The eight High Chiefs and Baales crowned by late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2017 have dropped their crowns after agreeing to revert to the old system.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council held at the Oja’ba palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Mapo Hill, Ibadan on Thursday.

The meeting was also attended by coronet-wearing Baales promoted with the High Chiefs as well as some Mogajis.

The Osi-Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, who briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting, explained they supported Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to revert to the original concept.

He recalled that the process of nominating the next Olubadan, which the kingmakers concluded on Tuesday and passed to the government, was done according to the original concept under reference, disclosing that all the kingmakers signed their respective titles as high chiefs.

He said: “We agreed with the Governor. All the processes leading to the nomination of successor to the late Olubadan were in line with the original concept of line of hierarchy in accordance with the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.”

Ajibola, who is one of the Kingmakers, posited that commenting on the case in court “is subjudicial” noting ”it has nothing to do with the original concept of hierarchical status in the succession plan to the Olubadan throne.”

He maintained that what was taken to court was an infringement on the fundamental human rights of the respective plaintiffs, asking the court to determine the lawfulness of judging a case in the absence of the direct beneficiaries of the issue in contest.

Ajibola said the Governor could do his job in line with the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration while the case in court, which was adjourned for further hearing, is allowed to run its course.

Read Also: My encounter with Sunday Igboho in Cotonou prison, by Ibadan-based cleric

The new decision will end a four-year controversy over wearing of beaded crown and coronets by High Chiefs selected Baales respectively.

The administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi had undertaken a review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

The review elevated High Chiefs to Obas as well as selected Baales.

The review also collapsed the steps to the Olubadan throne by half to enable the system produce younger persons as the Olubadan.

But High Chief Rashidi Ladoja and the late Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji challenged the review in court.

A consent judgment on the suit nullified the review.

The High Chiefs challenged the judgment, insisting that they were not part of those who made agreements that became the consent judgment.

The issue developed into a controversy on who succeeds Oba Adetunji with Ladoja’s lawyer Michael Lana warning Governor Seyi Makinde against approving the choice of Otun Olubadan High Chief Lekan Balogun who is next-in-line as the next Olubadan.

The Governor, however, directed that the system should revert to the original concept when he paid a condolence visit to wife of the late Oba Adetunji on Tuesday.

The meeting of the High Chiefs was in deference to the order.

Six of the members of the Olubadan-in-Council attended Thursday meeting.

They were High Chiefs Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadanland); Tajudeen Ajibola (Otun Balogun); Lateef Adebimpe (Osi-Balogun); Kola Adegbola (Ashipa Balogun); Eddy Oyewole (Ashipa Olubadan) and Hamidu Ajibade (Ekarun Olubadan).

They were joined by 20 Royal Highnesses and 15 Mogajis.

Police and Military operatives have rescued the three ladies bandits kidnapped on Wednesday night in Ban, Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau.

The Nation reports the three girls were abducted around 8:15 pm.

Military and Police authorities confirmed the three girls have regained their freedom.

Military Information Officer of The Task Force, Major Ishaku Takwa, in a statement said: “The three kidnapped victims have just been rescued by troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN deployed at Barikin Ladi.

Read Also: No Plateau Poly student kidnapped, says management

“The family has been contacted not to engage further in any negotiations for payment of ransom.

The spokesman of Plateau Police Command, ASP Gabriel Ubah, said: “The team of Police and STF deployed to rescue the victims kidnapped yesterday at Ban Village behind the Plateau State Polytechnic have rescued them today 13/1/2022 at about 1430hrs unhurt and are presently with the Police.

“Meanwhile effort is still on to arrest other perpetrators of the act.”

Details shortly…

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid a visit to Ogun State to commission some projects The Nation can report.

He arrived Thursday morning and was received by Governor Dapo Abiodun; Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and other dignitaries.

The President, in the company of Governor Abiodun, commissioned the 14km Epe/ Ijebuode Express Road in the State.

He is also expected at the Sagamu interchange where he will commission the Ogun city gate and the 42km Abeokuta/ Sagamu road.

Read Also: Presidential visit: Ogun govt to divert traffic on major roads

Other projects to be commissioned include two housing projects; 527 units of a low and medium Housing Scheme at Kobape and the high-brow, 83 duplexes at the Kings Court Estate at Oke Mosan in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Thereafter, the President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders and party faithful at the June 12 cultural centre in the state capital.

These projects, according to the State Government, are expected to bring direct benefits to residents of the state and improve the socio-economic development of the state as one of the emerging economies in the country.

Gunmen on Wednesday night stormed the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi and kidnapped two students.

The abducted students were identified as Bencit and Longfei.

