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  • Man arraigned for stealing N157,000

    A 28-year old man, Desmond Ovoke Onovaibirhi, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court, Edo state for stealing the sum of N157,700.

    Desmond was alleged to have conspired with one Elisabeth Augustine to steal the money from a new generation bank on January 12, 2019.

    Police Prosecutor, ASP Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the money belonged to one Loveth Tijani.

    The suspect was arraigned on two count charges of stealing and conspiracy.

    Read Also: Man, 51, jailed for using expired ATM card to buy drinks, fried meat

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    ASP Agbonifo said the offences were punishable under sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code vol ii laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria now applicable in Edo State.

    Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Ivie Akhere, granted bail to the accused person to the sum of N50,000 and a surety in like sum.

    The case was adjourned to September 9, 2019 for hearing.

  • IG issues red card to kidnappers, bandits in Southwest

    The Inspector General (IG) Mohammed Adamu has issued a red card to kidnappers and bandits in the Southwest.

    Adamu said his men are battle ready to combat headlong the spate of kidnappings, banditry and attendant killings with the deployment of special forces in the region.

    The IG, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, during a security stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti capital city, warned those criminals terrorising the region to surrender or meet their waterloo.

    Adamu added that the country’s policing system have been redesigned and rejigged to be community-based, so that Nigerians can see the issue of security as their responsibilities.

    “Our strategy for policing has changed. The community is now working with us and we are going to ensure that all the communities are represented whether you are traditional rulers or you belong to any socio cultural group.

    “We are going to train people from each community who will have the power of the police and power to arrest. They will be deployed to help the police in fighting crimes. When it comes to recruitment, we will come to your communities.”

    Read Also: Special patrol vehicles on highways soon, says IGP

    On why the police decided to interact with the stakeholders, Adamu said: “There are isolated cases of robbery, kidnapping and cultism in the Southwest of recent and we believe the traditional rulers and the state governors must show commitment and we are ready to do anything to mitigate the security problems.

    “We believe that if we all work together by way of robbing minds and sharing ideas. Our society will be free of crimes.”

    The IG added that the government is seriously concerned about the welfare of the officers, saying: “We have bought patrol vehicles and with the state of the art technology that can checkmate crimes.

    “We believe no officer should die in the course of fighting crimes. To this end, body armours have been procured to protect us while confronting the evil doers. If you kill one police officer, the government has lost the money spent to train such man.”

    Ekiti State Police Commissioner Asuquo Amba said the police have been able to reduce crimes in Ekiti State due to hard work displayed by his men.

    Adamu, also on Thursday, said the community policing strategy would bridge the gap between the police and the citizenry in a manner that will enhance optimal, cost-effective and sustainable law enforcement service delivery by the police.

    He spoke in Akure while addressing men of the force in Ondo State.

    Adamu hailed the strategies the state police command have put in place in fighting crimes.

    He urged the command to redouble its efforts in ensuring that the lives and property of the citizens are protected and safe at all times.

  • Govt urged to intervene in LASPOTECH crisis

    The Joint Action Committee of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics

    (ASUP), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), LASPOTECH branch, on Thursday held a peaceful rally at the Lagos State Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Their motive was to get the attention of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to resolve the crisis at LASPOTECH.

    The Vice Chairman, ASUP LASPOTECH chapter, AbudulSalam Olugbenga, said the rally was to remind the governor of his promises to LASPOTECH, including the setting up of a visitation panel, and to let him know that the promises were yet to be fulfilled.

    Read Also: Groups seek end to LASPOTECH crisis

    “With the rally, we are here to remind the Lagos State Government of the pronouncement made on July 11 on the crisis that has engulfed LASPOTECH for several months. We expect that the governor’s pronouncement will be implemented to end the crisis that has engulfed the institution for months. Unfortunately, nothing has been done.”

    He drew the governor’s attention to reinstatement of the NASU forum that was “illegally disengaged, the constitution migration which has torn the polytechnic apart, misappropriation in the polytechnic and other issues which the visitation panel will look into, to resolve the crisis.”

    Noting that they were tired of the crisis, Olugbenga said they were yet to see anything achieved by the visitation panel directed by the governor to resolve the crisis.

    “I want Nigerians to know that this disengagement has no space in law because the affected people were not charged for anything, they did not face any panel, they did not commit any crime except that they joined their union in fighting for their right. They were just disengaged like that; issuing letters to people who have put in over 27 years in service and declaring that their services are no longer needed in an organisation governed by law. This we see as an affront, even on the union itself. But despite that, we have written an appeal letter as directed by the governor, but nothing has been done about it,” he said.

