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  • We’ll deliver on our mandate – Adeniyi

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, has stated that he and his counterpart Amb. Yalwaji Katagum will work assiduously to deliver on the mandate given to them by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The two ministers resumed immediately they were inaugurated in Abuja.

    The Minister charged the staff to work hard, stating they are expected to discharge their duties diligently within the next four years.

    He said: “We are in the ministry to achieve result and we will work out plans to move the ministry forward in terms of economic growth and job creation.”

    Read Also: Congrats, the Adeniyis

    Katagum commended Buhari for finding them worthy for the appointment and promised to work vigorously to achieve the mandate.

    She said they will not let the system down and further solicited for the support of staff to work as a team to achieve result.

    The Permanent Secretary, Edet Sunday Akpan, assured the Ministers of full support in achieving the mandate of the ministry.

     

  • Governors discuss update on NFIU guidelines, SDGs, others

    The issue of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)  guidelines on Local Government Funds tops agenda as the Governors of the 36 States of the Federation meet.

    The governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) are currently meeting to discuss the update of  NFIU. The meeting is presided over by Governor, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, NGF Chairman.

    The NFIU had in May stopped the governors from tampering with the monthly allocations of the local government areas in their states.

    The NFIU had announced a ban on transactions on state and local governments joint accounts, arguing that such accounts are only transitional accounts from where funds should go directly to the accounts of local governments.

    The NFIU had also placed a limit on cash withdrawals from local governments accounts to a maximum of N500,000 per day. It had warned banks to ensure strict compliance.

    The NFIU, which was excised from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), set June 1, 2019, as the takeoff date of the new order.

    The governors had described as illegal the NFIU’s ban on transactions on state and local governments joint accounts, arguing that such accounts are only transitional accounts from where funds should go directly to the accounts of local governments.

    Read Also: NFIU policy will ground 774 LGs, CNPP warns

    Also on the agenda is the Panel on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Change at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, among others.

    Also in attendance are deputy chairman of NGF and governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal.

    Others are: Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Umaru Fintri (Adamawa), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Dairu Ishiaku (Taraba), Abubakar Badaru, (Jigawa), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ganiyu Oyetola (Osun) Aminu Masari (Katsina), Prof. Babagana Umara (Borno) and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara).

    The Cross River Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivira Esu is also in attendance.

     

     

  • Ibadan 21 new kings may lose their crowns

    Indications emerged on Wednesday that the 21 new kings installed by the administration of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi two years ago amid controversies on Sunday August 27, 2017 may lose their crowns after all.

    Precisely, Senator Ajimobi in a well-attended ceremony handed instrument of office to the new kings on August , 2017 at the historic Mapo Hall , Ibadan.

    The 21 kings came into limelight, following the controversial review  of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and Other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadan land by a panel headed by  Justice Akintunde Boade to review the old laws, which culminated in the elevation and crowning of 21 kings including Olubadan High Chiefs and Baales.

    A reliable source confided in The Nation on Wednesday that state Oyo state government has opted for out of court settlement, and  discontinue with the prosecution of the appeal before the Court of Appeal.

    The terms of settlement between the Oyo state government (Appellant) and Senator Rashidi Ladoja (Respondent/Applicant) was filed in the Registry of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan on Tuesday August 20, 2019.

    The terms of agreement which was contained in the suit No.M/317/2017 , and Appeal No. CA/99&99A/2018 reads in part

    “Whereas , the parties herein are aware of the rancor and acrimony that exist upon the publication of the report of the 2nd respondent herein in relation to the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy declaration and other chiefs in Ibadanland and the implementation of the said report;

    Whereas, the parties are aware of the disharmony created by the publication of Gazette No. 3 Vol. 43 dated 29 March 2018 and the subsequent elevation of chiefs in Ibadan among the chiefs and the Olubadan of Ibadanland; whereas, as it is of utmost importance to maintain peace and communal relationships that had existed before the said report and Gazette in Ibadanland, whereas, the new administration of Oyo state stands upon the doctrine of rule of law “.

    All the Olubadan High Chiefs, except the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja refused to accept the crown, following his disagreement with the process.

    Sequel to his disagreement, Senator Ladoja and the Olubadan of Ibadanland separately dragged the former governor, the government and the 21 new kings to the Oyo State High Court.

