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  • Why we must always speak truth to power, by Fayemi

    Why we must always speak truth to power, by Fayemi

    The immediate past chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and former governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday, December 19, advised party leadership to always speak the truth to the throne by giving President Bola Tinubu true feedback on the state of things.

    He strongly advised that the president should not be made to depend solely on information he gets from the Villa.

    The former governor gave the advice at the public launch of a book titled: APC and Transition Politics’ written by a former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Salihu Mohammed Lukman in Abuja.

    Fayemi, who singled out the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, counselled the former Kano state governor to project the party’s manifesto and relate to the president the true state of affairs and the feedback from various communities.

    He said: “I am happy that our chairman is here. This is the party that should not be a spectator in policy making. This party should be the one to project the manifesto of the party. This party should be the one to tell Mr President that this is the feedback from the communities and constituencies out there, not what he is hearing in the Villa where he is locked up.

    “All of us have occupied public office and we know how it can be. I am happy our chairman has confirmed he has read the book. It should be a compulsory read for all members of the NWC and executives at the state and ward levels so that we can begin the rebuilding process of our organic party to which I believe Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is committed.”

    In his keynote address, the leader of Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon. Olawale Oshun frowned at political parties relinquishing political structure to individuals. 

    He also said political parties as an institution should be in a position to determine succession commencing from the lowest strata of governance to the highest strata and not individuals.

    The Afenifere leader said: “Our democracy should evolve such that it is the political party as an institution that should ever be in a position to determine succession commencing from the lowest strata of governance to the highest strata. 

    “Sayings like I don’t know who will succeed me but I know who will not should never again hold sway in our country for it is as good as knowing who you want to succeed you. 

    “Why can’t Nigerian rulers or elected leaders play their part, and leave office believing that the political party that threw them up will also throw up another goo? material. Why must anyone no matter how powerful be the one to determine his successor?” the Afenifere leader asked

    In his remarks, the party Chairman said the APC needs to be well-structured and repositioned to serve the interest of the masses.

    Read Also: Japa: Collect cost of trained doctors, others from recruiting countries – Fayemi

    Ganduje said: “It is important to document issues. APC as a political party is the ruling party. It is an institution which should be well-structured and repositioned whereby serve two-way traffic – first, as an institution that is in charge of recruitment of appointive and elective officials and also as an institution that is concerned about the implementation of the party’s manifesto from the ward level to the national level.

    “And it is an institution that must answer to the demands of the order to be transmitted to the ruling government for implementation. At the same time, it is an institution that will explain and enlighten members of the public about the achievements of the ruling government.”

    Prominent leaders of the ruling party graced the book launch which had APC pioneer national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande as the chairman. Other leaders include Ganduje, former APC national chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo represented by Laolu Akande, representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, serving and former members of APC National Working Committee (NWC) former and serving members of the National Assembly and many others.

  • NSCDC operatives arrest illegal miners, others in Abuja

    NSCDC operatives arrest illegal miners, others in Abuja

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT, Abuja Command have arrested two vandals of railway infrastructure and eleven illegal miners. 

    The two railway vandals were arrested by the Operatives of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit of the command for willfully vandalizing rail tracks and traffic lights in Wuye Area of the territory.

    The Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army  also arrested eleven suspects involved in illegal mining activities at Izom, a community located at the boundary of FCT and Niger State.

    Parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, Wuse Zone 5 , Abuja, the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu said the proactive measures taken by the Command would serve as a deterrence to other criminals within the territory.

    Odumosu said: “Our effort is geared towards combating various forms of criminality, particularly vandalism of Critical National Assets and other public infrastructure, illegal mining activities and among others within the FCT.

    “We will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance to vandalism and there is no plan to retreat on this mission as they must all be brought to book.

    “I have vowed that there is no hiding place for evil perpetrators, so in this vein, active efforts are underway to apprehend their masterminds who are still at large.”

    Read Also: NSCDC ‘My Oga at the top’ Obafaiye promoted to Deputy Commandant-General

    According to Odumosu economic sabotage through illegal exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources not only pose serious threats to the ecosystem, but constitute grave danger to  the well-being of the host communities.

    The apprehended suspects are being investigated and would be subsequently charged to court as they are currently assisting with useful information that would determine their level of culpability or affiliation with other criminal syndicates notorious for illegal mining operations within the FCT, the FCT Commandant said. 

    The Commandant used the occasion to warn vandals of critical national assets such as the railways, illegal miners, one chance syndicate, scavengers, and kidnappers that such crimes activities would not be tolerated within the FCT anymore.

