Impound vehicles bearing ‘Peace Ambassador’ number plates – Boboye orders officers

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said that vehicle number plates bearing `Peace Ambassador’ are illegal.

Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal of the commission, disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open a workshop for Motor Licencing Authority Officials.

“ We have ordered that any Peace Ambassador number plate seen on a vehicle, such vehicle should be impounded because it is a fake number plate.

“The number plates do not go through the normal registration process, so anybody that has such a number plate should know that it is an illegal one; it is not authorised; it is fake and it is criminal,“ Oyeyemi said.

He said the FRSC had discovered that such number plates were sold at exorbitant fees to prominent persons to the tune of between N150, 000 and N200,000.

“The Peace Ambassador number plate is illegal, the corps has not produced Ambassador number plate for anybody, likewise the states.

“So, I don’t know where they are getting those plates they are selling at a rate of between N150, 000 and N200,000; it is illegal, even the Special number plate is not up to that.

Herdsmen attacks: Sack non-performing Security Chiefs – YOWICAN advises Buhari

Sequel to the recurring attacks by herdsmen on innocent citizens, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack all security chiefs who are not leaving up to their responsibility.

He urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the incessant attacks by the herdsmen.

The call was made Thursday in Jos, by the National President of the YOWICAN, Engr. Daniel Kadzai, while reacting to incessant attacks on communities in the country, with the recent being Enugu.

Kadzai advised the Federal government not to take sides in trying to find a solution to the attacks.

“I want to totally condemn the attacks in Enugu State where innocent citizens were killed in cold blood without any provocation and we call on the Federal Government to take action and ensure the safety of lives of its citizens.

“President Buhari must take action on the issue and sack all those security chiefs, who are not responsible in their work; there are Police officers in all the villages of Nigeria and there is bad security reports, what is the Nigerian Immigration doing?

“It’s a known fact that Fulani herdsmen have unleashed terror on Nigerians for some time now and it seems the government institutions saddled with the responsibility of managing the situation have either compromised, taken side or weak in handling the issues.

“Looking at the level of damages done in Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Enugu and some part of Nigeria by the fulani herdsmen, I expect the Federal Government to have taken decisive action long before now”, he lamented.

Kadzai advised the Federal government to address the issues of the Fulani herdsmen, just like the way the insurgency in the North-East was being handled.

On comments that the Fulani herdsmen perpetrating the crime were not from Nigeria, the cleric said, “If we don’t have Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, why are some people calling for the grazing reserve bill to be passed by the National Assembly?, he asked.

Dailypost

How Teebillz nearly killed himself this morning - he tried to jump off the Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge

When Teebillz shared his suicide note this morning on IG while pouring his heart out about the demise of his marriage to Tiwa Savage, many of us thought/hoped he was just talking, but he wasn't. Tunji 'Teebillz' Balogun tried to commit suicide this morning by jumping off the Lekki- Ikoyi toll bridge and this is fact!

According to an eye-witness named Chukwuma Ani, who witnessed the incident and was one of the men who pulled Teebillz off the bridge, he told LIB exclusively that around past 9 this morning while driving on the Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge, a car hit his own from behind, damaging his car. He said he came out of the car and approached the driver of the vehicle that hit his. He didn't know who the man was (it was Teebillz) but he said he berated him for hitting his car and asked the man to come out and assess the damage caused to his car. The man looked at him and told him to leave...that he was there for a reason. That he was planning to commit suicide and Chukwuma Ani would hear about it later...

Not knowing who the guy was or understanding why he was talking suicide, Mr Ani said he kept insisting that the driver must come down from his car and see the damage he had caused to his car. He said he noticed alcohol on the floor of the driver's car so thought the man was drunk. He said while shouting and berating the driver for hitting his car, the guy just suddenly drove his car with speed to the front.

