The Nation Newspaper

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  • BREAKING: Tribunal dismisses petition against Taraba Gov, Ishaku’s election

    The Taraba State Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed the petition by Abubakar Danladi of the All Progressive Party (APC) challenging the re-election of Governor Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.

    A three-man panel led by Justice M.O. Adewara unanimously held that the petitioners failed to prove their claims that the marred by irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

    Justice Adewara, who read the lead judgment, also held that since a Federal High Court in the state, gave a judgment on March 6, 2019, in suit: FHC/JAL/CS/01/2019, disqualifying Danladi from contesting the election, he could not be said to be a candidate in the election.

    Read Also: Taraba Tiv are indigenes not settlers, says Ishaku

    The tribunal also held that since judgment was upheld up to the Supreme Court, it meant that APC had no valid candidate in the election, did not participate in the election and was not qualified, along with Danladi, to have presented a petition before the tribunal.

    The tribunal further held, that even if the petition was to be considered on the merit, the petition failed to lead sufficient evidence to establish their claims that Ishaku was not validly elected by majority of lawful votes and that the election was marred by irregularities, non-compliance and corrupt practices.

    Details shortly…

  • Man slaughters three in-laws in Edo

    A 44-year old man, Edoghogho Omorogbe, has been arrested for killing his mother in law, sister- in- law and a six- month old baby.

    His victims were identified as Mrs. Alice Omorogbe 52, Mrs. Blessing Efe 25 and her baby.

    Edoghogho killed his victims on September 10, 2019 at their residence at Iguadolor Community in Ovia North East local government area of Edo State.

    A two-year-old girl inside the room at the time of attack was spared.

    The mutilated bodies of victims were discovered the following morning.

    woman and her daughter who were slaughtered

    Edoghogho said he killed his in-laws because of the way they were hiring boys to beat him anytime he had issues with his wife.

    According to him: “I am a tipper driver but since the rains started I was doing menial jobs.

    Read Also: Three ‘kidnappers’ held in Abia

    “I killed them out of annoyance because my mother -in- law used boys to beat me up. She would say I am talking to my wife. If I quarrel with my wife, she will send boys to beat me up.

    Their residence where they were killed

    “I didn’t know the cutlass will meet the baby. After I killed them, I ran away. Later I came out and went to tell my father what I did. I have not seen my wife since I killed her mother and sister.”

    Edo Police Commissioner, Danmallam Abubakar said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

  • Returned migrant shot dead in Libya

    A Sudanese migrant was shot dead in Libya after the coast guard stopped the boat he was on from attempting to cross the Mediterranean and brought him back to shore, UN agencies reported on Friday.

    The incident occurred on Thursday in Tripoli, when many of the 103 migrants, who had been on board resisted, being sent back to Libyan detention centres.

    International Organisation for Migration (IOM) officers witnessed armed men beginning to shoot in the air.

    When several migrants began running away, the Sudanese migrant was struck by a bullet in the stomach, IOM spokesman Leonard Doyle said at a news conference.

    “This was tragedy waiting to happen. The death is a stark reminder of the grim conditions faced by migrants picked up by the coast guard after paying smugglers to take them to Europe,’’ Doyle said.

    Read Also; NEMA receives 153 Nigerian returnees from Libya

    Charlie Yaxley, a spokesman for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), said the incident was proof that Libya is not a safe haven and that migrants must not be returned to the civil war country.

    UN agencies have repeatedly highlighted the severe malnutrition, lack of water and overall inhumane treatment in Libya’s overcrowded detention centres.

    In July, 53 people died and 130 were wounded in airstrikes on a migrant and refugee centre in a Tripoli suburb, amid fighting between the UN-backed government in Tripoli and rival forces led by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

    Among the 5,000 migrants detained in Libya, more than 3,000 are kept in active conflict areas, according to the IOM.

  • How Nigeria spends $1.2bn to import fish annually – Emefiele

    The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele says about 1.2 billion dollars worth of fish is imported into the country annually.

    Emefiele disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing some state Governors and the media on the feat recorded so far in agriculture for economic growth.

