The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Filmmaker Edgard Leroy dies in auto crash

    Filmmaker Edgard Leroy dies in auto crash

     

    Filmmaker Edgard Leroy has died in an autocrash barely a month after winning his first Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award.

    The Cameroonian-born filmmaker died in a car crash on his way to Ibadan, Oyo state for a movie shoot.

    According to his partner and friend, David Akande, Leroy was involved in the auto crash that occurred on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Shagamu end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    Read Also: Full list of AMVCA 8 winners

    The rising filmmaker won the award for the Best Indigenous movie (Yoruba) for his first feature film, Alaise, on May 14, 2022 at the seventh AMVCAs.

    Born Edgard Le Roy Nouke Ngedemon on July 13, 1995 in Cameroon, the filmmaker died a few weeks before his 27th birthday.

    He’s the first Cameroonian and filmmaker to win the AMVCAs and for his first feature film in a totally foreign language.

  • Gunmen kill AE-FETHA staff, Ebubeagu operative in Ebonyi

    Gunmen kill AE-FETHA staff, Ebubeagu operative in Ebonyi

    Gunmen have killed a staff of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FETHA), Ani Casmir.

    Mr Casmir was a former Vice Chairman of the Hospital’s Welfare Association and current Chairman of the Hospital branch of Enugu Welfare Association.

    He was murdered on Friday night in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

    It was gathered that his body was found near his car on Ojeowerri Street on Saturday morning in the pooll of his blood.

    A source said the assailants attacked him with machete inflicting several cuts on his body.

    Friends and family have been lamenting his death on social media.

    His death was said to have thrown the entire Hospital community into mourning as he was very popular with the staff due to his position as a two time Executive member of the Welfare Association.

    A lawyer, Steve Ugama, said he had met with him on Friday night in Abakaliki and that they planned to meet again on Saturday.

    Read Also: Soludo to gunmen: Anambra ready for you

    He said: “On Friday night, we hung out together and as usual shared drinks and banters about so many issues. You showed me the picture of your new born baby and I could clearly see the happiness on your face.

    “We had plans for yesterday being Saturday. Around few minutes to 10pm, I had to leave you and others friends to go home. We shook hands and said our goodnight.

    “I woke up yesterday morning to hear that you were murdered in cold blood on the street of Abakaliki. Such a cruel world, such a painful way to die”

    “Throughout yesterday I thought it was a dream that I will wake up to see you are still alive. May your killers never know peace. May sorrow and pain be their companion, you were a fighter, may your killers be found soon and may God give us the Grace to endure your untimely death”, Ugama said.

    The death comes two days after the killing of an Ebubeagu operative, Simon Nwede, at his residence in Abakaliki in similar fashion.

    He was said to have been attacked by assailants also with matchete at Abofia in Abakaliki while returning from his duty post in the early hours of the morning.

    The Police spokesperson, Chris Anayawu could not be reached for comments at the time of filling this report. Ends

  • 2023: Muslim-Muslim ticket recipe for crisis – CAN

    2023: Muslim-Muslim ticket recipe for crisis – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised political parties against undermining the Christian community in the forthcoming presidential election by running Muslim-Muslim tickets.

    CAN gave the warning on Sunday during the interdenominational church service to mark the 2022 Democracy Day celebration, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

    It stated it is the presidential candidate who works with the church that will win the presidential election .

    President of CAN, Dr Samson Ayokunle, who was represented by National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, said the party that favours fairness, equity and justice would in return receive the support and votes of Nigerians in the coming election.

    Rreacting to rumours the ruling party is considering a Muslim-Muslim ticket, the CAN President said: “While I congratulate the candidates, I must sound this warning, please do not fly a Muslim-Muslim ticket. It would not fly. It will not stand. Rather, it would set the nation against each other.

    “The candidate who will emerge is the one who works with the Church. Please, do not alienate the church.

    Read Also: 2023: Akwa Ibom APC has no governorship candidate – INEC

    “If you embrace equity, fairness and justice, the Nigerian electorate will reward you with their votes at the polls and they will give you their support.”

    He urged candidates to exalt righteousness in their campaigns saying “You can only rule when there is a nation. In your campaigns, make sure you exalt fairness, justice and equity. If there is no righteousness, fairness and equity, we will remain divided.

    “There is no fairness if a certain people from a certain ethnic group are reduced to second class citizens who cannot aspire to the highest office in the land.

    “We pray for an end to killing people in their place of worship. We pray for a nation that is united and where justice, fairness and equity reigns. God bless you all and God bless Nigeria,” he said.