Ani said he got into his own car and gave chase and was surprised to see the driver of the car parking his car in the middle of the bridge as other cars drove past. He said he parked in front of the driver and approached the man again, telling him that he couldn't even apologize for hitting his car and was instead trying to drive off. He said as he was berating the man, he (Teebillz) got down from his car and walked to the bridge railing.

He said he stood there wondering what the driver was trying to do and it was at that point that two other cars approached them. He said as he was trying to figure out who the new comers were, Teebillz had moved to the bridge railing and was trying to jump. Mr. Ani said a light skinned guy came out from the first car and began running towards Teebillz screaming and that was when he realized what was going on..

"I thought I was watching a movie" Ani told LIB "the man held the railing and tried to jump over it and that was when the yellow man held him and started shouting for help. The two of them nearly fell into the water. I quickly joined the yellow man to pull the guy out and while we were struggling with him, one PSquare twin (Peter Okoye) and Banky W joined us to pull the man out " Ani said

LIB called Peter Okoye to confirm he was there but he refused to say anything "Even if I was there, I can't say anything about it" he said.

We hear Teebillz is doing okay now and is surrounded by family and friends. People need to take depression seriously in Nigeria - a lot of people are so depressed and struggling and don't usually have anywhere to turn to for help. Let's always lend a helping hand. Hope Teebillz gets better.




LIB

CCT Trial: FG files two fresh charges against Saraki

The Federal Government on Thursday filed two amended charges against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct, CCT.

Saraki is currently standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on false assets declaration.

Counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacobs, at the commencement of proceeding for the day after the tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar had dismissed the application for self-disqualification, urging the tribunal to accept the amended charges filed on April 27 so that, “the record can be set straight to what the defendant is facing.”

Saraki’s counsel, Paul Usoro, however, contended with the appeal, citing Section 216/1 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA. He said the tribunal judge should direct the prosecution to present before the tribunal the fact that necessitated the amendment of the earlier charges.

But Rotimi in his response, argued that the prosecution in pursuant to section 163 of the constitution, has the right to file an amended charge at anytime.

The Chairman of the tribunal, in a short ruling said, “after carefully analysing section 216(1) of the constitution, the prosecution has the right to file amended charges at anytime.

“The application of the prosecution is hereby accepted while that of the defendant contesting the application is refused,” Umar said.

The two charges read, “That you on or about September 16, 2013 within the jurisdiction of this honorable tribunal did make a false declaration in the asset declaration form for public officers which you filled and submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau upon assumption of office as the governor of kwara state in the year 2003 by your failure to declare your leasehold interest in number 42, Remi Fani-kayode street Ikeja, Lagos which you acquired through your company, Skyview Properties Limited from first finance trust limited on December 12, 1996 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(1)(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1)(2),I fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“That you between June 2011 and October 2013, within the jurisdiction of this honorable tribunal, did receive monthly salaries or emoluments as governor of kwara state and at the same time, from the federal government as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 6(a) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 2(a), Part I of the, fifth schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and tribunal act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Dailypost

My account was hacked – Tee Billz

Following the reported split between singer Tiwa Savage and her husband, Tunji Balogun,  the man on Thursday claimed his instagram account was hacked by unknown persons.

Balogun, popularly called Tee Billz,  denied the controversial posts on his Instagram page, hinting his marriage to the singer has hit the rocks.

He has set up a temporary twitter account  and insisted he did not post the messages on Instagram.

“This is a temporary account. My real account was hacked.

“All the comments  are not true and not written by me Tunji Balogun #teebillz” “I am in the process of getting back my account and have contacted the appropriate authorities.  Read things I’ve written in the past, that’s not how I write,” he said on the temporary account – @teebillzTEMP.

