors to help decongest the Lagos ports, which has grounded economic
activities in Lagos.

The Warri monarch, who met with President Buhari, at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja, yesterday, also asked the president to revive the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas
Revolution Industrial Park.
It will be recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan had inaugurated the
$20 billion Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park Grip, projected to generate
250,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Warri monarch noted that efforts by former Minister of State for Petroleum
Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, to attract developers collapsed after a consortium
pooled over $10 billion for the project.
According to him, “if the project and the ports in the southern parts of the
country are revived, the issue of unemployment, kidnapping and insecurity will be
a thing of the past. The over 2,700 hectares park is designed for fertiliser,
methanol, petrochemicals and aluminium plants.”
The Olu of Warri, who led traditional rulers from Delta State on a visit to the
president, said they were at the Presidential Villa to congratulate the president on
his February 23 presidential election victory and as a sign of solidarity with him.
Speaking on the ports in southern parts of the country that are lying idle, he said
the ports located at Warri, Sapele, Burutu, Onitsha and Calabar would also serve
as a major source of job creation and social stabilisation.
He said: “We are talking of how to create jobs. We all know that issues of youth
restiveness, crime and kidnapping were at their minimal levels when these ports
were operational.”
The royal father disclosed that the visit also offered him an opportunity to share
his thoughts with the president on the current security challenges, adding: “We
will continue to assist in our domain to counsel our youths.”
I’ve figures of my votes from Itsekiri people, Buhari tells Olu of Warri
Meanwhile, reacting during the visit, President Buhari told the Olu of Warri that
he has the figure of votes he got from Delta State, especially from the Itsekiri
people in the February 23 presidential election.
Buhari also assured that his administration will strive to complete on-going
projects that will impact positively on the lives of the people, adding that he was
mindful of how infrastructural development could uplift the standard of living of
the people.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina,
the president also said his administration was taking new measures to address
the security situation in the country.
Replying to comments that the Itsekiri people gave him massive support during
the election, the president said he appreciated the support, adding: “I have all
the figures of votes I got and I know what Itsekiri people did.”

No To Islamization, Take Down Islamic And

Arabic Signs-china Orders Businesses
Authorities in the Chinese capital have ordered halal
restaurants and food stalls to remove Arabic script and
symbols associated with Islam from their signs, part of an
expanding national effort to “Sinicize” its Muslim population.
Employees at 11 restaurants and shops in Beijing selling halal products and visited by Reuters in recent
days said officials had told them to remove images associated with Islam, such as the crescent moon
and the word “halal” written in Arabic, from signs.

Also Read:See how wicked lady recorded her boyfriend while he raped her friend
Government workers from various offices told one manager of a Beijing noodle shop to cover up the
“halal” in Arabic on his shop’s sign and then watched him do it.
“They said this is foreign culture and you should use more Chinese culture,” said the manager, who,
like all restaurant owners and employees who spoke to Reuters, declined to give his name due to the
sensitivity of the issue.
The campaign against Arabic script and Islamic images marks a new phase of a drive that has gained
momentum since 2016, aimed at ensuring religions conform with mainstream Chinese culture.

Also Read:Shocking revelations from Dino Melaye about his arrests and
governorship ambition
The campaign has included the removal of Middle Eastern-style domes on many mosques around the
country in favor of Chinese-style pagodas.
China, home to 20 million Muslims, officially guarantees freedom of religion, but the government has
campaigned to bring the faithful into line with Communist Party ideology.
It’s not just Muslims who have come under scrutiny. Authorities have shut down many underground
Christian churches, and torn down crosses of some churches deemed illegal by the government.
Also Read:Finally, See full List of ministers approved by the senate so far
But Muslims have come in for particular attention since a riot in
2009 between mostly Muslim Uighur people and majority Han Chinese in the far western region of
Xinjiang, home to the Uighur minority.
Spasms of ethnic violence followed, and some Uighurs, chafing at government controls, carried out
knife and crude bomb attacks in public areas and against the police and other authorities.
In response, China launched what it described as a crackdown on terrorism in Xinjiang.
Now, it is facing intense criticism from Western nations and rights groups over its policies, in
particular, mass detentions and surveillance of Uighurs and other Muslims there.
The government says its actions in Xinjiang are necessary to stamp out religious extremism. Officials
have warned about creeping Islamisation, and have extended tighter controls over other Muslim
minorities.

Fuel Scarcity Looms As NUPENG Issues 7-day Strike Notice

Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday, issued a seven-day strike
notice to the Federal Government to compel Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, to honour the agreement
it reached with the union on June 20, failing which members would down tools and begin an indefinite
strike.

In a statement signed by the President and General Secretary of NUPENG, Prince Williams Akporeha
and Afolabi Olawale, the union said : “NUPENG, with deep frustration and worries, would like to alert
the general public and all relevant authorities of the blatant violation of agreement reached between
Chevron Nigeria Limited Company and unions in the industry.

“It is public knowledge that unions in the oil and gas industry had a protracted negotiation with
Chevron Nigeria Limited over 70 per cent labour manpower reduction which it (Chevron) claimed was
required in view of reduction in their operations in the oil and gas Industry.

“After up to one year negotiation, brokered by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC;
National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, and Ministry of Labour, it was agreed
that considering the intervention of all the institutions mentioned above and the various justifications
made, only 30 per centof the Labour Manpower Contract Workers will be relieved.

‘’Of the 1,856 contract workers in the company, NUPENG has 1,120; PENGASSAN, 213; and non-
unionised, 523. It was agreed that the 30% reduction shall be spread in equal percentage among the
three groups.

“It was also agreed that union executives (NUPENG and PENGASSAN) will not be affected by the
reduction, that Chevron Nigeria Limited will not in any guise change the Labour manpower to service
contracts.
‘’It was also agreed that anyone that voluntarily offers to go will be counted as part of the agreed 30%.

Unfortunately, immediately after the agreement was reached, Chevron started executing the exercise in
blatant violation of the agreed terms, ostensibly to either put NUPENG in bad light as troublesome or
for extinction because only NUPENG members have been exited from work, leaving behind the Non-
Unionised workers and PENGASSAN members.

‘’It is further embarrassing to see that NUPENG executives are also part of those already locked out.
From our record, over 500 of NUPENG members are being sacked. We further learned that the
intention of Chevron is to change the contract to short term service contract and we see this as unfair
and a breach of agreement reached with us in bad faith.

“All NUPENG executives should be called back to work, the percentage of reduction agreed should be
spread to the three groups as agreed to avoid creating the impression that NUPENG was the target of
the exercise.”

‘’The good disposition of the new leadership of NUPENG should not be taken for granted. Chevron
should not be allowed to use this exercise to change the Labour Manpower contract to service contract
in a disguised manner.

“Consequent on the above demands and having been pushed to the wall, NUPENG, hereby, puts all our
members on red alert should Chevron Nigeria Limited and its contractors fail to honour or comply with
our demands within the next seven days, we would also not hesitate to take all necessary legal options
available to us, including industrial actions, to press home our legitimate demands.”

Showdown Looms As Over 10,000 Youths Vow To Resist NASS

Takeover Of Edo Assembly
Youths in Edo under aegis of Edo Progressives Front (EPF) on Wednesday vowed to resist the takeover
of the Edo State House of Assembly by the National Assembly saying the plot is to frustrate the state
governor, Godwin Obaseki from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

The Senate had on Tuesday threatened to take over the Edo State House of Assembly within a week if
Governor Obaseki fails to comply with the resolution mandating him to issue a fresh proclamation for
the ‘proper’ inauguration of the house.

Adopting a report presented by its ad-hoc committee, which investigated the development in the state
assembly, the Senate claimed that the process leading to the June 17, 2019 inauguration was improper
and a breach of global parliamentary practices.
It also mandated the governor to properly inform all the 24 members of the assembly through adverts in
print and electronic media.

However, the governor has insisted that he will not issue a fresh proclamation as it is unconstitutional
for him to do so.

He said he has finished his work as far as the inauguration of the Assembly is concerned.

In a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, Moses Asiriuwa, leader of the
youths said EPF is ready to mobilise over 10,000 youths to the House of Assembly to stop the takeover
of the House.

While urging President Muhammadu Buhari and the Oba of Benin to call the federal lawmakers to
order, Asiriuwa said the attempt to prevent the Edo Assembly from functioning is a “calculated attempt
by the Federal lawmakers who are acting a script to frustrate Governor Godwin Obaseki from
performing his role as the number one citizen of the state.

“We have watched with keen interest developments in the Senate and House of Assembly on the issue
playing out in the Edo State House of Assembly and we make bold to say that the threat to take over
the Assembly is uncalled for and provocative.

“When the House of Representatives made its decision last week asking the governor to issue a fresh
proclamation for the inauguration of the lawmakers, many senior lawyers faulted the move saying it is
unconstitutional as proclamation can only be done once.

“Rather than right the wrong made by the lower chamber, the Senate, under Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday
also upheld the illegality so as to be on the same page with their counterparts in the House of
Representatives.

“Since it has been established that it is unconstitutional for proclamation to be done more than once, we
expect the federal lawmakers to advise the aggrieved lawmakers-elect to present themselves for
swearing in instead of threatening the governor to do what is illegal.

“EPF is ready to mobilise over 10,000 Edo youths to the Assembly next week to prevent its invasion.
We hereby appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Oba of Benin, HRM Oba Ewuare II to
intervene before the already tensed situation gets out of hand.”

Speaking with our correspondent, Anselm Ojezua, the State chairman of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) urged restraint on the part of the federal lawmakers and the youths saying they should allow the
courts make pronouncement on the matter.
“No,I don’t want any war. Since the matter is in court, let all of us be patient and take direction from
the court.”

“But that is entirely up to the national assembly because they are entitled to their own decision and of
course, they will take responsibility for whatever it brings.”
https://www.independent.ng/showdown-looms-as-over-10000-youths-vow-to-resist-nass-takeover-of-
edo-assembly/

We’re Witnessing Govt Of The Greedy, By The Greedy And For

The Greedy – Melaye
Controversial Senator Dino Melaye and a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
in the November 16 Kogi State gubernatorial election
The senator claimed: “Kogi State is not witnessing democracy. What we are witnessing is the
government of the greedy, by the greedy and for the greedy; best put as ‘greedocracy’.
“But when I come on board as govern
or, I shall build a new Kogi State where ideas will revolutionize the state.
“My administration will banish hunger from the state. Kogi has no business to be poor. I shall look into
agriculture and technology to turn around the economic fortune of the state.”
Melaye believed he is the best amongst the aspirants in PDP even though as he claimed he had nobody
backing him.
“I have no father, uncle, in-law or godfathers to pilot my ambition. But I have the requisite
requirements to face the APC candidate in the election.
“I fear nobody. I only respect human beings. I have been arrested 18 times within the last three years
and I have 12 cases in court. But I’m still standing. I have what it takes to face and rescue the state
from Yahaya Bello,” he stated.

Boko Haram Killed 27,000 Civilians, 24 Aid Workers In 10

Years’
The United Nations has said Boko Haram insurgents killed 27,000 civilians and 24 humanitarian
workers in the North East in the last one decade.
The UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, who spoke yesterday at a photo exhibition
to mark the 10th anniversary of the crisis in Abuja, named Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states as the
worst hit by the uprising that was yet to abate.
He regretted that over 7.1 million Nigerians were in need of aid, just as about 130,000 people had been
displaced.
According to him, the only solution is collaboration to bridge the humanitarian, development, peace
and security nexus.
He called on government to compliment military intervention in the region with dialogue for an end to
the hostilities.
Head of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria, Edem Wosornu, lamented
the needless loss of lives, adding that the agency remained supportive of the Federal Government.
Governor Mai Mala Buni noted that the disaster had worsened the food security situation in Yobe State,
adding that his administration was working towards ameliorating poverty, joblessness and ignorance
that gave rise to the insurgency in the first place.
Besides, participants at an FCT forum yesterday declared that unbridled corruption and impunity were
fuelling insecurity in the country.
Comprising citizens, civil society leaders and other stakeholders, the forum expressed worry about the
escalating kidnappings, killings and other vices nationwide, stating: “Only ambitious and robust anti-
corruption fight can end insecurity in the country.”
They spoke at a town hall meeting organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project
(SERAP) in collaboration with UKAID.
In his presentation, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) said the most visible impact of corruption in
the Nigerian society today manifests in the security challenges facing the country.
Representative of the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences
Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Hassan Hafiz Mohammed, said official
oath of secrecy should not be a pretext.
According to the representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Samin
Amaddin, every citizen has a role to play in taming corruption.
Representative of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mrs. Hassan Ahmed, urged implementation of
the Administration of Criminal Justice Act by states to check graft.
SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, harped on good governance.
Source »»»»» https://www.google.com/amp/s/guardian.ng/news/boko-haram-killed-27000-civilians-
24-aid-workers-in-10-years/amp
cc sarrki gaskiyamagana yarimo deomelo olawalesmarter0 juliusmalema madridguy gandollar lzaa
afamed amatarasha nkemchukwudi ngeneukweunu adaibeku MANNABBQGRILLS
(Quote) (Report) 1 Like (Like) 1 Share (Share)
immhotep:
THE GUARDIAN, 1ST AUGUST 2019
‘Boko Haram killed 27,000 civilians, 24 aid workers in 10 years’ By Joke Falaju
(Abuja) and Joseph Onyekwere (Lagos)
______________________________________________________________

The United Nations has said Boko Haram insurgents killed 27,000 civilians and 24
humanitarian workers in the North East in the last one decade.

The UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, who spoke yesterday at a photo
exhibition to mark the 10th anniversary of the crisis in Abuja, named Borno, Yobe and
Adamawa states as the worst hit by the uprising that was yet to abate.

He regretted that over 7.1 million Nigerians were in need of aid, just as about 130,000
people had been displaced.

According to him, the only solution is collaboration to bridge the humanitarian,

development, peace and security nexus.

He called on government to compliment military intervention in the region with dialogue

for an end to the hostilities.

Head of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria, Edem

Wosornu, lamented the needless loss of lives, adding that the agency remained supportive
of the Federal Government.

Governor Mai Mala Buni noted that the disaster had worsened the food security situation in
Yobe State, adding that his administration was working towards ameliorating poverty,
joblessness and ignorance that gave rise to the insurgency in the first place.

Besides, participants at an FCT forum yesterday declared that unbridled corruption and
impunity were fuelling insecurity in the country.

Comprising citizens, civil society leaders and other stakeholders, the forum expressed
worry about the escalating kidnappings, killings and other vices nationwide, stating: “Only
ambitious and robust anti-corruption fight can end insecurity in the country.”

They spoke at a town hall meeting organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and
Accountability Project (SERAP) in collaboration with UKAID.

In his presentation, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) said the most visible impact of
corruption in the Nigerian society today manifests in the security challenges facing the
country.

Representative of the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related
Offences Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Hassan Hafiz
Mohammed, said official oath of secrecy should not be a pretext.

According to the representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC), Samin Amaddin, every citizen has a role to play in taming corruption.
 Representative of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mrs. Hassan Ahmed, urged
implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act by states to check graft.

SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, harped on good governance.

Edo Speaker Drags National Assembly To Court Over Plan To

Takeover Edo Assembly
Francis Okiye, speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has opened a legal suit at the Federal High
Court Abuja to stop the National Assembly from taking over the state assembly’s functions.

The state’s seventh assembly was inaugurated on controversial circumstances on June 17, when nine
out of 24 members-elect during elected Mr Okiye as the speaker around 9 p.m.

The National Assembly had given the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, one week to issue fresh
proclamation on the assembly or it would take over the assembly’s functions.

The House of Representatives had made a similar threat.

In an originating summon and a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed by the speaker and
the state assembly, the plaintiffs asked Justice Nkeonye Maha to restrain the National Assembly from
going ahead with its plans pending the hearing on the matter.

The suit was instituted on July 17 against the Clerk of the National Assembly (first defendant),
Mohammed Sani-Omolori; and the National Assembly (second defendant).

The matter, which was brought before Justice Maha on July 23, was adjourned until July 31 for hearing
since the parties were yet to be served.

Lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Ola Olanipekun, on Wednesday, told the court that after the defendants
had been properly served as ordered by the court, the Senate on July 30 still went ahead and passed a
resolution for the takeover of the assembly if the governor fails to comply with its resolution.

The judge adjourned the case until August 7 to enable the complainants respond to the counter affidavit
and written address filed by lawyers to the National Assembly.

Akeredolu Bags ICT Infrastructural Governor Of The Year

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has bagged the 2019 best ICT
Infrastructural governor of the year.
The award was in recognition of his relentless effort at transforming Ondo state into technology and
innovation destination choice of young entrepreneurs.
Presenting the Africa Digital Award at 2019 Nigeria Impact Chief Executive Officer Forum in Lagos,
the awardee, “ICT Watch Magazine” applauded the wisdom of Arakunrin Akeredolu in citing Akure
Tech-hub in the heart of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) with population of over
20,000 Science & Technology students.

According to ADA, the hub will not only expose the upcoming entrepreneurs to emerging technologies
but connect them with the rest of the world at no cost.

Another star digital project that earned the governor this award was the establishment of five ‘Digital
Village Projects’ (DVP) across the state to tackle the problem of high rate of youth unemployment.

This is in addition to the upgrading of all operations of the State Information Technology Agency
(SITA) to serve as infrastructural backbone for the State Integrated Financial Mgt Information System
(SIFMIS) to ensure accelerated govt businesses & transactions.

Receiving the award, Arakunrin Akeredolu said the theme for this year’s award “connecting the
unconnected” was in line with the vision of his administration to make internet services available &
affordable to the rural dwellers.

According to the Governor, internet facilities will no longer be seen as luxury as his administration has
just approved broadband internet services for the use of civil/public servants in the state to boost their
productivity.

Represented by the SSA to the governor on ICT Hon. Olumbe Akinkugbe who was accompanied by
some of his management team, the Governor explained that his administration is tackling the issue of
security challenges facing the state with ICT.

He therefore challenged youth to take full advantage of hubs available in the state to expand their
financial & economic frontiers.

Buratai Warns Soldiers “you Must Be Loyal To President

Buhari”
Lt. General Tukur Buratai, the Nigeria Chief of Army Staff,  has called on officers
and men of the Army, to be absolutely loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari in
the discharge of their duties.
He gave the charge in Abuja, while declaring open the fifth edition of a three-day procurement seminar
for commandants, bursars and administrative officers of command security schools, with the theme
‘Enhancing the Capacity of Personnel for Efficient Procurement and Financial Management in
Command Secondary Schools’.
Also Read:No to Islamization, take down Islamic and Arabic Signs-China orders
business owners
He urged officers to remain apolitical, take right actions and show commitment to work.
In his words, “We need to remain absolutely loyal to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is a non-negotiable part of
our profession.

Also Read:See how wicked lady recorded her boyfriend while he raped her friend
“Commanders at all levels must continue to provide requisite leadership and ensure that their personnel
are continually reminded of the need to be apolitical and continue to uphold the tenets of military
professionalism,”

Punch Cartoon: Buhari's Treatment Of Boko Haram And

Herdsmen In Contrast To IMN

Ihedioha Is The Greatest Corruption Fighter Nigeria Has

Produced Since 1960
For the first time since 1960 Nigeria has produced a leader that has fought corruption holistically and
recovered all the looted properties from his predecessor Rochas Okorocha one of the greatest looters
Nigeria has produced. In the fantastically corrupt capital of the world it is customary for 99% of
politicians in PDP,APC and APGA to loot the country blind and go scot free.

This is the same fight we expected from Buhari who scammed Nigerians he was coming to fight
corruption. Imagine if this fight against corruption was replicated at both state and federal levels,
the Nigeria of our dreams will be close to reality

Here are the following multi billion naira properties he has recovered from Rochas Okorocha:
Akachi Estate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3HDU6WqHBk
Eastern Palm University

60 Vehicles and process of recovering 1 Aircraft

East High Academy
East High College
Royal Spring Palm Hotel and Apartment

What Nigeria Should Learn From Tinubu – Osinbajo

The Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has said Nigeria’s diversity ought to be seen as a blessing
because “the true wealth of any nation is its human capital.”
He said having discovered that diversity was a driver of economic growth and development, countries
like the United States of America and Canada had opened their doors to talented immigrants from
different parts of the world.
Osibanjo said it was also this understanding that made a former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu,
to look beyond Lagos State while constituting his cabinet in 1999.
He said this decision by Tinubu was instrumental in the economic prosperity of Lagos State since then.
Osinbajo said this in a lecture titled, “Promoting national cohesion as a means of promoting progress
and prosperity,” which he delivered on Tuesday as part of events marking the 70th anniversary of the
Lagos Country Club.
Using Tinubu’s case as an example, Osinbajo argued that Nigeria had a lot to benefit from its plurality
and urged the citizens to reject the notion that the country’s diversity was its problem.
He said, “It is clear that when we create spaces for migratory talents to flourish without discrimination,
there is an economic multiplier that results in an ever-increasing radius of growth.
“Perhaps there is a little more to the prosperity of Lagos. If you look for example, even in
contemporary times, the conscious decision of Bola Tinubu, then governor of Lagos State, to appoint
commissioners from everywhere in Nigeria, in my view, is partly responsible for the peerless progress
that Lagos State has made over the years from 1999.
“In 1999, he appointed Mr Wale Edun from Ogun State as Commissioner for Finance; Rauf Aregbesola
from Osun State as Commissioner for Works; Fola Arthur- Worrey from Delta State as Commissioner
for Lands; Ben Akhabueze from Anambra State as Commissioner for Budget and Planning; Lai
Mohammed, who was then Chief of Staff, from Kwara State; and I, from Ogun State, as Attorney
General and Commissioner for Justice.
“Of course, he was opposed by Lagos indigenes, who felt that by virtue of indigeneship, they were
qualified to be commissioners and should be appointed and the argument is always valid that ‘why
should anybody come from their own state and be commissioner in our own state?’
READ ALSO: Rescued Daura monarch returns home three months after
“But during that period because the then governor sought for the best talents that he could find, he
didn’t restrict the search to the indigenes of Lagos State, Lagos undertook fiscal, judicial and
environmental reforms that have made the state a model for the rest of the country.
“If you look at what has happened, even just looking at fiscal reform alone, today, Lagos State’s IGR is
greater than the combined total of 31 states of Nigeria.
“How did that happen? A fiscal reform took place because Tinubu took the best minds that he could
find. If that best mind was in Anambra State, Tinubu took it.”

Pope Francis delaying my retirement, says

Onaiyekan
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has said that he was ready to retire,
noting that he is being held back by Pope Francis.
Onaiyekan disclosed that he was waiting for the pontiff to reply his retirement letter, which has been
with him for months.
He stated this in Abuja on Thursday during the presentation of a book in his honour titled, ‘Thy will be
done: A portrait of John Cardinal Onaiyekan,’ written by Fr. Emmanuel Ojeyifo, to commemorate the
50th anniversary of the Archbishop’s ordination.
SEE ALSO: Nigerians should see Brexit as an opportunity –UK
The Cardinal said Nigeria cannot move forward without peace, noting that Christians must always
work for peace.
He stated, “My birthday marks the end of my position as the Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese and I
made it clear to everybody at that time that I was ready for retirement and I am still ready.
“My letter is on the table of Pope Francis and I am waiting for his reply.
“If he does not reply me quickly enough, I am going to remind him. I will send him a reminder that his
Cardinal in Abuja is still waiting.
“I know that he knows what to do and how to do it.”
Onaiyekan, 75, said he enjoyed a good working relationship with his successor, Archbishop Ignatius
Kaigama, who is now Co-Adjuctor Archbishop of Abuja diocese.
A former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, and Minister-designate, Paulen Tallen, described
Onaiyekan as an intelligent and selfless man of God, advising Nigerians to submit themselves to God
and allow his will in their lives.

Nigerians should see Brexit as an opportunity –

UK
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo received UK Secretary of State for International Development, Hon.
Alok Sharma; High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing; Head of DFID Nigeria, Debbie Palmer
on Thursday. Twitter image
The British Government has advised Nigerians to see Brexit as an opportunity of opening its
relationship with the rest of the world through the exiting the EU.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Gill Atkinson, gave the advice when she paid a
courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Idris Wase, in Abuja on
Thursday.
Brexit, an abbreviation for British Exiting, refers to the UK’s decision to leave the EU following a
referendum held on June 23, 2016, with 51.9 per cent of its citizens voting in support of leaving the
EU.
The UK government invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on EU, starting a two-year process which was
due to conclude with the UK’s exit on March 29, but has since been extended to October 31.
“If I were Nigerians, I would see Brexit as an opportunity for Nigerians.
“This is something where our Prime Minister and our Foreign Secretary are very clear that they want
their relationships with the world open up and no longer just focused on Europe.
“So, if I were a Nigerian businessman or an artist, I would be seeing this as an opportunity,” Atkinson
said.
She said that she was visiting the Deputy Speaker to discuss on ways to build relationships between the
parliaments of both countries to promote “parliamentary democracy.”
“We have talked about the relationship between our parliaments, the Deputy Speaker’s role and the
Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association and how we can develop relationship between our two
parliaments.
“It is through parliamentary democracy that countries develop stability, prosperity and human rights, so
making sure our parliamentarians have the opportunity to share their experiences and understanding
will help us all to move forward.”
The deputy high commissioner also condoled with Nigeria on the Boko Haram attack that reportedly
claimed at least 65 lives and injured 10 other at a funeral in Borno, according to authorities on July 28.
Earlier, the deputy speaker said that the Nigeria was committed to sustaining its relationship with the
UK for the good and benefit of the citizens.
He also expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued positive response to Nigeria’s quest for improved
security of lives and property in the country.
Wase also urged the UK government to sustain its efforts toward improving Nigeria’s security and
called for more collaboration between both countries.
“By the grace of God, we will work together for the progress of our people and our country; I want to
assure you of that.
“I believe we can do more as a country; I want to appeal on behalf of our country for you to issue a
stern gesture toward our internal security,” he said.

