Author: The Nation

The Kwara Police Command has said that no part of the State has been occupied by suspected bandits.

It debunked a fake intelligence report circulating on several social media platforms that some forest reserves in parts in the statie have been surrounded and ready to be used as launching-pads to attack Kwarans and some neighbouring States.

Kwara Police spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi said that: “The Command wishes to state categorically that Kwara State is safe and secured and no part of Kwara State is occupied by bandits or terrorists.

“The writer and sharer of that fake intelligence report are mischievous, desirous of sowing a seed of distrust and fear in the minds of the good people of Kwara State in particular and Nigeria in general; an attempt to create panic in the minds of peace loving Kwarans.They have failed!

“The police Commissioner Tuesday Assayomo has re-stated the commitment of the police and other security agencies in the of their red-alertness to the protection and defend the life and property of citizens and residents.

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“The CP further assures the people of their safety at all times, adding that aggressive and extensive patrols have been emplaced in the state ,while vigilante groups and hunters have been coopted in patrolling the forests and bushes .

“Consequently, the good people of the state are advised to give information to the police whenever anything negative or sinister developments is being suspected around their vicinity.

“The Command “enjoins citizens and residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear of attack or intimidation.

“The Command would not relent in regular patrols, intelligence gathering and raiding of black spots in conjunction with sister security agencies in the state.”

Former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, said yesterday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has what it takes to lead Nigeria.

Iseli, in a clarification, said his Friday private conversation with a Facebook acquaintance on the eligibility of the former Lagos State governor was taken out of context.

He said: “While it is regrettable that such a private conversation went viral vide from a Facebook account, let me state that the conversation was taken out of context.

“In the first instance, I have high regards for the person of the APC presidential candidate; a two (2)-term governor of Lagos State and a revered leader of the APC.

“I have lived in Lagos since I relocated from Switzerland, and I can attest to his transformational impact in the state.

“More significantly is his ability to identify and engage exceptional and committed technocrats in governance with tangible results over time, and maintaining relationships with them and others across board.

“This, I believe, will be replicated if he is given the opportunity at the federal level.

“His all-inclusive style of governance has seen people from other states, ethnicities and faith take up appointments in Lagos, serving meritoriously too.

“Consequently, his competence is not in doubt. I only expressed my fear for the rigours of the office.

“My personal view is that anyone can choose any candidate, but must ask themselves if they have chosen rightly.

“This is a pertinent question for everyone. I simply admonished a friend to vote by his convictions.”

Tee Mac added that his only grouse, which he still stood by, was that it was Tinubu who sold Buhari to the nation in 2015, which candidate, contrary to all expectations, underperformed.

“The above notwithstanding, I neither have a personsal grudge with Asiwaju nor would pursue a path of acrimony with my cousin, Remi Tinubu, whom everyone adjudged pleasant and supportive.

“Tinubu remains a man I admire regardless of what sycophants have tried to make of my comment.”

An apex political body of the Imo West Senatorial District, Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) has chided former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Imo East senatorial zone, Chief Uche Onyeagocha for applauding banditry and hooliganism in Orlu and Imo state in general.

In his swift reaction, Onyeagocha, who attacked the State Government over the recent killing in Awomama, denied having a hand in insecurity in the State.

The group however noted that Onyeagocha by his action was instigating and promoting banditry, hooliganism and other criminal activities in the state.

Addressing newsmen in Owerri, the state capital, the National President of the Consultative Assembly, Rex Anunobi in a statement entitled: “Insecurity in Orlu zone, Imo State exposing Uche Onyeagocha and His accomplices” the association regretted that while Governor Uzodimma is doing his best to end insecurity in the state, the PDP senatorial flagbearer and his alleged accomplices had developed a penchant for attacking the government.

“Rather than commend Governor Uzodimma’s synergy with the security agencies that is restoring normalcy and peace in Orlu zone, Onyeagocha apparently for his desperation for power has unstatesmanly resorted to instigating another wave of insecurity in the zone and Imo State with his unguarded statements and unwarranted attacks on Governor Uzodimma, the government of Imo State and security agencies.”

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The group called on Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Barrister COC Akaolisa to recommence a pending trial of Onyeagocha for alleged criminal conduct against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the state in 2019.

It enjoined the nation’s electoral body to disqualify ex SSG for allegedly invading the governorship collation centre of the electoral umpire in 2019, during which he reportedly disrupted the exercise, torn and chewed result sheets in full glare of the public.

Reacting, Onyeagocha dismissed the group’s threat saying that he is willing to subject himself to any legal action.

“I am willing to make myself available for any charge against me. Imo government should commence the court proceedings as quickly as possible,” he said.

He said that he has given the Government 14 days to start the process of prosecuting him or forever remain silence.

According to him: “INEC cannot disqualify me because I have not committed any electoral offence, anybody who wants to go to court should go rather than stay in a hotel in Owerri dish out orders.”

Anambra cleric Prophet Iyke Uzukwu has warned those persecuting Apostle Johnson Suleman and other men of God to desist forthwith or face the wrath of God.

Uzukwu, Spiritual Head of Soul Revival Ministries, Nnewi, noted that any attempt to pull down men of God is tantamount to destroying the spiritual foundation of the nation.

An online platform had made series of allegations against Suleman after videos and messages of an actress, surfaced on social media pages.

While some of the mentioned actresses took to their social media pages to debunk the allegations, others ignored.

But speaking to reporters on Saturday in Nnewi, the cleric regretted that Nigeria is fast becoming a nation that swallows her prophets, a development he said would attract dire consequences.

He said; “Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide is subjected to all manner of gossips because of his simplicity.