The Police confirmed the incident and informed one suspect has been arrested.

Sources said the three gunmen stormed the hostel known as ‘Plateau Embassy’ towards the end of the School fence and whisked the two girls away after shooting sporadically in the air.

Read Also: Gunmen kill 17, raze houses in fresh Plateau attack

At the time of this report, It was gathered that the operation safe Haven has been informed and they have mobilized their men to the general area.

The spokesman of the Plateau state Police Command, ASP Gabriel Ubah, who confirmed the incident to The Nation, said: ” It happened in Ban Village heipang.

“The Police and STF Immediately rushed to the scene and one suspect arrest.

“Effort is on to rescue the victims.”

By Justina Asishana, Minna; Kolade Adeyemi, Jos and AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna; Bolaji Ogundele, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Gunmen on Tuesday morning and night struck in three communities in Niger and Plateau states, killing 51 residents before fleeing unchallenged.

Bodies of 34 persons killed in Niger’s Nakuna and Wurukuchi communities were found in bushes and farms.

Fourteen of them were said to be members of two different families.

Seventeen others were killed in Ancha, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State by the gunmen who also set many houses ablaze.

The attacks occurred shortly before reports emerged that many traders were kidnapped along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna Highway.

The attacks in Niger and Plateau were confirmed by Police Commissioner Monday Kuryas and Operation Safe Haven Commander Maj.-Gen. I. S. Ali. They did not dispute the figures.

Earlier yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a sustained military onslaught against bandits, gunmen, and terrorists across the country.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan also expressed worry over the rising security challenges, saying that Nigerians needed action and not excuses.

The Nakuna and Wurukuchi attacks on Tuesday morning were said to be reprisals by the gunmen for last week’s killing of many of their colleagues by vigilantes and hunters.

The gunmen were said to have captured and killed three of the hunters in one of the two communities.

The Nation learnt that 10 residents killed in Nakuna were members of the same family while four others were from another family in Wurukuchi.

Not giving up after the killings, the gunmen proceeded to burn down many houses and food barns in Nakuna.

Commissioner of Police Kuryas, who confirmed the killings, said policemen had been drafted to the communities.

The Nation gathered that in Ancha, Plateau State, the gunmen killed 17 residents and set ablaze many houses.

Information officer of Operation Safe Haven Ishaku Takwa, said: “In the late hours of Tuesday 11 January 2022, troops received a distress call of an attack on Ancha community.

“The troops responded swiftly and mobilised to the village. On reaching the community, the attackers had fled. Houses were destroyed and some villagers lost their lives during the attack.

“Troops are on the trail of the assailants and details of the pursuit would be made available later.”

Operation Safe Haven Commander I. S Ali, who commiserated with the families of the victims, assured that the perpetrators would be arrested.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong expressed sadness over the attack, saying it was another sad tale in the unending cycle of violence in the area.

Read Also: Bandits release teacher, 30 students of FGC Birnin-Yauri six months after

He ordered security agencies to ensure the arrest of the attackers.

He also commiserated with the families of the victims and directed the state Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to offer immediate humanitarian interventions.

Traders abducted on Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna Highway

An unspecified number of traders travelling to Kano from Birnin-Gwari Local Government of Kaduna State were allegedly abducted by bandits yesterday.

The bandits were said to have blocked the highway between Birnin Gwari and Kaduna at Unguwar Yako forest.

A source said: “ We spotted four empty vehicles and the drivers said an unspecified number of persons moving from Birnin-Gwari axis to Kano had been kidnapped.”

A spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command Muhammad Jailge could not be reached for comment on the incident.

Buhari orders sustained military onslaught

President Buhari has again assured that his administration would do whatever it takes to put a final stop to the activities of terrorists and bandits in parts of the country.

He spoke in Gusau, Zamfara State, through his delegation that was in the state on a condolence visit to the government over the killing of scores of residents last week.

Minister of Defense, Maj.- Gen. Bashir Magashi led the team.

Buhari described the Zamfara incident as an “extremely unfortunate” mass killing of innocent people by retreating bandits.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President said there would be no holding back in the ongoing military campaigns to get rid of terrorists and bandits unleashing terror on the people and communities.

He said: “There will be no let-up in the ongoing campaign to rid Zamfara and other affected states of the menace of these terrorists. Since they have no regard for the sanctity of life, so shall they be dealt with.

“The government is fully informed of what is going on and will do whatever it takes to end this. We are here to talk to the Governor and to assure the state that the administration is determined to do more to defend the life and property of the people.”

Governor Bello Matawalle, who welcomed the delegation called on the Federal Government to fortify the security of the state with additional Armored Personnel Carriers, APCs and to roll out a special intervention fund for all the states affected by insecurity.