EFCC arraigns naval officer, others for illegal

oil deal
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned a naval officer, Lieutenant
Commander Bola Labinjo, and four others for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without lawful
authority.
Labinjo and her co-defendants were arraigned on two counts before Justice Chuka Obiozor at the
Federal High Court in Lagos.
The other defendants are Jonathan Abaka, alias Joe Boy; Charles Agaba, Benjamin Gageche and
Hamza Yakubu.
Also joined as a defendant was a vessel, M.T. Adeline Jumbo.
The EFCC told the court that the defendants conspired among themselves between August and October
2018 to deal in Automobile Gas Oil (diesel), without the appropriate licence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant committed the offence “within the Nigerian maritime domain
and the Gulf of Guinea.”
The prosecution said they acted contrary to sections 3(6) and 1((19)(a)(b) of the Miscellaneous
Offences Act Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2004, and were liable to
be punished under Section 1(17) of the same Act.
READ ALSO: FAAN official allegedly steals pilgrim’s BTA
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty.
Justice Obiozor admitted each of them to bail in the sum of N10m with one surety in like sum.
The judge said the surety must own a landed property in Lagos and must show evidence of three years
tax clearance.
The matter was adjourned till August 8, 2019.
China will be hit with fresh $300bn tariff —
Trump
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he will hit China with punitive tariffs on another $300bn
in goods, escalating the trade war after accusing Beijing of reneging on more promises.
The 10 percent duties will take effect September 1, and come on top of the 25 per cent tariffs on
$250bn in imports — meaning Trump now has targeted virtually all of the $500 billion in goods
America buys from China every year.
Trump said on Twitter that Beijing had agreed “to buy agricultural product from the US in large
quantities but did not do so.”
“Additionally, my friend President Xi said that he would stop the sale of fentanyl to the United States
— this never happened, and many Americans continue to die!” Trump said, referring to the highly
potent and addictive opioid.
After resuming face-to-face talks in Shanghai this week, trade negotiators were set reconvene in
Washington in early September for another round of discussions, just after the new tariffs are put in
place.
Wall Street dove into the red following Trump’s announcement, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average
down 0.6 percent toward 1800 GMT.
Even so, Trump seemed upbeat: “We look forward to continuing our positive dialogue with China on a
comprehensive Trade Deal, and feel that the future between our two countries will be a very bright
one!”
US-China trade talks this year have alternated between progress and disaster, appearing to collapse in
May only to be revived two months later after a meeting in Japan between Trump and Xi Jinping, his
Chinese counterpart.
American officials accused Beijing of reneging on core commitments they had previously made during
the talks.
Economists say the trade war has increasingly undermined the global manufacturing sector and sapped
business sentiment, threatening the global economy at a time when it is already on the wane.

Food self-sufficiency, focus of my administration

—Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said that the policy of his administration would be focused
on how to make Nigeria agriculturally self-sufficient.
Via his verified Twitter handle, Buhari pointed out that the country’s population makes it imperative
that Nigeria stops depending on food importation.
He said, “A country with a population of close to 200 million has to be able to feed itself. We cannot
rely on importing food. This is why one of our priorities as a government is growing the food we eat.
Our policies will continue to be focused on agricultural self-sufficiency.”

Falz flays Senator Abbo’s ‘Icon of Democracy’

award
Senator Elisha Abbo; Falz

Rapper, Folarin Falana, popularly called Falz, has slammed the ‘Icon of Democracy’ award
recently bestowed on Senator Elisha Abbo.
Senator Abbo had assaulted a nursing mother at a sex toy shop in Abuja earlier in the year, and he is
currently standing trial for the assault.
The Senate had also constituted a panel to examine the issue.
Taking to his verified Instagram handle on Wednesday, Falz shared a video of the senator, where he
was receiving the award and asked, “What kind of a joke is this man ?! 😳
“This is the Senator that was caught on tape assaulting a woman in an adult store.
‍“Icon of democracy award? ♂️
‍ Shamelessness at the highest level.
“It’s actually disgusting. He should be holding a plaque that says “Biggest disgrace of the year.”
READ ALSO: Buhari’s 1961 class photograph divides aide’s Twitter followers
He went on to ask for updates from the Police and the Senate committee on the case and proposed
sanctions respectively.
Falz asked, “To the Nigerian Police, I thought this man had been charged to court, what is the status of
the case?
“To the National Assembly, What disciplinary action was taken against him?
“We need answers!!! This man cannot remain in the Senate!! #EndImpunity.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0k0JXoh9lq/?utm_source=ig_embed

Revolution message: Amnesty Nigeria is on

watch list —Official
The Presidency has placed a rights group, Amnesty International Nigeria, under security watch, The
PUNCH learnt on Thursday.
The organisation is being watched to determine its interest in a nationwide “revolution” protest being
planned for August 5 and being promoted through the hashtag #RevolutionNow.
 A competent government source disclosed this to our Correspondent on the condition of anonymity.
The official said the government was surprised that the organisation reproduced a message posted on
the social media by the organisers of the protest.
He said the decision to put the organisation on watch list was based on its past “anti-government
posture.”
The government official said, “There is a hashtag calling for revolution.
“A revolution means to overthrow Nigeria’s Constitution.
“Those behind the move have sent out messages that they will start the revolution on August 5 all over
this country.
“Amnesty International Nigeria office retweeted that message. The issue is not with the organisers
really.
“But it is surprising that Amnesty International Nigeria retweeted a message calling for a revolution
and overthrowing of the nation’s Constitution. The government of Nigeria found this very shocking.
“Of course, the government has been having sleepless nights over consistent reports by Amnesty,
which have been projecting the government in bad light.
“However, for the organisation to get involved in national politics and retweet such a message is
alarming.
“When a Presidency official asked them whether their Twitter handle was hacked, they deleted the
tweet after a few hours.
“The Presidency is watching Amnesty Nigeria because of this.”
The message, #RevolutionNow, has been trending online.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, could not be
reached on the telephone for comment as of the time of filing this report.

Insecurity: Rebuild Nigeria’s reputation, NIPR

tells FG
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has urged the Federal Government to urgently start a process
of rebuilding the reputation of the country to attract foreign investments.
President of NIPR, Malam Mukhtar Sirajo, made the call in Abuja at the monthly meeting of the
Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the NIPR.
Sirajo who used the occasion to launch the official bus of the FCT chapter noted that kidnapping,
banditry, terrorism and general insecurity had already affected the country’s image at the global level.
He, therefore, called for a reputation summit to discuss the situation.
READ ALSO: Buhari’s 1961 class photograph divides aide’s Twitter followers
“What the national body is thinking of doing at the moment is to organise a reputation summit for the
country.
“Where Nigerians of all hues, all shades will gather, talk to one another in a very honest but respectful
manner, ask the necessary questions to know where we missed it.
“From this, we can begin to retrace our steps and go back to that Nigeria we used to know, with a view
to making things better for ourselves,” he said.
According to Sirajo, the country needs to discard every divisive tendencies and element at this trying
moment, and focus on the unifying factors, if it must remain as one.
“As I am talking to you right now, we are worried about the reputation of this country.
“We need to tell ourselves the truth that we need to do something about our own reputation and where
do we start from, from telling ourselves the home truth.
“How do we get back to that cohesive Nigeria that we used to have in which we all believe that we are
one; we did not care what religion we professed, what tribal or ethnic groups we belonged to.
“There was a time this was the main thing in the country, but today you hear this crisis here, that crisis
there; this stereotype here, that stereotype there; it does not do any good for our reputation.
“When a country does not have a good reputation, even investors are afraid to come there, because
according to capitalists, capital is a coward, it does not go where there is no security.
“We need to work on our reputation, so that capital will not continue to flee from us.
“We should rather have a reputation that would be pulling capital into our country,” Sirajo said.

Ayo Oluwaniyi, Stolen N400m: Army Detains Fleeing Soldier’s

Wife, Children
The family of Ayo Oluwaniyi , the wife of one of the soldiers , who allegedly stole N 400m they were
escorting , has lamented the arrest and detention of the woman and her three children by the Nigerian
Army in Ondo State .

It was gathered that 37 -year -old Ayo and her children were arrested after her husband , Gabriel, was
identified as one of the five soldiers alleged to have stolen the money they were escorting from Sokoto
to Kaduna.

A family member , who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said Ayo and her
children were being detained at the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Barracks , Akure.

She stated that they had been denied access to family members , adding that the family was worried
about Ayo and her children’ s state of health .
The PUNCH had reported that five soldiers were confirmed to have stolen the money while on escort
duty from Sokoto to Kaduna in the first week of July .

The former General Officer Commanding, 8 Division , Nigerian Army , Sokoto, Maj . Gen . Hakeem
Otiki , had reportedly asked the soldiers to escort the money and deliver it to a Very Important Person
in Kaduna.

The 8 Division spokesperson , Lieutenant Audu Arigu, had confirmed the incident , saying
investigation had commenced and identified the runaway soldiers as Corporal Gabriel Oluwaniyi ,
Corporal Mohammed Aminu and Lance Corporals Haruna , Oluji Joshua and Hayatudeen Abubakar.

Army sources stated that the runaway soldiers turned in their rifles and abandoned their mobile phones
at the Infantry Corps in Jaji , Kaduna State , before they escaped.

One of the sources said , “ Investigations so far showed that this was not the first time that the escort
soldiers had conveyed such a huge amount of money for the officer . The soldiers all left their mobile
phones in the vehicle , which has made tracking them difficult. ”

The Oluwaniyi family source stated , “ Ayo ’s husband is a soldier and he was deployed in Sokoto State
. We learnt that that was not the first time they were escorting money on the instructions of their boss ,
so they decided to abscond with the money .

“ We learnt that they dropped their uniforms , guns and phones. It was through Ayo husband ’s phone
that they got her number . They probably sent the information to the division here in Ondo and that was
how she was arrested . We learnt that the wife of the other four soldiers had escaped.

“ It ’s been two weeks since Ayo and her children have been in detention . They won ’ t allow us to see
them and they did not allow them to change clothes ; they just kept on telling us that she was not being
maltreated . We are worried; one of her children is just about a year old .

“ They said the victims were being detained because they could not find her husband and probably she
was in touch with him. She said she had not seen or heard from her husband , but they said maybe he
would come out if Ayo and her children were held . We cannot speak with her; it is one of the soldiers
guarding her that we speak to. ”

When the Brigade ’s Assistant Director , Army Public Relations , Captain Victor Olukoya , was
contacted, he said he was not at the base, adding that he would get back to our correspondent when he
returned.

“ I am not on the ground at the moment , I am attending a course . Anything you want to say , wait till I
come back ; I will let you know when I come back ,” Olukoya stated .
Buhari Closes Case, Tribunal Fixes Aug 21 For Final Arguments
The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on Thursday fixed August 21 for final arguments in the
petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

This followed the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, the
last two respondents to the petition, to close their case on Thursday.

The petitioners are by their petition challenging the victory of Buhari and the APC at the February 23,
2019, presidential poll.

The other respondent, the Independent National Electoral Commission, had earlier closed its case
without calling any witness.

Buhari’s legal team which called seven witnesses between Tuesday and Wednesday closed its case
without calling an additional witness on Thursday.

The APC’s team also said on Thursday that it would not call any witness.

The five-man tribunal led by Justice Mohammed Garba subsequently gave the three respondents to file
and serve on the petitioners their final written addresses within three days starting from Monday
(August 5).

The tribunal gave the petitioners seven days from the time they are served to file and serve on the
respondents their final written addresses.

It gave the respondents two days to, if necessary, file their final addresses in reply to the petitioners’
addresses.

Justice Mohammed announced that the closing of final addresses would close on August 16.

He then fixed August 21 for the adoption of the final addresses by the lawyers representing the parties
in the case.
How Imo Rep Member Henry Nwawuba Used N10 Million To
Dig Toilet And Borehole

Secret Reporters
Honourable Henry Nwawuba, representing Mbaitolu/Ikeduru federal constituency of Imo State at the
Green chamber has proven that his ingenuity and political sagacity is just for swindling of funds and
personal enrichment as opposed to serving his people by providing the infrastructural and basic
amenities needed for his constituency.
Information on our News desk sourced from a community of active citizens tracking the
implementation of government projects popularly known as Tracka has it that the Honorable Member
during the 8th assembly, in 2018 nominated the sum of N10Million for the Construction of a VIP Toilet
with Borehole in Orie Mbieri. The project which was awarded to Jeflon Engineering Company
Limited; a company with no details on the Corporate Affairs Commission’s website presumably as it
was used as a duct to siphon funds with the Imo River Basin Development Agency, Anambra, assigned
as the supervising agency was surprisingly marked as completed.
However, sources who visited the supposed completed project squealed to SecretReporters that there
was no trace of a toilet let alone of a VIP toilet in the area except for a shabbily constructed solar-
powered borehole done with what can only be described as sub-standard materials.
A knowledgable sources in the building and sales of toilet and borehole facilities also revealed that the
estimated cost of installing a tank, solar panel and fittings, metal scaffold, tap heads, toilet pipe, and
tiles finish purchases cannot be more than about N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) while the drilling
cost for a heavy duty borehole was estimated to be between N120,000 to N650,000 in the area.
Residents in the community in expressing their disappointment at the daylight robbery carried out by
Henry Nwawuba stated that despite the fact that the lawmaker boasts of numerous achievements in
years of representing his constituents, most towns in the area still suffer greatly from lack of potable
water, poor road networks which can undoubtedly be described as the worst in the country especially
since the rains started.
With the recent appointment of the Honourable Member as the Deputy Chairman on Niger Delta
Affairs in the 9th assembly, critics believe that there will be no significant development in the area as
the lawmaker is a misfit having no business in governance.

