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  • Army confirms killing 9 Boko Haram social media ‘personalities’

    The Nigerian Army on Monday said it killed nine ”social media personalities” of the Islamic State for West African Province(ISWAP).

    Col. Sagir Musa, Army Director Public Relations, who disclosed this in a statement, said the annihilation of members of the Boko Haram media team further confirmed that the Nigerian Army has decimated the group and they no longer have freedom of action.

    He gave the names as: ”Abu Hurayra al-Barnawi, Ali al-Ghalam al-Kajiri, Abu Musab Muhammed Mustafa al-Maiduguri, Abu Abdullah Ali al-Barnawi, and Abu Musa al-Camerooni.

    Read Also: Masari assures Army of support to tackle kidnappings, others

    ”Others are Ahmed al-Muhajir, Abu Ali al-Bamawi, Abu Khubayb bin Ahmed al-Barnawi, Abu al-Qa’qa’ al-Maiduguri.

    “The terrorist group is known for its online media propaganda and quest to maintain a virtual caliphate,”he said.NAN reports that Boko Haram launched using the media in 2009, starting with a very traditional media approach through propaganda films, many of them aimed at recruiting new fighters from Nigeria and neighbouring countries including Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

    NAN reports that from 2014, their strategy changed into more use of social media platforms, videos, and creating multiple accounts like Facebook and Twitter platforms, mostly as a way to communicate with individuals.

  • Breaking: APC in high level meeting with lawmakers elect

    A meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governors of the party on the platform of Progressive Governors Forum and all its elected representatives in the National Assembly is ongoing in Abuja.

    Although the agenda of the meeting presided over by the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is not known, it is believed that the meeting is to fine tune arrangement for the inauguration of the National Assembly on Tuesday.

    The meeting may also come up with arrangement for the remaining positions both in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    Read Also: PDP Senator nominates APC lawmaker Kano Assembly Speaker

    The party is supposed to produce the Senate Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, House leader and his deputy Chief Whip as well as the Chief Whip for both the Senate and House of Representative.

    An official statement is expected after the meeting which is also being attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

    The SGF also held a high level meeting with the some of the governors at the Kebbi Governors lodge on Sunday night while the NWC also met to finalise arrangement for the inauguration of the National Assembly, endorsing Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President and Idris Wase as Deputy Speaker.

  • Updated: Tragedy as generator fume kills six wedding guests in Imo

    No fewer than six persons have been reported dead and about thirty others on danger list after inhaling generator fume while attending a marriage ceremony in Umuomumu community in Mbaitoli Council Area of Imo State

    The victims who were guests at the traditional marriage ceremony were evacuated from the celebrant’s house unconscious.

    The Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, Superintendent of Police, posted in the Command’s WhatsApp platform that, “about 0800hrs of today one HERBERT UZOEGBU, reported that his brother RAYMOND UZOEGBU, hosted the traditional wedding of his daughter yesterday 9/6/19, which eventually lasted till late at night, that he went to check on the said brother of his this morning around 0700hrs only to discover that they were still indoors he knocked but no one answered.

    Read Also; 58-year-old woman electrocuted in Lagos

    “He broke into the house and discovered that everyone in the house was unconscious as a result, he alerted the Police, a team of Policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Godwin Udom, arrived the scene and evacuated all the victims to the hospital, where it was discovered that six have already given up the ghost with about twenty-three people unconscious”.

    According to him, meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident with a view to unraveling the misery behind the tragedy.

  • Abia Police Command declares killer cop wanted, places N500, 000 bounty

    The leadership of the Abia State Command of the Nigerian Police on Monday declared one sergeant Collins Akpugo under its command wanted over his involvement in the killing of one Chibuike Onuoha.

    Akpugo, reportedly killed late Onuoha at Isiama Afara-Ukwu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the State after a heated argument which led to several protests in major streets, including burning of a police patrol vehicle in the area by an angry mob.

    In a release issued by the Command’s spokesman, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Okon Ene has equally placed reward of N500, 000 bounties for anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the killer cop.

    Ogbonna said that the command decided to take such a decision after the five days grace given to the erring police officer to submit himself for police disciplinary procedure expired.