    He explained that current fish production stood at 0.8 million tons while the demand was 2.7 million tons, giving a deficit of 1.9 million tons.

    He said the apex bank’s current initiative was to enagage the coastal state governors to develop the blue economy to address the deficit of 1.9metric tons as well as eradicate the huge import bill for fish.

    According to him, this is a very huge economic opportunity for the states to create an enabling environment for investors.

    In a similar development, the governor said that major innovation to deepen the poultry business was the recent partnership between the bank and tertiary institutions to pilot the “The University–Based Poultry Production Programme” in twelve 12 Universities across the six geo-political zones.

    Read Also; House halts CBN’s charges on deposit plan

    He added that the objective was not only building future agripreneurs but making the universities able to improve their internally generated revenue.

    “For the pilot phase, five Nigerian Universities, namely; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Ilorin were enrolled.

    “These Universities have submitted revised proposal to their respective sponsoring banks,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governors of Ekiti, Adamawa, Lagos, Ogun, Benue, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Anambra, Imo, Edo, and Borno states attended the meeting.

  • Court sends ex-Petroleum Ministry’s senior official to prison over $9.6bn judgment

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo, Abuja has ordered that a former Director, Legal Services of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Grace Taiga be remanded in Suleja prison, in Niger State.
    Mrs. Taiga, who was arraigned before the court on Friday on an eight-count charge of bribery, among others, is to remain in prison until September 25, 2019 when her bail application would be heard.

    Upon her arraignment on Friday, Mrs. Taiga pleaded not guilty to the charge in which she was, among others, accused of receiving bribe, through her offshore bank account in signing the Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) between P&ID Limited and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Petroleum Resources Ministry on January 11, 2019, and over which an arbitration panel, which sat in London awarded about $9.6billion damages against Nigeria.

    After she pleaded to the charge, filed and being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), her lawyer, Ola Olanipekun (SAN), prayed the court to allow his client to be remanded in the custody of EFCC pending the determination of her bail application, on the grounds that she was suffering from hypertension and diabetes.

    Read Also:  P&ID $9.6bn judgment: FG arraigns ex-Petroleum Resources official on bribery charges

    Lead prosecuting lawyer, Bala Sanga however objected to Olanipelun’s request and argued that the proper place to remand a defendant, whose plea had been taken, is prison custody.

    In a ruling, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi upheld Sanga’s argument and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja prison.

    Justice Adeniyi directed that the defendant be accorded due medical treatment while she is in custody, pending the hearing and determination of her bail application.

    The judge subsequently scheduled September 25 for the hearing of her bail application.

    The EFCC also accused Mrs. Taiga violating various laws by entering into the GSPA without prior approval by the Federal Executive Council and a certificate of no-objection to the contract from the Bureau of Public Enterprise.

    The charge is in relation to the controversial Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA), in respect of which a British court upheld P&ID claim to the $9.6bn damages awarded against Nigeria by an arbitration tribunal

    The EFCC alleged that Mrs. Taiga signed as Nigeria’s witness to the GSPA while the then Minister who was the head of the Ministry, Rilwan Lukman (now late), signed as Nigeria’s representative.

  • Passion alone won’t make you succeed in music industry – Owens

    The Chief Executive Officer, Money Making Machine Gang, MMMG, Mr Agbontan Godson Owens aka Owens Leo has disclosed that to excel in the music industry it requires more than passion.

    Speaking in a media chat, Owens said that money plays a key role in delivering the kind of quality music his fans will admire. The endowed artiste said MMMG as a record label is a coinage that he finds very motivational. “Name does several works in our life,” he added.

    He said music was his passion from childhood. “I love good music and I can sing as well. But I was never opportuned to chase that career at a tender age. In 2009, I venture into the music business and my record label was officially launched in 2017. This year I signed my first artiste“White man”.

    Speaking on challenges so far, Owen said “ Since 2017, it’ has not really been easy but we’ve both been together. My artist was first working with me as a hypeman in the club, then I found out that he actually got the talent and he’s a good entertainer. I decided to sign him after listening to his songs, which I noticed had good messages to deliver, unlike the regular Naija jams. His songs are inspirational and motivational.

