The Nation Newspaper

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  • Tanker truck laden with diesel fell off Otedola bridge

    A tanker truck laden with 33,000 litres of automated gas oil (diesel) fell off while driving toward Berger shortly after the Otedola bridge and caused a lot of traffic jam around Lagos metropolis.

    The Director General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    According to him, the immediate cause of the accident was due to mechanical error (brake failure), but no casualties and no damage of vehicles was recorded.

    Read Also: Video: Tanker falls, spills fuel on Otedola bridge

    “The truck fell off at about few minutes to 5 p.m while its content was still spilling due to the impact of the accident.

    “Physical assessment is being conducted in order to avert the occurrence and fire incident.

    “All emergency responders have been activated,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    He said that presently, the trans loading of content was on going to prevent the truck from exploding.

    Oke-Osanyintolu, however, said that the tanker truck would be removed from the road to ensure free flow of traffic.

    (NAN)

  • Bayelsa governorship: fresh crisis hits PDP as pressure mounts on Speaker to resign

    Some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have mounted pressure on the Speaker Emmanuel Tonye Isenah to resign his position.

    They were said to have insisted that Isenah must give his position to a lawmaker from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area to enable the PDP secure the council’s vote.

    Read Also: PDP urges INEC to warn Bello, APC against violence

    The plot to get Isenah out his position has, however, introduced fresh crisis into the PDP, which is still trying to recover from post primary election controversies.

  • SGF, FCT Minister, ex-Governor Bindow, Ribadu, 35 others to reconcile Adamawa APC

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, are to co-chair a 39 -member Central Steering Committee to reposition the Adamawa state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and rebuild it into a winning party.

    The immediate past governor of the state, Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow will also sit on the committee which has one of his major opponents in the last governorship election and former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as member, alongside former Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Dahiru Bobbo, Sen. Jonathan Silas Zwingina, Sen. Ahmed Hassan Barata, among many others.

    Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu is to serve as the main Chairman of the Committee expected to work hand in hand with the National Working Committee of the party in addressing the grievances within the party that saw it losing the governorship election in the state to the PDP.

    The APC in Adamawa state was divided into several camps during the last general election with groups loyal to the Wife of the President and her brother and those loyal to the former SGF, Babachir Lawal and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu working against former Governor Bindow.

    Read Also: Bayelsa governorship: fresh crisis hits PDP as pressure mounts on Speaker to resign

    According to a document to newsmen in Abuja, the committee is charged with the responsibility of reconciling all aggrieved aspirants /candidates that vied for positions during the 2019 general election.

    The committee is also charged with the task of developing programme of action to reposition and strengthen APC in Adamawa, as well as propose modalities that ensure free and fair primaries ahead of the coming local government election and future elections in the state.

    The committee is also expected “to propose ways and means of raising funds for running the affairs of the party in Adamawa state, to develop an effective media and public enlightenment programme for repositioning the party to its winning ways in the state.

    “To co-ordinate and support the various election petitions by the party at various tribunals and courts and carry out any other functions as may be directed by the National Work Committee of the APC.”

  • Kanye West becomes richest rap artiste 2019 – Forbes

    American rapper and fashion designer, Kanye West has been named the highest-paid hip-hop act in the world, earning 150 million dollars in a year.

    According to Forbes, Kanye West top the 2019 list, edging out JAY-Z who earned 81 million dollars and Drake who made 71 million dollars, to stand at second and third positions respectively on the list of top 20.

    JAY-Z has always been one of the top earners in hip-hop, but for the first time ever he has lost out to Kanye West,his former protégé.

    The top ten consists entirely of male hip-hop artists, as Eminem, DJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar, Migos, and Childish Gambino round out the rest of the list.

    The only female artists to make it into the top 20 are Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, who come in at the number 12 and 13 slots respectively.

    Nicki Minaj made 29 million dollars earnings, and Cardi B, the youngest to make the list at 26, raked in 28 million dollars in earnings.

    In 2018, Kanye West stood at number 10 on the list with 27.5 million dollars, while Jay came in at number one with 76.5 million.

    It’s a huge surge for Kanye, as his partnership with Adidas is expected to pull in over 1.5 billion in sales in 2019.

    Read Also; Kim Kardashian, Kanye West welcome fourth child

    Check out the top 20 list below:

    1. Kanye West – $ 150 million

    2. Jay-Z – $ 81 million

    3. Drake – $ 75 million

    4. Diddy – $ 70 million

    5. Travis Scott – $ 58 million

    6. Eminem – $ 50 million

    7. DJ Khaled – $ 40 million

    8. Kendrick Lamar – $ 38.5 million

    9. Migos – $ 36 million

    10. Childish Gambino – $ 35 million

    11. J. Cole – $ 31 million

    12. Nicki Minaj – $ 29 million

    13. Cardi B – $ 28 million

    14. Swizz Beatz – $ 23 million

    15. Meek Mill – $ 21 million

    16. Birdman – $ 20 million

    17. Future – $ 19.5 million

    18. Nas – $ 19 million

    19. Wiz Khalifa – $ 18.5 million

    20. Pitbull – $ 18 million

    (NAN)

  • Tribunal validates re-election of Ikpeazu, dismisses Otti’s petition

    The Governorship and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Friday affirmed the reelection Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    It threw away the petition brought before the tribunal by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti, challenging the declaration of Ikpeazu as the winner of the 2019 polls in the state.