    Read Also: Abia Police declares killer cop wanted, places N500, 000 bounty

    The police spokesman however disclosed that the gun which sergeant Akpugo used to commit the dastard act has been recovered by the investigating team where it was said to have been abandoned at his hometown in Uturu.

    Our reporter gathered that though the commissioner of Police in the state has gone to visit and condole the family, they are demanding for justice to prevail, but Ene assured them that no stone will be left unturned; that his command would make sure that justice is served.

  • Ubosi returns as Speaker Enugu House of Assembly

    Former speaker, Enugu state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi was on Monday re-elected to pilot the affairs of the 7th Assembly.

    Ubosi is the member representing Enugu East Urban Constituency. He is serving his third term in the House. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2011.

    First timer to the House, Hon. Uche Ugwu, Udi North Constituency, was elected the Deputy Speaker to replace Dons Uzogbado, the deputy speaker from Oji River Constituency.

    The former leader of the Assembly, Hon. Melitus Ikechukwu Ezeugwu representing Udenu Constituency, was also reelected into his position.

    Member representing Enugu South Rural, Hon. Mary Onyinye, also retained her position as the deputy leader of the House.

    New member representing Awgu North Constituency, Hon. Jane Eneh was elected Chief Whip, while the former deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ethel Oyibo Ugwuanyi, retained her position.

    Leader of the House, Hon. Ezeugwu nominated Speaker Ubosi to be reelected while the member representing Nkanu West seconded.

    Ezeugwu said that he had known Ubosi for the past eight years, saying that he was a good leader and deserved to be reelected.

    Read Also: Ubosi returns as Speaker Enugu House of Assembly

    “I know Ubosi too well for the past eight years,” he said pointing out that because of leadership qualities, he was elected in absentia as the Deputy Chairman of Nigeria speakers conference.

    Seconding Ezeugwu, Aniagu described Ubosi, as a lady whom the man remarrying would not beginning to worry about her character. “I do second him,” he said.

    Expressing joy over his reelection, Ubosi said that the day was not a speech making day but just to thank God for everything.

    Ubosi said that the first time he was made speaker he thought it was because of his stature as a tall man but now he knew that it was God that just made him leader.

    “Today we have gathered here to thank God. I don’t have a written speech. We are here just to thank God, he said and thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for purposeful leadership in the state.

    He also thanked God for making it possible for him and his colleagues to be elected and promised that the 7th Assembly would be better than the 6th Assembly.

    He equally pointed out that is peaceful because Gov. Ugwuanyi first handed over to God while they at the Assembly reciprocated by dedicating every first week of the months to prayers which has paid off as the Assembly had been very peaceful.

    The inauguration was witnessed by traditional rulers, former commissioners, former assembly members and special advisers.

  • Breaking: NJC commends Buhari for accepting Onnoghen’s retirement

    The National Judicial Council (NJC)has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for accepting the voluntary retirement of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    The NJC gave the commendation at its emergency meeting on Monday, during which members deliberated on the President’s decision in relation to Onnoghen’s exit from the Bench.

    Read Also; Buhari okays Onnoghen’s voluntary retirement

    NJC’s spokesman, Soji Oye said, in a statement on Monday that members of the judicial body noted that Buhari’s acceptance of Onnoghen’s retirement was in line with its recommendation to the President on 3rd April, 2019.

    Details shortly…

  • Breaking: Election tribunal dismisses petition against Buhari’s victory

    The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) has dismissed a petition challenging the victory recorded by President Muhammadu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last presidential election.

    The Coalition for Change (C4C) and its presidential candidate, Geff Chizee Ojinika, had filed the petition marked: CA/PEPTL/003/2019, in which they complained of unlawful exclusion or misrepresentation and sought the cancellation of the election and the conduct of a fresh presidential election.

    The petitioners had complained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) printed CC and against its actual acronym of C4C, a development, they claimed worked to their disadvantage.

    On Monday, their lawyer, Obed Agu stunned all when he announced that the petitioners were no longer interested in prosecuting the petition.

    Agu applied to withdraw the petition, an application the tribunal granted, in the absence of any objection from lawyers to other parties to the petition.