Nigeria Records $15bn Investments In The First Half Of 2019

In furtherance to its mandate, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) presents the
report on investment announcements for the first half of 2019.

In the period, US$15.15 billion of announcements were tracked through the NIPC Intelligence
Newsletters, which are issued 6 days a week.

The report showed that a total of 43 projects across 12 states and Federal Capital Territory were
announced from investors in 20 countries. Comparatively, the announcements made in the first half of
2019 were 67% less in value than the announcements in the same period of 2018. This was probably
due to many investors waiting for the conclusion of national elections and handover in the first half of
2019.

The major announcements were from Royal Dutch Shell Plc with US$10 billion in crude exploration,
Moroccan OCP Group’s plan to build a US$1.5 billion ammonia plant in 3 states and the joint venture
contract between Malaysian partners and Nigerian oil company, First Exploration & Petroleum
Development Company Ltd worth $901.79 million for the exploration of crude oil at the Anyala and
Madu oil fields.

Announcements from the Netherlands accounted for 66% by value, followed by Morocco at 14%, and
Nigeria at 9%. The report also showed that mining & quarrying sector accounted for 81%, the
manufacturing sector was 14%, and finance & insurance was 2%.

The major destination was the Niger-Delta region with 77%, followed by Ondo State at 7%, and Lagos
State at 4% of the value announced.

NIPC’s Intelligence Newsletter publishes Nigerian investment-related news culled, from various
sources. The Report is based only on investment announcements cited in NIPC’s Newsletters from
January to June 2019; it may not contain exhaustive information on all investment announcements in
Nigeria during the period.

Nevertheless, the Report gives a sense of investors’ interest in the Nigerian economy. NIPC did not
independently verify the authenticity of the investment announcements but is working on tracking the
announcements as they progress to actual investments.

Oyetola To Build 120-bed Wards As Specialist Hospital Gets

Facelift
OSUN State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the expansion of the state’s specialist
hospital in Osogbo with the construction of 120-bed wards and a 30-flat doctors’ quarters.

The move is seen as another boost to healthcare services.

According to the Supervisor for Works, Mr. Remi Omowaye, the governor will perform the turning of
sod of the project this month.

The project is part of the ongoing revitalisation of the state’s Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro, Osogbo,
the state capital.

Omowaye spoke during an inspection tour of the ongoing face-lift of the hospital on Tuesday.

With him during the inspection were members of the state’s Health Revitalisation Committee, Dr.
Simeon Adeyemi Afolayan and Dr. Rafiu Isamotu.

Afolayan said: “This project started barely a week ago, and now people can testify to the infrastructural
development this place has witnessed.

“As it is, work is ongoing at the laboratory section, accident and emergency unit, central blood bank
unit, trauma centre, children ward, theatre section among others.

“This is a demonstration of extreme commitment to the welfare and well-being of the citizens by the
Osun State government.

“We are grateful to the government because when these projects are completed, they will go a long way
to support the health needs of the people, particularly those that cannot afford to go to private hospitals
for medical care.”
Omowaye reiterated Oyetola administration’s resolve to ensure that all citizens have access to quality
healthcare facilities in the state.

He said health sector revitalisation had been designed to cater to the needs of every section in the health
sector, adding that both infrastructure and personnel welfare will be affected.

He said: “This place is one of the hospitals visited by the governor a few weeks ago and as a matter of
fact, this hospital has witnessed a significant transformation and total turnaround.

“In addition to the ongoing reconstruction of the hospitals across the state, we are expecting Mr.
Governor to by next week flag-off the construction of 120-bed wards and 30-bedroom doctors flats in
this hospital.

“We are currently working on the Ejigbo hospital which is 80 per cent completed as well as the Ifetedo
hospital. This is in addition to the revitalisation of 332 Primary Healthcare Centres out of which more
than 100 will be ready by this month.”

Buhari Govt Working Towards Nigeria’s Break Up – Afenifere

Replies Osinbajo
The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led
Federal Government of “doing all kinds of things that can divide the country”.

Afenifere said this in response to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s call on those seeking the dissolution
of Nigeria to look at the case of Sudan which broke up yet the problems still lingered.

In a statement signed and issued yesterday by its spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said the
federal government’s action can “make the breakup inevitable”.

According to Odumakin: “The president said yesterday that Abiola would have solved ethnic and
religious problems in Nigeria, why are they not solving it. Why are they doing all kinds of things that
can divide the country?.

“So if a break-up is not the solution but all the actions they are taking make the break-up inevitable.
The Fulani people are doing so many things in the country, they are not doing anything against them.
You are doing many things that can break up the country and yet you are saying break-up is not the
solution.

“What kind of sermon are they preaching? If they are declaring Shites group as terrorists, what act of
terrorism have they done, whereas those who are perpetrating terror in Nigeria you are giving them
money.
“The Afenifere has never set out to ask for the break up of Nigeria, as a matter of fact, we don’t like it.
It is those who are pursuing the policy of not making Nigerians good neighbors to themselves, those
who regard some Nigerians as masters and some as slaves, those who discriminate and pursuing policy
of discrimination, those who don’t provide employment for the millions of able-bodied Nigerians, even
though, there are opportunities to do so, that could break up the country

“Some Nigerians who have the opportunity to utilise the resource to develop Nigeria and fail to do so.
It is these people directly or indirectly, who are breaking this country up.”

North-east Humanitarian Crisis Not Over, Says UN

The United Nations has marked 10 years of the Boko Haram insurgency and humanitarian crisis in the
North-East of Nigeria, saying the crisis is far from over.
The UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, stated this in Abuja on
Wednesday, noting that the insurgents’ attack on Nganzai in Borno State last week where “more than
50 innocent civilians lost their lives” was a reminder that the conflict was still raging.

This is just as the Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Mala Buni, stated at the gathering that more than seven
million residents of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa were still in need of humanitarian assistance.
Kallon said, “Ten years ago, clashes at the Maiduguri’s central mosque claimed the lives of about 700
people. This incident was a precursor to what has now become a regionalised armed conflict with non-
state armed groups and one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world.

“We are gathered together in grave concern for the hundreds of thousands of people who are still
trapped in areas we cannot reach to provide them urgent lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than
five million people last year had food on their plates, thanks to our combined efforts.

“Nearly two million Nigerians, who are internally displaced, have found refuge in camps managed
together by humanitarians and state agencies. This year alone, more than one million children received
measles vaccinations.

“In February 2019, we built an entirely new camp in Maiduguri for the tens of thousands who fled
insecurity in northern Borno State.”

Buni noted that the government would do more than humanitarian assistance and ensure the
“recreation, reconstruction and resettlements of people.”

He said, “In the years since it began, the Boko Haram has become the worst humanitarian crisis in our
lifetime. Yobe State is only second to Borno in terms of devastation and disruption by the terrorists.”

There are now more than seven million people in the three affected states that are still in need of dire
humanitarian assistance.
“Prior to the crisis, the North-East was the lowest in development in relation to the rest of the country
particularly in education and infrastructure. Many believe that poverty, joblessness and ignorance are
some of the factors that have aided the insurgency.”

Bello’s Gunmen After My Life, Family, Aides – Kogi Dep. Gov

Breaking: Bello’s gunmen after my life, family, aides – Kogi Dep. Gov

Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba on Thursday has alledged that the governor of
the state has sent gunmen after his life.

Simon Achuba Acbuba called on the inspector general of Police, SSS, Army and other security
personnel to safeguard his life, family members and his aides.

Achuba, who spoke with newsmen at his official residence in Lokoja said, “From all information at my
disposal, the governor has mobilized gunmen to attack me.

“I want the police, SSS, IGP to know that if anything should happen to me, my family and aides, the
governor should be held responsible” The deputy governor likewise called on the president to beam his
searchlight on the state. …details shortly.

Lauretta Onochie Tells Amnesty International To Investigate

Nigeria Office
Lauretta Onochie, social media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, has urged human rights
organisation, Amnesty International, to investigate its subsidiary in Nigeria.

In a tweet on Thursday, Mrs Onochie alleged that Amnesty International Nigeria have the same agenda
with separatist group, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

She referred to a tweet by Amnesty International Nigeria which called for revolution, “a movement of
Nigerian youths committed to fighting for freedom and just in exercise of right to freedom of
expression and freedom of association.”

On the call, Onochie said: “Amnesty International @amnesty need to investigate the relationship
between IPOB, a proscribed terrorist organisation and Amnesty Nigeria @AmnestyNigeria.

“Its time for them to review the activities of those who claim to represent them in Nigeria. They have
similar agenda as IPOB.”

The RevolutionNow movement is being convened by former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The movement declared August 5 for the commencement of the revolution protest tagged ‘Days of
Rage’ across the country to demand a better Nigeria.

Atiku Reacts Over 'killing & Secret Burial Of 1000 Nigerian

Soldiers'
The Presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 general election, Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the alleged killing and secret burial of 1000 Nigerian soldiers by Boko
Haram terrorists, Igbere TV reports.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV, Atiku said he read the report by the Wall Street Journal that
over a thousand Nigerian soldiers have been secretly buried at night by the General Muhammadu
Buhari led administration, in order to hide the true state of the war on terror, with a sense of heartbreak
and shock.

Atiku further said that men and women of our armed forces are our first, second and last defence
against our domestic and foreign enemies and should be treated with love, respect, dignity and
appreciation for the invaluable service they render to Nigeria.

The statement reads in full,

"On The Secret Burial of 1000 Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram/ISWAP: Nigerians Are Entitled to
Know The Truth."

"I read the report by the Wall Street Journal that over a thousand Nigerian soldiers have been secretly
buried at night by the General Muhammadu Buhari led administration, in order to hide the true state of
the war on terror, with a sense of heartbreak and shock."

"Heartbreak for the families and friends of those soldiers who, if the report is true, have lost their loved
ones, without being allowed to bury them or even to have any sense of closure as regards their fate."

"Shock, that such a thing could happen under a democracy, such as Nigeria is supposed to be. I shudder
to think that the cover-up of such an event of epic proportions can be true."

"The men and women of our armed forces are our first, second and last defence against our domestic
and foreign enemies and should be treated with love, respect, dignity and appreciation for the
invaluable service they render to Nigeria."

"I cannot fathom that in the space of a year, 1000 of these great patriots were killed and buried secretly
without their families being told. I hesitate to believe that deceit on such a grand scale is even
possible."

"To ensure that we get to the bottom of this matter, I urge that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed
by a non-partisan and reputable jurist, be inaugurated to investigate the findings of the Wall Street
Journal. While this is occurring, I also strongly urge that a panel of inquiry comprising distinguished
former military officers be set up to investigate and report to Nigerians the true state of the war on
terror and what must be done to ensure Nigeria brings a speedy end to the ongoing insurgency."

"Nigeria must ensure prudent use of finances, so we can redistribute national resources in such a way
that ensures that our military and security forces are well armed and well remunerated."

"Even the death of one soldier affects me. But the alleged cover-up of the deaths of one thousand
soldiers is a national emergency that should shock all statesmen and leaders of thoughts into action to
save Nigeria."

Source :http://igberetvnews.com/864971/atiku-reacts-over-killing-secret-burial-of-1000-nigerian-
soldiers/

If You Disturb Me, I Will Disclose How We Rigged Kano

Election-abdulmumin Jibrin
It has been reported that the APC had suspended house of representative member representing Kiru and
Bebeji From Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

The suspension was said to be because the party alleges that Jibrin was involved in anti-party activities.

And is going to last for 1 year.

While responding the APC, Jibrin said he is going to open the can of worms on how they rigged Kano
Election if the party dare him.

"I will tell the whole world what happens in Kano, if you continue to disturb me I will disclose how we
rigged Kano election" legit.ng reported Abdulmumin Jibri as saying.

“Ihedioha Bent On Destroying My Landmark Projects” –

Okorocha
Immediate past governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has said that his successor, Emeka Ihedioha,
is bent on destroying his landmark projects.

Okorocha said this on Thursday in reaction to the conversion of his Eastern Palm University to a
campus of the Imo State University (IMSU) by the state government.
Senator Okorocha insisted that the action further exposes the sinister plot against him and his family by
Ihedioha.

Part of a statement by Okorocha’s media adviser, Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “Prof. Njoku’s action only
showed the speed and zeal with which the government of the day wants to destroy all the landmark
projects of the APC government in the State which Senator Okorocha had headed.”

The statement said Okorocha had always insisted that the Eastern Palm University was a Public-
Private-Partnership (PPP) venture.

“The government would have looked at the ideas or vision behind the building of the institutions and
their advantages both short-term, and long-term and then take things easy with them, in lieu of being
hasty in Scrapping them.

“Obviously, the governor was looking at the man behind the Institutions, Okorocha, instead of looking
at their in-built merits both now and in the nearest future.