    “We believe in working before eating, hence the reason for his genre. It was not easy because I was not financially buoyant. But I managed to release some songs while I also collaborated with some of my Russian friends. My music journey took me to Greece but I was only able to stay in Russia for 2 years while pursuing my education. I was unable to complete my education in Russia because the cold was too much. It wasn’t good for my chest, so I had to return to Africa and enrolled in Adonai Institute in, Benin Republic where I eventually finished and went for my youth service in 2016. I studied Computer Science and I have the plan to go for my Master very soon. ”

    Owen shares success tips to other young artistes – “You need to have another source of income. For instance, I have been trying to establish several businesses that will ensure the money keeps coming and for posterity sake. I have Saloon and also a night club where people can relax and have fun. Am a very ambitious person and I have the plan to set up more businesses. I usually stock farm products like red oil, melons and ogbolor when its cheap and sell when it increases in price.

    “ Music business needs the money and without funds to push it, your passion is wasted.”

    Reacting to a viral post of himself and Davido, on social media, he revealed that there is a working relationship between tge multiple award-winning singer and himself.

    His words, “I am working with Davido on something. Collaboration with Davido is cooking already. Am also looking at working with Burnaboy and Olamide.

    Owen is not bothered about what the future holds. To him, only present event and happenings matters. “The future is not sure for anyone, Maybe, you can call me the only man who doesn’t believe in insurance, because my life itself is not assured.”

  • BBNaija: Housemates party with 2baba on his birthday

    Music legend, Innocent Idibia aka 2baba paid a surprise visit to the housemates of the ongoing BBNaija season four.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, on Thursday night, the ‘African Queen’ singer stormed the house with Larry Gaaga and Efe Omoregbe.

    The housemates, who did not see the surprise coming, got to celebrate 2baba’s birthday with him as Biggie set up the party in the arena, complete with food and musical performances.

    Prior to the party, housemates took turns to ask the legend questions about the industry and success tips that every celebrity should have.

    He said, “Keep your head straight. Respect people, respect your craft. Develop yourself. There is no limit to what you can do.”

    Frodd asked how he kept calm despite the pressure before a performance. He said, “You have to keep your game face on. You have to block it out. You have to go out and satisfy your fans.”

    To celebrate his birthday, he was welcomed into the beautifully set up Arena, where the Housemates chorused a happy birthday song for him and cut the cake.

    The housemates also had karaoke games with Seyi, Tacha, Omashola and Cindy creating funny moments.

    Larry Gaaga and 2Baba took the lead in dancing as they grooved hard to their classic songs, while Mike showcased his Zanku skills.

    NAN reports that the party also features performances from Okeimute, Kholi and a band, Alternate Sound.

    To wrap it up, 2Baba introduced his new product to the lucky Pepper Dem top ten as he talked to them about launching his branded headphones.

  • Boko Haram: Army assures Maiduguri residents of safety

    The Army has dismissed rumours of Boko Haram planned attacks on Maiduguri and its environs.

    Deputy Director Army Public Relation Col. Ado Isa in a statement attributed the rumours to some mischievous elements.

    He assured the public of Army’s commitment to protect lives and property in Maiduguri and its environ.

    The statement said: “Information on the social media showed that some mischievous elements are insinuating and peddling rumours of terrorists’ plan to unleash attacks on some selected populated areas and key facilities in Maiduguri town and neighbouring areas, in order to cause panic and inflict injuries on Nigerians.

    “The headquarters of Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, assures the public that measures have been put in place to checkmate the purported evil plans of the criminals.

    Read Also: Army bans NGO for ‘aiding Boko Haram’

    “Accordingly, troops have been ordered to ensure that movements and activities of the marauders are thwarted. Troops are also in staging positions in line with the Super Camp concept to attack the bandits whenever they are seen.

    “The public are urged to disregard the rumour of ‘deadly attacks’ on Maiduguri and its environs. The fake news is circulated by mischievous elements and other collaborators of the criminals to instil fear and panic in people and sabotage the efforts of the military and other security agencies in the struggle to end the menace.”

