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  • Why we sealed Emmanuel’s Church, by Police

    The police in Akwa Ibom have explained why they sealed up Qua Iboe church along No 112 Ikot Ekpene road on Sunday where Governor Udom Emmanuel worships.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed said the sealing of the church was to avert a clash among worshippers over the change name from Qua Iboe to United Evangelical Church.

    He also regretted that the action of his men had led to some worshippers sustaining varying degrees of injury.

    Ahmed said the police were alerted of the plan by a faction in the ongoing crisis to factions to foment rouble and decided to seal the church to prevent further break down of law and order.

    He said” police seal the church to prevent crisis. Last Sunday there was a crisis among the worshippers in which many people were injured. We got information that a faction of the church was coming there to cause trouble, so our officers were there to prevent further clash”.

    It was gathered that the police arrived the church premises as early as 6 am and barricaded the entrance, preventing early the morning worshipers from going in to worship.

    Read Also: Tribunal judgment validates Ihedioha’s victory – AA

    Governor Udoma Emmanuel and some prominent members of the church were allegedly accused of having personal interest in the matter rocking the church.

    But speaking on Sunday, against the backdrop of insinuations, the Governor declared that he has no personal interest in the crisis, adding that he was rather committed to ensuring that peace return to
    the United Evangelical Church which was originally founded as Qua Iboe Church.

    Governor Emmanuel who said he has been making progress in bringing peace and harmony between the two contending parties urged agents of blackmail to direct their miss-applied talents elsewhere.

    He said “It is very wrong for certain elements to make unfounded allegations concerning my role in the local assembly on Ikot Ekpene road,” said the Governor at a peace parley with the two parties.

    “In a peace meeting I had with the leadership of the church on Thursday, September 26, I had outlined the processes and plans for peace to return to the both the local and the national leadership of the church.

    “The parties were very satisfied with the plans outlined and went back very happy. Very soon, we hope to see the full restoration of peace and understanding between the two groups.

    “I think it is sad and unfortunate for some people to exploit the matter and make unfounded allegations against me.” Governor Emmanuel added.

     

     

  • JUST IN: Buhari to broadcast to the nation October 1

    President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to broadcast to the nation on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 7am.

    The broadcast is part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 59thIndependence Anniversary Celebrations.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said “Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.”

  • Jihadists bomb military convoy in surprise Somalia attacks

    Jihadists in Somalia have attacked a U.S. military base in the southern Lower Shabelle region of the country on Monday, while a second attack targeted a European peace-keeping envoy in the capital of Mogadishu.

    In the first attack, two cars packed with explosives were driven towards the Balegdole air base before being detonated at its gates. Bursts of gunfire then followed as jihadists tried to breach the base.

    Al-Shabab, Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group, said it was responsible for the attack in a statement and claimed its fighters had been successful in entering the base.

    “After breaching the perimeters of the heavily fortified base, the mujahideen [holy warriors] stormed the military complex, engaging the crusaders in an intense firefight,” the statement said.

    Al-Shabab are known for often exaggerating their statements however, and a statement from the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia’s office denied that entry was made.

    Read Also: Fintiri pardons 18 prisoners

    “The United States condemns the attacks today in Baledogle and Mogadishu,” the statement said. “We commend the Somali security forces that repelled the attack against the Somali National Army (SNA) Base in Baledogle, Lower Shabelle region.

    “The security forces stopped this ultimately failed attack due to their alertness and swift response, not allowing the attackers to breach the outer defensive perimeters of the base.”

    The Bolegole base, roughly 100 km (60 miles) west of Mogadishu, houses Somali Special Forces, U.S. Special Forces and Ugandan peace-keeping troops.

    In the second attack, a bomb blast targeted a peace-keeping envoy from Italy. The Italian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the convoy was hit by explosions, but stated that no injuries had been reported. Images of the attack seen by Newsweek showed that a light-armored vehicle had been sheared open from the attack and extensive damage had been caused to nearby buildings.

    The U.S. Ambassador’s statement also stated that there were no injuries in either attack.

    “We are thankful that there were no SNA causalities between the multiple attacks,” it said.

