The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Ex-Zimbabwean President Mugabe died of cancer, says Mnangagwa

    Zimbabwen President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, said on Monday that former President Robert Mugabe died of advanced cancer and had already been taken off chemotherapy.

    Mnangagwa told supporters of the ruling party ZANU-PF in New York that Mugabe had to be taken off the chemotherapy because it was no longer effective.

    Mnangagwa is in the U.S. for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

    Mugabe died in Singapore on Sept. 6, and his body was brought home on Sept. 11.

    A funeral service attended by regional leaders was held at the National Heroes Acre on Sept. 14, now lying in state at his home in Harare while a mausoleum was built for him at the national shrine.

    However, a family source said they were now in charge of the funeral.

  • ‘Sowore may assume status of Prisoner of Conscience’

    The Network of International Human Rights Organisations and Coalitions say it may soon adopt detained Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr Omoyele Sowore, as a “Prisoner of Conscience”.

    The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) said on Monday in Lagos that it was working with renowned rights groups across the world to ensure that Sowore was adopted as a Prisoner of Conscience
    unless the Federal Government releases the activist without further delay.

    They also expressed shock that the Nigerian authorities were making frivolous charges against Sowore who had been in custody since Aug. 5.

    The group also called for the release of Olawale Bakare, a member of #RevolutionNow arrested in Osogbo, Osun, on Aug. 5, Publisher of Cross River Watch, Mr Agba Jalingo and Ekanem Ekpo. The last two were arrested by the police and have yet to be taken to court.

    “The continued detention of Sowore is an embarrassment to Nigeria as a country. Everywhere we visit across the world, people are asking questions about Sowore’s detention.

    “Many people do not understand the logic of laying charges of treason against Sowore simply because he used the word revolution.

    “His incarceration continues to put a question mark on the credibility of the Nigerian government. Democracy dies when the culture of debate and the tradition of protest are lost,” the group said in a statement by CSNAC Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju,

    Read Also: FG charges Sowore with money laundering, treasonable felony

    CSNAC said the Nigerian government had beyond imaginations embarrassed itself by charging Sowore for “insulting the President”.

    “It is even more ridiculous that he is being charged for insulting Mr President and also for money laundering where money was legitimately transferred through the financial institutions.

    “These are frivolous charges aimed at seeking justification for his illegal arrest and continuous detention.”

    CSNAC said from indications, the Nigerian government was desperate to press charges against Sowore and ensure he is jailed at all cost.

    Suraju said Sowore was being hunted in part, due to series of publications in Sahara Reporters that consistently exposed corrupt practices in this and previous governments.

    “Sowore is obviously a victim of vengeance. Corrupt politicians and security chiefs whose dirty deals have consistently been exposed by Sahara Reporters are looking for ways to settle scores. They think by
    bringing down Sowore, Sahara Reporters will die.

    “Its an illusion to think by keeping Sowore in jail, Sahara Reporters would be off the global network. This is a mistake because Sahara Reporters has assumed the status of an independent entity,” he said.

    CSNAC also dismissed the charge of money laundering by the Department of State Security, (DSS), saying it was an attempt to blackmail Sahara Reporters and its publisher.

    Sowore was arrested on Aug. 5 in Lagos and the Federal Government obtained an ex-parte order granting his detention for 45 days.

    After keeping him for almost two months, he was charged for insulting President Mohammadu Buhari during a life programme on AriseTV. The government also accused him of treason.

    He was also charged for transferring the sun of $19,975 from his personal account to Sahara Reporters.

  • How you can earn up to 75k a month from Branch

    Do you know about Branch app? Do you know you can borrow and earn monthly with your Branch App?

    Not only will you have extra cash to pay off your loan, but you’ll also be helping your friends and neighbours access quick, stress-free loans. Does this sound interesting to you? If your answer is yes, then keep reading.

    The Branch referral feature is one of the best in the country and it is open to everyone who is a user of the Branch app.

    Here’s how simple it is. Tell someone – anyone – about Branch app, if they take a loan using your referral code and pay back, you automatically get a N1500 bonus which will be used to pay off your own loan. Even more amazing, they will also get N500!