The nation

Kidnapped upcoming artists, DNA Twins, regain freedom (photos)

Upcoming musicians, Blair and Clinton Robert aka DNA twins who were kidnapped on their way to Lagos last Sunday April 24th, have regained their freedom. Their brother, Quincy Robert, announced on his IG page that they have been released. He shared the photos above this afternoon and wrote;

 "It's with great joy and happiness that I announce to everyone that my brothers, Clint & Blair (DNATwins), who were kidnapped days ago, have finally been rescued. A ransom was paid, and we got the boys back. The boys are currently in the hospital. There will be a press release on the details of the incident and rescue. I also want to use this medium to thank everyone for their unending support and heartfelt efforts in the rescue of my siblings. I pray that God, in His infinite mercies, bless all of you abundantly. Amen! Please let people know about this development. Cheers!".

Mercy Aigbe Explains Brouhaha With Police In Osogbo

The Actress was reportedly arrested for allegedly insulting a Police Officer yesterday and today she has explained what happened on her instagram handle.

READ HOW POLICE ARRESTED HER HERE.

Rising stars DNA Twins reportedly kidnapped on their way to Lagos on Sunday (pics from scene of alleged abduction)

Rising music stars, Blair and Clinton Roberts popularly known as DNA Twins were reportedly kidnapped on their way to Lagos last Sunday April 24th. After the cut, you will find the full story as shared by their brother and a witness...

My brothers CLINTON & BLAIR (DNA-TWINS) were kidnapped on Sunday morning en route from Abuja to Lagos. The transport company they used #EKESONS, was attacked, the driver was shot in the eye and the rest of d passengers were robbed but only my brothers were kidnapped. The kidnappers called us and are asking for a N6Million ransom. We think they are being held in KOGI state. The transport company # EKESONS has also denied all this saying that no1 is missing and all the passengers returned safely to Lagos. Please help us spread this and pray that they return home safe. God bless! Tag anyone you think can help.

A witness account below...

We boarded the bus from Ekeson bus Utako Abuja enroute to lagos, made a stop over at girri junction to pick up three other passengers. We stopped at Lokoja for some refreshments, after a 10-15 mins drive from lokoja, we were ambushed by some unknown gunmen who shot three times at our vehicle,we all ran into a nearby bush leaving all our belongings in the bus, when we got back most of our stuffs were left unscathed except for a few bags. A good Samaritan drove our bus to Ferma office at Kabba Junction, where doctors at the road safety office treated the driver and removed the bullets. The road safety officials took a head count from the passenger manifest and realized that two people were missing, a passenger by name Mr Ijeoma called the Abuja office to report the case and request for a new bus, which they swiftly responded to by confirming that two boys were kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 6million, also the management sent a bus immediately which i personally found impressive. The bus sent by Ekeson Transport from abuja to convey us to lagos arrived around 3pm and we boarded and left for lagos at around 3:20PM without the twins onboard. The most amazing part of this story is that the transport company has denied this situation happening, they neglected to call the other passengers who survived to at least know how we were doing, they have refused to help with the ransom of 6million I hear now it's 10million and they have denied the boys been boarded on their bus despite evidence attcahed and witness. This incident occurred around 11:40am on Sunday the 24th of April 2016

Photos from the scene of the alleged kidnapping below...

How Gunmen ambushed and attacked their bus "EKESON transport" on their way to Lagos. shot the driver, robbed the whole bus and took away the twins away.

The kidnappers who contacted their family for a ransom of 6Million and demanded it's paid before 25th of April, which was yesterday, has increased the Ransom from 6million to 10Million Naira Today while speaking to their mom because they didn't meet up their earlier bargain. The boys are still alive as at this morning because they were allowed to speak with their mom for confirmation. According to their mom, they were crying profusely and begging for help.  They are presently being held in Kogi state.

The case has been reported to the Nigerian police. But we can't just fold our arms and do nothing. Please if you have any vital information that can lead to finding their whereabouts, kindly visit the nearest police station to give this information. Because the family don't have 10million to pay as ransom. They've not even raise 1M right now. Your information can help save their lives. As they are still doing all they can to try and raise this enormous ransom.