    “This attack yet again demonstrates Al-Shabab violently opposes progress towards peace and prosperity in Somalia. The United States affirms our strong commitment to the people and government of Somalia and to assist collective efforts to degrade terror groups and build a stronger and prosperous Somalia that offers a brighter future for its people.”

    Hussein Sheikh-Ali, a former national security adviser and founder of the Mogadishu-based security think-tank the Hiraal Institute, told Reuters that this attack was aimed at showing Al-Shabab’s strength.

    “It implies they have a high intelligence and a degree of capability just to get close to that place,” he said. “They don’t look like people on the back foot.”

    The attacks follow a relative calm from U.S. airstrikes in the country. Africa Command has only launched four airstrikes in the past two months, reported Reuters, in comparison to the 28 attacks launched between January and March of 2019.

    (www.newsnow.co.uk)

  • NANS to EFCC: We won’t accept harassment of innocent members over ‘Yahoo boys’

    The National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) on Monday said it supports the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to rid the society of cybercrimes but warned that it would not accept further “harassment and humiliation” of innocent students under the guise of hunting ‘Yahoo Yahoo boys’ engaging in internet frauds.

    NANS said the alleged relocation of some Operatives of the EFCC to campuses of tertiary institutions in Nigeria in search of cybercriminals, has led to unwarranted harassment, intimidation and embarrassment of innocent students and advised the agency to put a halt to such ill-treatment.

    Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on behalf of NANS ahead of the nation’s 59th Independence anniversary, the National Public Relations of students body, Azeez Adeyemi, said it would be more productive if the same energy used by the Anti – graft agency in hounding ‘Yahoo Yahoo boys,’ could also be channelled towards identifying and arresting of politicians who have allegedly looted the country’s wealth on a mind-boggling scale.

    Azeez who felicitates with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on Nigeria’s 59th attainment of nationhood, added that the students recognised the sacrifices of the nation’s forbears who made independence a reality and patriots who paid the supreme price in the course of fighting for freedom against oppressors at any level since the creation of the Nigeria state.

    He said: “Our attention has been called to the relocation of the officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to our campus in search of cybercriminals, this we did not stand against but it will be more productive if that same attention can be channeled to our politicians who have looted this country in a larger scale.

    “Under the disguise of fighting ‘yahoo boys’ many of our students have been harassed, humiliated and embarrassed for no just reason, this act we will no more accepted going forward from now,” he said.

    He also frowned at the Central Bank policy of charging banks’ customers 7% on withdrawals, saying it is targeted at further impoverishing the poor.

    NANS frown at the central bank’s policy of charging bank customers 7% on withdrawals above N500,000 , this policy is perceived to be geared toward impoverishing both average and poor Nigerians.

    “Also, if this policy is allowed to scaled through, it will increase robbery cases as the people will find keeping money at homes as an alternative,” he said.

    He, however, lauded the Federal government of Nigeria in its efforts to make country self-dependent and self-reliance nation, and advised that similar step should be taken in the areas of healthcare, recommending that top government functionaries including the President be barred from engaging in foreign medical tourism.

    NANS also expressed support for Vice – President Yemi Osinbajo and said it is their hope that the reported travails of Osinbajo is false according to the Presidency.

    He said: “We, however, applaud the Federal government of Nigeria in its efforts to make Nigeria self dependent and self reliance nation. We appeal that a step should be taken further by ensuring that all our top government functionaries including the President are barred by law from undertaking foreign medical tourism and should be treated here in Nigeria no matter the nature of their ailment so as to improve the standard of our medical facilities in the country.

    “Although recently, the Vice President has been faced by some unseen power blocks who tried to test the stance of God in the life of the anointed, although, they met God firmly behind him, But for a face saving for the government, this planned evil acts has been described as false and we want to believe same.

    “May use this opportunity to express our loyalty to the Vice President as he is clearly a major standing factor for which many are still respecting this government.

    “For his giant strides especially at the times when the President is out of the country, we pass our vote of confidence on his Excellency, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and we remain firm with him against any odd.

    “We have received reports from our comrades in many states of the federation hence, the need to give kudus to some Governors.

    “In Ogun state, we must appreciate the giant strides of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in procuring 100 patrol vans and 200 motorcycles for the security of the state with a view of achieving a crime-free state under his watch.