    You don’t have to do anything stressful and it won’t take you more than a few clicks. Simply share your referral code with as many people as possible and with each person that takes a loan using your code and pays back, you get N1500 every time. In other words, if, for example, 50 people take loans using your referral code and all 50 of them pay back those loans, you get a total of N75,000 in free money.

    Here is how to go about it:

    • Open the Branch app and click on the menu
    • Click on “earn 1500” to view your unique referral code
    • Click on “invite friends” to share with friends (or anyone sef)
    • Select any of the apps on your phone that you want to share the code from
    • Select the contacts you want to share with and share with them
    • Ask your friend to enter your unique code before they repay (this is very important o!)
    • Once they repay their loan as scheduled, you will receive N1500 in your bonus account which will be applied to your next loan.

    Super simple isn’t it? It’s just as simple for your friends or anyone you refer too – plus they get N500 once they repay their loans too! They don’t have to do too much either. Here’s what they need to do:

    • They’ll click on the link in the invite message that you share with them
    • They’ll download the app, register and apply for a loan
    • If their loan is approved, they will receive the loan amount in their account in minutes
    • Now, they just have to go to the menu and click “promotions”
    • They’ll enter the unique code that came in the invite message you sent to them before their repayment date
    • Once they repay, they will receive N500 in their bonus account which will be applied to their next loan.

    This is a huge opportunity, isn’t it? Your friend gets a loan that they can use to solve everyday problems, to start a business or to grow their inventory. They don’t need to run helter-skelter or come to you anymore when they need money.

    You, on the other hand, get a bonus on your loan, which means you pay less (or maybe even nothing at all). Everybody wins!

    We know how things can be, but we are here for you, one small loan at a time.

    Branch is an app that lets you access loans for your personal and business needs using just your Android phone, BVN (to verify your identity) and phone number. You don’t need to fill any forms or collateral. Also, Branch just passed 10 million downloads making it the most downloaded lending app in the world, so you’re in good hands.

    Get the Branch app now and start telling your friends!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Update: 14 Osun kidnap victims rescued

    Fourteen kidnap victims at Ajeokun Junction, between Otan Ile and Imesi Ile in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have been rescued by the police and local vigilante.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, said all the victims abducted on Sunday evening by unknown gunmen were rescued unhurt.

    The victims were passengers of a commercial bus travelling from Osogbo to Abuja via Imesi/Otan-Ile road.

    The victims were allegedly ambushed at Ajeokun Junction between Otan Ile and Imesi Ile before 14 of the 18 passengers were whisked into the bush.

    Poor condition of the road made it difficult for the driver of the bus to escape from the bandits, according to an eye witness account.

    Read Also: Police bust ‘child-sale’ syndicate in Lagos

    Also, the Osun State Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Aladesawe Adedeji, confirmed that the 14 victims had been rescued.

    He disclosed that the joint team of OPC, vigilante group, the police, the Department of State Security made frantic effort to rescue the victims unhurt after gun duel with the bandits.

    However, the police spokesperson in the state, Folasade Odoro, disclosed that some of bandits escaped into the bush with bullet wounds while one vigilante sustained a minor injury from the gun battle between the security men and the bandits.

  • Protests trail Adamawa PDP council primaries

    Complaints of imposition of candidates and other infractions on Monday marked the conduct of the chairmanship and councillorship primaries of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of local council elections scheduled for the 21 LGAs of the state in November this year.

    Violence was alleged in some areas, with one Mahmud Othman, an aspirant from Maiha LGA in the northern zone of the state, saying that in most of the local government areas in the zone, “the primaries to elect local government chairmanship and councillorship candidates were greeted with gun shots,” sending people to all directions.

    He reiterated that similar problems were recorded in the other four local government areas that make up the senatorial zone: Madagali, Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South, “because of imposition of government favoured candidates and the disqualification of the people’s preferred ones.”

    A party member in Ganye Local Government Area, Michael Gwangwaso, alleged a free for all in the area over imposition of aspirants.