Lawan: Nigerians want actions, not excuses 

Senate President Lawan said that Nigerians were tired of stories of incessant killings in the country by criminals.

He spoke in Abuja when some Senators and journalists covering the Senate visited to felicitate with him on his 63rd birthday.

Lawan insisted that insecurity was not good for the country.

His words: “A few days ago, reports have it that over 200 people were killed in Zamfara State. This is not the kind of story we want to hear as a people and as a government.

“The situation is not too good as far as the wanton killings by all manners of criminals are concerned.

“The security situation in the country is begging for more attention and it shall be given because that is the primary purpose of governance.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, who also visited Matawale, said despite some positives by the federal and state governments, cooperation was vital to combat insecurity in the country.

They noted that in the last few years, a lot was being done to address the security challenges in the country but pointed out that more resources and community mobilization were still needed to flush out terrorists and bandits.

The governors were led by Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State.

NIGERIANS now have access to the services of social networking platform, Twitter, following the lift of the ban on its operations in the country.

The Federal Government lifted the ban yesterday, thereby enabling the United States micro-blogging platform to recommence      service by midnight (January 13).

A statement by the Technical Committee Chairman on Nigeria/Twitter Engagement, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Twitter has met all the conditions set by the government.

Inuwa, who is also the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the government directed that the decision be communicated to Nigerians.

The decision was taken after President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of  a memo  from Communications and Digital Economy Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim.

The NITDA boss said the lifting the ban was a deliberate attempt to recalibrate Nigeria’s relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for both parties.

According to him, the engagement will help Twitter improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria.

But the government warned the platform users to refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous and distasteful information.

It also advised  all internet platforms against committing a crime by using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP).

”Such offence is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction,” Inuwa said in the statement

The statement reads in part: “In the memo, the minister updated and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.”

Read Also: Full text: FG lifts suspension on twitter

Listing the conditions agreed to by Twitter, Inuwa said:

• Twitter has committed to establishing a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. The legal entity will register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
• Twitter has agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities. The Global Public Policy team is also directly available through a dedicated communication channel.
• Twitter has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.
• Twitter has agreed to enrol Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules. At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws. Taken together, these represent a comprehensive compliance apparatus; and
• Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation has been built and work with the FGN and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries.

He added: “Therefore, the FGN lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria from midnight of 13th January 2022. We encourage all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform.

“As patriotic citizens, we need to be mindful that anything illegal offline is also illegal online and that committing a crime using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.

“Considering Twitter’s influence on our democracy, our economy, and the very fabric of our corporate existence as a Nation, our priority is to adapt, not ban, Twitter.

“The FGN is committed to working with Twitter to do anything possible to help Nigerians align and navigate Twitter algorithmic design to realise its potentials while avoiding its perils.

“In his approval, the President appreciates the Presidential Committee led by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed, for the supervisory role and guidance given to the Technical Committee during the engagement.

“Similarly, the Presidential Committee commends the Technical Committee for a professional, robust and productive engagement with Twitter Inc. It also appreciates Government Regulatory Agencies and Internet Service Providers who implemented the FGN’s directives during the suspension.”

Inuwa gave insights into why the government imposed the ban and what both Nigeria and Twitter had gained from the resolution of the spat.

His words: “You may recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by Information and Culture Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

“Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team.”

 

 

The Federal Government has lifted the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria with five conditions following approval by President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the restoration of service takes effect from midnight of January 13th, 2022.

The ban, according to the Federal Government, was a deliberate attempt to recalibrate Nigeria’s relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for the two sides.

It said the engagement will help Twitter to improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria.

But the government warned all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous and distasteful information on the platform.

It warned all internet platforms against committing a crime by using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP).

He said such offence is “synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.”

The Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Abdullahi announced the suspension of the ban in Abuja.

 

He said the approval was given following a memo to the President by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

Inuwa, in a statement, said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022.

“The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

“In the Memo, the Minister updated and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.”

Inuwa listed five conditions which Twitter has agreed to meet to restore its operation in the country.

He said: “The FGN has asked Twitter to fulfill some conditions before restoring its services. These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws. Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN.

“Consequently, the FGN and Twitter have decided on an execution timeline, which has started this week.

 

“Our engagement with Twitter opens a new chapter in global digital diplomacy and sets a new operational template for Twitter to come back stronger for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The following are the resolutions agreed with Twitter. Inc.:

·        Twitter has committed to establishing a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. The legal entity will register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.

·        Twitter has agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities. The Global Public Policy team is also directly available through a dedicated communication channel.

·        Twitter has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.

·        Twitter has agreed to enroll Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules.