    “We also want to appreciate the Governor for his quick intervention in some of our campuses domicile in the state such as MAPOLY, DS Adegbebno ICT polytechnic and TASCE among others which were undergoing some challenges as at the time of his emergence.

    “But we must call your attention to two groups of persons who are currently emerging in Ogun state. First, is a group of unfriendly friends who are posing to be your friend for the sake achieve a selfish interest but we pray that as Nigeria grows today, the God who separate the wheat from the chaff shall separate them from your government.

    Read Also; Metuh: Court hears application of alleged misrepresentation by EFCC Oct. 7

    “Secondly is another group of oppressors who wants to seize the opportunity of your newness to oppress the people and students, amass more unclean wealth and as well paint you black in the eye of the general public.

    “We must also appreciate the OYO state Governor, Seyi Makinde, Kwara state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for appointing youths as members of their cabinet.

    “We would not drop our pen without thanking the speaker of the House of Representatives, RT.Hon Femi Gbajabiamila for appointing a former NANS President as a legislative aide and we pray that he shall live up to expectations.

    “To the entire members of the National Assembly, we say thank you, for your matured and friendly working relationship which has further strengthen our democracy and quicken developmental works in the country.”

  • BREAKING: Okagbare disqualified for lane infringement in 200m race

    For lane infringement during the heat five of the women’s 200m race at the ongoing 2019 IAAF World Championships, Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare has been disqualified from the event.

    Okagbare who would have qualified as one of the fastest time among the losers slowed down with the line in sight and finished fourth in the race won by Niger’s Aminatou Seyni who clocked 22.58secs to hit the semifinal stage.

    Read Also: ‘Hypersensitive’ Female Athletics frown at starting block cameras

    Okagbare, a 2013 bronze medalist was holding her hammy as she walked from the track.

    Being the fifth 200m heat, the Nigerien Seyni, scorched the final 80m, coming from fifth to first and dipping to win in a national record 22.58.

    Based on this, the 23-year-old has an outside chance of a medal if she can improve her curve running.

    Germany’s Tatjano Pinto was ahead off the bend, continuing her strong running to the line for second in a PB 22.63.

    Third home was Gambia’s Gina Bass, in 22.67.

  • Fintiri pardons 18 prisoners

    Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has pardoned 18 prisoners serving various jail terms in five correctional facilities across the state.

    A statement signed by the governor’s Director General, Media and Communications, Solomon Kumangar, said the pardon is in commemoration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary.

    Read Also: Ex-bank director claims forfeited N9.08bn ‘Diezani loot’

    The statement, released Monday, said Fintiri signed the executive order approving the release of the 18 prisoners pursuant to the governor’s powers of prerogative of mercy under Section 22 (I)(d) of Nigeria’s constitution.

    “Documents giving effect to the executive order have already been dispatched to the correctional facilities that include Numan, Yola, Ganye, Jada and Kojoli correctional services,” the statement said.

  • Tribunal judgment validates Ihedioha’s victory – AA

    The Action Alliance (AA) says the victory of Gov. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo at the Imo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal affirms the governor’s election.

    The party also congratulated People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement issued by Mr James Vernimbe, the National Secretary of the party.

    “Action Alliance across Nigeria and beyond congratulates you on your well-deserved victory at the Imo governorship election petition tribunal which affirmed your election as the duly elected governor of Imo state.

    “Our great party is indeed satisfied with the judgment and we congratulate you and urge you to continue with the good works in Imo state,” he said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the tribunal on Sept. 21, dismissed all three petitions challenging the states governorship election where Ihedioha emerged as winner.

    Read Also: Imo: Can Ihedioha meet the expectations?

    The petitioners challenged the emergence of the PDP candidate as winner of the March 9 governorship election on the grounds that the election was marred with irregularities.

    However the tribunal held that candidate of the Action Alliance Uche Nwosu, Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressive Grand Alliance and Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, failed to establish their petitions against Ihedioha.

    The three-man tribunal held that the petitioners having failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on them by the law, their petitions were liable to be dismissed.

    Earlier, the Action Alliance party on Sept. 7, during its special convention, withdrew the party’s name from the election tribunal, saying it was for the overall interests of the party and the state.