    He said, “They wanted to cheat us. The party primary was not conducted in a transparent manner. They wanted to impose their unpopular candidates on us.”

    In Numan LGA, members of Concerned Citizens of Numan Town, a PDP sub-group, protested against ‘wrongful disqualification’ of some aspirants by the party’s screening committee.

    Read Also; I will stay in PDP to seek justice, says Alaibe

    The group members who took their protest to the state capital, Yola, addressed a press conference, accusing the party’s screening committee of showing favouratism. Their spokesman, Mr Vidiyabo Pagiel, who read the text of the briefing, said, “Why are some councillorship candidates cleared by the committee despite the allegations raised against them that they are still civil servants on government payroll.”

    Attempts to get comments from PDP officials largely failed as they would not respond to phone calls nor were they available in their offices.

    The Secretary of the party, Abdullahi Prambe, however later said on phone that he was in Abuja. He offered that stakeholders of the party who had issues over the primaries could table such issues with the appeal committee constituted for that purpose.

    The situation in the PDP is a marked contrast from what applied in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which was on Monday afternoon celebrating peaceful primaries as it released names of 18 candidates for the November chairmanship election, leaving out three LGAs from where results had not arrived Yola when the party held a press briefing.

  • JUST IN: Tribunal sacks Benue Assembly deputy speaker

    The National/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State has nullified the election of Chris Adaji of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the 2019 Ohimini State Constituency election.

    Chairman of the Tribunal Justice R. O. Odudu, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the margin with which Adaji led Musa Alechenu Ohimini of All Progressives Congress (APC) is less than the number of votes cancelled.

    According to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration, Adaji led with 397 votes and the Tribunal finds the margin is less than the 1, 056 votes cancelled in the two polling units of Igbanomaje and Odega.

    According to the decision of the court, INEC ought not to have made final declaration without ordering for a rerun in the affected polling units other than declare an inconclusive poll.

    Justice Odudu held that the declaration and return of Adaji without a rerun in Otega and Ogadagba ward is invalid by reason of non-substantial compliance with Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

    Read Also: I will stay in PDP to seek justice, says Alaibe

    The court therefore, issued an order for withdrawer of certificate of return issued to Adaji and an order directing INEC to conduct rerun election in the two polling units where elections were cancelled within 90 days.

    Vincent Tortsugh, who appeared for the petitioners, described the decision of the Tribunal as “reasonable,” adding that “we didn’t expect anything other than this.”

    The APC candidate, Musa Ohimini Alechenu described the decision as a testimony of the wishes of the people.

    He said by the decision, the judiciary has reaffirmed that it remains the hope of the people.

    “I want to appreciate the Tribunal for the good job done. Let me appreciate the people of Ohimini for standing behind me during the period of the legal struggle,” Alechenu said while insisting that he will win the rerun ballot.

    Adaji’s counsel, Ken Ikonne said he will consult his client before taking any further decision.

  • Defections loom as Bayelsa PDP plots to retain running mate

    Mass defection looms in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State, following a plot by the party to retain Senator Lawrence Erwujakpor as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Senator Douye Diri.

    The nomination of Eweujakpor, who hails from Dickson’s Sagbama Local Government Area, has kept the PDP on edge ahead of the November 16 governorship election with many party members kicking against it.

    Governor Seriake Dickson lived up to his promise to convene stakeholders meeting to review the controversies surrounding the running mate and explore possibility of substituting Ewrujakpor’s name before the September 23 deadline of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for candidate substitution.

    Party members were, however, in dilemma that despite holding the meeting, the stakeholders made no public statement on the running mate crisis.

    Besides, it was observed that many key PDP stakeholders failed to attend the meeting, which appointed Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei as Director-General of the Senator Douye Diri Governorship Campaign Organization.

    Dr. Ayawei, who is Chairman of the Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Board, was a frontline aspirant of the PDP in the last gubernatorial primaries which produced Senator DIri as the party’s candidate for the November 16 election in the state.