  • Kidnappers abduct four farmers in Ondo

    Kidnappers abduct four farmers in Ondo

    Four farmers, including three males and a female, residing at Elegbeka community near Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo state, have been reportedly abducted.

    The farmers were said to have been abducted in the early hours of Saturday.

    They were said to be be going to Akoko area of the State when gunmen kidnapped them.

    Sources said the abductors have contacted families of the victims and demanded N4m naira for each of the victims.

    The sources said there was exchange of gunfire between local hunters and some herders at Idogun in Irekari axis
    inside a forest in the borders of Ondo/Kogi/Edo states.

    Read Also: Owo massacre: Osun churches beef up security

    The local hunters were said to have been joined by their counterparts from Idoani, Ipesi and Ifira

    A traditional ruler, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Owo terror attack has renewed calls for stakeholders to urgently find solutions to the problem of insecurity in Yoruba land.

    He said all hands must be on deck not only to win the battle but win the war against insecurity.

    Ondo police spokesman, SP Fumilayo Odunlami, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident.

  • Nigerian-American singer Favoured drops single

    Nigerian-American singer Favoured drops single

    Nigerian-American Singer Tomi Favored Alesh has released her latest single titled ‘Committed to you’.
    The talented and award-winning music minister explained the newly released song was inspired by her walk with God, saying the song is one of the many projects she is working on this year.
    She said: “My latest song which featured Suanesha was birthed from my daily walk with Christ, what I learn from the Bible, my prayer and trying to express myself to God. Through the song, ‘Committed To You’, I am basically telling God I’m still for Him and with Him.”
    The latest song “Committed to you” is officially released on all platforms on June 8th, 2022.
     The audio as well as the video of the song  is out while the video is being premiered on my YouTube channel.”
    The song is already on various platforms including Youtube, Amazon and distokid among others.
    Speaking on the choice of Suanesha  as a featured artist on the song, Tomi noted that she decided to work with the talented minister after her music came up in a conversation with a mutual friend.

    Read Also: Valvin releases new single ‘It’s Friday’

    “I went online to listen to her music. I was blessed and thought she had a sweet spirit and good heart for God. So when we ended up interacting with one another, I asked if she would collaborate with me, and she kindly obliged.
    “My last major collaboration was released on January 22nd 2022 and that was with Pastor Elijah Oyelade and producer Eli-J titled ‘You Are Good.’ and I am presently releasing singles and collaborations. In the near future, there may be a full project. I’ll let everyone interested know when that time comes.
    “I try to always be grateful to God for His continued grace. Things have mostly been going well, I keep working, writing, wanting to release more content, and staying busy using the talents God has given me. It’s not always easy, honestly, but I believe I am called to encourage with my voice so that’s what I do.
    “I believe and hope that this song will encourage listeners to evaluate their relationship with God and help them decide to either commit to Him anew or perhaps renew a previous commitment to Him with more fervor.”
    Tomi Favored hinted that she has a few other songs to be released soon.
    Some of the songs will feature great  artists like Prospa Ochimana, Folabi Nuel, Michael Stuckey and more.
  • IGP directs CP to investigate Lagos club shooting

    IGP directs CP to investigate Lagos club shooting

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba on Sunday directed Lagos Commissioner of Police (CP)  Abiodun Alabi, to carry out a thorough investigation in the shooting incident that occurred at Club Cubana in Lagos last Wednesday.

    Five police escorts attached to top music artiste, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, have been arrested for attempted murder after they shot two fun-seekers, Irebami Lawrence and Tolu at Club Cubana in Lagos.

    According to a preliminary police report by the Bar Beach Police Division in Lagos State, trouble started around 4am on June 8, 2022 when the musician and the five police escorts visited Club Cubana in Victoria Island.

    Four of the police escort waited outside while one of the policemen identified as Inspector Ibrahim, who was plain clothed, accompanied Burna Boy into the club.

    Read Also:Lagos club owner, 14 others arrested on internet fraud charges

    A statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP said CP Lagos should forward his report as soon as possible for further action.

    “The Police personnel alleged and identified in the shooting incident at Club Cubana in Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, have been taken into custody and  are being investigated for their involvement in the incident. 

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba NPM, psc(+), fdc, who describes the circumstances surrounding the incident as unbelievable, has however condemned,  in the strongest terms,  the unfortunate incident. 

    “Consequently, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi, to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and forward his report as urgent as possible for further action,” the statement added.

  • Police to question Burna Boy over nightclub shooting incident

    Police to question Burna Boy over nightclub shooting incident

    The police on Sunday said grammy-award winner Domini Ogulu aka Burna Boy would be invited for questioning over the shooting incident that occurred at Cubana Nightclub in Victoria Island.