    The tribunal, now headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba (the Presiding Justice of Lagos division of the Court of Appeal), proceeded to dismiss the petition.

    Read Also; Deputy Senate Presidency: Buhari, APC NWC didn’t adopt Omo-Agege, says Kalu

    With the dismissal of the petition by the C4C and Ojinika, the tribunal is now left with three petitions.

    They are those filed by the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) and Ambrose Owuru, who claimed to be the party’s presidential candidate (marked: CA/PEPC/001/2019); the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar (CA/PEPC/001/2019); and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pastor Aminchi Habu, listed as the party’s presidential candidate (CA/PEPC/004/2019).

    Justice Garba, while adjourning till Tuesday for the hearing of all pending motions, announced that the tribunal will henceforth, sit at 9.30 am as against the earlier sitting time of 10am.

    Agu told journalists, after the tribunal’s sitting his client’s decision to withdraw their petition was that of the party, taken at its last National Working Committee (NWC) meeting.

    “I am not a member of the party’s NWC. The decision to withdraw the petition was taken at the party’s highest decision making level. I was only instructed give effect to the decision,” Agu said.

  • Deputy Senate Presidency: Buhari, APC NWC didn’t adopt Omo-Agege, says Kalu

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President, a leading contender for the position, Orji Kalu, has declared.

    The Abia North Senator-elect also debunked he has withdrawn from the race.

    The National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Onilu, had on Monday morning issued a statement the National Working Committee has formally adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President.

    Kalu, who had some days ago met behind closed doors with President Buhari, disclosed the President only adopted the candidacies of the duo of Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively.

    Buhari, he stated, only stated anyone is free to contest for other principal positions.

    In a statement by his media office on Monday and signed by Ken Cole, the former governor stressed as a staunch supporter of President Buhari and a loyal and committed member of the APC, he (Kalu) would always abide by the decisions of the President and highly respected members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    He, however, said the speculation of the formal endorsement of Omo-Agege was the handiwork of selfish elements in the party who ware self-serving and desperate to cause disharmony among party stakeholders.
    Kalu said: “Ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of the 9th national assembly and election of principal officers, politicians have started deploying different antics to satisfy their ambitions.

    “One of such is a statement credited to National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Onilu claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari and the NWC of the party have formally adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President.

    “I hold the President in high esteem as well as the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other members of the NWC and as such, I will not disobey any formal pronouncement by them.

    “However, I am still in the race to become Deputy Senate President because the President and the NWC have not adopted any candidate and as such the contest is open to all members of the party, who have the capability.

    “ I have the political dexterity, leadership qualities and goodwill to complement the efforts of the Senate President in actualizing the objectives of the legislature in support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in taking Nigeria to greater heights.

    Read Also: 9th NASS: APC NWC adopts Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President

    “Leadership positions in the 9th Senate should be given to people who have the will to support the agenda of the APC while not deviating from the ideals of democracy.

    “As I continue to mobilize support for the position of Deputy Senate President, I commend the President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other stakeholders of the party for their support.”

    He added: “Come tomorrow by the special grace of God and to the admiration of APC members and Nigerians at large, I will emerge as Deputy Senate President in the 9th national assembly”.

    Kalu, while appealing to the leadership of the APC to give a level- playing ground for all contenders for the position of Deputy Senate President, who are APC members, maintained that he (Kalu) is still in the race except otherwise advised by the President or the party’s highest decision-making body.

  • 58-year-old woman electrocuted in Lagos

    A food seller, Mrs Florence Imoh, 58, was electrocuted at her shop at Ikotun, a Lagos suburb in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area, early on Monday morning.

    A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent reports that Imoh was discovered by neighbours early on Monday morning lying dead in front of her shop located at 12, Shosanya Street, Ijegun road in Ikotun.

    Imoh’s neighbour, Mrs Mercy Alomona said she woke up to see the lifeless body of the woman clinging to the metal gates of her shop at around 6:30 a.m.

    Alomona said that the neighbours later discovered that Imoh’s death was due to a naked wire that supplied electricity from the electric pole that linked the building.