Please do help in every way you can to get the twins safe back to their family.

Below are pictures from the scene of the hijack. The Shot Driver, The Bus and every other

800 Houses To Be Demolished For Lagos’ Fourth Mainland Bridge

The Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that about 800 houses will be demolished for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge.

The State Government yesterday said that 2,200 houses will be saved from demolition with the new alignment designed for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Ganiyu Johnson said the old alignment for the bridge was to claim over 3,000 houses which would mean huge economic losses to the economy.

He said with the new design, about 800 houses will now be affected, adding that the affected owners would be compensated by the government.

He explained that when constructed, would drastically reduce traffic volume on Eko, Cater and Third Mainland Bridges.

THE NATION quoted the commissioner saying: “The proposed bridge will traverse from Ajah to North West direction towards the lagoon shoreline to Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via Ikorodu. The approximate length of the road/bridge is 37.9km with a design speed of 140km/h. “Lagos State Government has held discussions with a consortium of consultants in furtherance of the project,”.

He further explained that the significance and value of the project, saying “this lies in its capacity to rapidly decongest the traffic gridlock within the Lekki corridor and redistribute traffic towards Lagos Mainland which serves to meet increased future road infrastructure demands.”

Nigeria’s most insecure food zone

The South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria is increasingly becoming the most food insecure zone of the country, Professor Akinwumi Omotayo, Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has said.

Professor Omotayo disclosed this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday in a keynote address at the 29th South West Zonal Workshop on Research-Extension-Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS) of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

In a thought-provoking lecture entitled “Repositioning Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Food Security in Nigeria”, he expressed grave concern over South West Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported food items and food from other regions of the country.

While noting that a comprehensive analysis of the state of food insecurity and dependency in South Western Nigeria “portrays an extremely gloomy picture,” the Agric expert gave a vivid illustration of the estimated dependency levels with some major food commodities.

The chart below is according to Prof Omotayo:

The Prof said: “In the South Western part of Nigeria in particular, indigenous farmers are gradually disappearing, food production is declining rapidly, those once classified as migrant labourers are taking over farms and becoming landlords, wetlands are being taken over and farmed for huge profits by migrants particularly from Northern Nigeria.
Young people are becoming increasingly apathetic and demonstrating complete lack of interest in farming.
The South Western part of Nigeria continues to depend increasingly on imported food items and food from other regions of Nigeria.
Consequently, the South West is increasingly becoming more vulnerable to food insecurity than other parts of Nigeria.”

Shedding light on other factors inhibiting agricultural development in the South West, Professor Omotayo said: “Forests are being converted to non-food production systems, water resources are becoming scarcer, and climate change plus shrinking biodiversity is threatening the viability of farming communities.

“Not much consideration has been given to how to safeguard biodiversity for food and agriculture for future generations as well as maintain a broad gene pool which ensures ecosystem’s resilience.”

Speaking earlier, the Director of IAR&T, Professor James Adediran noted with delight that proven technologies from the Institute and other collaborating centres had been transferred to the extension of Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in the various states through the Monthly Technology Review Meetings.

Professor Adediran however, called for increased funding for research activities in the on-going efforts to boost agricultural extension.

Thenation

Enugu massacre: Leave our land now – MASSOB warns herdsmen

The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has warned Fulani herdsmen to relocate from the South-East zone.

The warning which was handed down on Tuesday in a statement by the group’s spokesman, Comrd. Edeson Samuel, was sequel to the killings at Uzo-Uwani Council Area of Enugu State on Monday.

The statement read: “MASSOB condemns the attack on Biafrans by Fulani herdsmen at Uzo-uwani L.G.A Enugu State. We wish to remind Ndigbo and Biafrans that this killing and destruction of property of our people by Fulani herdsmen is getting out of hand.

“The fact that MASSOB believes in non violence does not mean that we cannot defend ourselves. There is a limit to human endurance.

