The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Presidential group praise Nigerians for opposing #RevolutionNow protest

    The Presidential Support Committee (PSC) on Tuesday hailed Nigerians for opposing the idea of #RevolutionNow protest spearheaded by Mr. Omoleye Sowore.

    In a joint statement by its National Facilitator Gideon Sammani and Media Director Kailani Muhammad, the group said the call was an attempt to bring confusion into the nation’s polity after a stable 20 year experience of democratic rule.

    It noted that while Sowore was defeated resoundingly in the last election he contested for the position of President, “his call for revolution was nothing but an attempt to set the country ablaze, using gullible Nigerians to achieve his selfish goal”.

    PSC added: “While it was glaring that only the disaffected elites are not happy with the positive changes introduced by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the idea of a revolution was brought to deceive innocent Nigerians by making them to set the country into unending political turmoil, like it happened in some other countries.

    Read Also: #RevolutionNow: we didn’t plan to topple govt, says AAC stalwart

    “In fact, most of the countries where such senseless revolutions were experienced are no better in terms of peace and stability.”

    The statement noted that the rejection of the idea indicated maturity of Nigerians and their love for democracy.

    PSC also expressed appreciation to the Senate for clearing the ministerial nominees whose names the President submitted to the Upper Chamber for clearance and confirmation.

    The group was happy that its members, including its National Coordinator, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Women Leader, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Mr. Uchechukwu Orgah and Senator George Akume, were among the 43 ministerial nominees screened by the Senate.

    The development, PSC said, would further support the attainment of the goals of the present administration’s Next Level.

    It said all the four nominees from PSC have tremendous experience in governance and leadership, which would add positive values to the good plans of the President in addressing the nation’s challenges.

    “The clearance of all the 43 ministerial nominees was an indication that the characters and leadership qualities of the ministers-designate were exemplary,” the statement said.

  • Jonathan’s ex-aide gets flak for attacking Buhari, others

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State-based lawyer, Princewill Dike, has berated a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, for his incessant verbal attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari; minister-designate Rotimi Amaechi and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

    Dike, yesterday in Port Harcourt, wondered why Omokri uses what he called gutter language on the three leaders of the governing APC, instead of addressing challenges facing the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said: “It is rather disturbing how the former Special Assistant (SA) on Social Media to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has condescended to the despicable level of using gutter language on the change elements who democratically dethroned his principal. More worrisome is the fact that he is a pastor and lawyer.

    Read Also: Jonathan’s ex-aide, senator linked to Iwu’s N1.2b cash

    “One would have expected the man who, has constituted himself into an ignominious Internet troll, to address issues in his party. But alas! That is not Omokri. Rather, he, like an adult playing with toys, often resorts to the fallacy of argumentum ad hominem – evading the topical engagement to an abuse to the person.

    “Today, God is punishing them through the Sheriff, President Muhammadu Buhari. Still, Omokri cannot see anything wrong with the government he served. Sadly, he is stopping at nothing to deride the God-sent messengers (Buhari, Amaechi and Oshiomhole), who rescued Nigeria from the claws of the Augean stables.”

    The lawyer noted that even as a cleric and lawyer, Omokri had refused to see efforts of the Buhari administration to reinvent Nigeria and put it on the path of real development.

    He said: “Omokri is going mad against President Buhari and his change agents because they removed food from his table. If not, why would he not hide his head in shame that he was a part of the pillage of the common patrimony of the long-suffering Nigerians, as witnessed by the humongous jaw-dropping fraud that characterised the government he served and today defending to the point of insanity?

    “For a lawyer and pastor to descend to the level of paranoia and blindly refusing to see anything good in the genuine efforts being made by President Buhari to reinvent Nigeria and put it on the path of real development truly convinces me that he …needs help.”

  • How drug abuse worsens HIV, hepatitis infections, by NDLEA

    Drug abuse worsens the severity of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis infections because of the peculiar behaviour and quality of life of drug addicts, it has been learnt.

    The Head of Drug Reduction Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adamawa State, Shehu Dankolo, stated this in an interview with our correspondent.

    Dankolo noted that HIV and Hepatitis B & C infections among drug abusers are more acute than the public realises.

