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  • BREAKING: Ofili sets PB to hit semis in 400m

    2019 African Games silver medalist, Favour Ofili ran the race of her life to set a new personal best of 51.51secs and finished third in heat four of the women’s 400m to qualify for semifinal at the ongoing IAAF 2019 World Championships holding in Doha, Qatar.

    Also, national champion, Patience Okon-George finished among the six fastest time to join Ofili in the semifinal stage of the event.

    The top three athletes in each heat are expected to be joined in the semifinal round by the six fastest time of the event.

    Read Also;  Okagbare disqualified for lane infringement in 200m race

    Despite dominating the first three heats, American dominance in the women’s 400m comes to an end in heat four involving Ofili as Botswana’s Galefele Moroko finished well to win ahead of American Stephenie Ann McPherson in 51.21 being a personal best.

    McPherson looked comfortable enough in second, with Ofili joining in on the PB act with 51.51 for third.

    Competing in heat two which was won by American Wadeline Jonathas with a time of 50.57secs, Okon-George finished with a time of 51.77secs to join the league of elite athletes in the semifinal round.

    The semifinal holds tomorrow Tuesday October 1.

  • N90b controversy: Lawyer says Osinbajo’s offer to waive immunity unconstitutional

    Mr Realwan Okpanachi, a constitutional lawyer in Abuja says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is legitimately entitled to sue any person during his tenure without having to waive his immunity.

    The lawyer made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Okpanachi was reacting to the statement credited to the vice president that he would waive his constitutional immunity to clear his name over the N90 billion he allegedly received from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    The lawyer said that Section 308 of the Constitution which raises arguments in some quarters that the vice president could not institute any case in his name no longer represent the position of the law.

    He said the case of I.B.M. Securities Plc. Vs Ahmed Bola Tinubu as decided by the Supreme Court being relied upon by those holding such opinion was no longer tenable.

    “The current position of the law as expressed by the Supreme Court in the case of Global Excellence Communications Ltd. &Ors.Vs Mr Donald Duke (2007) LPELR-1323(SC).

    Read Also: Osinbajo, ministers, others meet over $9.6 billion judgement

    “The apex court held that had the legislature intended to prohibit any of the holders of the offices listed in section 308(1) of the constitution from instituting cases in the names in their tenures.

    “They would have expressly stated it, and that, since there was no such express provisions, then they are entitled to institute court case during their tenure,’’ Okpanachi said.

    The legal practitioner added that the only effective way Osinbajo could waive his immunity, “if he sincerely desires to do so is to resign his position as vice president.’’

    “He cannot remain in office and waive his immunity as the immunity is attached to that office and not his person,’’ the lawyer said.

    Okpanachi also dismissed the allegations against the vice president as baseless and orchestrated by a particular opposition party.

    (NAN)

  • Controversy as Bayelsa gets two Speakers

    * Dickson congratulates new speaker

    Bayelsa on Monday boiled over the refusal of Speaker Tonye Isenah to resign during resumption of plenary.

    Last week, Isenah hinted that he would leave his office for a lawmaker from another local governnment area following pressure mounted on him by some Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) leaders as part of the ongoing permutations in the party to win the November 16 governorship poll.

    But Isenah gave most of the lawmakers a shocker of their lives when instead of relinquishing his position at the end of the sitting, adjourned the House sin die and asked the lawmakers to proceed on recess.

    Shortly after the adjournment, there was heavy gun battle and amidst the confusion, the mace, which is the symbol of authority, was said to have been violently removed from the House.

    While some sources said the Speaker left with the mace, others said thugs stormed the Hallowed Chambers and took the mace away.

    The gun battle, which lasted for 15 minutes, reportedly caused confusion among journalists and workers at the complex as people ran to different directions for safety.

    Read Also; Heavy shooting in Bayelsa Assembly as Speaker refuses to resign

    Isenah was said to have left the assembly complex in the company of four APC lawmakers and a PDP lawmaker, Bonny-Ayah, who represents Southern Ijaw Constituency 1.

    The remaining members of the House led by the Deputy Speaker, Abraham Ngobere, who represents Brass Constituency 3, reconvened the House and ordered journalists out of the Hallowed Chamber.

    It was learnt that another mace was later brought into the House and was used to move for the impeachment of the speaker.

    A lawmaker representing Sagbama Constituency 2, Bernard Kenebai moved for the impeachment of Isenah and he was supported by unanimous voice votes from other members.

    Another lawmaker, Oboku Oforji, who represents Yenagoa Constituency 1, immediately moved for the nomination of Monday Obolo as Speaker and he was seconded by Naomi Igoli of Ogbia constituency 3.

    But Isenah dismissed the activities of the lawmakers describing them as illegal and insisted that he remained the authentic speaker.

    Reacting to the development, he said: “I went to the House this morning and presided over plenary session. Since the beginning of the 6th Assembly all other Houses of Assemblies have gone on recess, even the National Assembly has gone on recess and are back but we have not gone.

    “We have been working since and we are tired too. So today in plenary, I presided over plenary and commended the lawmakers for their commitment and I have adjourned the House sine die as we have gone on recess.

    “If the House has been adjourned sine die, nothing can be done in that House that would hold ground again. I presided over the House as the authentic Speaker and adjourned sine die. Anything that happens in that House without me reconvening the House is an illegality.

    “The House of Assembly is an institution, a different arm of government that needs to be respected. The principle of separation of powers needs to be respected as well.

    “That proceedings for the House of Assembly have been adjourned, any member who stayed back to do any illegal thing is on his own. The Sergeant –at-Arms escorted me out of the chambers meaning that House stands adjourned. That means nobody can reconvene the House except me.

    “I never had any arrangement with anybody to resign . At the appropriate time I would address Bayelsans and tell them what transpired. I never had an arrangement that I am going to resign in three months.

    “Let them show me any document to that effect where I said I was going to resign. I want Bayelsans to note that the Bayelsa State House of Assembly is an independent arm of government that should be respected”.

    But Obolo, who emerged a speaker in controversial circumstances, denied the alleged disappearance of the mace of the House.

    He said: “The House of Assembly is a one united family. It is an honor to have been elected to lead the Sixth Assembly. We are meant to debate and 18 members elected me. Bayelsa should expect the dividend of democracy.”

    Governor Seriake Dickson in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Soriwei, congratulated the new speaker, Obolo.

    The governor described the new Speaker as a promising, young and vibrant political leader with the capacity to carry out the sensitive responsibility of presiding over the affair of the Legislative arm of government.

    He called on the members of the Assembly to give the requisite support to the new speaker to enable him to succeed in his new position as the Head of the Legislature in the state.

    Dickson advised the Speaker and the members of the Assembly to ensure that the Assembly legacy of stability was sustained.

  • 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.

     

     

  • 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.