  • Edo 2024: There’s tension between Obaseki and I – Shaibu

    Edo 2024: There’s tension between Obaseki and I – Shaibu

    The deputy governor of Edo state, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has disclosed that there is tension between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    He reiterated that for six months, there had been no allocation to his office.

    Shaibu, a former member of the House of Representatives, spoke on Tuesday, December 19, as a special guest of honour at the inauguration of the secretariat of Mrs. Nefishetu Yakubu-led Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, at No. 20, Ogbesasa Street, off Sokponba Road, Benin.

    He said: “The environment is actually conducive and fine. I want to identify with you and to say, you know I am your member, I am a member and I will always do everything and anything for the growth of journalism and journalists anywhere I am.

    “I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This is not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life, in the course of doing your work.

    “I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today, if I am not alive. But there was a journalist that investigated, wrote a report, and saved my life in the hands of the military.

    “So, you can see why anytime you invite me, even if it is difficult, I must show up. Because, that is the only way I can appreciate you and show that what you are doing, you should keep it up and encourage you.

    “I will take care of the one year rentage that you have paid. I will return to you. I am sure you contributed money to pay for the one year rentage. I will return the money to you, so that it will be in your purse for other things you will like to do. I would have done more, but you know there is tension between the governor and I. For six months, no allocation to my office.”

    Edo deputy governor also stated that whatever he was currently doing was through contributions from his friends and goodwill, thereby still standing very strong, since Edo should be one.

    He said he was determined to make sure that good governance was seen, felt and touched in Edo, and to strengthen institutions.

    Shaibu said: “I came into politics, because I felt that we should have an egalitarian society. I came into politics to make institutions strong, because that is the only way you can have the society of our dream.

    “When institutions are strong, you deal with those guys that think they are powerful, moderate their excesses, and also promote and help the weak in the society.

    “Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor. It takes care of all strata of life. That is what I am standing for, that is my calling to joining politics. That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure the institution called Edo works.

    “I even sacrificed my personal entitlements to make sure this institution works. In the coming weeks, I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date. I will catalogue the things that I am entitled to, that I had to forfeit for peace and tranquility. I will also catalogue some of the things that I have been asked to do as deputy governor, and I have done them credibly well.”

    Edo deputy governor also stated that many people would be amazed that his loyalty was not purchased, but genuine, real to Edo people, and to make institutions strong.

    Read Also: CAF Award 2023: Shaibu salutes Osimhen, Oshoala for bringing honours to Nigeria

    Shaibu described himself as journalists’ partner in the struggle, while assuring that he would continue to struggle to make the society better, and assured that victory was sure. 

    The Chairperson of Correspondents’ Chapel, Mrs. Nefishetu Yakubu, earlier in her welcome address, described the chapel as a proud child of the Edo state council of NUJ, under the  leadership of Comrade Festus Alenkhe.

    She noted that the congress’ decision to move from the Press Centre of Edo NUJ on Sir Gabriel Igbinedion Road, Government Reservation Road (GRA), Benin, was fueled by the need for a more spacious and  serene environment.

    Yakubu stated that the new secretariat was not an alternative to NUJ Press Centre, the home to all journalists in Edo, but merely symbolised the commitment to providing a comfortable and productive workspace for members of correspondents’ chapel, and a testament to the unwavering dedication to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of excellence.

  • Five Manchester United signings in the last decade who fell short of expectations

    Five Manchester United signings in the last decade who fell short of expectations

    Signing a footballer comes with a certain level of expectation for both the club and the player. However, despite the initial hype and excitement, some players fail to meet expectations when they join a new club.

    This can be due to the pressure of high expectations from fans and difficulty in handling the attention that comes with joining a famous club. Unfortunately, some players struggle to perform as well as everyone had hoped after joining the team.

    Here are five players who fail to live up to the immense expectations of Manchester United:

    Paul Pogba

    Paul Pogba began his football career at the Manchester United Academy. Later, in 2012, he moved to Juventus. However, in 2016, he was signed by Manchester United for a whopping total of £89m. Despite having spent six years with Manchester United, he failed to live up to expectations.

    Alexis Sanchez

    After a successful football career as an FC Barcelona player, Alexis Sanchez came to England to play for Arsenal. However, after four years with Arsenal, he signed a huge deal with Manchester United worth a total of £30m. Despite spending two years at Manchester United, he failed to meet expectations.