  • Buhari gave me N30.8b to pay salary arrears, says Bello

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari gave him a bailout of about N30.8 billion to clear salary arrears of workers in the state, insisting that his government is presently up to date in the payment of salaries.

    The governor, who spoke with reporters after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC and all those who contested the party’s governorship primary, also asked the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to look inward in the search for those who attacked the venue of their primary election rather than blaming him.

    He said: “As regard the issue of news making the round that Kogi State is owing salaries, I want to categorical state that, my two predecessors inherited salary arrears.

    “It is a problem I inherited when I assumed office. But I want to announce to you today, that Kogi is not owing any worker’s salary at all. We have been able to clear all workers’ salaries and we are up to date. As a matter of fact, the last primary election that was held on August 29, we paid the salaries of August. That is to tell you that we are up-to-date as far as salary is concerned.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello wins APC ticket

    “The issue of us owning up to 38 months’ salary arrears before we cleared it was all false and lies. We did owe up to that, what we were owing at that time was between four to five months.

    “As I speak with you now, Mr. President graciously approved a bailout of N30.8 billion for us and our national chairman seated help me to facilitate the release.”

    The governor said he had fully applied the bail-out fund to clear salaries and pension arrears. “We are not owing any salary,” he said.

    On the allegation by the PDP that he was behind the attack on their primary, Bello said: “I am a member of the APC and not PDP. We gave a level playing ground to all the aspirants from all political parties to carry out their activities freely within the state. They moved around the entire state and we provided security for them and ensure that they were safe.”

  • Five top trending Big Brother Naija housemates

    By Praise Olowe

    The fourth season of Big Brother Naija, “Pepper Dem” is still taking Nigeria by storm.

    While the housemates struggle for the grand prize of sixty million Naira, fans have been scouring the net to find out more about their favourite contestants.

    Below is a list of the most-searched Big Brother “Pepper Dem” housemates on Google Nigeria.

    According to Google Search, the top trending Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Demhousemates since the commencement of the competition are

    Mercy :

    The 26-year-old video vixen and businesswoman based in Lagos loves cooking, swimming, travelling and dancing. Her on-screen relationship with fellow contestant Ike, as well as her fashion sense and good looks, keep Big Brother Naija fans wanting more and searching for her online. Mercy is the most-searched Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem contestant on Google.

    Tacha :

    The 23-year-old social media sensation loves to show herself to the world and the Big Brother Naija stage is the ideal platform. The businesswoman has grown her popularity on social media through the show and is the second most-search Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem contestant. Her stern character adds to the excitement of the reality show.

    Read Also; BBNaija: Esther, Sir Dee exit house

    Mike :

    Mike Edwards stunned Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem fans when it was revealed that he was married. He is also a CEO and an athlete with a resilient spirit. Founder of the first Black-owned cigar brand in the United Kingdom, he has been able to position himself as a guru in the Big Brother Naija house and his accent has made quite an impression on the audience. Mike is number 3 on the list of most-searched Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem contestants on Google.

    Seyi :

    Popularly referred to as the grandson of Awolowo, he has indeed made his mark in the Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem household. From being head-of-house to having a heated argument with Ike at one point, he has a strong personality that has stood out since day one of the show. The bubbly entrepreneur is also a medical doctor who has stated his commitment to his journey of self-acceptance, his girlfriend and his belief.

    Ike:

    The 26-year-old Steve Ikechukwu Onyema, originally from Imo State, is said to be the look-alike of Marvel’s Black Panther actor, Michael B. Jordan. His relationship with fellow housemate, Mercy, among other activities in the house, has made him one of the contestants to watch out for. He ranks fifth position among the top searched Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem housemates according to Google Search.

  • Mugabe, indomitable fighter for liberation of Zimbabwe – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, as an indomitable fighter, who contributed to the liberation of his country from apartheid and oppressive radicalism.

    Obasanjo said this in a condolence letter to President Emmerson Manangagwa of Zimbabwe, a copy which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Friday through his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.

    Obasanjo, while commiserating with Mugabe’s family and the people of Zimbabwe, said that he received the news of the elder statesman’s death with immense sadness.

    “The news of former President Robert G. Mugabe’s death in Singapore, in the early hours of today (Friday), was received by me with immense sadness indeed.

    “It is, therefore, with a profound sense of sympathy that I write, on behalf of myself and my family, to commiserate with you and the entire good people of Zimbabwe over the painful transition of former President Robert Mugabe.

    “The former President of Zimbabwe was a frontline leader, activist, an indomitable fighter for the liberation of Zimbabwe from apartheid and oppressive racialism, a statesman per excellence and a tireless advocate of the preservation of the mystique of Africa’s moral and cultural values.