    Otti had approached the tribunal seeking the nullification of Ikpeazu as the winner of the poll, but the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye said that the petitioner failed to prove the alleged non compliance to the Electoral Guidelines in the said 15 LGAs.

    Ogunmoye further stated that the petitioner failed to prove the case of over-voting and alleged irregularities.

    According to Justice Ogunmoye all the reliefs sought by Otti and APGA were dismissed and described the application as unmeritorious.

    Read Also:  Buhari meets Ag. Head of Civil Service, Yemi-Esan

    Counsel to the respondent, Chief Paul Ananaba (SAN) appreciated the Tribunal for delivering what he described as unbiased and sound judgment. But Otti’s lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said “the judgment has moved the law forward. The position of the tribunal is that the decision of the Supreme Court in the case regarding card reader is no longer the law.

    “The law has been amended as was decided in Wike and others and the tribunal actually agreed that the law has changed. There is an amendment now.

    “However they believe that the infraction which has been done to the election, in this case, is not substantial enough to nullify the election.”

    Reacting to the judgment, Ikpeazu who spoke at the Governor’s lodge, Umuahia invited Otti to join hands with him in the development of the state.

    Ikpeazu said the “APGA candidate should sheath his sword and respect the will of the people and join hands to build Abia,” adding, “there is a space for everybody.”

  • UPDATED: Tribunal upholds Okowa’s election

    Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has urged his rival in the March 9 gubernatorial election, Chief Great Ogboru of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to join hands with his administration in building a stronger state.

    The governor made the call on Friday at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service shortly after the reaffirmation of his electoral victory by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which sat in Asaba.

    “I appeal to my brother, Ogboru, that the time has come to stop fighting; it is time to partner together to do the best that we can for our people.

    “I appeal that enough is enough; it is time to build Delta State together for the good of our people.

    “I ask for the hands of the opposition, because Delta State is for all of us; we cannot do it alone and I want to thank our supporters and all Deltans for praying for us.

    “We require the assistance of all in prayer and in human partnership.

    Read Also: Delta won’t regret voting for me, says Okowa

    “We must continue to pray for our state and our country, because we believe that our prayer will save our country.

    “As Deltans, we must hold firmly to the Lord, because Delta State will continue to remain peaceful and united as we will prosper together,” Okowa said.

    The governor thanked his legal team and former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, who attended the service in company with his wife.

    He assured Deltans that the next four years would be more fruitful than his first tenure.

    Earlier in his sermon, the Government House Chaplain, Venerable Charles Osemenem, said that God rules the affairs of men.

    According to him, because God is interested in the affairs of man, we should be careful and mindful of what we do.

    “Let us acknowledge God in all our ways because our God never fails.

    “When He opens a door, nobody can close it,” the chaplain said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s wife, Dame Edith Okowa; the Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro; Sen. James Manager; House of Representatives member, Ndudi Elumelu; Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborovweri, were among dignitaries at the service.

  • Kidnapping: ASUU wants FG to close gap between rich, poor

    The President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, wants the Federal Government to close the gap between the rich and the poor to reduce the high rate of insecurity.

    Ogunyemi described as worrisome the continued kidnapping of its members,saying the situation is causing apprehension on the campuses.

    “It has led to a general feeling of insecurity on many campuses; recently, we had one of our colleagues abducted and eventually killed; that was a professor of Mathematics from Ondo State University of Science and Technology,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    “ASUU believes that you cannot get the problem resolved until and unless we address the socioeconomic problems in the country.

    “Our belief is that the gap between the rich and the poor has continued to expand and it’s almost coming to a point whereby the rich will not be able to sleep, when the poor are hungry, because they say a hungry man is an angry man.

    “We have seen people travelling on commercial vehicles and they were waylaid. That is to say that if that happens, it could be anybody.”

    Read Also: We were framed up, dismissed ASUU-LASU members say

    Ogunyemi urged all tiers of government to take a comprehensive look at the general social-economic problems bedeviling the country.

    He said the union had called for a socialist democracy where resources would be distributed.

    According to him, there is a need for a new model of development that is people-oriented which also ensures social economic justice.

    His words:“What we have in the country today is chronic capitalism and in which case, you can have everything while others have nothing, and that doesn’t work for any society.

    “What we have in this country now is injustice in all spheres of life, education, health, housing and transportation have been priced out of the reach of the poor and can hardly be afforded.

    “Until we are prepared to drop this model of development that does not allow for popular participation in the ownership and control of the means and production of wealth distribution, we cannot have lasting peace.”

  • Community holds Fidau prayer in honour of late Akoka Baale

    The eighth day prayer (Fida’u) for High Chief, Olusegun Sikiru Aroyewun, Baale of Isale Akoka was held on Friday in Bariga, Lagos State, amid praises and commendations.