    “The public are, therefore, enjoined to disregard the alleged attacks on Maiduguri and its environs and go about their activities without fear or hindrance.”

  • Police arrest wanted Port Harcourt serial killer

    The Police in Rivers State have arrested an ex-militant Gracious David West, 26, alleged to be responsible for the murder of about 13 women.

    West was declared wanted by the police on Wedneaday after a Close Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) footage showed he had booked into a hotel with a young woman who was found dead on Tuesday.

    It was gathered that the suspect confessed to have killed five women in similar manner in Imo State and seven in Port Harcourt City.

    The Nation gathered that he was arrested on Wednesday along East-West Road while he was fleeing to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.

    A native of Buguma LGA of Rivers State, West was alleged to be a renowned armed robber who was rehabilitated by a church and was assisted to secure a job at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

    But the suspect was said to have continued his criminal lifestyle and was declared wanted by the Police in June last year. He was said to have been on the run until the CCTV footage exposed him as a member of the syndicate that had been killing women in cold blood.

    Read Also: #ProtectPHGirls: Nigerians react over ‘Serial killer’ prowling in Port Harcourt

    West, it was gathered, told detectives that he was under a curse from his community and it was responsible for his actions.

    Narrating how he strangled his victims, he said: “We were inside the club then we discussed on how much I will pay her. After that we left the club to the hotel at Osas Road. When we got there, they took her up and I said let me look for a way to arrange for food that we will both eat.

    “After eating, we slept till the next morning around 5:30am. I brought out a knife. She was unaware there was a knife. So, I told her not to shout that if she does I will use the knife on her.

    “Out of fear she kept quite. During that time the television volume was loud. Then I used the wrapper to tie her hands her legs from the back and strangled her with pillow case.”

    Confirming his arrest through their official Twitter handle, the police said the suspect was a member of the Degbam cult group, adding that he had made useful statements.

    “Investigation is on with a view to ascertaining his motives and possible accomplices. The Commissioner of Police Rivers State, Mustapha Dandaura will be briefing the media on this significant police breakthrough on September 20,” the police said.

  • Firm launches new POS machines for the unbank

    Click Power Enterprise Limited in partnership with a Chinese firm, SZFP Technology Limited has launched a new Smart and Mini  Point of Sales (POS) Terminal that is handy, pocket friendly and is easy to operate in unbank areas.

    The Co-Founder of Click Power Enterprise Limited, Patrick Amalaha announced it at the introduction of the product held recently in Lagos, said that the device is to be sold to mobile money operators such as banks and other bodies who uses point of sales services for their businesses.

    He said that we are also into agency banking which is part of our core business and we are partnering with GTBank and we hope to extend it to other banks.

    “We are working hard to build a seamless integrated platform with our agency banking with  the organizations  that we are partnering with” he said.

    He posited that the agency banking introduced by the Central  Bank of Nigeria is evolving and we want to support the initiative with the pocket friendly POS box that will ensure seamless financial transaction for both corporate organization and unbank areas.

    “We intend to reach the least banking areas, areas where they don’t have access to bank. These include market women, petty trader who wants to have access to financial services. Our agency is poised to give Nigerians financial access through this platform”, he said. .

    Amala added We have smaller devices that can be connected to your bank account. Banks will take care of the bank end and you do your business seamlessly. The uniqueness of this product is accessibility, carriability  and user friendly interface and easy integration.

    He noted that the POS work with individuals and institutions with a corporate account with the bank but click power can cover for individuals without a corporate account with its click power wallet housing with the bank and the bank will link it to their products.

    Also, in his words, the Business Development Manager of Click Power Enterprise limited, lkdnna Ezewaroke said that the partnering company SZFP that produces the products has predeigree and a track record of success.

    He said that the devices they are bringing and terminal application management system are very robust and its support the kind of business we want to do in that space.

    “Banking in Nigeria is evolving and we have gone the extra mile to make the agency banking more effective in its financial transaction”, he said.

    “We have working toward engaging 10,000 to 15, 000 merchants across the country and we will leverage our experience in the banking system”, he said.

    He added that the organization has put in place 24 hours non stop contact service where issue regarding merchants, card holders  and people on our platform can be address.