    “He had selflessly dedicated himself to public service for most of his life, particularly as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to1987 and also as President from 1987 to 2017.

    “Having followed with keen interest his heroic struggles to secure an independent Zimbabwe in 1980, President Mugabe had become much more than a leader to his people.

    “He had become the living symbol and embodiment of their long and valiant struggle for their rightful place in the comity of nations.

    “I recall, with pride also, Nigeria’s association with Zimbabwe’s struggles against racist minority rule and the country’s eventual independence in 1980.

    “Quite retaining is the memory of the honour of Nigeria being classified a frontline state in those years,” Obasanjo said.

    Read Also: 20 key miliestones of Mugabe’s life

    He added that the late Mugabe was, without doubt, one of the greatest freedom fighters to have walked on the African soil.

    “This he did with his colleague and brother, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, leading to the formation of the Patriotic Front for which Nigeria took a vanguard position.

    “Under his administration as the President of Zimbabwe for well over three decades, the country witnessed significant efforts at placing the command of Zimbabwean economy in the hands of Zimbabweans.

    The death of a leader of President Mugabe’s stature is a big loss, not only to his immediate family and country, but to the whole of Africa.

    “History will record his vital contributions to the realisation of the dream of regional unity in Southern Africa,” he said.

    Obasanjo urged the people to take solace in the memory of his total dedication and commitment to the service of his people and for the cause of justice.

    “We pray that the Almighty God will give you, the entire Mugabe family and the good people of Zimbabwe the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant President Mugabe eternal repose in His bosom,” Obasanjo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mugabe died in the early hours of Friday in Singapore at the age of 95.

  • 100 days: Buhari has done well, says Oshiomhole

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has given the President a pass mark in his first 100 days in office, saying the government has done very well.

    Oshiomhole said in Abuja on Friday evening that “President Buhari can beat his chest to say I have started well, I have started fast. You cannot call him Baba go slow now, this time he is Baba fast.”

    He said: “Everything is about comparism. Because in 2015, after a hundred days we did not have a federal cabinet, the President had not appointed ministers. This time in hundred days, from my interaction with a number of Ministers, even the budget for 2020 is already being prepared.

    “Ministers have been assigned to their various Ministries. They have already started the process of taking over and trying to understand the challenges. Government is already effectively on ground. So even that alone shows a remarkable departure if you compare what the President has done in 2019 to what he has done in 2015.

    “Even the current issues in South Africa, the prompt manner in which the President reacted and took bold steps and sent a clear message to South Africa that we are not about to accept Nigeria being humiliated in their businesses. I think the bold step he has taken is refreshing.

    Read Also; Oshiomhole to Kogi aspirants: no refund of money

    “The President has been engaging various groups. Recently, he was talking to the Nigeria Society of Engineers, several professional groups, reminding all of us that we have our role to play in the Nigeria project.

    “As a Party, we have every access to the President, we see him any time we want to see him and share with him whatever we want to do. You notice that this time, the President also organized a retreat for Ministers immediately they were appointed. That retreat was not about entertainment, it was to discuss about Nigeria and the administration’s policy choices.

    “And of course, reminding the Ministers about the fact that there is huge expectation out there at a time of dwindling resources. Now government challenge is where do we cut cost so that we can find resources we need to sustain investment in infrastructure.”

  • Kogi, Bayelsa: PDP presents certificates of return to candidates

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged its candidates, former aspirants and supporters in Kogi and Bayelsa, to be united and work for the party’s victory in the Nov. 16 governorship elections.

    The National Chairman of PDP, Mr Uche Secondus, gave the advice on Friday in Abuja at the presentation of Certificate of Return to winners of its governorship primary elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the certificates were presented to Sen.Diri Douye and Mr Musa Wada as PDP Candidates for Bayelsa and Kogi in the coming elections.

    Secondus said that it was not yet time for celebration, but for all to work for party’s victory in the two states, adding that the ceremony was not for jubilation but for stakeholders to come together.

    “For our candidates in Bayelsa and Kogi. It is not yet time for celebration because this nation is in distress.

    “It is time for you to go and bring people together, to reconcile our people so that they can team up with all of you and restore the hope of the ordinary man, especially in Kogi.

    “The responsibility on you today is not to be the master but the servants of the people.

    As you move from here, our party is going to set up two committees, for reconciliation and campaign. You must move from here and know that you have a lot of work to do.

    “You must go out in unity to show the spirit of oneness to the people of Kogi and Bayelsa; they need you, they need the PDP to restore the hope of Nigerians.” he said.