    Policemen attached to the singer on Wednesday opened fire in the club following disagreement with other clubbers.

    It was alleged that an argument ensued between Burna Boy and a man whose wife he allegedly made indecent advances to.

    Already, all five policemen have been arrested and detained on the instruction of the Inspector-General (IG) Alkali Usman.

    Confirming to The Nation that Burna Boy would be invited for questioning, Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said his name featured prominently on the shooting incident.

    He said the IG had directed Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Abiodun Alabi to investigate thoroughly and apprehend all culpable, adding that police would also investigate why the singer had five operatives with him at the time.

    Adejobi who issued a statement confirming the arrest of the policemen, said: “The police personnel alleged and identified in the shooting incident at Club Cubana in Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, June 8, have been taken into custody and are being investigated for their involvement in the incident.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, who describes the circumstances surrounding the incident as unbelievable, has condemned in the strongest terms, the unfortunate incident.
    “Consequently, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi, to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and forward his report as urgent as possible for further action.”

    Read Also: CYRIEL DESSERS: I’m in love with Burna Boy’s music

    In a post on microblogging site, Twitter, a user, Olisa Osega said: “Burna Boy made disrespectful advances at someone’s wife at the club. The man tried protecting his wife and got shot by his men and Burna was there laughing and giggling. He sings about human and social justice but does otherwise on the street. Burna really needs to fix up.”
    Another Twitter user @Theflowolf, whose friends were shot, confirmed the altercation was as a result of a woman.
    Narrating what transpired, he said he had invited his friends who came in from England and the United States of America (USA) to club only for bullets flying around to hit them.

    He said: “My Guys came to Nigeria from England and USA respectively for a wedding. I invited them out to club Cubana. A petty altercation with Burna Boy’s people arose (because of woman).
    “The next thing bullets started flying. One got scraped in the head by a bullet and the other one got shot in the leg.
    “When we rushed him to the Naval Medic Center they said they had no blood and he needed three pints of O+ blood. They said none of us can donate because we had been drinking from the club and then my friend started to shake on the hospital bed like he was losing his life
    “Two Good samaritan soldiers then offered to give a pint of blood each which was then used to stabilise him. The doctor said the iphone in his pocket which the bullet went through slowed down the bullet making it less fatal, the iphone saved his life.”

  • Akpabio, Ekpoudom fight over Akwa Ibom APC senatorial ticket

    Akpabio, Ekpoudom fight over Akwa Ibom APC senatorial ticket

     Ex-presidential aspirant Senator Godswill Akpabio and retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Udom Ekpoudom are fighting over the Akwa Ibom Northwest senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress(APC).
    Akpabio and Ekpoudom, who are laying claim to the senatorial ticket of the area, exchanged bitter words at the weekend.
    While Ekpoudom dismissed Akpabio’s claim as ‘product of a sham primary,’ the former Niger Delta Affairs Minister said the primary that produced Ekpoudom was ‘illegal’.
    The primary conducted by a faction of the APC at the Government Primary School Ikot Ekpene on May 27 produced Ekpoudom as winner of the Akwa Ibom Northwest senatorial ticket.
    After surrendering his presidential bid, Akpabio was last Thursday nominated as senatorial candidate of the APC for the area at the primary endorsed by the Stephen Ntukekpo-led leadership of the party in the State.
    In a statement by Director General of campaign, Uwem Udoma, Secretary, Obong Godwin Etokakpan and the campaign’s Director of Media and Publicity, Peter Idiong, Ekpoudom assured APC members in the senatorial district he will “under no circumstance, relinquish, withdraw or be substituted no matter the degree of pressure and inducement dangled by anyone”.

    Read Also:Akpabio wins Akwa Ibom APC Senate ticket

    He vowed he will under no circumstance relinquish the ticket to Akpabio, matter the degree of financial inducement.
    The statement read in parts: “The 2023 DIG Udom Udo Ekpoudom (Rtd), Senatorial Campaign Organization has observed an absurd, ridiculous and highly provocative conspiracy with respect to the APC Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District Senate Primary election, validly won by Udom Udo Ekpoudom. We vehemently wish to reiterate and state as follows;
    “Recall that Ekpoudom duly participated in the Akwa Ibom North West APC Senatorial District Primary Election held on Friday, May 27, 2022, in line with the 2023 Election Timetable and Guideline of our Party.
    “The purported “scam election” held on Thursday, 8th June, 2022 at the Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikot Ekpene is nothing but illegal, deceitful, unconstitutional, and legally defective”, DIG Ekpoudom declared.
    But speaking through his media aide, Jackson Udom, Akpabio insisted the primary that produced Ekpoudom is illegal and not recognised by the State and national leadership of the APC.
    “Ekpoudom cannot claim he is the candidate of the APC for Akwa Ibom Northwest. Ask him which faction he belongs to. Was the primary that purportedly produced him that of Stephen Ntukekpo led leadership of the party? If not so then the exercise he participated in is illegal,” he said.
  • Emmanuel celebrates cleric’s release from kidnappers den

    Emmanuel celebrates cleric’s release from kidnappers den

    Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel has celebrated the release from kidnappers den a popular teleevangelist, Apostle John Okoriko.