    Baale Aroyewun who was installed in 2008 according to congenital rights, died at the age of 71, after a brief illness.

    The late Baale’s residence was full of sympathizers who came to mourn the late chief. The Nation observed that markets and shops around the community were closed.

    The event had in attendance prominent Chiefs and Baales’, Muslim clerics, APC stalwarts, Bariga LCDA/ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi; Akoka CDA Chairman, Segun Adesanya, resident members of Akoka and Bariga Community and other sympathizers.

    Read Also: Akoka CDA organises under-13 football competition for Ipaye

    Speaking to reporters, the Bariga LCDA Chairman, who also doubles as the ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi, described the late Baale as a fantastic royal father who had the love of his people at heart and died serving the community selflessly.

    The Council boss who expressed displeasure with the state of the road leading to the community, promised to rehabilitate the road as a honor to the late head of the community.

    Akoka CDA chairman, Segun Adesanya in his remarks, said the community would surely miss the late baale, who had contributed immensely to the development of Akoka.

    He said “Baale was a great friend and adviser who was passionate about mankind and also played his part with respect to the progress of the community”.

    Baale Aroyewun was survived by relatives, children, wife and grandchildren.

  • Army assures Borno town of security

    The Nigerian Army has assure residents of Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local council area in the Lake Chad area of Borno of security, urging them to continue with their normal activities.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Ado Isa, in a statement Friday, said the assurance followed reports of terrorists plan to attack and invade the town, conduct indoctrinatory preaching before observing the Friday congregational prayers on Sept. 20.

    Isa explained that many locals of Gajiram became apprehensive and reluctant to attend Jummat service in the mosque.

    He said that on receipt of the information, the Commander Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD)/Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu, directed the Artillery Brigade to move to the town.

    Isa added that the Brigade commander, Brig.-Gen Jal Jimoh, moved to Gajiram to reassure them of army’s readiness to protect them and their property in Gajiram and its surrounding areas.

    Read Also: Boko Haram, ISWAP fleeing to North, Central Africa, says Army

    “Consequently, there was large turn-out of the residents for the Jumat prayer with the Brigade Commander and other Muslim officers and soldiers in attendance including the Commander of the Chadian troops under the MNJTF.

    “The prayers were hitch-free. Brig Gen Jimoh through a Kanuri interpreter addressed the people, reassured them of their safety.

    “He solicited for the support and cooperation of the community by providing credible information on the movements and activities of the fleeing criminals hibernating in the area.

    “At the moment, security situation in Gajiram is fully under control, while military patrols have also been intensified,” he said.

    Isa said that further plan to project the joint forces was already under way, with the troops morale and fighting spirit very high occasioned by the latest successes against the insurgents. (NAN)

  • Nigeria has all it takes for technology development – S/Korea Ambassador

    The Republic of South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lee In-Tae says Nigeria possesses capacity for technology and agriculture development among other industrial sectors which could create jobs for its citizens.

    Lee disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a visit to Sen. George Akume, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

    The ambassador said his mission was to discuss how the two countries can collaborate in the areas of technology, energy and agriculture development.

    The Ambassador also pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government on job creation and the power sector improvement.

    ”My mission here is first, to congratulate the minister on his appointment and to discuss on business in areas of technology, agriculture; energy which I know will create jobs for Nigerians.

    ”We have discussed a lot which we will take into consideration, and I think Nigeria has a great potential in these sectors,” he said.

    In his response, Akume appreciated Lee for such initiative and the collaborative pledge on job creation and power sector, adding that it’s the major challenges disrupting the country’s industrial development.

    “Actually we have discussed a lot of issues and basically we were talking about collaboration between Korea and Nigeria and we want to commence in area of technology, agriculture, job creation and energy.

    “Korea, from my discussion with the Ambassador is very friendly with Nigeria with a lot in the areas of technology and power which draws much attention of this government, because we cannot make meaningful development without power.”

    Akume said from their discussions, Lee had pledged to pulling investment into Nigeria by bringing Korean companies to invest in Nigeria`s economy.

    “He has been talking of pulling investment to Nigeria and inviting Korean companies to partake in economy of this country.”

    According to the minister, if Nigeria harnesses its resources from all the collaborative areas with the Korean government, it will generate a lot jobs for the teeming youths who are now indulging in drug business.

    Akume also pleaded with the Korean Ambassador on the need to establish SAMSUNG electronics industry in Nigeria which he noted was a blooming industry and business across the globe.

    “We are looking forward to the time that we will also begin to manufacture some of your items here in Nigeria; this will also create more job opportunities for our people.

    “If you look at the number of people who have access to your electronics in terms of telephone, television, air condition, I mean virtually every home has SAMSUNG products, the number is enormous.

    “Korea, you have a very big market here, we should also be thinking of establishing your presence here in the county,” Akume said.

    The highlight of the visit included the decoration of the Korean Ambassador and his entourage with Benue State attire.