“It is a pity that the Amnesty International has never for one day write a report against Nigerian military and Fulani herdsmen over the killing of our people. The massacre of MASSOB/IPOB members in Aba, the Ezu-River, killing of six Igbo traders in Abuja (the Apo six) the invasion of Igbo land by the Fulani herdsmen, all these, Amnesty International has not and will never see reasons to indict Nigerian Government because they are being controlled by the North.

“A lot of crime has been committed against the Easterners but the Amnesty International kept mute, but if it were in the north, it will quickly write a report. Shame to the leadership of Amnesty International.

“Fulani herdsmen invaded Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani L.G.A. of Enugu State. Killing of over 130 people, many houses, vehicles, motorbike were set ablaze. It is on record that Nigerian police received security report on Friday 22/04/2016 that over 500 Fulani herdsmen gathered in that community to attack them.

“This ethnic cleansing was planned against Ndigbo in 2003. Now that power has gone to the Fulani, they began the execution of this evil agenda.

“MASSOB is calling on all the pro-Biafra groups and Igbo youths to wake up and let us unite and face our enermies.

“We are warning the Fulani herdsmen to leave Biafra land or they will face our wrath.

“MASSOB is also calling on the international community, the United Nations (UN) Europen Union (EU), African Union (AU) to come to our aid because the agenda of President Mohammadu Buhari and his kinsmen is to exterminate Ndigbo and Biafrans from the face of the earth.

“It is time for the people of Kogi, Benue and Plataue State to rise up and defend their land and save their people from this Fulani herdsmen because a stitch in time saves nine.

“The Nigerian army, who knows how to arrest innocent citizens in Awgu L.G.A. of Enugu State received security report of Fulani invading Uzo-Uwani but could do nothing to save this community from Fulani herdsmen.

“We will not fold our hands and watch our people murdered in cold of blood. Where are the South East governors, the South East Senators, the South east members of House of Representatives? All the South East members of State House of Assembly, what are they doing over this Fulani herdsmen invasion of our land?”



Dailypost

Photos: Pro-Saraki group clash with Occupy NASS protesters

Pro-Saraki group clashed with members of the Occupy National Assembly Protesters who are calling for the resignation of the Senate president. Both groups met at the entrance of the National Assembly and they began arguing over who should stay at the entrance and who should leave. See more photos after the cut...

 

D’banj Clears The Air On Tonto Dikeh And His Record Label

Popular Nigerian singer and Chief Executive Officer of DB Records, D’banj, on Monday, cleared the air on weather actress/singer, Tonto Dikeh, has left his record label or not.

It was rumored that Dikeh, a female musician in DB records was kicked off the record label because she was not generating enough money for the company.

However, D’banj in an interview said nothing of such happened.

He said “I had a meeting with my team last year and I told everyone of them, my producers, songwriters and artistes that this year, they have to work harder than they had done in the past years.

“I advised them to sit up and I even included myself even though I am their boss. That is why you would notice that I am not using my in-house producers, I am branching out to get producers from around the country.

“For instance, I never met the producer of the song ‘Emergency’, before we did the song. Even the song that I am about to release now which features Oskido and some other South African artistes was done by a Nigerian that I had never met before.

“I made up my mind that I was not going to do things the same way we used to do them anymore; there is no way we keep doing the same thing and expect to produce different results.

“We are all talented and I believe that all the artistes I took under my wings are very talented.”

When asked on why Tonto Dikeh left his record label, he said “she can stand alone because she is very talented, they are all big brands and from their looks, you know they have great talents.

“All I did was to tell them that we should look for ways to make things work better.

“Also, when a woman is married, it is a different ball game. I have not seen her since the marriage and of course, now she has a child.

“She has been out of the country and I would say to you that the last thing she said to me was that she wanted to work on her foundation.

(NAN)

Prince cremated as sister inherits fortune

•Prince

Legendary music star, Prince Rogers Nelson, aka the artist formerly known as prince, who died on Thursday April 21, 2016 has been cremated in a small, private service for family, friends and musicians, as confirmed by his publicist.