“We want to let Governor Ihedioha know that Okorocha had done eight years as governor and cannot
be governor again. He should stop acting as if he is in contest with the former governor,” the statement
said.

No Going Back On Fight Against Corruption – FG

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment towards the fight against corruption, saying
there is no going back on the war against corruption in the country.

Prof. Sadiq Isah-Radda, the Executive Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption,
said this at a One-Day Forum on Anti-corruption held in Kano on Thursday.

“As far as the Federal Government is concern, there is no going back on the fight against corruption,’’
he declared.

The presidential aide said even though the government was facing some challenges, but that would not
discourage it from tackling the menace.

“Even though there are challenges or problems but we will continue with the fight because nobody will
come from heaven to do it for us.

“The most disturbing issue is ‘illicit financial flows’ where billions and billions are being taken out of
the country by crooks.

“Corruption has been as old as the country so much so that it is becoming a way of life. Before now
those who refused to loot were seen as fools.

“When things become worst, the fight against corruption becomes a campaign issue in 2015,’’ Isah-
Radda said.

He therefore called on Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious inclinations, to support
President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him eliminate corruption in the country for the betterment of
the country.

Isah-Radda said Nigerians have a duty to contribute their quota toward the development of the country,
adding that the federal government cannot do it alone.

He also urged governors to support the federal government in its determined effort to curb corruption in
the country, stressing that there is no way the country could progress if we don’t tackle corruption.

He assured that the federal government would continue to support similar effort of the Human
Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), the organisers of the forum, in order to achieve the
desired objective.

He noted that the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption had done a lot and urged all
stakeholders to support the crusade for a better Nigeria.

NAN reports that the forum, which was the first of its kind at the state level, has its theme as: Anti-
corruption Situation Room, The Imperative of State Anti-corruption Agency: Kano State as Case Study.

NAN also reports that the workshop was organised as part of effort to boost the vigour and
strengthening of the war against corruption by building synergies between anti-corruption focused
CSOs, labour movements and the media, among others.

Rasaq Momonu: Court Orders Forfeiture Of 150m Plaza Owned

By Kwara Civil Servant
A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, on Thursday, ordered the final forfeiture of a plaza valued at
N150 million belonging to a civil servant in Kwara State, Rasaq Momonu to the Federal Government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Office had approached
the Court to give an order of final forfeiture of Asmau Plaza situated in University Road, Tanke
Area of Ilorin after a reasonable suspicion that the said property was acquired with proceeds of
unlawful activity.

Delivering the Judgment in the case of Thursday, Justice Sikiru Oyinloye held that the EFCC had
fulfilled all the requirements of the law in the suit and thereby ordered that the said property should be
forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“I have gone through the application brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, I
also sighted the hearing notice issued to the respondent in the suit, Rasaq Momonu. This Honourable
Court is persuaded that he had been served with the Court Processes.

The application brought by the EFCC is meritorious and granted. This Honourable Court hereby order
the final forfeiture of the Landed property known as Asmau Plaza, Tanke Road, Ilorin, Kwara State to
the Federal Government of Nigeria”

In the affidavit deposed to by Musa Gidado, an investigating officer with the EFCC, he urged the judge
to order the final forfeiture of the Plaza which is suspected to be a proceed of unlawful activity.

“Investigations revealed that Rasaq Momonu used his influence as an Accountant with Kwara
State Government to inflate and award contracts for the construction of two classrooms at
Ogbondoroko and Obanisuwa Community In Kwara State.

“Investigations further revealed that the respondent who is a Civil Servant that earns less than
N100,000 in a month cannot afford to build the house known as Asmau Plaza between 2010
-2012m.

“That I know as a fact that the respondent was confronted with the above findings by the applicant
which he did not dispute and has agreed to forfeit the property known as Asmau Plaza to the Federal
Government of Nigeria”, he said.

Moving the application for final forfeiture on Thursday, Counsel to the Applicant, Nnaemeka Omewa,
urged the court to grant the order based on the provisions of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and
other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

“My Lord, We have a motion on notice dated 19th July 2019 and filed on the same day, the motion is
brought pursuant to section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other fraud-related Offences, I urged the
Court to grant the motion.

Justice Oyinloye, however, granted the application and resolved all the issues raised in favour of the
EFCC.

Northwest Collaborates With Security Agents, Others On Peace

–masari
Gov Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Thursday said that the State Governments in the Northwest are
ready to collaborate with security agents to address insecurity ravaging the zone.
He said the state governments are similarly ready to liaise with other relevant stakeholders to ensure
peace return to the zone and the entire country.

Masari stated this during the opening ceremony of meeting of the Northwest governors, leaders of
Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders, Vigilante groups, Herdsmen and security chiefs in the zone.

“We, as governors, we are fully aware of our responsibility of securing life and property of people.

“So, we are ever ready anytime and anywhere to give maximum support and corporation, as we have
been doing, to ensure that lives of our people are well protected.

“This is a continuation of what has started at various times and in various states; efforts of the IGP to
mobilise support and understanding of all concerns to ensure that peace will once again return to the
region and country as a whole,” he said.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, said that they were in the state to
review ongoing activities in the zone to curb insecurity.

He said the meeting was with a view to finding lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the
zone and the country.

“Before today, there had been a lot of peace initiatives introduced by various states in the zone on how
to cooperate and stop the killings that are taking place from one community to another.

“That was why we are in Katsina to review activities initiated and see those things that worked and
those that didn’t work,” Adamu said.

According to him, this would assist to restore peace in the zone and the entire country so that people
would go about their normal business like before.

“We know we are farmers. As such, we should be able to go to the farms.

“We know we are cattle breeders, we should be able to go and rear our cattle without molestation,” he
said.

The Nigeria News Agency reports that the governors in attendance were those of Katsina, Kano,
Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara state.

Others were the deputy governors of Niger and Jigawa States.

No Corrupt Akwa Ibom Election Petitions Tribunal Member
Will Escape Prosecution"
"No Corrupt Akwa Ibom Election Petitions Tribunal Member Will Escape Prosecution"- EFCC

The office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has confirmed that a junior
member of one of the Election Tribunal panels sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State is being investigated.
The EFCC confirmed that its office received a petition showing video evidence of how a junior
member of one of the panels solicited for help for one of the political parties. The video evidence was
recovered from the CCTV which serves as a security appliance mounted by the management of a hotel.
An EFCC officer who is privy to the investigation but would not want his name in print, confirmed that
the EFCC Chairman has directed some officers to look into the investigation and report to him. "I can
assure you, we have the video evidence and we are analysing it.
We will soon call a press conference and let the whole world see what transpired in the video.
The principal suspect has been invited sometime last month but his solicitor just informed us that he
may not be able to attend the next questioning because of his health condition. But no matter what
happens, the Commission will do justice to the all the parties involved", the officer said, on condition
of anonimity, since he is not permitted to speak with the press.

Majority Of Almajiri Roaming Kano Streets Are Foreigners,

Says Gov
The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that 95 per cent of Almajiri roaming
the streets of Kano are foreigners.

Ganduje explained that the state government has introduced compulsory free education which is the
policy that will bring an end to the trend.

The governor said the state is organising a special summit which comes up in the next few weeks,
where all issues involved in the noble policy would be deliberated upon.

At the summit, Ganduje reveals that many experts in the education sector would participate, so as to
come up with modalities on how to effectively and efficiently attain optimal results while
implementing the policy.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on free and compulsory education held at the Government House,
Kano, Thursday, where all heads of state agencies under the Ministry of Education and those of all
institutions of higher learning in the state, among other stakeholders were present.

“We all believe that education is one of the major routes to economic prosperity and a corridor to
scientific and technological advancement. It is at the same time, as largely regarded and enunciated, a
veritable tool to combat unemployment,” Ganduje said.
All the five Emirates in the state were represented at the meeting, as the governor attaches the
importance of the traditional institution for the desired results.

While making reference to the solid foundation upon which the free education policy rests on, the
governor assured the audience that the summit would come up with practical ways to achieve the
desired goals of the free and compulsory education from primary to senior secondary school level.

“Part of our stakeholders for this noble policy are experts who specialise in basic education, some in
science and technical education, some in assessment and quality control in education, some in
examination management and also some would come from Almajiri system of education,” he
explained.

Traditional institution also forms part of the critical stakeholders in the implementation stage of the
policy, adding that: “Because we believe in the important role they play in the education of our wards
and the advancement of the sector as a whole, we said they must be included.”

Ganduje, who reiterated the important role of the media in the implementation and evaluation of the
policy, urged the media “to come forward and be good partner for the overall development of the
education sector in the state”.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Free and Compulsory Education Committee, Dr Kabiru Shehu,
who is also the state Head of Service, assured the governor of their unrelenting commitment towards
the successful implementation of the policy.

He told the governor how committed his committee is, since their inception a few weeks ago,
emphasising that: “As Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is determined to get this done, we have
equally positioned ourselves so as to have result-oriented programme.

“DFID and World Bank praise the initiative and have promised to partner with Kano State towards
having smooth and successful policy. They all promise to do their best towards that. As they are
convinced that Kano is very serious about it.”

Shehu said that after the summit, a policy would come up as a road map for free and compulsory
education in the state, adding that: “Parents who refuse to send their wards to school would be
sanctioned. We are very lucky that this administration is not only aiming at free and compulsory
education at the primary school level, which has already been in place for long.

“This time around, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje includes post primary education, up to senior
secondary school education. This is a new development.”
Sani Abdullahi To Challenge Yahaya Bello For Kogi APC
Governorship Ticket
A former president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Sani Abdullahi, has picked the All
Progressives Congress (APC) governorship form ahead of Kogi elections in November.

Abdullahi picked the form at the APC national secretariat in Abuja around noon on Thursday.

He will contest the party’s governorship ticket with Governor Yahaya Bello who is seeking a second
term in office.

Abdullahi told journalists after collecting the form that he would pursue a policy of zero tolerance to
corruption if he becomes governor of Kogi.

“We are going to do our job to give our best to Kogites but to also process that we have a platform that
we can use in Kogi state to support the zero tolerance for corruption like Mr President is doing,” he
said.

“That was why possibly they saw from a deficit of 300million naira I saw in the account and I was able
to raise money to up to N2.8 billion.

“I now know that the people want me to give my best just like I have done in where I have worked
before. As a director of sports, as a president of the Nigeria Football Federation, where I was so
transparently representing their interest and accounting for every bit of resources that I had.”

The APC primaries for the election holds on August 29.

Abdullahi is a former Federal Capital Territory director of sports. He was both the 1st and 2nd Vice
President of the NFF in 2006 before being elected into the leadership position of the federation.

Ondo State Begins Enrolment, Training Of Conditioner Cash

Transfer Beneficiaries
The National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) says Ondo State has commenced the enrolment and
training of cash transfer beneficiaries.

Mrs Temitope Sinkaiye, the National Programme Coordinator said this when she paid a courtesy visit
to the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday in Akure.

The coordinator noted that the programme was organised for the poorest of the poor in the country.

According to her, it is being funded with loans from the World Bank, targeting the poor and vulnerable.
“The state has already signed an MoU, the next thing is to have an office, with enrollment and
training,’’ she said.

Sinkaiye also appealed to the governor to provide security for staff of NCTO that would be going round
the state to register the beneficiaries.

Responding, Akeredolu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Olugbenga Ale said he was passionate
about the programme.

Akeredolu said his government would continue to partner with the Federal Government in
implementing the programme.

The governor promised to provide security and the enabling environment for the contingents to ensure
the success of the programme.

Zigreat: Rochas Okorocha Awarded 12 Contracts Worth N20

Billion To One Company
EXCLUSIVE: ‘N700m for hand of God’, ‘N680m for happiness office’… inside Okorocha’s
N20bn contracts

Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo state, awarded 12 contracts worth N20 billion to Zigreat
International Company Limited between November 15, 2013, and November 3, 2017, TheCable can
report.

Documents obtained by TheCable showed that the contracts were awarded to this company in violation
of the public procurement act.

TheCable understands that in 2010, the administration of Ikedi Ohakim, a former governor, modelled
the procurement act of the state after that of the federal government.

The act says to bid for contracts, a company needs to present three years tax clearance, audited
accounts, evidence of work experience as the main contractor executing or having executed a minimum
of four (4) projects of similar complexity, evidence of possession of relevant machinery and equipment
and scanned copies of certificates of technical/professional staff of the company.

But Zigreat International Company Limited, which had no functional website as of the time this report
was filed, got its first contract from Okorocha’s government three months after it registered at the
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The former government in Imo had awarded a N700 million
contract to it for the construction of a tower.
All the contracts awarded by Okorocha’s government were signed by Paschal Obi, then principal
secretary to the governor. Obi is now the member representing Ideato north and Ideato south in the
house of representatives.

N683 million was awarded for the construction of this project: Community Hospital, Ogboko

The first contract, construction of “Akachi”, an Igbo term which translates as “The Hand of God”, in
Owerri, the state capital, was awarded for N700 million. In a letter dated November 15, 2013, his
administration told Zigreat that 25 percent of N700 million would be made available as mobilisation
fee.

“I am directed to refer to your quotation of the above contract and to convey His Excellency’s approval
that your company Zigreat Intl. Coy. Ltd. undertakes the contract for the Construction of Akachi (Hand
of God) at a total contract sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) Only,” the letter
read.