At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws. Taken together, these represent a comprehensive compliance apparatus.

·        Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation has been built and work with the FGN and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries.”

Inuwa said the suspension of the ban will take effect from the midnight of January 13th, 2022.

He said: “Therefore, the FGN lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria from midnight of 13th January 2022. We encourage all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform.

“As patriotic citizens, we need to be mindful that anything illegal offline is also illegal online and that committing a crime using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.

“Considering Twitter’s influence on our democracy, our economy, and the very fabric of our corporate existence as a Nation, our priority is to adapt, not ban, Twitter.

 

“The FGN is committed to working with Twitter to do anything possible to help Nigerians align and navigate Twitter algorithmic design to realise its potentials while avoiding its perils.

Inuwa gave insights into why the government imposed the ban and what Nigeria and Twitter had gained from the resolution of the spat.

He added: “You may recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed. Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team.

“The immediate and remote cause of the suspension was the unceasing use of the platform by some unscrupulous elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarising Nigerians along tribal and religious lines, among others.

“These issues bordering on national security, cohesion and the effects of the abuse of the Twitter platform forced the FGN to suspend the operation of Twitter to address the direct and collateral issues around its operations in Nigeria.

 

“The new global reality is that digital platforms and their operators wield enormous influence over the fabric of our society, social interaction and economic choices. These platforms can be used as either a tool or a weapon.

“Every nation is grappling with how to balance its usage efficiently. Without balancing, every citizen’s security, privacy, social well-being, and development are at stake. Therefore, our action is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate our relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for our nation without jeopardising the justified interests of the company. Our engagement has been very respectful, cordial, and successful.

 

“The process of resolving this impasse between the FGN and Twitter Inc. has helped lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities. Twitter is a platform of choice for many Nigerians ranging from young innovators to public sector officials who find it helpful to engage their audience.

 

“Therefore, our engagement will help Twitter improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria. Furthermore, the FGN looks forward to providing a conducive environment for Twitter and other global tech companies to achieve their potential and be sustainably profitable in Nigeria.”

 

Inuwa, who praised Nigerians for their perseverance while the ban lasted, said the gains of the engagement with Twitter were immeasurable.

 

He said: “While appreciating all Nigerians, especially the vibrant Nigerian youths who have borne with the long wait to resolve this impasse, the FGN is happy to say that the gains made from this shared national sacrifice are immeasurable.

 

“Some of the gains include:

 

a)      On-going economic and training opportunities as the Company continues to consider expanding its presence in Nigeria;

 

b)     Getting a better understanding of how to use the Twitter platform effectively to improve businesses;

 

c)      Revenue generation from the operation of Twitter in Nigeria;

 

d)     Smooth and coordinated relationship between Nigerian Government and Twitter leading to mutual trust;

 

e)      Reduction of cybercriminal activities such as terrorism, cyber stalking, hate speech, etc.; and

 

f)      Working with Twitter and other global companies to build an acceptable code of conduct following the global best practice.”

The Federal Government has lifted the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria after approval by President Muhammadu Buhari

The decision was announced by the Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE.

Kashifu, in a statement in Abuja, said the approval was given following a memo written to the President by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

Read Also: Ban: Twitter meets conditions

He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022.

“The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

“In the Memo, the Minister updated and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.”

Details shortly…

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State Nwoba Chika Nwoba has slumped in court.

Nwoba slumped around 3 pm when he was brought to the Magistrate Court 3 inside the Ebonyi Judiciary Headquarters Abakaliki by the Police on Wednesday.

He had been in police detention since Sunday when members of Ebubeagu Security outfit handed him over after arrest.

He is being accused of spreading fake news on social media, a crime punishable under the controversial cybercrimes law signed into law last year.

The PDP in the State had claimed that he was beaten by Ebubeagu officials who arrested him before the Police rescued and placed him under arrest.

The Police had failed to arraign him on Tuesday despite bringing him to the court premises.

Read Also: Ebonyi PDP publicity secretary’s whereabouts unknown

His lawyer complained on Tuesday that the Police had refused him medical treatment despite the injuries he sustained from the alleged beating.

When he was brought to court on Wednesday, he slumped as he was about entering the court.

Efforts to resuscitate him failed, forcing the Police to rush him out of the court premises possibly to a hospital.

However as journalists prepared to leave to file their reports, he was brought back by the Police.

At the time of this report, he was still in the car in a slumped state under the sun.

His lawyer, Luke Nkwegu told reporters the police claimed to have been ordered to bring him back to the court and arraign him dead or alive.

It was gathered that the court was waiting for the Magistrate to appear for his arraignment.

Details shortly…