    A statement by the State Secretary of the PDP, Chief Godspower Keku, said that Dr. Ayawei’s appointment was part of the key resolutions of a meeting of the Gubernatorial Campaign Advisory Council of the State Chapter of the PDP.

    Though the stakeholders maintained sealed lips on Diri’s running mate, it was gathered that the governorship candidate briefed the stakeholders on the issue.

    Read Also:  Shekarau, others in fresh trouble over N950m PDP fund

    A party stakeholder said Diri was under intense pressure of some powerful forces to insist on Ewrujakpor adding that while addressing the stakeholders, the candidate said there was no need to substitute his running mate.

    The source, who spoke in confidence said: “Most of the party members are waiting for the decision to be made public. If the party leadership fails to make it public and the name remains till the expiration of September 23 deadline, there will be mass exodus in the PDP.

    “The only way to save the party is to move the running mate to Bayelsa East. We need their votes in the election. People are not happy at the development and they have communicated their grievances. We are asking the governor and other party leaders to save the PDP”.

    Following the emergence of Diri as the candidate, some party leaders abandoned the PDP with their supporters and aligned with the APC.

    A member of the House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, Target Sekiibo recently moved to the APC with his supporters.

    Also, Gabriel Jonah, the younger brother to the state’s Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), led thousands of his supporters in Nembe Local Government under a political movement, the Otita Force, to the APC.

    Similarly, a grassroots mobiliser and Dickson’s Special Adviser on Urban Crime Management, Abednego Don-Evarada dumped the party in Ogbia with his supporters to the APC.

    Following the running mate crisis, Dickson sacked his aide, Hellen Bob, who had reportedly pitched tent with the APC.

    The source added: “Many people are warming up to leave the party but they are waiting for last decision of the party leadership on this running mate palaver. Some PDP lawmakers have traveled to Abuja to meet with the leadership of the APC and negotiate their ways out of the PDP. We are still begging the party leadership to listen to the voices of its members and resolve this issue”.

  • UPDATED: Shekarau, others in fresh trouble over N950m PDP fund

    The Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Monday, struck out the no-case submission filed by the former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, challenging his alleged N950 million money laundering trial.

    The EFCC, arraigned Shekarau on May 24, 2018, alongside former Foreign Affairs Minister, , Aminu Wali and one Mansur Ahmad on six counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N950 million.

    Delivering his ruling, Justice Lewis Allagoa, held that the EFCC has made out a prima facie case against the defendants, warranting that they must defend themselves.

    “I have considered evidence by the prosecution against the defendants, it is sufficient that they have case to answer and defend themselves,” he said.

    Allagoa adjourned the case until Nov.18 and Nov. 19, for defence to open its case.

    Earlier, Counsel to Shekarau and two others, Mr Dauda Abdulrahman, and Mr Abdul Adamu, on July 9 filed a no-case submission.

    Adamu said EFCC failed to present a prima facie case to warrant the defendants entering defence and urged the court to discharge his clients.

    Read Also: Shekarau brings rare virtues to the Senate

    Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Johnson Ojogbane, had earlier told the court that the defendants, between March 26 and March 27, 2015, conspired among themselves and received the said amount without going through financial institutions.

    He said that the money was issued to the defendants by the Peoples Democratic Party and former petroleum minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act and Section 15(1) of money laundering Act.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    NAN reports that the defendants were earlier granted bail in the sum of N100 million each with two reliable sureties in like sum and during the course of trial, the prosecution called four witnesses and closed its case on May 8.

  • 10 youths to win N10m grant as FG kick-starts 59th Independence activities

    The Federal Government Monday started activities to mark Nigeria’s 59th Independence Day Celebration.

    Nigeria got her independence from Britain on 1st October, 1960.

    Speaking during the 59th Independence Day Celebration press briefing at the Radio House, Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, thanked God for preserving the nation to witness its 59th anniversary.

    Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Gabriel Aduda, said efforts have been made to keep the nation one over the years despite its diverse challenges.

    He recognized the fact that the country ought to be far ahead where it is today.

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, he said, is doing its best to leave long lasting legacies in the country.