    The chairman said that the transparency of the primaries was a confirmation of pledge by PDP leadership under his watch that there was no more need for aspirants to lobby party leadership for favour, but to meet with people at the grassroots for votes.

    Secondus commended supporters and the aspirants for the time and resources they spent in mobilising support for the PDP during the primaries, adding that they were all qualified but only one man would be a winner.

    “I want to encourage all aspirants that you have lost nothing but you have written your names in gold. You have fulfilled the requirements of a good citizen by volunteering yourselves to contest, ” he commended them.

    Mr Ibrahim Tsauri, PDP National Secretary, said it was time for all stakeholders to work together to retain Bayelsa and win Kogi.

    Read Also; PDP Senate caucus urges probe into raid of Umahi’s home

    Sauri said that it was the wish of the opposition for the PDP to disintegrate after the primaries “but we remain united.”

    In his remarks, Douyen said that he had already started reconciliation process with all other aspirants in Bayelsa.

    “I have started calling all the former aspirants, pleading with them to supports me and our great party in Bayelsa.

    “We believe that the only way to win Bayelsa is for us to work together and be focus on achieving that goal,” he said.

    Douye said that he was ready to serve the state and never let the party and the people down.

    On his part, Musa Wada said that he had also started the process of reconciliation with all aspirants, with retired Capt. Idris Wada, a former governor and co-contestant, leading the course for him.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my fellow aspirants who have extended hands of fellowship. Together with me, Kogi will never be the same again,” he said.

    Wada assured the party that he was going into the election with confidence and faith in God.

    “We are ready for peaceful election and we will never be party to violence,” he stated.

  • APC sets up caretaker committee for Rivers

    Following the judgement of the court which nullified the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers state, the National Working Committee of the party has commenced the process of electing a new leadership for the party in the state.

    The party has announced the setting up of a five man caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the party pending when new leadership is put in place.

    In a statement made available to newsmen, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu also announced a time table for the conduct of ward, local government and state Congresses to elect new leadership for the party at all levels in the state.

    The five man caretaker committee which has the mandate to oversee the Party’s affairs in the state will be headed by Barr. Isaac Abott Ogbobula.

    Read Also: APC will win Bayelsa governorship election, says Timi Frank

    Other members are: Mr. Friday Kinika Owhor, Mrs. Beatrice Amobi, Prince Abolo Stephen and Mr. Baridon Badom (Secretary).

    According to the timetable also released, ward congresses are to be held on Tuesday 17th September 2019 while appeal arising from the ward congresses will be entertained between Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th September, 2019.

    Also, local government congresses are expected to take place on Saturday 21st September 2019 , while appeals from the conduct of the local government congresses will be entertained between Monday 23rd – Wednesday 25th September, 2019.

    Similarly, state congress for the election of members of the state working committee is scheduled for Saturday 28th September, 2019, while appeals arising from it is scheduled for Between Monday 30th September – Wednesday 2nd October, 2019.

  • Obaseki hails late Dr. Oni-Okpaku for saving lives

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has described late Dr. Benjamin Aigbobasimi Oni-Okpaku, Founder of Benoni Hospital, as a record-breaker who played a key role in saving lives during the Nigerian Civil War as the Chief Medical Director of Benin Specialist Hospital.

    Obaseki said this on Friday while speaking to journalists at the funeral service in honour of late Dr. Oni-Okpaku held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Eme-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    According to the governor, “He was first in many things and we will remember him the most in the role he played particularly as the Chief Medical Director of Benin Specialist Hospital (now Central Hospital) during the difficult days of the Nigerian Civil War, when as capital of the defunct Mid-Western State, Benin City was one of the frontier territories in wartime.

    “When casualties were evacuated from the war front to Benin, it was his responsibility as Chief Medical Director and a surgeon to treat them and he did it well.”

    Obaseki said late Dr. Oni-Okpaku will be remembered for his entrepreneurial strides in building Benoni Hospital, Benin City, adding “This was a man who contributed so much to the medical history of our state and we are proud of him. He will be remembered for his entrepreneurial efforts in building Benoni Hospital. He was a great golfer also and we thank God for his life”.

    A member of the National Executive of Kings College Old Boys Association, Olu Akpata, said late Dr. Oni-Okpaku was a worthy old boy of the College, adding that he was a great sportsman and a leader who contributed in no little way to the development of the state.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds security operatives on doctor’s release

    He retired as Chief Medical Director, Benoni Hospital, Benin City and survived by wife, Justice Abigail Oni-Okpaku, children and other relatives including the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omua Alonge Oni-Okpaku. He died at age 87.

    Other guests that graced the occasion included the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen; Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, amongst others.