    Angel Di Maria

    The Argentine right winger, Angel Di Maria, had played for the Spanish club, Real Madrid, before moving to England to sign up for Man United in 2014 for a massive sum of £65m. However, despite spending a year with Man United, he failed to meet the expectations set for him.

    Read Also: I will stoop so low to date a Manchester United fan, says Odumodublvck

    Morgan Schneiderlin

    Schneiderlin was signed by Man United for £30m in 2015 from Southampton. Despite two years with the club, he failed to meet expectations.

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan, an attacking midfielder or winger, signed a £30.5m contract with Man United in 2016. Despite two years with the club, he failed to meet expectations.

  • Rivers crisis: Fubara breaks silence after Abuja meeting, says no price is too much for peace to reign

    Rivers crisis: Fubara breaks silence after Abuja meeting, says no price is too much for peace to reign

    The Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that no price is too much for peace to reign in the state.

    Fubara expressed his commitment to ensuring peace in the state and among the people to foster development.

    This commitment refers to the Abuja deal, in which he and other stakeholders entered into an eight-point agreement to end the protracted crisis in the state.

    The governor spoke on Tuesday, December 19, at the 3rd Convocation and 6th Founders Day ceremonies of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Iriebe Town, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

    He said: “There is no price that will be too big to pay to ensure that peace prevails.”

    Fubara assured that he was prepared to continue to pay the necessary price that would guarantee peace.

    He also assured that the provision of a quality education system and affordable public healthcare services remained two vital priorities of his administration.

    The governor said: “While some progress has been made, it is obvious that a lot still needs to be done to achieve our collective aspirations for universal access to quality education and healthcare for our people. I need not say that no society can progress without educated and healthy people.”

    Fubara noted the giant strides achieved within six years of PAMO University founded by Dr. Peter Odili, to become Nigeria’s most outstanding private medical institution.

    The governor said that his administration had increased the number of the state’s yearly scholarships in the university from 100 to 150 students.

    He said: “I assure you that we have no choice as a government, but to continue to offer tangible material support to enable the university to widen the scope and quality of medical education and services it provides in our State.”

    On his part, the Chancellor of the institution, and Chairman Board of Trustees, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed optimism that the graduating students would be good ambassadors of the institution.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Tinubu brokers peace, sets 8-point resolution for Fubara, Wike sides

    He said the school moulded them to be excellent in their studies by being humane and honest in the discharge of their duties.

    In his speech, Pro-Chanchellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Peter Odili, who is also a former governor of Rivers State said the institution that started in 2018 had come of age graduating students to become medical doctors inducted into the medical profession.

    Giving his address, Vice-Chancellor of the Pamo University of Medical Sciences, Prof. Michael Diejomaoh said about 89 students graduated from the school.

    He said out of the number, 40 were the pioneer medical doctors of the school while 49 graduated from various medical courses.

    He disclosed that five students graduated with first class.

  • IYC leader lauds Tinubu for reconciling Fubara, Wike

    IYC leader lauds Tinubu for reconciling Fubara, Wike

    The immediate past national spokesman for Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for brokering peace between Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

    Governor Fubara and Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have been locked in a political crisis in recent times which has torn the oil-rich Rivers State apart.

    But with President Tinubu’s intervention on Tuesday, December 19, a peace deal has been struck between Fubara and Wike, a development that will lead to the cessation of hostilities and resolution of the crisis between the two political gladiators and their supporters.

    Speaking at a news conference in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Ekerefe commended Tinubu for his statesmanly role in resolving the crisis in Rivers State.

    He also urged those adding ethnic colouration to the face-off between Fubara and Wike to desist forthwith in the interest of permanent peace in the state.

    Ekerefe stated: “I’ve been keenly following the ugly political drama in Rivers State since it unfolded. What appears to be an issue that could be resolved quickly and amicably has rather taken a dangerous dimension, exacerbated by tribal jingoism and chauvinism.

    “While I find it difficult to join the bandwagon in casting aspersions, I’ll rather appeal for restraint. The leaders should not allow outsiders for their selfish interest, and destroy a relationship predicated on love, trust, and loyalty that they have built over the years.

    Read Also: Fubara, Wike strike deal

    “When trust is broken, it is very difficult to regain, but still, the past can be put behind and confidence can be rebuilt in the interest of brotherhood and the development, peace, and stability of Rivers State.

    “I call on those making incendiary remarks and promoting tribal sentiments to have a rethink. This will rather add more salt to the injury. I appeal that they should rather make remarks that will promote peace and unity as one Rivers people.