    While the court had delivered judgment in the case filed by Ladoja, it has not on the litigation instituted by Oba Adetunji.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Ajimobi preaches tolerance, sacrifice

    Justice Olajumoke Aiki of an Oyo State High Court delivered the judgment on January 19, 2018, and declared that the Justice Akintunde Boade-led Judicial Commission of Enquiry that reviewed the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland as unconstitutional, illegal, null, void and of no effect.

    But the administration of Ajimobi appealed the judgment, giving 11 grounds why the judgment of the lower court should be upturned, asking the higher court to set aside the ruling and judgment of the Oyo State High Court, an order that would uphold his preliminary objections raised against Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as well as an order that will dismiss the case in its entirety.

    The Appeal Court judgment was however reserved,  till the All Progressives Congress-led government left power on May 2019.

    It was learnt that governor Seyi Makinde intention to reconcile all parties involved in the chieftaincy crisis was to end the protracted fued , and protect the sanctity of Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system.

     

     

  • Two docked over alleged unlawful possession of military kits

    Two men, Mutiu Ogundeji, 32, and Hakeem Adeagbo, 26,  on Wednesday appeared before Mrs Imoleayo Akinrodoye, the President of a Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan, charged with posing as military officers.

    The suspects, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of unlawful possession and impersonation.

    Police prosecutor, Ayodele Ayeni told the Court that the defendants were arrested on Monday at Bode area of Ibadan, after some concerned members of the community, who knew them to be jobless, alerted the police of their activities in the neighbourhood.

    Read Also: Buhari to military: Don’t spare bandits

    He tendered two pairs of military trousers, two camouflage shirts, two underwears, two caps, four pairs of socks and a sweater as exhibits found in possession of the duo.

    In their defence, each of the suspects confessed to being in possession of military uniforms, but denied using them for armed robbery or any fraudulent purpose.

    Akinrodoye went ahead to admit the defendants to bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two reliable sureties each in like sum.

    She later adjourned the case till Aug. 30 for continuation of hearing.

    NAN

  • Alleged misdeeds: EFCC searches Ambode’s home

    OPERATIVES of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Tuesday searched the Ikoyi home of former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The anti-crime agency said the former governor is under investigation just like some other “former governors since they no longer constitutionally enjoy immunity against prosecution.”

    The agency said it carried out its assignment “with a high sense of responsibility” and denied that its men raided the former governor’s homes.

    However, despite having a court warrant for the search in Ikoyi and Epe, it alleged that ‘irate youths’ prevented its operatives from searching the house in Epe, adding that its bus conveying the detectives on the assignment, was vandalized.

    The former governor however, said his houses in Ikoyi and Epe were searched “without any incident.” He explained that he had not been contacted by any agency of government in respect of any investigation.

    Spokesman of the former governor, Mr. Habib Aruna, in a statement, said: “This morning (yesterday), operatives of the EFCC visited the Epe country home and Parkview, Ikoyi home of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos State, with warrants to conduct a search. These searches were carried out extensively, and at the end of the exercise, the operatives left without any incident.

    “The former governor reiterates that the EFCC has, till date, not had any direct communication with him on any subject matter whatsoever and if or when it occurs, he is ready and willing to respond.”

    Ambode, who reiterated his belief in the rule of law and due process, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served the state diligently and conscientiously.

    The former governor urged his supporters and all Lagosians to remain calm and law-abiding as “there is no cause for alarm”.

    Although the EFCC did not give reasons for investigating the ex-governor, it is believed that it is not unconnected with the probe into three accounts opened in the name of the Lagos State government into which N9.9billion was deposited over a period of time. The account was linked to a senior official of the government in the office of the chief of staff to the former governor. The anti-graft agency has got a temporary forfeiture of the amount in the accounts.

    Read Also: ‘Life as Ambode’s photographer’

    The ex-governor, who said the accounts being referred to were opened and operated by the state government, added that, under his administration, none of his personal accounts contained N9.9 billion, let alone being frozen by the commission.

    The EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “The attempt by operatives of the EFCC to execute a search warrant on the home of former Governor Ambode was, on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, resisted by hoodlums loyal to the governor.

    “The thugs attacked the operatives and vandalized their vehicle.

    “The commission had obtained a valid warrant to conduct search on Ambode’s homes in Park View, Ikoyi, and in Epe, as part of the ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance.

    “However, the commission’s operatives were attacked and prevented from executing the search warrant in Epe by irate youths who injured three officers and damaged EFCC official vehicle.