    He said that 10 youths will have the opportunity to win N1 million each during the youth Concert scheduled for Monday 30th of September, 2019.

    He said “First, we give thanks to God Almighty for preserving our lives to witness this Celebration. We pay tribute to our founding fathers who exhibited patriotism and spirit of nationalism during the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence.

    “The struggle for Nigeria’s independence was not an easy one. It was a a result of intellectual prowess, patriotic zeal, as well as love of country that enabled our forebears to succeed in their struggle.

    “Nigeria’s leaders since then have made varied contributions to building our nation state. Above all, efforts have been made to ensure that the country remains united despite diverse challenges which are not unexpected in a multicultural society such as ours.

    “Independence Day for us is a joyous occasion, but also a sobering one because we are beset with a lot of developmental challenges looking at how far we have come. Ideally we should be far ahead of where we are right now as a people, but never the less President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not sitting on its oars, but working to ensure better livelihoods for the Nigerian People.

    “It is the avowed determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to bequeath to the Nation a long-lasting legacy of improved infrastructural facilities and a better economy across the length and breadth of the country.” he stated

    He said that there will be Juma’at Prayer & Special Lecture on Friday 27/09/19 at the National Mosque, Abuja.

    Interdenominational Christian Service, he said, comes up on Sunday 29/09/19 at the National Christian Center, Abuja.

    On Monday 30/09/19, he said there will be National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit (NYEES2) Independence Edition at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

    On the same day, he said there will be Youth Concert Independence Edition CD at the Millennium Park.

    On Tuesday 01/10/19, he said there will be Independence Media Broadcast by the President by 7am.

    He disclosed that there will also be Presidential Change of Guards and Public Lecture/Gala Night at the State House in the evening of the same day.

  • Olojo: Ooni begins 7-day seclusion to pray for resuscitation of economy

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has proceeded on a seven-day annual seclusion as this year edition of Olojo festival begins in Ile Ife, Osun State.

    On Sunday evening before ceremonies for seclusion began, the foremost African traditional ruler and the Arole Oodua addressed journalists, where he expressed joy to formally begin the Olojo festival.

    He said he was on a very high spirit to go into seclusion to meet with “God Almighty who owns the Day through fasting and prayers.

    He said he would pray for the resuscitation of the country’s economy while in seclusion.

    Oba Ogunwusi, who is the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up an excellent Economic Advisory Council led by Prof. Doyin Salami, warning stakeholders especially those within the presidency to resist attempts to sabotage the council’s efforts in the interest of Nigerians, especially the poor masses.

    While explaining the significance of the seven day seclusion, the Ooni revealed that the God answers prayers during the period, noting that all he prayed for during last year’s seclusion, particularly for peaceful state and general elections were granted by God.

    He said: “I am going into seclusion now just to pray for the presidency that they should provide an enabling environment for the newly economic council to do their job. It is very important. In fact, we have to do it in any way we have to do it because Nigerian economy needs to be resuscitated in a rapid manner for the betterment of our country. I am so much familiar with the pedigrees of all the members and Am so sure they will deliver only if given free hands to work.

    “As a spiritual head of the Yoruba race, I must continue to pray for the country and the government. I must also intercede for the people to support the government and for the government to work for the people. The president has to listen to this wonderful team. Every recommendation must be followed to the later because these are experts carefully selected from all parts of Nigeria. Failure to listen to them might even draw us back.

    “There is problem in Nigeria, we cannot continue to deceive ourselves because if we do so, we are only postponing the evil day. It is important that we do a rapid economic transformation. We are very thankful for having a corrupt-free President and whoever that would not allow him to listen to the council will have God Almighty to contend with.”

    “This time around as the Arole Oduduwa, I am focusing more on how Nigerian economy will be completely turned over. If you look around, you will see unemployed youths everywhere this is the time to pay attention to these kegs of gunpowder that we are all seated upon. To me, I am very excited that the best decision ever made by this current government of Buhari administration is to bring in experts for the economic council because I know that our economic fortunes will change for good.”