    “Mama Chikodi as Imoh was fondly addressed, was trying to open the iron gate of her shop without noticing the contact and got electrocuted,’’ Alomona explained.

    Another resident, Mr Sodiq Bello, said there was improper electrical wiring to the building where the woman died.

    “We have searched for the cause of the death, and we noticed that a naked wire was resting on the metallic sides of the roof, which had transmitted to other metallic objects in the shop.

    Read Also: generator fume kills six in Imo

    “The building has an electrical defect.

    “She was trying to come out from the entrance of the shop when the incident happened.

    “Mama Chikodi works and sleeps in the shop. She assists her younger sister in cooking and selling food early morning,’’ Bello said.

    In a telephone interview, the District Police Officer, Isheri/Osun Police Station, SP Rafiu Akinlade, said the police was notified of the incident.

    Akinlade said: “we have been informed and I have called Ikeja Electric about the development, and they have switched off the electricity in the area; this is to allow us evacuate Imoh’s body.

    “I have also directed my officers to go to the scene of the event from where the body was evacuated.”

    Akinlade said the Cross River State-born Imoh’s body had been taken to Isolo General Hospital mortuary.

    He said that the incident happened due to lack of insulator protector in the building, and was worsened by the rain.

    “If the building had an insulator, the insulator would have absorbed and protected the residents from any danger

    “Residents need to be careful and be vigilant, especially during and after rainfall.

    “When it rains, it is advisable to avoid touching iron or metal object,’’ the DPO said.

  • Updated: Thirty-two-year-old emerges Oyo Assembly speaker

    Thirty-two-year-old Adebo Ogundoyin, a member representing Ibarapa East state constituency and Hon Mohammed Fadeyi (Ona Ara state constituency) has emerged the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Ninth Oyo state House of Assembly.

    Ogundoyin and Fadeyi emerged unopposed with the unanimous voice vote of the 32 members Assembly.

    The election of the Speaker followed the nomination by Hon. Adebayo Olajide (Ibadan North II constituency) and seconded by Hon. Adeola Bamidele (Iseyin/Itesiwaju)

    The new speaker was initially elected in a bye election held to fill the vacant seat of late speaker Michael Adeyemo in the eighth Assembly

    Ogundoyin, a graduate of Babcock University’s emergence is favoured by a combination of factors including party affiliation, zoning consideration and experience being one of the four returning lawmakers to the Ninth Assembly.

    Other principal officers of the House who also emerged through a consensus vote include Onaolapo Adedoyin (Majority leader), Hon Asimiyu Alarape (Minority Leader), Hon Akeem Adedibu (Chief Whip) and Hon Akeem Adebisi (Deputy Chief Whip)

    The proceeding was had in attendance, Governor Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Mr Rauf Olaniyan, Makinde’s chief of staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, the Head of Services, Mrs Amidat Agboola, representative of the Chief Judge, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, former lawmakers, party leaders, friends and family members of new lawmakers and members of the public.

    In his inaugural remarks, Ogundoyin thanked his party for believing in the youths and giving them a platform to come to the house.

    He assured the legislative arm will work “in tandem with the executive arm in order to facilitate the speedy actualisation of the dividend of democracy to the people of Oyo state.

    “The people of Oyo state spoke loudly with their votes. It is clear the people of Oyo state desire an Assembly that is result oriented, opening up opportunities and lifting up their lives.

    “I promise to run an open door policy where I will seek the contributions, support and cooperation of honourable members in the task of making laws for good governance.

    “The House will process bull that will improve the lives of our dear people. All members of the house will collectively work closely to pass legislation that will greatly impact the lives of the entire citizenry of Oyo state.”

    Read Also; We have uncovered plots to rubbish Ajimobi’s legacies, says Oyo APC

    Speaking Governor Makinde assured the lawmakers of a cordial legislative-executive relationship, noting that the state cannot move forward without the two arms of government working together.

    He noted that in keeping with his campaign promises, he will send in two executive bill within the next shortest time.

    The bill according to the Governor includes the Oyo State Investment Promotion Bill and Oyo State Financial Crimes Commission Bill, assuring that he will give his assent to other bills sent to him within the shortest period of time.