    “The attack was totally unprovoked as the commission’s operatives were civil and did not molest anybody.

    “The commission, therefore, frowns at the attempt to manipulate the video on the search to create the wrong impression that officers of the agency molested residents at the Epe home of the governor.

    “It is also not true that the search was an attempt to plant foreign currencies in the home of the former governor.”

    A video, which went viral, showed some Epe residents barricading the black-painted gate leading to the former governor’s home

    Acting EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu who denied that  that the commission “raided” Ambode’s home, said his men went after the ex-governor’s Chief of Staff (CoS), Mr.Olukunle Ojo.

    Magu spoke with State House correspondents during the presidential retreat for ministers-designate, permanent secretaries and other top government officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. But the former CoS said he had no house in Epe.

    Ojo, in a statement by his media aide, Cornelius Kayode, said “The former COS doesn’t have a house in Epe …. The House belongs to Bunmi  Ariyo,  Ambode’s PA”.

  • Ribery joins Fiorentina

    Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery has signed for Fiorentina, the Serie A club announced on Wednesday.

    The 36-year-old, who won a record nine Bundesliga titles during his stay in Germany, has penned a two-year deal with the Florence-based side to take him through until 2021.

    The former France international brought the curtain down on a 12-year stay with the Bavarian giants last season after helping them to another domestic triumph.

    Having started his career with his hometown club Boulogne in 2000, he spent spells with Ales, Brest, Metz and Galatasaray before moving to Marseille in 2005, where he made his name, helping the club to back-to-back Coupe de France finals.

    He subsequently moved to Bayern two seasons later, in 2007, for a then club-record fee of €25 million (£22.9m/$27.7m), where he helped the club dominate German football for the subsequent decade, winning his first title in his maiden season.

    Along with his domestic league triumphs, was also a six-time DFB-Pokal Cup winner and, in 2013, was a member of the Bayern team that memorably achieved the treble after they lifted the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

    In 2008, he was named German Footballer of the Year, making him one of only five foreign players to date to be awarded the honour, while he came third in the Ballon d’Or race in 2013.

    At international level, Ribery was called up to the national team for the first time in 2006, playing a part in their World Cup near-miss against Italy in Germany, and he would go on to become a consistent presence until 2014, when he retired from representative football following the World Cup in Brazil, which he missed through injury.

     

    Goal.Com

     

     

  • We will take proactive initiatives to end flooding, Gov Makinde vows

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, expressed the readiness of his government to take proactive measures that would help put an end to flooding in the State.

    Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, made the pledge at the closing ceremony of the workshop on Ibadan flood forecast, early warning and implementation support programme held in the state capital.

    The Governor stated that his government would readily support the implementation of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management and other ongoing intervention projects in the state.

    According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Governor, commended the IUFMP on the flood forecast initiative, which he said: “will furnish our people with prior alerts about impending flood disasters.”

    He added that it was that a scientific initiative that would alert the people of the possibility of a looming flood disaster was being launched.

    Governor Makinde described the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (lUFMP) as a people-oriented project set up to change the narrative of incessant and ravaging flood disasters, adding that the project was in consonance with his campaign promises.

    The statement added that the Governor had at earlier meetings with the IUFMP team given assurances that Government would take necessary steps to protect the people while charging that the stakeholders on the project to ensure that all hands were on deck to achieve the effective implementation of the initiative.

    “Beyond building bridges, culverts, drain lines, and access roads which are on their own crucial towards ensuring the good life, we as a government also have a duty to give full support to the implementation of the IUFMP initiative that will furnish our people with prior alerts about impending flood disasters.

    “This will enable our people to take proactive steps for the preservation of lives and properties. This is a step in the right direction and it will continue to enjoy maximum support of the State Government.

    “It is pertinent that we are able to x-ray the factors that can ultimately protect our people from vulnerability to flooding, through adequate knowledge building and information flow on impending flooding and looming dangers. Such information, readily disseminated well ahead of time will save lives.

    “I have been told that this workshop, which started yesterday is a two-day programme aimed at sensitizing state officials, key stakeholder-agencies and representatives of communities situated along with flood-prone areas, while also informing high-level office-holders about the project,” the Governor said.

    Read Also: Makinde pleads for tax compliance

    Governor Makinde further stated that the State would be expecting value for its investment in the project, which he noted should be in terms of “immediate gains in the area of safety of lives and properties, as well as measurable capacity building for our homegrown technocrats and public servants who would be required to sustain the initiative, post-IUFMP.”