    “Drug abuse badly worsens the cases of certain diseases, including HIV infection and hepatitis B & C,” he said.

    Explaining how this happens, Dankolo said: “Drug abuse lowers immunity very seriously. People taking drugs contract HIV more easily because indiscriminate drug intake lowers their immunity to it.

    “Number Two: The danger is intravenous drug use: the use of syringe by drug users. I was shown seven secondary school pupils who were using a single syringe to inject themselves. This one would inject himself and give it to another one, and pass it on. That way, it is very easy to contact HIV and Hepatitis B & C.

    Read Also: ‘Drug abuse behind worsening mental disorder crisis’

    “Number Three: Carelessness that comes with intoxication. If people are intoxicated, they adopt careless lifestyles. They meet commercial sex workers without protection. That is how it makes it easy to be infected with HIV. And, of course, fluid is often passed on through sex; it is a source of Hepatitis B & C infection.

    “Number Four: If someone is HIV positive and placed on anti-retroviral drugs, the drugs do not work. In fact, currently, they have converted the anti-retroviral drugs to substances of abuse.”

    The NDLEA official said progress was being made as sensitisation against drug abuse was becoming high.

    “People are widely aware of the consequences of drug abuse, some of which I have highlighted. Many youths, who would have taken that path, are abstaining. The enlightenment in the media has been high,” he said.

  • Lawyers seek creation of more special courts to tackle defilement cases

    Some lawyers in Lagos have urged state governments across the country to establish more special offences’ courts that will effectively address the incessant increase in the defilement of minors.

    They also urged the governments to introduce confiscation of assets of offenders.

    The lawyers, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noted that despite the life imprisonment punishment for offenders, sexual exploitation of children was still on the increase.

    The lawyers advised that setting up special offences’ courts throughout the country would considerably improve speedy disposal of such cases, just as the confiscation of assets would tremendously deter offenders.

    A Lagos-based lawyer,  Mr Daniel Idibia, told NAN that defilement cases were on the increase because the criminal procedure for trying offenders had suffered a lot of setbacks.

    He said parents should be encouraged to report such cases to human rights’ centres and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) when such offences occur.

    Read Also: Man allegedly rapes girl, 10

    The lawyer advised parents to pay more attention to their girl-child and create a bond between them so that they and their daughters would be free to discuss any issue affecting them.

    “At present, several perpetrators are still walking the streets freely and committing the same heinous crime due to poor policing and investigation, coupled with poor administration of the criminal justice system.

    “Also, the questions asked by the police when such cases are reported do not encourage parents to report defilement in our society.

    “The most uninteresting aspect is that some defilement cases are not reported by parents due to societal norms, thus leaving the victims with the traumatic effects,” Idibia said.

    The lawyer said there should be consistency in media reporting of such cases to deter other potential offenders.

    “In as much as special child-offences’ courts should be established throughout Nigeria to enable speedy trial of offenders, stiffer penalties, apart from life imprisonment, like confiscation of assets of offenders, should also be introduced,” Idibia said.

    Another lawyer Chibuikem Opara said a policy of refusing bail to anybody standing trial for defilement should be put in place to deter would would-be offenders.

    “It is not enough that life imprisonment is in the books. First, there should be a policy of refusing bail to anybody standing trial for such offences.

    “The number of convicts must increase and there should be adequate publicised to deter intending defilers.

    “Castration is inhuman but if every other thing fails, it may be considered. We can justify castration by stating that defilement is a crime against humanity,” Opara said.

    He advised parents to put more efforts in monitoring the movements of their underage boys and girls.

    Also, Mr Chris Ayiyi, another Lagos-based lawyer, said that the high incidences of this heinous crime occurred mostly in areas with high congestion of accommodations.

    He urged the social welfare ministry to do more in visiting thickly populated areas and educate parents there on the likelihood and the consequences of such occurrences.

    Ayiyi advised government to “give back good governance to the society by developing more cities to decongest urban centres and create more jobs for her citizens”.

  • Tsav, Asambe laud Akume’s ministerial nomination

    Former Police Commissioner Abubakar Tsav has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Senator George Akume as a minister.

    He described the former governor as “a good choice”.