“A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye,” she said. Among the people who attended the ceremony were percussionist Sheila E, bassist Larry Graham, and Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson.

Prince had no surviving offspring, and in the event that he died intestate (without a will), his entire eight hundred million dollar estate comprising his 300 million dollar fortune, and half a billion dollar music catalogue could go to his sister, Tyka Nelson;  a self confessed former prostitute, and rehabilitated  junkie. As she put it, “I was a single mother and my boys were babies, I sold my body for food, money and pampers. I pawned the car Prince had given me and sold the kids’ TV for drugs.”

His passing signals the end of an era. A contemporary, if not competitor, of the late King of pop; Michael Jackson, he was among the first black Americans to have songs played heavily on MTV; Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean, and his Little Red Corvette. The duo was known to play tennis and basketball together.

Although the cause of his death is still unknown, the results of Friday’s autopsy could take at least four weeks before being released.

Prince, 57, was found dead in a lift on his Paisley Park estate, near Minneapolis on Thursday, and fans are still paying tribute. Officials said there were no signs of injuries to his body, and no indication that he had killed himself. Publicist Anna Meacham said the singer’s “final storage” would be kept private.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson in 1958 to African American musician; John Nelson and Italian American singer; Mattie who divorced when he was eight years old. The child prodigy would go on to be raised by his father in Minneapolis.

Rumour has it that he could play as many as twenty seven instruments, and played all the instruments in his first album For You, released in 1978. Prince’s innovative music spanned rock, funk and jazz. He was at his peak in the 1980s with albums like Purple Rain, Dirty Mind, 1999 and Sign O’ the Times. He sold more than 100m records. He was also an arranger and multi-instrumentalist, and recorded more than 30 albums. Hits included Let’s Go Crazy and When Doves Cry. In 1984, he won an Oscar for the score to Purple Rain, a film in which he also starred.

His ex-wife, Mayte Garcia in a statement following the singer’s death through her manager; Gladys Gonzalez said: “I can’t even think of the words of what I’m feeling. This man was my everything, we had a family. I am beyond deeply saddened and devastated.”

The Nation

Fayose mourns Ekiti doctors, declares three days mourning

Read the press statement below...

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the death of six medical doctors and one driver in the State, in an accident involving a 13-passenger bus as the lowest point in the history of the State and a monumental loss not only to the people of Ekiti State but to Nigerians, declaring a three days of mourning for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The governor, who directed that all flags should be flown at half-mast, described the death as an eclipse of professional and intellectual figures, who lost their lives in active service to mankind, saying; “Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many.”

In a release issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; “Death of seven prominent indigenes of a State in one day and at the same period is a burden too heavy to bear and it is my prayer that God, who is the only giver and taker of live will give Ekiti people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The six doctors, who had an accident a few kilometres to Kaduna on their way to Sokoto to attend Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) event were Dr Aladesanmi of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti; Dr Ojo Taiwo of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); NMA Secretary, Dr Akinyele Lexy; Dr Ogunseye of the Health Management Board (HMB); EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) President, Dr Olajide, Dr Adeniyi James of the FMC and a driver, Mr Ajibola.

The governor urged families, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, especially members of the NMA to solace in God who giveth and taketh when it pleases Him. “It is my prayer that tragic incident like this will not be witnessed in Ekiti State again and that God in His infinite mercies will console the families of the deceased.

“On behalf of my family, Government and people of Ekiti State, I express our heartfelt condolence for the loss of these promising sons of Ekiti and wish their families, friends and professional colleagues the continued support and guidance of the Almighty God,” the governor said.



LIB

Former Minister Allegedly Returns PDP Campaign Looted Money

After being detained for about four days, a former Finance Minister, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, has reportedly made a substantial refund of the cash said to have been given to her by the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

A competent source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, confirmed that the powerful female Kaduna politician, who served as the Director of Finance for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Organisation, reportedly received N2.5 billion from the N4 billion that was released from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on the orders of Colonel Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser,NSA, in the heat of the 2015 elections.