  • ‘Reps will ensure accountability in security spending’

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, has said that his Committee will work to ensure accountability and prudence in government spending in the area of security.

    Benson also assured all security agencies of his Committee’s readiness to work with them and support them.

    According to him, this has become necessary because of the enormous tasks before both his Committee and the security agencies under him.

    In a statement he personally signed in Abuja on Sunday, Hon. Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, said the security agencies in the country must live up to the expectations of Nigerians to protect their lives and property.

    He said the committee is ready to give them the necessary support¸ especially following the decision of the House to provide special fund to be approved by the National Assembly outside the national budget for the Federal Government to continue the fight against insecurity.

    He said, this decision followed revelations from a security meeting between the leadership of the House and the service chiefs, held on Tuesday, September 23 2019.

    Benson, appointed in July as the chairman of the House Committee on Defence, said his Committee will ensure robust engagements with security agencies in the next four years of the 9th House, which will result in achieving set goals.

    Read Also; FG to carry out national control of Swine Fever across states

    His words: “I want to call on the security agencies to be ready to cooperate with us as a committee. We are here to work for Nigerians, to ensure the protection of their lives and property. Of course, the security of the people is paramount, that is why we call on the security agencies to cooperate with us.

    “On our part, we will work assiduously to ensure that all the operational needs of the security agencies are met through adequate budgetary provisions. This is a new era, and Nigerians will not accept anything less than good results from us all.

    “We will also ensure adequate and attentive oversight, especially of the 2019 budget so that we can evaluate the progress of work for ourselves and come up with the necessary ways of improving things as we prepare to receive the 2020 budget.

    “I therefore enjoin all the security agencies under the House Committee on Defence to be up and doing. They should be as open as possible to us as parliamentarians, and we would do the same to them.

    “We are not unmindful of the enormous tasks ahead of us and the high expectations of Nigerians on us. We have no reason not to deliver. We must get things right as far as security is concerned in this country.

    “We acknowledge that the military needs the support of every sector of the society and we all, from traditional rulers, the media, and citizens, have a critical role to play in assisting the country achieve a secured society,” Hon. Benson said.

  • BEDC begins costumers’ metering

    The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) on Monday launched the Edo State Meter Asset Provider scheme with a target of providing 10,000 units of meters monthly.

    It said a total of 190,000 meters would he rolled out in Edo State within the next two years.

    The metering of its customers in Edo State began in the Government Reservation Area in Benin City and Okpella axis in Edo North.

    Speaking to reporters in Benin City, BEDC Executive Director, Commercial, Mr. Abu Ejoor, said the roll out of meters in Edo State would be carried out by three of its MAP parties namely, FLT, G-Unit Engineering and Turbo Energy.

    Abu stated that meters would be roll out street by street, location by location, route by route and emphasized the need for customers to be enumerated before they would be provided meters.

    He enjoined customers to complete the customer’s data and survey form after which the MAP officials would assess the customer’s premises in readiness for metering.

    Abu stated that the BEDC received 86,061MW monthly out of which 14 percent is lost to poor network infrastructure, 36 percent lost to energy theft and non-payment of bills and 30 percent wasted due to inefficient management of use.

    Read Also; Insecurity: Two dead as armed robbers raid Niger community

    Speaking on challenges of providing adequate electricity, Abu listed transmission bottlenecks, limitations in rearranging distribution network to improve supply, network and equipment vandalisation including violation of safe distance from high and low tension electrical lines requirement.

    Abu also condemned the October 1 planned protest by the Edo State Civil Organisation to dissuade the Federal Government from the renewal of BEDC licence in December.

    He described the protest as a disturbance of public peace after the BEDC instituted court cases against some of its members for energy theft and illegal tampering with power equipment.

    His words, “Our customers should discountenance such deliberate misrepresentation as there is no expiration of the licence of BEDC in December.

    “It is our utmost belief that the MAP scheme will assist in reducing customers’ complaints on metering, wrong and estimated billings which currently accounts for over 60 percent of complaints.”

  • Video: Sowore dragged out of court

    The operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday dragged Omoyele Sowore out of the courtroom of a federal high court in Abuja.