    Tsav, a hitherto critic of Akume, described him as “a humble and true leader of the people of Benue State”.

    Speaking yesterday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Tsav said: “Akume is a very good man. He is a very humble and true Benue leader. He is a true leader and I think he will not disappoint in his new responsibility.

    “He is the only politician in Benue who feeds his supporters anytime they come to his house not minding their status.”

    The former police chief, who attributed Akume’s defeat in the senatorial contest to “a conspiracy to throw him out of power”, said the appointment had brought him back into reckoning.

    Read Also: Ministerial nomination: Aregbesola is our hero, says Osun APC

    He added: “I am very happy about the appointment of Akume as a minister because, at a stage, Benue seemed to have lost proper leadership, especially when he lost his senatorial election.”

    The former Federal Public Complaints Commissioner advised Akume to be “mindful of certain people around him” as he braces up for the challenge.

    Also, the Convener of Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) Dr Aondoakaa Asambe said Akume would bring positive strides to bear on the life of every Benue resident and other Nigerians.

    The activist described the former governor as “a bridge builder” with leadership skills that could unite people across all ethnic divides and nationalities.

    He said: “The President could not have made a better choice from Benue State. We commend the President for the choice of Senator Akume and implore the senator to work towards unifying the Tiv and the Fulani.

    “We also urge the senator to create opportunities for dialogue towards ending lingering crises between the herdsmen and our local farmers since confrontation is not the best option for ending crises like these.”

    “We call on the President to work with Senator Akume to bring about peace in Tiv communities of Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.”

    Asambe hailed President Buhari for his massive infrastructural development witnessed in the last four years, especially the ongoing dualisation of Keffi/Akwanga/Lafia/Makurdi road.

  • Police arraign car dealer for alleged car theft

    A 41-year-old car dealer, Frank Abayomi, has appeared at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for alleged theft of a Hyundai car worth N3million.

    The police charged Abayomi, who lives at 10, Magodo Estate in Lagos, with conspiracy and theft.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Donjour Perezi said the defendant committed the offences with others at large on July 19, at 11am, at Mile 12, Lagos.

    He alleged that the defendant stole the car with number plate SMK 511 DW, property of Miss Ngozi Njokuoma.

    Read Also: I took no part in Kwara agency fraud, says ex- First Lady

    Perezi said Ngozi travelled to her home town and left the car in her sister’s care, Miss Sandra Njokuoma.

    “Sandra contracted the defendant to drive her to Mile 12 market to buy foodstuffs.

    “They had agreed to meet at First Bank after her shopping, but she ended up waiting for hours, in vain.

    “After 24 hours, she reported the case at the Ogudu Police Station, believing something bad must have happened to him, but he was later arrested,’’ he said.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Magistrate Mrs. Bukola Mogaji admitted the defendant to N200, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She ordered that the sureties must be employed, with evidence of two years tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

    The case was adjourned till September 6.

  • Uber driver charged with theft

    An Uber driver, Adewale Adenekan, has appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N910,000.

    Adenekan, 53, who lives at 27A, Olaogun Road, Olaogun bus stop, Ogun State, was arraigned on charges bordering on theft and wilful damage, offences he denied committing.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Ishiola Samuel alleged that Adenekan committed the offences last September 9 in Ikeja.
    He alleged that Adenekan was entrusted with a Toyota Corolla car registered as BDG 38 FK for Uber driving business, property of Mr. Salako Musa.

    “Adenekan converted the proceeds of N910,000 to his use without the consent of Musa and wilfully damaged the car,’’ the prosecutor told the court.

    He said the offences contravened sections 350 and 278 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
    Magistrate Mrs. A. I. Abina admitted the defendant to N300,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case continues on August 29.

  • Civil Defence ‘killer officer’ in detention, says Corps chief 

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has detained its officer, who allegedly killed a 100 level student of Niger Delta University (NDU), Ammassoma, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    The officer allegedly shot dead the Petrochemical Engineering student identified as Obinna, who was said to have been taken to a hospital in the community, but died shortly after.

    NSCDC Commandant-General (CG) Abdullahi Muhammadu said the incident could have been avoided if the officer was careful.