Building of office blocks for ministry of sports wasn’t completed before Okorocha left office. N690
million was awarded for the project.

“In line with Government Policy on contracts, you are requested to indicate acceptance in writing
without delay. You should report to the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Government House,
Owerri for details and signing of Contract Agreement, please.”

The ex-governor also approved N683 million for the construction of Community Health Hospital in
Ogboko, his hometown in Ideato local government area. Till date, the hospital is in a derelict state.

Also awarded was over N689 million contract for the office blocks of the ministry of happiness headed
by Ogechi Ololo, Okorocha’s sister. N5.9 billion was awarded for the construction of police
headquarters, phase 1, Owerri and N4.3 billion for the construction of police headquarters, phase 2,
Owerri.

Although N3.7 billion was approved for this project in 2017, University of Imo State University of
Agriculture and Environment in Aboh/Ngokpala, was still under construction when Okorocha handed
over.

Below are the details of other contracts awarded between 2016 and 2017:

Construction of Imo State University of Agriculture and Environment in Aboh/Ngokpala, N3.7 billion.
Reconstruction of sub-treasury building for conversion to government house clinic, N210 million.
Construction of ministry of Niger Delta office blocks, N611 million.
Construction of ministry of agriculture office blocks, N611 million.
Construction of ministry of tourism office blocks, N630 million.
Construction of IMSU campus at Onuimo, N2.79 billion.
Construction of ministry of sport office blocks, N690 million.

Some of the contracts were not completed before the end of the former governor’s tenure in 2019.

Asked to react to the manner that the contracts were awarded, Sam Onwuemedo, spokesman of the
former governor, said the most important thing was that the contracts were executed.

He said with over 1000 projects, Okorocha, whom he described as a hero, should be honoured.

“Okorocha has more than 1000 projects in the state, even if trillions of naira were spent on those
project, that’s justifiable because the man has worked. The most important thing is whether the
contracts were executed or not, if you are a contractor and I know you can give me what I want without
running away with my money, I will give you the contract,” he said.

“The issue should be was the job done? If the job was done, then it’s left for those who are financial
experts to know whether the price budgeted for it was commensurate with what was delivered. You
give a job to person that will perform or a company that is not registered. If a company is registered
and bid for a job and the job is given, what’s criminal about it?”

Asked if Zigreat International Company Limited has any affiliation with Okorocha, the media aide
said: “I’m not in a position to answer that.”

Okorocha, the incumbent senator representing Imo west, is currently under investigation by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Last week, the anti-graft agency seized some properties allegedly traced to him in Imo. They include
schools, a hotel, hospital, estate, supermarket and residential buildings.

The anti-graft agency also said it seized this from the senator

Stella Damasus Reacts As Outrage Against Senator Elisha Abbo

Dies Down
- Veteran actress Stella Damasus has called out Nigerians after outrage against Senator Elisha
Abbo died down
- The Senator had earlier been called out on social media after he was caught on camera
assaulting a lady
- Damasus expresses shame at the fact that Elisha Abbo would go free without being
reprimanded for the crime he committed
Popular Nigerian veteran actress Stella Damasus has taken to social media to address the issue of a
Nigerian senator that assaulted a salesgirl at an adult toy store. Legit.ng had reported that Senator
Elisha Abbo was caught on camera assaulting a lady.
The actress shared her opinion about the incident, which occurred a month ago. She noted her sadness
over the fact that people have stopped talking about the crime committed by the senator.
According to the actress, it is shameful that Nigeria would tolerate and accept assault. She expressed
shame at the fact that Nigerians have decided to keep quiet about the matter and let it go.
READ ALSO: Nollywood filmmaker Joshua Ojo speaks on new movie Sango, the god of thunder
Damasus said it means someone can commit a crime with video evidence and still go free. She asked
how Nigerians are okay with it, stating that things have gone back to normal.

Government Converts Goodluck Jonathan's Almajiri School To

An Institute
Gombe State government is to establish a training institute for primary and secondary school teachers,
converting the Almajiri school built in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.
The Governor of Gombe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yaya, revealed this during his visit to the abandoned
Almajiri school established, in Kwami local government area.
According to Yaya, the federal government, spent over N360 million to build the Almajiri school but it
did not serve the intended purpose, claiming the federal government did not seek community advice on
the establishment and the location of the school.
The governor said he visited the headquarters of the Universal Basic Education Commission and
sought their co-operation in using the Almajiri school buildings as a training institute for teachers,
Voice of Nigeria reports.
He added that he would renovate the school for the purpose of improving the teaching profession in the
state.
The governor added that he noticed Gombe state's students had poor WAEC and NECO results.
He attributed this to the lack of professional teachers in both primary and secondary schools, explaining
that with the establishment of the institute, the state would overcome these problems.
Renovations on the buildings is expected to begin in August.

Army Denies 'Killing & Secret Burial Of 1000 Nigerian Soldiers'

The Defence headquarters has described as false, the story by The Wall Street Journal which accused
its officers of burying a thousand dead soldiers in secret graves, to avoid bad publicity. The American
medium had reported that soldiers are being buried in unmarked graves in Borno State, after the army
suffers defeat from Boko Haram.

But Defence spokesman, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu released a statement saying: “This insinuation
can only emanate from an uninformed position of the author of the said publication. Therefore, it must
be unambigously clarified that the Armed Forces of Nigeria does not indulge in secret burials, as it is
sacrilegious and a profanity to extant ethos and traditions of the Nigerian military.”

He insists fallen heroes are honoured in befitting military funeral of international standard, featuring
funeral parade, and solemn prayers.

We Have Lifted 5m Youths Out Of Poverty—buhari

ABUJA – PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said that the social investment
programmes of his administration has succeeded in lifting over five million Nigerians out of extreme
poverty.
President Muhammadu Buhari
President Buhari also said that the administration within the period has created over two million direct
and indirect jobs.
The President who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha,
at the Global Youth Employment Forum key components of the National Social Investment
Programme, including the N-Power programme stated that the Social Investment Programme has led to
the creation of job opportunities in different sectors of the Nigerian economy for young persons.
The Global Youth Employment which is a creation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is
holding outside Geneva, Switzerland for the first time since it started.
CIBN laments impact of budget delays on national productivity(Opens in a new browser tab)
According to him, the Nigerian government recognises the need to focus attention o youth
empowerment by creating an enabling environment for job opportunities and capacity building.
He said his administration decided to make investment in its people through the Economic recovery
and Growth Plan which he said was the national development Blueprint.
He said there was the need to meaningfully engage with the huge global youth population and abundant
skills they possess, adding that the International Labour Organization (ILO) has been Nigeria’s
important ally in the promotion of Decent Work and Social Dialogue.
He said, “The immense support and assistance received from our partner United Nations (UN)
agencies, notably the ILO in the areas of Policy Reviews, Institutional Strengthening; Human Capacity
Development. Implementation of dedicated Programs and Technical/Financial support cannot be over-
emphasized.
“The International Labour Organization has committed itself to youth employment and the future of
work in Africa, with in-depth understanding of the rapidly changing demographics, the emerging world
of work and the challenges of national economic stabilities.
“Nigeria places much value on her youth, who represent today and the future of our nation and we are
glad that this event is bringing together selected young people from member States of the ILO from
different continents to discuss an issue that is of critical importance to both the young and old which is
the creation of decent job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth.
“We note at this point that the issue of youth unemployment has assumed global significance and on the
front burner of developmental discuss. The Government of Nigeria recognizes the need to focus
attention on youth empowerment by creating the enabling environment for job opportunities and
capacity building.
“In this connection, the present administration, from the onset, made the Investment in our People one
of the key goals of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which is the National
Development Blueprint, for the period 2017 to 2020.
“The implementation of the plan through some flagship programs such as the National Social
Investment Program (NSIP) has yielded some measurable outcomes in the form of increased school
enrolment and creation of more jobs.
“One of the key components of the NSIP, the N-power Program 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 and half years, the program has yielded over Two (2) million direct and
indirect employment opportunities and has lifted over five (5) million Nigerians out of extreme
poverty.
“In addition to these achievements, some sectors of the economy with high propensity for massive job
creation and employment generation were specifically targeted by our Government for various forms of
support. These sectors include Agriculture; Solid Minerals; Power, Works and Housing; Trade and
Investment; and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“The support provided to the sectors enabled the creation of over Twenty (20) special programs and
projects and creation of employment opportunities as outcomes, with ripple effects on improved
standard of living for a significant segment of the citizenry.
“Furthermore, some programs of the present administration are targeted at the Informal Sector with a
view to increasing their capacity to engage more employees. These include the Import Restriction
Policy, the Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business, local content policy, etc., all of which are
aimed at boosting the domestic economy.
“This administration similarly recognizes the creative potentials of our youths and the need to sharpen
their global competitive edge. Towards this end, the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced the
Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI) to improve access to long-term low-cost financing for
entrepreneurs and investors in the Nigerian Creative and Information Technology subsectors.
“The objective is to boost job creation, particularly among the youth. To complement this, government
is committed to building the required infrastructure and strengthening the regulatory, institutional as
well as the legal environment in order to protect the Intellectual Property Rights in the Creative
Industry.”
Speaking on the relationship between Nigeria and the only tripartite organ of the United Nations,
President Buhari said “given the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the ILO, I consider it
in our national interest to reiterate our requests for the upgrading of the ILO Country Office in Nigeria
into a Decent Work Country Technical 0ch for English speaking West African Countries.
“I also call for the support of the ILO towards the placement of more Nigerians as Associates and
Experts in the ILO’s offices in Geneva. We would similarly like to see more ILO programmes and
projects executed in Nigeria in view of our status in the ranks of member states.
“In Nigeria, we ate particularly conscious of the need to align the requirements of the about market
with the capacity of the labour force so as to create synergy and responsiveness to the innovations and
emerging technologies in the new world of work.”
Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo said that the
forum provided an excellent opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s rich socio-cultural endowment to all the
participant.
Alo said the theme of this Forum “Today and Tomorrow with Decent Jobs for Youth is apt in the light
of the persistent global youth employment challenge and the Future of Work initiative which the LO
has pieced on the front burner of international discuss.
He said “we note that the future of the world indeed rests with the youth who constitute the most
productive segment of the global population. This calls for effective strategies to skill, reskill and even
think outside the box in preparation for new emerging types of jobs and employment relationships.
“Events such as this remind us of the need to do things differently as we cannot continue to do things
the same old way and expect different results. In 2012, the ILO had drawn the attention of its Member
States to the prevalent high global youth employment problem.
“After three years of rising unemployment rates, the ILO 2018 World Employment Social Outlook
forecasted a slight drop in global unemployment rate from 5.6% in 2017 to 5.5% in 2018.
“However, with ever-increasing number of persons entering into the labour market to seek
employment, youth continue to face substantially worse labour market conditions than their adult
counterparts.
“Nevertheless, a growing youth population, despite its challenges, can provide an important
opportunity to expand the labour potential of any country.
“As a result, investing in youth education, closing gender gaps in both labour markets and education,
promoting efficient school-to-work transitions and creating decent jobs have been prescribed by the
ILO as a way of reducing global unemployment, especially youth unemployment”.
Women journalists to stage protest against
Ebonyi lawmaker
The incident also led to the attack on three other journalists at the state House of Assembly.
In a statement in Abakaliki, NAWOJ state chairman, Mrs Fortunate Ozo, described the action of the
lawmaker “as callous and dehumanising.
“The harassment and injury inflicted on some journalists, especially a pregnant female journalist in
Ebonyi occurred while discharging their constitutional duty during the screening of commissioner-
nominees at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, by a lawmaker, Ikemka Onuma, and his thugs from
Afikpo South Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday July, 30.

Also read: How HIV stigma, discrimination caused me unplanned pregnancy —

Adeola Ajetunmobi
“Although NAWOJ is yet to get details of what transpired, it is ridiculous and unspeakable for a
lawmaker to behave in such a manner. For a lawmaker, who is an integral part of the government to
mobilise his thugs to attack innocent journalists is condemnable and despicable.
“Consequently, the attack on journalists, especially the pregnant woman, is totally unacceptable.
When a governor appreciates the media
“NAWOJ therefore, calls on relevant government authorities to bring the perpetrators of such inhuman
and dastardly act to book to serve as a deterrent to others. Failure to do this will lead to massive protest
by women journalists in Ebonyi State.”

Lagos Council boss fulfills promise to

orphanage, donates salaries - Vanguard News
To recap, Egunjobi was sworn in as Agege Local Government chairman two years ago on July 25,
2017, coincidentally his birthday, which he marked at Babes Salam Home, an orphanage situated at
Ikeja area of the state.
The Council chief turned a year older last Thursday and made good his promise to donate his three-
month salaries to the motherless babies’ home on the occasion, a statement released by his Senior
Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Rotimi Sulyman stated.
It said, Egunjobi presented a cheque of N500,000 to the management of Babes Salam, which was
received by the deputy head of the orphanage, Imam Muhammed Shaban, in the latter’s office.
The statement reads in part: “Today, Alhaji Tahir Taoheed on behalf of the Executive Chairman of
Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, presented N500,000 personal cheque, a
cumulation of his three-month salaries as the Council’s chair to Babes Salam Home in fulfilment of his
promise to the orphanage on his birthdays.
“A ritual he started on assumption of office, the Council boss at the presentation of the cheque through
Alhaji Tahir, called on individuals of means and corporate bodies to rally to the aid of the less
privileged and work in tandem to reduce the country’s grinding poverty.”
In response, Imam Shaban on behalf of the orphanage management reportedly expressed gratitude to
Egunjobi and supplicated to Allah to reward his kindness.