“He has built schools, hospitals and even police station and handed over to the government; it hurts that the unfounded allegations is even emanating from persons he helped.

“The development if it continues will discourage other men of God from assisting the needy in the society. Interestingly, the more people peddle fake news about Apostle Suleman and others, the more they wax stronger.

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“For the past five years, I have been prophesying what is happening to Apostle Suleman as regards the negative publicity he is getting and the need for him to be prayerful and careful.

“I’m sure God has a special interest in him and his ministry which is the major reason the devil is attacking him through those who have benefitted from his ministry.

“Prophet Jeremiah Omotosho Fufeyin upon all his great exploits and good deeds to the masses was accused of stealing a child but thank God, the truth about his innocence was later revealed.

“Prophet Ayodele of INRI Worldwide whenever he gives prophecy that makes people uncomfortable, rather than going to him to seek spiritual help from him, the concerned persons will resort to blackmail.

“Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and others are also not being faily treated by Nigerians especially the political class.”

Acknowledging he was not in support of evil, Uzukwu however stressed the need for people to investigate allegations against any man of God and have concrete evidence before celebrating lies on social media.

“I sympathize with Apostle Johnson Suleman and the entire members of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide and others who are being persecuted for righteousness sake.

“But the truth is if Jesus Christ was persecuted and crucified for doing good, the servants of God should expect nothing less,” he stressed.

Poor turnout of voters marred the Local Government election conducted in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi on Saturday.

At some of the polling units visited by The Nation in the three senatorial zones, it was observed voters did not come out to participate in the exercise.

At the Unit 003 Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, in Ebonyi North zone as well as Onueke in Ezza South in Ebonyi Central zone and Obiozara in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi South zone, the situation was the same.

Around 2:11pm when The Nation visited one of the polling units in Obiozara in Ohaozara local government area, it was observed that not more than five persons came out to cast their votes.

It was however different at Umunaga Polling booth in Ohaozara Local Government Area as appreciable number of voters were seen participating in the process.

Some of the voters described the exercise as selection instead of election, stating the ruling party has always been declared winner at the elections.

Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie said local government election in Nigeria has always been a one- party affair so there was no need coming out to participate.

Others who also spoke attributed the low turnout to imposition of candidates and poor publicity on the election.

Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi described the exercise as peaceful and expressed the optimism the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) will emerge victorious at the polls.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Umunaga Ward 4, Ohaozara local government area, Umahi said his performance as Governor will always give APC victory in elections in the State.

“I can say that I am quite satisfied with the report I am getting from the polling units.

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“It is very peaceful, the turnout is quite impressive and the people are voting very freely for Candidates of their preferences”.

“There is no other political party in Ebonyi State, we have done quite well and no other political party in Ebonyi can boast of any reason why anybody in Ebonyi should vote for such party other than APC”.

“We have performed, we have transformed the State, so Ebonyi people will not listen to promises, they are going to be listening to promises fulfilled under my administration and as the party of APC”.

“I worked hard for it. Apostle Paul says I have run the race, I have kept the faith, left unto me is the crown of righteousness, that crown of righteousness is a comprehensive victory today,” he said.

Umahi denied the insinuation that there was imposition of candidates, adding that the people were given the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

Police operatives in Ogun State have rescued a week-old baby stolen in Lagos and sold to a 53-year- old woman at N500,000.

The police also arrested the suspected buyer, Chinyere Nwozu as well as Ngozi Akaeme who sold the baby boy to her

Nwosu was nabbed on July 25 when she was seen carrying a crying little baby who she could not pacify or breastfeed mothers are wont to do.

Surprised onlookers were said to have alerted the police at Sango Ota divisional headquarters to the suspicious incident.

Ogun Police spokesperson Abimbola Oyeyemi, who disclosed these to newsmen on Saturday, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Sango Ota who acted on the tip -off, deployed detectives to the scene.

Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the detectives arrested the woman and the accomplice.

“The DPO Sango Ota, SP Dahiru Saleh, detailed his detectives to the scene where the woman was promptly arrested.

“On interrogation, she confessed to the police that she is not the biological mother of the child but that she bought the child somewhere in Agege area of Lagos state through one Ngozi Akaeme at the rate of N500,000

“Detectives went after the said Ngozi Akaeme and got her arrested. She confessed being an accomplice to Chinyere Nwozu, and that she actually negotiated with the biological mother of the baby who according to her agreed to sell the baby.

“Efforts to make her accompany policemen to locate the real mother of the baby proved abortive.

“Meanwhile, the commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole has directed that the suspects be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

A community leader in Owo, Owo local government area, Chief Solomon Adenegan, has commended management of the Achievers University, Owo, for providing scholarship for indigent residents in the community.

Chief Adenegan said the scholarship has helped many students in the community have access to quality education.

Adenegan, who spoke when he paid a thank- you visit to the institution, urged other private tertiary institutions to emulate Achievers University by introducing scholarships that would helped indigent students.

Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Samuel Aje, said the Scholarship Scheme had widened access to university education in the country.

Aje urged the people of Owo and its environment to seize the opportunity provided by the Council of the 14-year-old University and send their children to school.

His words: “Many Nigerians who would have otherwise not have the opportunity of quality education are benefiting from the award scheme.

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“The scholarship awards started in the 2020/2021 session. They are in two categories. The full tuition scholarship, where beneficiaries will not pay tuition until the final year, and the second is the 50 percent tuition scholarship in all Engineering programmes of the University.

“Full tuition scholarship covers 12 programmes in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Industrial Chemistry, Biochemistry, Plant Science and Biotechnology, and Geology.

“Beneficiaries are expected to be in good academic and moral standing or else they will lose the Scholarship,” Aje said.