    Okoriko, the founder of Solid Rock Kingdom church, was abducted recently at his church premises in Mkpat Enin local government area.

    He was released by the hoodlums after an undisclosed amount of money was allegedly paid as ransom.

    The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2023 election, Pastor Umo Eno, represented Governor at the thanksgiving service at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo.

    Emmanuel reiterated the commitment of his administration in ensuring peace and security of lives and property across the State.

    He said that the government has invested a lot of resources in the area of security which according to him, has also yielded appreciable results.

    Read Also: Udom: Equipped for higher responsibilities

    Emmanuel stated despite the challenging security situation in most parts of the country, Akwa Ibom has enjoyed a high level of peace and security.

    He emphasized that Akwa Ibom remains one of the most peaceful States adding that most investors have found Akwa Ibom as their preferred destination on account of this important achievement.

    The Governor maintained that government is not oblivious of pockets of criminal activities in some parts of the state, but reassured everyone that his administration will continue to double its effort to ensure that Akwa Ibom remains a destination of choice.

    He thanked God for sparing the life of Apostle Okoriko and sparing the State from mourning one of its prominent sons.

  • Democracy Day: Nigeria on right track to greatness – APC chieftain

    Democracy Day: Nigeria on right track to greatness – APC chieftain

    Deputy National Chairman South of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Emma Eneukwu has hailed Nigeria on the 23rd Democracy Day anniversary.

    In a statement , Eneukwu joined other notable personalities across the globe to wish Nigeria well at the august occasion.

    The APC chieftain described Nigeria as a country that has rediscovered its developmental strides, adding that the nation was very close to being Africa’s best, particularly since APC took over the leadership of the country.

    According to him, Nigeria reignited her stance in the map of Africa since APC took over her leadership in 2015 and saved the country from doom.

    He stressed that the time calls for Nigerians to be more patriotic in their daily activities and eschew any form of action or statement that could jeopardise the peaceful coexistence of her citizens.

    Eneukwu posited the country needed cohesion amongst all ethnic groups in order to prosper as calls for succession are ideas from pessimists who are bent of causing chaos through various means just to satisfy their selfish goals.

    Eneukwu said: “I want to congratulate our dear country for successfully celebrating her 23rd independence day anniversary since the inception of the 4th Republic, which started in 1999“

    “It has not been very easy but God kept us moving in love, unity and progress.

    “Our democracy has grown tremendously since APC took over in 2015,as our country was so divided amongst ethnicity while insurgency held its way.

    “But when Apc took over through president Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria was saved from a total collapse because, We have a Pan African president that does not segregate.

    Read Also: Democracy Day: Abiodun reverses death sentences, frees 40 inmates

    “The time now calls more patriotism amongst our citizens, as we must all see Nigeria as our most cherished property, that requires stoical efforts from everybody , to make it an enviable haven for other countries in the continent and the world at large to embrace.

    “We must abdicate from any activity that brings about division and must fervently, inculcate the spirit of oneness.

    “The time now requires that we join hands together work for the interest of Nigeria and curb any act that encourages division as those propagating such, are doing so because of their narcissistic propensity and not for our own good.”

    Eneukwu also stated the importance of giving the ruling APC more support as it is the only known political platform that has the interest of Nigerians at heart.

    “As we celebrate our democracy day today, I enjoin all Progressive Nigerians to continue to support Apc and president Muhammadu Buhari’s led federal Government, a Government that has proven to Nigerians beyond the reasonable doubts that, they mean well for them.

    ” APC is the only political platform that has the interest of Nigerians at heart which we have all seen through our programs and policies.

    “I am also encouraging us to make it a point of duty, to get our voters card as INEC has extended the registration deadline till August.

    ” It has become necessary because, it is the only tool that we can use to circumvent those that nearly killed this country from returning to power through the back door.

    “We must work hard to protect our democracy by supporting Apc as it is the only party, that has answers to our problems and also has programmes that modifies our democracy,” he stressed.