    “It is against this background that I want to commend President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis and brokering a peace deal between the Fubara and Wike camps. They should abide by the peace deal to resolve the impasse between them.”

  • Why Fed govt is promoting plea bargain in criminal cases, by Fagbemi

    Why Fed govt is promoting plea bargain in criminal cases, by Fagbemi

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has explained why the federal government is encouraging the utilisation of plea bargaining in resolving criminal cases.

    Fagbemi said the plea bargaining option, provided for in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and similar laws enacted by the various states is intended to curb delay, reduce the cost of production, and address congestion in prisons.

    The AGF spoke in Abuja on Tuesday, December 19, at the unveiling of the “Plea Bargaining Guidelines for Federal Prosecutors 2023” and a sensitization workshop on the guidelines for judges, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.

    He agreed that there were misgivings among Nigerians about the benefits of plea bargaining, but noted that the merits outweigh the presumed disadvantages.

    The AGF said noted that among the benefits of plea bargaining is that “it helps in the management of the caseload of prosecutors and enables the state to concentrate its limited resources on the cases considered more deserving of full prosecution.

    He stated: “When applied in compliance with stipulated guidelines, plea bargaining can enhance the quick recovery of stolen assets and proceeds of crime.

    “It is also one of the mechanisms that can facilitate cost-effective, timely, and sustainable decongestion of custodial centres.”

    Fagbemi explained that the negative perception often associated with the application of plea bargaining in serious and complex cases accounts for the need for “standard guidelines for the implementation of plea bargaining provisions contained in our laws.”

    He added that the objective of the guidelines is to, among others, “guide the prosecution and the defence in reaching a plea bargain agreement that ‘is in the interest of justice, the public interest, public policy and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.’

    “Our conviction is that the guidelines, which we are unveiling today, will promote standardization, enhance the effective implementation of the plea bargaining provisions in the ACJA, and significantly contribute and stimulate overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

    “The effective deployment of plea bargain provisions will therefore reduce the financial cost of prosecutions, hasten trial processes, eliminate the uncertainty of trials, facilitate the quick return of stolen assets, and generally enhance the efficiency of the Criminal justice system.

    Fagbemi commended those whose efforts resulted in the production of the guidelines and then urged “all the critical stakeholders to embrace and use these guidelines as a catalyst for positive change to boost and strengthen the effective and efficient administration of criminal justice system within our jurisdiction.”

    The Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf applauded the initiative of plea bargaining guidelines given the challenges associated with the adoption of the measure before now.

    Represented by a senior official of the court, Justice Yusuf said it “gladdens my heart that the plea-bargaining guidelines being unveiled today are poised to provide the needed interventions in the form of supplemental protocol or stop-gap measures to aid prosecuting agencies on how to proceed going forward.

    He added: “In that sense, it is my firm view that this document is indeed a welcome development as it offers the opportunity for reinforcing the current national advocacy for a paradigm shift toward speedy dispensation of justice.

    “At this point, it is good to also state that making the guidelines on plea bargaining is only the first part. But, to move beyond that will require our collective resolve to ensure that these guidelines are not left idle on our bookshelves.

    “In this connection, I encourage all stakeholders, especially the prosecuting agencies to make the best use of this document by effectively deploying it as a power tool in our quest to set the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria on a path for permanent and sustained progress.

    “But in doing so, one must caution that the simplicity of plea bargaining should not be a motivating factor for prosecuting agencies in resorting to this process as a readily preferred option to securing convictions as against striving to discharge the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.”

    Read Also: Fagbemi decries poor fundingof justice sector institutions

    The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba assured that the deployment of plea bargaining will aid efficiency in the administration of the criminal justice system.

    Jedy-Agba said: “My charge to all the stakeholders, the prosecutors, defence counsel, and the Judiciary is that we should all embrace this change and appropriate the benefits and the dividends of plea bargain like the rest of the world to our criminal justice system.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that plea bargain will lead to more efficient use of resources, reduce the backlog of cases in court, enhance quick dispensation of justice, and provide quicker resolution to criminal cases.

    “I believe that plea bargain is a win-win situation for the judiciary, the prosecutors, and the defendants.”

  • Forest sack Cooper, hold talks with Nuno Espirito Santo

    Forest sack Cooper, hold talks with Nuno Espirito Santo

    Nottingham Forest have sacked manager Steve Cooper and are holding talks with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo to replace him.