    The Governor also called on the operators of the project to ensure that the advantages of the project were transferred to other communities in the state through a form of knowledge transfer.

    “As I have assured officials of the IUFMP before now, our government will continue to provide enabling environment for the success of other intervention works being carried out at different locations/ communities within Ibadan. We expect that all such projects are delivered on schedule to enable our people reap the benefits,” the Governor said.

     

     

  • Buhari assured me of second term in office, says Amaechi

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has revealed that he knew he would return as a Minister in the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Ameachi said he got the hint from President Buhari.

    The Minister who spoke briefly at his swearing-in reception said: “The President told me the same week cabinet was dissolved that I will return you to cabinet.

    Read Also: Women in Buhari’s cabinet, their portfolios

    “I kept it a secret but I could have announced to you. So all those who were running helter-skelter, we knew that God would not allow them to have their way”.

    The Minister while appreciating God for his reappointment said he would ensure that ministry performs optimally to please the President and Nigerians at large.

    “We are grateful to God for the opportunity to serve again.I know how many of you were frightened that we would not get the appointment.”

  • Police arrest three ‘car thieves’

    Policemen attached to the Presidential Taskforce on Apapa Traffic have arrested two suspected car hijackers at Mile Two, Lagos.

    It was gathered that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday morning while attempting to rob motorists in the rush-hour traffic.

    Their arrest came about a week after policemen attached to Satellite Division apprehended one Francis Abubakar, while his gang comprising three men were attacking motorists in an attempt to snatch vehicles at Mosalachi, Badagry Expressway.

    While the other members were said to have fled after policemen foiled their attempt to snatch an unregistered Peugeot 307 saloon car around 11pm.

    Read Also: Police arrest eight ‘cultists’ at initiation venue

    The robbers said to have shot sporadically, allegedly forced their victims to kneel before them by the road side.

    They however fled on their waiting motorcycles following gunshots released by the policemen into the air.

    Abubarkar was however, not lucky as the patrol team pursued and arrested him. It was gathered that the police recovered a short gun from him and the suspect was  transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for investigation and prosecution.

    It was learnt that the two arrested yesterday might be those who fled last week. They were said to have been handed over to the Area E Command for investigation and prosecution since the Taskforce does not have such mandate.

     

     

     

  • Women ‘ll enjoy enormous support from Buhari- Tallen

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Paulen Tallen has assured that women will henceforth begin enjoying enormous support and cooperation from President Buhari.

    She said that the President is not unmindful of remarks of the role women play in his political career, which is the reason why he sent her to the ministry.

    Dame Tallen said that the key word she will dwell with is girl -child education because most vulnerable women are uneducated.

    The minister spoke in Abuja while addressing staff of the ministry on her assumption of office.

    She said: “This is a wholistic ministry as the woman takes care of the home, children and husband. I am giving you all a charge that things will be done different henceforth.

    “We must set out targets and work towards achieving it. We must make history and make undelible mark on the sands of history.

    “You have severally bombarded mr president about the role women played in his political carrer. He is not unmindful of that and I want to assure you that Mr president has a very good reason of sending me to this ministry. You will see the enormous support and corporation we are going to enjoy from him.

    “We all resolved to work as a team from our recent retreat. This ministry is multi facet and has a lot of responsibility. To touch the lives of the vulnerable.

    “We have an uphill task to meet up with mandate of the ministry and demand of the president. Women do not go without the children neither can they go without the men. This is the time to give back to the society.

    Read Also: High society rallies round Pauline Tallen

    “Women are the engine of the economy and must be carried along to improve the economy. Once women are empowered, the economy change. We will make impact if we are able to improve on the life of the vulnerable woman. Support them with income generating activities, there will be peace and development.

    “Most of the security problem is because we have out of school children. If we look for ways to engage this children meaningfully, the security situation will change. Then we will have peace.

    “The key word I want to dwell with is the girl child education. Cos most of the vulnerable women are uneducated. If a girl is uneducated, there is nothing she can do. She becomes vulnerable in the hand of men.

    “We will work with Ministry of Education and Information to sensitise Nigerians and to get everybody on board to ensure that the youths and our women are well engaged in order to change the economy.

    “Nigeria is going through a very difficult stage, the issue of security, economy and corruption. We can together stem the tide. I need your full support so that we can make a difference and make history.”