Niger APC threatens mass defection over Dada -

Vanguard News
Minna—Since the nomination, screening and endorsement of Ambassador Zubairu Dada by the
Senate, Niger State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has been engulfed in crisis, following
the rejection of his nomination.

The party in a communique issued after a meeting in Minna Thursday, also called on President
Muhammadu Buhari to reject the nomination immediately, accusing Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of
acting alone in nominating Ambassador Dada.
The party leadership said   Ambassador Zubairu Dada was not a card-carrying member of the APC and
did not hide his romance with the opposition as he publicly campaigned for  Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, in the run up to the last general elections.
The communique, signed by Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Alhaji Idris Abini, read: 
“Based on these facts, we, hereby, call on President Muhammadu Buhari to drop the ministerial
nominee and call on the party in the state to replace him with APC card-carrying member.
“Many loyal APC members in Niger State who are disappointed by the development have threatened to
massively decamp from the party, since loyalty and commitment are no longer rewarded as people from
opposition party are given appointments instead of those who laboured for the victory of the party.
“The governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, who is the leader of the party and who
should constantly consult with the party, acted alone, against the wish of party members, to favour a
non-party member for federal and state appointments.’’
Niger Tribunal: PDP closes case after calling only one witness(Opens in a new browser tab)
Leaders of the party also   noted that the situation had been made worse by the fact that the minister-
designate is from the same local government, ward and polling unit as the senator representing Niger
East senatorial zone, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa.

Vanguard News Assassination

Allegation:Yahaya Bello fires back at deputy
Yahaya Bello, the Kogi state governor, has described the assassination allegation made against
him by his deputy, Simon Achuba as “an exhibition of a blind rage by an angry suckling with a
long-term pattern of abnormal behaviour characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-
importance.”
In a statement, Thursday afternoon by the Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, the Government
described the report as bogus and an exhibition of a blind rage by an angry suckling with a long-term
pattern of abnormal behaviour characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance.
“The Kogi State Government is appalled that a Deputy Governor, who should epitomize leadership and
good example in all senses, could descend so low to employ smear campaign against the person of His
Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello and we state without equivocation that Mr Achuba has no shred of
evidence for his reckless surmising which is nothing but a scripted venture in ruinous adventure. We do
not train assassins, (and) as such, the state government or her personnel cannot be involved in sending
assassins to murder any human soul let alone a Deputy Governor of our dear state.”
“Despite these unsubstantiated ramblings, however, we deemed it fit to clear the air by letting the
general public know that the Kogi State Government would not be dragged into any form of political
gerrymandering concocted for the furtherance of any person’s political interest or notoriety.”

Also read: Stop destruction of Atiku/Obi billboards, campaign

materials, Kogi PDP warns APC
The state government challenged Mr Achuba to bring evidence of his claims or desist from making
further spurious allegations.
“We warn Mr Simon Achuba who is known to history as a man whose affinity for violence is
unparalleled not to judge us by his own standards. The report of the Kogi State Government
Commission of Enquiry on the Iyaño Ethnic crises in 2017  is still fresh in our memories.
“The Kogi State government led by Alhaji Yahaya Bello, therefore, rejects the futile attempt at seeking
to link it to an assassination  attempt on the Deputy Governor and us advise that people desist from
seeking political capital from scenarios they imagine would advance their parochial cause, no matter
how banal such causes may seem.”
“Nigerians and Kogites, in particular, are aware that it is not in the character of the administration to
persecute perceived opponents let alone the second in command of New Direction team. We have
remained a model for peaceful engagement and political dialogue. Any inclination at portraying us
otherwise will not be acceptable,” the statement added.

Herdsmen Now Forbidden From Carrying Arms Publicly —govs

Olaide Oyelude, Katsina

Eleven governors in the North-West, in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police, Adamu
Muhammed, banned herdsmen from carrying arms in public places, including markets and places of
worship.

Similarly, volunteer groups, known as Yansakai, have been banned in all the states that make up the
North-West in the country.

The volunteer groups were also directed to surrender all weapons in their possession, following their
ban.

These were part of the four-point resolutions arrived at, after a meeting of 11 Northern state governors
and the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Muhammed, in Katsina on Thursday.

The meeting lasted for four and a half hours.

Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, who read the communique after the meeting, said efforts
would also be made to ensure that herdsmen have access to improved breed of cattle.

Masari added, “Herdsmen and their families should be allowed to attend markets and worship places,
as well as their day-to-day activities, provided that they don’t carry arms into the public places.

“That herdsmen should conduct themselves and live peacefully with one another.

“That those who stole animals should return them through government or the Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Association.

“That the repentant bandits, including the Yansakai, should surrender all arms and ammunition in their
possession to the authorities and release people that are in their captivity.”

Governor Masari said secretaries to the governments of the 11 states that attended the meeting have
been directed to stay behind and further perfect the resolutions.
Buhari Is Taking Nigerians For Granted :akin Oyebode
Excerpts from Prof. Akin Oyebode's interview conducted by Punch and reproduced with permission
from Punch.

Punch: The President once said the herdsmen killing Nigerians were from Libya, and some people have
also said that the insecurity in the country is being fuelled by the influx of foreigners into the country,
aided by the ECOWAS protocol that allows freedom of movement of persons among members states.
Do we blame the protocol or it’s just an excuse?

Prof.: I can’t speak for President Muhammadu Buhari; he has more information than my humble self,
but I am aware that Cameroon and Chad are not members of ECOWAS, so if he says the Fulani coming
in are from outside, we should look at it critically. For me, Buhari wants to be clever by half by talking
of invaders, whereas he’s just shopping for an excuse to justify the tyranny of his kinsmen who want to
impose themselves on the country.

Punch: Are you implying that the Fulani are immigrants?

Prof.: The fact is that Nigeria seems to be chafing under the intrusion of non-Nigerians who kill
mercilessly because they don’t have any affinity with any of the ethnic groups inhabiting Nigeria. So,
they have been very cruel and inhuman in the way they deal with the farmers. The conflict is almost
beyond the comprehension and capacity of Buhari, who is a Fulani. Atiku also claims to be Fulani –
because people are disputing the circumstances of his birth – and that was why I didn’t vote at the last
election because it was a choice between two Fulani, so I didn’t bother. I was most times analysing on
the television. However, Buhari might want us to forget the fact but some of us will not forget. We
know where his sympathy lies. He claims to be a nationalist, but he’s not. The Fulani know how to
protect themselves. For example, when people talk about the necessity for Buhari to rejig the security
apparatus, they don’t know who they are talking to. He even confessed a few weeks ago that he has to
appoint the people he knows; his kinsmen. It is a Fulani dominated government and that has cost him a
lot of credit such that many people don’t believe him anymore because he wears tinted glasses to
analyse everything going on. Buhari is taking people for granted, but the Yoruba are the most widely
educated people in Nigeria; they are wise and so they can see through all the shenanigans of the Fulani
potentates who want to impose themselves on the rest of us.

Punch: Are you of the view that Nigeria should have wasted no time in signing the African Continental
Free Trade Agreement?

Prof.: As the largest concentration of black people on earth, we have a stake in the African Union. That
is why some of us were perplexed that Buhari was dithering over signing the African Continental Free
Trade Agreement. Finally, push came to shove and he had to sign. I don’t know his calculation but he
likes passing the buck. Someone of great insight and foresight would have signed that agreement earlier
as a vote for African unification, but again you can’t exceed your limitation. If you are not properly
schooled in African politics and if you look at how long it’s taking him to have a cabinet, you put a
question mark on his claim to fame as a leader. That was why a country of this standing, worth and
promise was like perambulating and sleepwalking on the issue. We used to call Goodluck Jonathan
clueless but I don’t know what to call Buhari. Wednesday made it five months that he won election and
it’s about two months that he was sworn in, and even though he assured us he would no longer be
‘baba-go-slow’, one just feels sorry for Nigeria. Look at what President Paul Kagame is doing in
Rwanda. The enthusiasm and dynamism that one expects from a country of this worth have been
lacking and when you now have a cabinet of lacklustre mediocre in charge of affairs, you just hang
your head in shame. Quite seriously, I don’t know what (Vice-President Yemi) Osinbajo is still doing
there. He is far smarter because I know him; he was my student. A brilliant guy like that should
distance himself from mediocrity.

Punch: Are you saying the vice-president should have resigned?

Prof: That’s what I’m saying. He should not have joined him for a second term. For me, he has
overstayed his welcome and they are even relegating him to the side. I think a brilliant man like
Osinbajo should quit and go back to his ministry or law practice. How does he survive in the welter of
suffocating mediocrity that you find there? The Fulani have no little or no regard for him. I would call
the whole thing the tyranny of mediocrity; that is the problem Nigeria is facing right now. I feel sorry
for the country that we are saddled with such an incompetent leadership, making us the butt of jokes
internationally. Quite sincerely, I don’t feel comfortable with what is going on and it’s a very serious
indictment if Nigeria can’t throw up a leadership that is superior to what is being offered now. People
would just shake their heads and feel pity for us. We only wish Nigeria well. But the time would come
when we would have fit and proper persons. This man can’t move Nigeria anywhere; the country is
collapsing under him. It’s the young people I feel sorry for; we are at the departure lounge and I have
my boarding pass. I’m just waiting for my flight to be called. At 72, that’s enough and out of it, I gave
44 years to Nigeria as an academic. I feel proud to have had that opportunity to serve my country.
Nigeria would make it, given the right circumstances.

Punch: Do you see Africa being like Europe someday, in terms of cooperation and economic
integration?

Prof.: ....Nigerians will make it any day once they have leadership that is inspiring, but I’m sorry
Buhari doesn’t inspire many people. He doesn’t show the requisite personae that could spur people on.
Even his claim to integrity has one thing because of the nepotistic attitude that he has in terms of
appointment. It’s as if the rest of Nigerians are non-starters and I don’t believe it. In every part of
Nigeria there are success stories. If only you look hard you would find them. So, I’m disgusted by what
is going on. But like I said, the contradictions in the world would compel Africans to recognise the
worth of cooperation among themselves.

Punch: But you supported Buhari in 2015, what changed?

Prof.: Yes, things changed and like I said, I refused to vote during this past election. I voted for him in
2015; I took the trouble to join the queue and vote for him. I thought anything but Jonathan. Jonathan
was clueless but now we got a worse person than Jonathan, so I didn’t believe he deserved a second
term. Some people taunted me for supporting him but I told them I was extremely sorry. The man is a
disappointment and he is severely overrated. Are you proud of a President who takes months before
having a cabinet? And when the list finally came out it’s a mixed grill, containing, as they say, the
good, the bad and the ugly. A mediocre leader can only have persons not superior to him, whether
intellectually or in moral probity.

Punch: Do you think things would be different this time round?

Prof.: No, morning shows the day. He promised not to be Baba-go-slow but it has taken him two
months to put a cabinet together. What is the magic about a cabinet? I hear he might pick up anybody
who is against him; maybe they would come and pick me up.

Punch: How do you feel when his followers and some others abuse you for your views on him?

Prof.: I survived Sani Abacha, and that is why I respect Jonathan. As hard as I was on him, he
nominated me to the Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

No One Can Threaten Buhari With Impeachment Under Our

Watch – Omo-agege
The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, on Thursday, said the era where President
Muhammadu Buhari was threatened with “impeachments” by the previous legislature was over with
his emergence as Deputy Senate President and that of Sen. Ahmed Lawan, Senate President.
“Gone are those when impeachment threats will be issued to the President. But today we are having a
house where you have the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and myself combined, we will make
Nigeria better with the supports of all Nigerians.”
Sen. Omo-Agege made the assertion in his country home, Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government
Area of Delta State.
Sen. Omo-Agege said he his occupying the position of “Deputy Senate President” because President
Muhammadu Buhari made it possible for him.
While pointing out that President Buhari loves the Urhobo people and Deltans in particular, Sen. Omo-
Agege said President Buhari has appointed a Deltan in the person of Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN as a
minister to serve in his cabinet even though the odds leading to his emergence were enormous.
According to Sen. Omo-Agege, “President Buhari put his legs down that I become the Deputy Senate
President.”
Sen. Omo-Agege urged Deltans to thank President Buhari for his emergence as Deputy Senate
President serving with the most vibrant Sen. Ahmed Lawan as President of the Senate who is working
positively to ensure that the next level agenda of the president comes to reality.
Sen. Omo-Agege also stated that the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governors also supported his
emergence as Deputy Senate President just as he thanked all of them for the supports.