EFCC sources claimed that Usman had unhindered access to huge cash, some of which the EFCC said came from the CBN.

According to findings, the former minister is being quizzed over various sums of money which were paid into her account.

Some of these funds are to have been traced to her personal and company’s accounts which she allegedly used to acquire properties in Abuja.

She was arrested last Monday and taken into custody by EFCC operatives to enable her speak on what she knew about the huge cash paid to her during the elections.

A competent source in the Commission, however, confirmed to Sunday Vanguard, last night, that Usman had been cooperating with the operatives interrogating her.

More importantly, the source said she had refunded an undisclosed amount of money to the EFCC.

Asked how much the former minister had remitted to the Commission, the officer declined to give details, saying he was not sure of the exact figure.

“I can confirm that the former minister has refunded some money but I will not tell you how much she has made available to us,” the officer said.

Asked when she would regain her freedom, the source said that releasing her depended on how soon she could make the money available to the Commission.

“It is to be expected that the woman could be released on administrative bail as soon as she refunds the amount we traced to her,” the officer stated.

Vanguard

CCT rejects Saraki’s motion querying Umar’s integrity

… Tribunal’s chairman, Saraki’s lawyer in hot exchange

The Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, on Thursday rejected the motion filed by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, querying his (Umar) integrity.

The Senate president in the motion urged the CCT chairman to disqualify himself from further presiding over the asset falsification trial.

Umar described the motion filed for Saraki’s lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, as “rubbish, unmeritorious and a distraction.”

He described the lawyer as a busy-body and a stranger to proceedings before the court.

Saraki filed the motion on Wednesday, questioning Umar’s integrity and demanding that he withdraw from the trial.

He claimed that Umar was being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying he was likely to be manipulated by the EFCC to arrive at a decision favourable for the prosecution.

At the commencement of proceedings, Adebayo Adelodun (SAN) who led the defence team, yielded ground for Oluyede to introduce his motion.

Oluyede said the motion contained reliefs, including an order asking Umar to disqualify himself from further presiding over the case on the ground that he was being investigated for bribery.

Lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), interjected and said the application had not received the ‎approval of the lead defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who  was initially absent at the proceedings.

Jacobs noted that Oluyede was not yet a lawyer in the case, because when he (Oluyede) filed the motion on Wednesday, he was yet to be recognised as a member of the defence team.

At that point, the tribunal chairman intervened.

He passed a copy of the EFCC letter  absolving him of the bribery allegation, on which Oluyede’ motion was predicated.

Umar noted that Oluyede had filed similar application before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a fundamental rights suit, which Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati dismissed last Friday as being unmeritorious and constituting an abuse of court’s process.

“As far as this tribunal is concerned, this application (motion) has not been filed. It is rubbish and it is hereby thrown out,” Umar declared.

He directed Oluyede to sit down to enable the tribunal proceeds with the business of the day, which was the continuation of the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas.

Oluyede ignored Umar’s directive, insisting that he will proceed with his motion. He accused Umar of having “too many cloudy relationships with the EFCC,” adding that “This is part of the reasons we asked you to excuse yourself.”

Umar interrupted him, threatening to commit the lawyer to prison should he persist to insult the tribunal.

When Oluyede refused to sit down, but made attempt to proceed with his argument, Umar ordered the police orderlies in court to take him (the lawyer) away.

The policemen were reluctant to carry out Umar’ directive, following which Jacob intervened and appealed for calm.

Jacobs urged Umar to be patient, noting that the EFCC had since March 15 cleared him of the allegations.

“My lord be patient, we will handle the application as we effectively did at the Federal High Court. We will expose the frivolity of the application even to the person who filed it,” Jacobs said.

Source: The nation