    He added: “I assure the family that the erring officer will not go unpunished. He will be sanctioned in accordance with the law, to act as a deterrent to others.”

    A statement in Abuja yesterday by NSCDC spokesman Emmanuel Okeh said: “Following the death of a 100 level student of Niger Delta University (NDU), Ammassoma, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has commiserated with the bereaved family.

    ”Lamenting the incident, the visibly disturbed NSCDC boss described the situation as unfortunate and regrettable, saying it was an accident that could have been avoided had the personnel been a bit more careful with his rifle. He described the untimely death of the young man as a huge loss to the family and prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed.

    Read Also: NSCDC operative kills 100-level varsity student in Bayelsa

    “Gana stressed that the Corps placed so much premium on human life as an inviolable entity, hence, his administration from inception has maintained zero tolerance for accidental discharge from personnel of the service, which explains why so much energy and resources are channelled towards training and retraining of his officers and men, but most importantly arms bearing personnel because of the sensitive nature of their job.

    “Berating his personnel involved in this accidental discharge, he appreciated the bereaved family for their show of understanding and assured them of support in reducing their burden and ensuring that the deceased is given a deserving and befitting burial. For the erring officer; the CG hinted that he is in detention and being investigated to unravel the circumstances that led to the costly mistake.”

    The NSCDC boss warned officers and men of the Corps to show more responsible and patriotic attitude towards their professional calling and desist from such behaviours that will drag the good name of the organisation in the mud, stressing that the Corps is noted for humility and integrity in service delivery, hence, stiffer penalty will be handed down to anyone found culpable in such avoidable and life threatening mistake.

    “The suspect was on an official escort duty at Ammassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State when the unfortunate incident occurred. He was neither drunk nor found in a drinking bar as insinuated in some quarters. May the Almighty God grant the bereaved family and the entire Niger Delta University community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

  • Landlord accused of threatening tenant

    The police in Lagos have arraigned a landlord and his employee at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly threatening a tenant.

    The landlord, Olatunji Shakioye, 37, lives at Bariga. His employee, Halimat Olabiyi, 20, lives at Shomolu.

    The duo are facing a two-count charge of breach of the peace and threat to life.

    Prosecuting Inspector Donjour Perezi said the defendants committed the offences on July 7 at Olorunkemi Street, Bariga.

    He alleged that the defendants conspired and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by threatening, Shakioye’s tenant, Miss Adesuwa Matuwo.

    “Olabiyi – an employee to Shakioye –  had a misunderstanding with the complainant (Matuwo) and took a picture of her (using a phone)  without her consent.

    Read Also: Court remands applicant for ‘defiling’ girl, 12

    “As a result, the complainant reported the incident at a police station, and when Olabiyi was questioned by the police, she admitted to have snapped her without her consent.

    “The pictures were extracted from the defendant’s phone and while the case was still being investigated, the other defendant, Shakioye, out of anger that the complainant didn’t seek his consent before arresting his worker, threatened her.

    “He said if the complainant didn’t vacate his premises, he would deal with her.’’

    Perezi said the offences contravened sections 56(1) (a) and 168(1) (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Mrs. Bukola Mogaji admitted them to N50, 000 bail each, with two sureties each in the like sum.

    The case was adjourned till September 6.

  • Three jailed for stealing vehicle

    Three persons have been jailed for stealing a Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), valued at N3.5million.

    Those convicted are Igho Ita and two of his boys, Wellington Osagie and Pascal Bossou.

    They were sentenced to 32 months imprisonment each by an Oredo Magistrates’ Court in Edo State presided over by Mrs. Ivie Akere.

    The convicts were arraigned on two-count charges bordering on stealing.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Read Also: Three jailed seven years for kidnapping, selling infant

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Agbonifo called two witnesses, but the convicts did not call any witness.

    Agbonifo told the court that the owner of the vehicle, John Paul Orjika, took his car to a car wash owned by Igho on August 11, 2018 and left his keys with them.

    He said the owner returned later and was told by the car wash operators that another person came and took the car away.

    Mrs. Akere found the three guilty of both charges and sentenced them accordingly.

    She, however, gave them an option of N160,000 fine on both charges.