EFCC Finally Opens Up On Why they Are After Adoke, Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have taken note of THISDAY’s publication
of Wednesday, July 31, 2019, titled: “Malabu Scandal: Prosecution Hampered by Evidence,” whose
crux is that, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed
Adoke is irreproachable in the fraudulent matter of the implementation of the settlement and resolution
of agreements on Oil Prospecting License OPL 245 and OPL214 between Malabu oil and Gas Ltd,
belonging to former Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete  and the federal government of Nigeria in 2010 on
the account that Justice Binta Nyako in a 2017 civil suit, marked FHC/ABJ/94/446/2017
absolved  Adoke of liability for his roles in the OPL 245 deal on account that he was acting on the
directives of the then President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Commission wishes to state that logic was stood on its head in the said publication, given that
Justice Nyako spelt out in no unclear terms that the reliefs Adoke got in the civil suit he brought before
her in relation to the extent he can subordinate himself to the directives of the president in the matter of
the OPL 245 and OPL214 deal did not make him ineligible to face criminal charges, arising from his
actions in the same transaction.
It could be recalled that the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked the OPL 245,
which the late General Sani Abacha granted to Etete, who was his Petroleum Minister and reassigned it
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company. Etete’s Malabu Oil and Gas, however, reclaimed
the oil bloc in 2006 through the court. While Shell challenged the decision, a fraudulent settlement and
resolution came under Jonathan’s  government with Shell and Eni buying the oil block from Malabu in
the sum of $1.1billion.

Explosion: Oil Community Demands N5bn From Chevron

Members of Sukuna Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have demanded that
Chevron Nigeria Limited pay them N5bn damages following the alleged explosion of the oil firm’s
Ojumole Oil Well near their community.

The community members, who claimed that the oil well exploded and went up in flames on April 18,
2019, said they were severely affected as all the efforts by the company to stop the fire did not succeed
until about two months after.

They claimed that apart from the shock they suffered from the sudden loud explosion and the thick
smoke that enveloped their community, their farmlands and water were also allegedly polluted in a bid
by Chevron to put out the fire.
In a pre-action letter dated July 30, 2019 written to Chevron through their lawyer, Ige Asemudara, the
community members demanded that the oil company should pay them N5bn for their loss, failing
which they would go to court.

They also demanded a comprehensive medical examination of every member of the community and
treatment of any ailment which any of the community member might have suffered from the incident.

They also demanded that Chevron undertake an immediate clean-up of their environment.

The lawyer said the community briefed him that “despite the enormity of this unfortunate occurrence,
your company was very nonchalant, looked away and insensitively delayed any intervention making it
possible for the fire to spread to other oil wells within the Ojumole field.”

He said, “Our clients suffered great discomfort, material losses, health hazards, pains, imposed
darkness, environmental pollution and degradation for well over two months as the fire raged until it
was put out at about 1:00pm on the 30th day of June 2019. As we write, the bad effect of the injurious
fire still lingers.

“Whilst our clients were counting their losses directly occasioned by the avoidable fire, they were
stunned that in a bid to put out the fire, more havoc was wrecked on our clients’ farms, ponds,
compound, field and other parts of the environment as the debris and remains evacuated from the burnt
field were deposited on them.

“Without the permission of our clients or any lease or sale in that regard, your company erected a huge
platform on our clients’ land upon which your helicopters now land and you do other activities thereon.

“Irked by these sad developments, our clients made several efforts to communicate with your company
in order to be able to find an amicable and just way of resolving the issues, it was all without success.
Sadly, your company has failed, refused or perhaps neglected to approach our clients for a solution to
the problems created by your actions and to restore our clients to the healthy and happy condition of
life they enjoyed before your illicit acts.”

Asemudara said the community gave Chevron 14 days to meet their demands, failing which they would
sue.

Nigeria Can’t Progress Until Igbo Becomes President – Apostle

Samson Okorie
ENUGU – INTERNATIONAL President of Christian Association of Igbo Ministers, CAIM, Apostle
Solomon Okorie, Thursday said that Nigeria would not progress until an Igbo becomes president.
Okorie who made this known while briefing pressmen on the forthcoming Igbo world Christian summit
slated on 13th -16th of August at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu opined that the summit is to
unite the Igbo land and return it to the landmark initiated by the missionaries.
He disclosed that the summit was organised by CAIM in collaboration with University of Leadership
and Sound Doctrine, ULS, with a theme; “In the Days of His Power” to bring the Christian together to
pray for the liberation of Igbo land.
Narrating the aim of the summit as to unite Igbo land, he stated that 95% percent of Christians in
Nigeria are Igbo and was chosen by God to make Nigeria better.
“This is the fifth edition of Igbo Christian world summit. The summit is to bring Igbo christian together
to pray for the liberation of Igbo land and make sure that the dream of missionaries who brought
Christianity to Igbo land is achieved and return the land to accident mark.
“Talking of Christianity today in the country, the Igbo have 95% of Christians. The Christian
Association of Igbo Ministers is bringing the Christian together to make sure that Igbo land is liberated.
The main aim is to unite Igbo together through gospel.
“I want to tell you, until Nigeria goes back to God and ask for forgiveness of what they did to Igbo
during the Biafra war, this country will not be better”.

Gombe Gets $6m To Improve Literacy Level, Reduce Out-of-

school Children
Gombe state is to receive 6 million US Dollars basic education grant to reduce out-of-school children
and improve literacy level in the state.

The grant is coming under the Better Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA, which is a World
Bank/ Federal Government funded programme, targeting at mopping up out-of-school children and
getting them back to school.

BESDA National Programme Coordinator, Professor Gidado Tahir announced the grant when he paid a
courtesy call on Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, during his official visit to Gombe
to assess the state's preparedness to key into the BESDA project.

He explained that Gombe state is among 17 states of the country with highest number of out- of- school
Children to kick start the programme.

Professor Gidado disclosed that Gombe state will receive 3 million dollars as advance payment, which
is half of the total project grant of 6 million dollars that will be paid to the state in two trenches
beginning from next week.

He also highlighted on key areas of the project to include number of children to be enrolled, teaching
capacity as well as supervisory and management roles, stating that SUBEB will be the implementing
organ while the state Ministry of Education is to supervise the prgramme.

He therefore urged the Governor to ensure adequate monitoring of the programme in order to achieve
the desired results, especially being the state with the 3rd highest number of out- of- school-children.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya appreciated the Buhari-led administration for including Gombe
as a participating state, even as he described the World Bank assisted programme as apt and timely,
especially in view of his administration's resolve to prioritise basic education.

Governor Yahaya vowed to ensure backward integration of basic education in order to address the
anomalies associated with it and improve the rating of Gombe state in the index of performance in
NECO and WAEC so as to catch up with other states.

The governor lamented the neglect of public education system by those who benefited from it, vowing
that "We must change the narrative through a backward integration of basic education and no going
back in this resolve".

Governor Yahaya reiterated his commitment towards adressing the problem of out- of-school children,
which he described as alarming, expressing confidence that with the composition of scholars of
reckoning at the helm of affairs in the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB the project will
be successfully implemented in the state.

Earlier speaking, SUBEB Chairman, Mr. Babaji Babadidi appreciated Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his
foresight in including teacher-training as part of his areas of focus.

He also thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them so serve and assured to work
assiduously towards the realisation of his campaign promises.

Ismaila Uba Misilli

Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)

Ogoni heads to Supreme Court over Saro-Wiwa's murder

Ogoni people have declared that they would approach the Supreme Court for justice over the murder of
their son and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was murdered in 1995, by the military junta.

The decision was on the heels of yesterday’s Court of Appeal’s judgement in Port Harcourt, Rivers
State, that dismissed the case of Chief Gani Topba, the leader of a pan-Ogoni group, Conscience of
Ogoni People (COP), seeking the court to set aside the judgement of a Federal High Court in Port
Harcourt, that struck out the case of fundamental human rights.

Topba stated: “We are heading to the Supreme Court. In a country where the rights of the minority can
be denied at every level, it gives serious concern. Already, I knew what the judgement of today would
look like because I predicted what would happen.

“You know, the judgement was reserved for the first time. After three months, nothing happened. It was
reserved again. This was also after three months. As the case may be, I have hope in the Supreme Court
of Nigeria. They would do justice to it.

He insisted that the late environmental activist was unjustly killed, and, therefore, the judgement used
in killing should be set aside.

“We are not claiming damage. If anybody is claiming damage on the issue of Ken Saro-Wiwa, how
much can anyone pay that can bring back his life? So, we do not believe in anything compensation.

“What we believe in is, his image should be cleared. If you look at the image of late M. K. O. Abiola,
the government of Nigeria has cleared his image and honoured him. It was the same time Saro-Wiwa
was killed.

“The international community said the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa was a judicial murder. So, Ogoni
people are waiting, the international community is waiting to see the decision of Nigeria to do the right
thing. And I know with the leadership of the Supreme Court, we will get justice”, he stated.

Earlier, Justice Cordelia Jombo-Ofo struck out the appeal filed fundamental human rights appeal by
leader of COP for lack of merit.

She noted, “The appellant was merely out in the matter to exercise his academic prowess and failed to
show the court the dispute between him and the defendant.

“It is not the function or duty of the court to engage in academic exercise or speculation, the court was
established to determine live issues”, the judge declared.

Magu’s confirmation: 8th NASS members had

skeleton in their cupboards - Alaafin
- Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has revealed why 8th NASS refused to confirmed Magu
as EFCC chairman
- President Buhari had sent Magu's name to Saraki-led Senate for confirmation as substantive
chairman of EFCC but the lawmakers rejected his nomination
- The monarch, however, said that the lawmakers' refusal to confirm Magu showed they had
skeleton in their cupboard
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has revealed why the Senate under the
leadership of former Senate president Bukola Saraki revealed to confirmed the acting chairman of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Vanguard reports that the monarch said that the members of 8th National Assembly refused to confirm
the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of EFCC because they had 'sekeleton in
their cupboard.'
Legit.ng gathered that Alaafin said this in his palace on Thursday, August 1, when the Ibadan zonal
head of the commission, Friday Ebelo, led a delegation to pay him a courtesy visit.
READ ALSO: Assassination allegation: Yahaya Bello fires back at deputy
“The eighth National Assembly tried, they did everything possible not to get Ibrahim Magu appointed.
Why? It is because they have skeletons in their cupboard,” he alleged.
While commending the efforts of the EFCC, Alaafin noted that the recent stories of recovered stolen
funds in local and foreign currencies attested to the efficacy of the commission under the leadership of
its current acting chairman.
He added that the commission deserved the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians who desire
greater days ahead for the country.
“We must encourage you. We must support you and cooperate with you, otherwise corruption will kill
Nigeria.
“The fear of EFCC is leading some looters to several parts of the world. But, you are after them. You
are getting them. There is no hiding place for them. Through you, I want to commend Ibrahim Magu
for a job well done,” he said.
He described the institution of Alaafin as one that is dedicated to service to the people, adding that once
an Alaafin is installed, he hardly has a private life.
“Once an Alaafin is appointed, he has very little private life of his own. The entirety of his life must be
lived in the service of the people. That means the core values of Yoruba, the concept of Omoluabi are
ingrained in this institution.
“It our duty as traditional rulers to ensure that the values and ethics of our system are taught to our
children right from their young age so that they imbibe these things into their system. It becomes part
and parcel of them. If children are taught from very impressionable age those ethical values of our
system, they will take and observing them.”
Earlier, Ebelo had told the monarch that the team’s visit was at the instance of the commission’s acting
chairman, who, according to him, has decided to engage the traditional institutions across the country
in the campaign against corruption in order to get the message down to the grassroots more effectively.
He said: “The EFCC Ibadan zonal office is visiting the Alaafin of Oyo on behalf of EFCC acting
chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to rally the traditional institutions’ support in the fight against corruption
and other issues coming up in recent times. We now have cybercrime and internet-related frauds that
youths of late are getting themselves involved in.
“We came to intimate him with this development and solicit his support so that he can use his exalted
throne to get the message down to his subjects and other people. It is our duty to work hard and ensure
a society where we can have the kind of the young ones we can all proud of.

Community policing: Presidency to employ

40,000 across the country
- The presidency has announced a new community policing initiative
- No fewer than 40,000 people are expected to be employed in the first phase
- The community police will serve as liaison between the police and their communities
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has announced plans to establish a
Community Policing Initiative which will see 40,000 people recruited across the 774 local government
areas of the country.
In a series of tweets on Thursday, August 1, the presidency explained that under the guidance of the
police, the community police officers will be assigned to states of their residence.
With an initial recruitment of 40,000 officers, the community police will be expected to act as liaison
between the police and their communities.
READ ALSO: Atiku vs Buhari: APC jittery over collapsing defence at Appeal Court - PDP
Additionally, 1,300 community police will also be drawn from religious bodies, trade union, youth
organisation, women group among others.
READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda
Recall that President Buhari during his meeting with monarchs from southwest on Wednesday, July 31,
revealed his plans to curb insecurity in the nation.
Buhari, among other things according to a thread on his twitter page, said that his administration
intends on installing Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) on highways. He said that the installation will
be done at strategic locations so that activities in those locations can be closely monitored.
The president said the reason for the monitoring is so that activities in those areas can be acted upon
immediately should anything go amiss.
Buhari also added that he will issue directives to the appropriate quarters so that licenses can be given
to states asking for the use of drones to monitor their forests and other criminal hideouts. He said that
there will be a continuation of military operations whenever the security situation calls for it.