    After losing five of their past six games, Forest have decided to act and told Cooper of the decision on Tuesday.

    Nuno, 49, was sacked by Saudi Pro-League club Al-Ittihad in November.

    Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has also been mentioned as a potential replacement, but it seems Nuno is now in pole position.

    Forest, 17th in the top flight, have won once in 13 Premier League games and taken eight points in that time.

    Read Also: Ndidi set to join Awoniyi at Nottingham Forest

    They have also picked up just one point from their past six matches and are five points ahead of third-bottom Luton, who have a match in hand.

    Cooper has consistently been backed by the Forest support, but owner Evangelos Marinakis has become increasingly concerned at his club’s plight.

    Forest play Bournemouth at the City Ground on Saturday before tough-looking fixtures at Newcastle United on 26 December and at home to Manchester United on 30 December.

    Nuno spent four years in charge of Wolves, guiding the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge before consecutive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League and a run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

    The Portuguese former goalkeeper left Molineux in the summer of 2021 to join Spurs, but was sacked after less than four months in charge after a run of five defeats in seven games.

    He joined Al-Ittihad in July 2022 and guided the Jeddah-based side to the Saudi title last season, but was dismissed 12 games into the new campaign after a run of poor results.

    He previously managed Rio Ave, Valencia and Porto.

    BBC

  • Gunmen abduct High Court Judge, driver, kill orderly in A’Ibom

    Gunmen abduct High Court Judge, driver, kill orderly in A’Ibom

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a High Court judge, Justice Joy Unwana, and her driver in the Oron local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

    The Nation gathered that her police orderly was killed during the incident which occurred on Monday along the Uyo-Okobo road which leads to Oron town.

    The chairman Oron branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Torosco Eyene confirmed the incident yesterday.

    He said the judge was kidnapped on her way back from a court sitting.

    He disclosed that members of the association have scheduled a meeting with the State Commissioner of Police and DSS tomorrow (Wednesday)

    Read Also: Gunmen kill four soldiers, two drivers, abduct Koreans in Rivers

    He said: “Yes, the sitting Judge in Oron was kidnapped yesterday (Monday) on her way back to Uyo after court sitting. By tomorrow Wednesday, we are moving down to Uyo to meet with the commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi, and the DSS on the issue.”

    The State Police Public Relations Officer Odiko Macdon could not be reached for further confirmation as calls to his phone were not answered as of press time.

  • How I escaped death narrowly – APC chieftain Olusola Oke

    How I escaped death narrowly – APC chieftain Olusola Oke

    A gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in the 2024 Ondo state governorship election, Olusola Oke, has shared the story of his miraculous survival after being involved in an accident four months ago.

    He said he ‘died’ after he was flung out of the vehicle onto the highway but was returned to life by God.

    Oke, who spoke at a special thanksgiving service in Akure, the Ondo state capital, said he had all his surgeries performed in Nigeria.

    He said doctors in the country were doing the mighty job but they needed an enabling environment and encouragement.

    Oke said his aides’ escape was also miraculous as they got out of the vehicle a few minutes before it engulfed in flames.

    He said: “The journey I embarked on to the southern part of Ondo state, on Friday, August 25, 2023, was like any other ones I made in the past, but turned out to be a memorable watershed, as I had a very close shave with death.

    “Due to the recklessness of a road user, a vehicle coming from the opposite direction, and dangerously overtook another vehicle at a sharp bend, needed to escape having a head-on collision with the vehicle I was travelling in.

    “In an attempt by my driver to avert running to it, he manoeuvred the vehicle, very swiftly but reasonably timely, but the dislocated vehicle that we were trying to escape, in an ordinarily inexplicable way, hit our vehicle from the rear, forcing it to somersault about three times.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Olusola Oke submits form for Ondo Gov poll

    “In the process of this auto gymnastics, I was flung out of the vehicle, leaving my driver, personal assistant, and the security detail trapped inside. By the time my driver and others managed to squeeze themselves out of the wreck of the vehicle, I was lying flat in the middle of the road. Mercifully, there were no vehicles driving past the very busy road at that moment, and God saved me from being run over and crushed to death.

    “Just before my driver and others got out of the vehicle, it caught fire, and got razed down after their miraculous escape.

    “I want to proclaim the authority of God. I was close to the mortuary. I said I must assemble people to proclaim the goodness of God. He intervened in my life. I will continue service to humanity. God knows I have not concluded my assignment on earth.”

    The event was attended by the acting governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and other dignitaries.