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  • Transporter refunds N2.2b overpaid into his account

    Managing Director of Peace Mass Transit (PMT) Dr Maduka Onyishi has returned N2,219,500,000 paid into his account. The money was refunded in the presence of reporters and other stakeholders.

    A cheque bearing the overpaid amount was received on behalf of First Bank by the Business Manager, Commercial Banking, Kokelu Ben and Branch Manager, Unity Bank, Enugu Branch, Mrs. Ifeoma Eleanya.

    Explaining how he discovered the money in his First Bank account, Onyishi said he had requested $3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through Unity Bank, only to be paid $10 million, which is about N3,219,500,000, representing an excess of N2,219,500,000.

    He said:  “The amount they paid in was N3,219,500,000, but my money there is N1,000,000,000, so the balance is not mine. I said I cannot invest this money and be profiting from another person’s sweat, and I can’t also keep it. I can’t keep $7 million that doesn’t belong to me.

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    “I told my bank to pay money into my account that I want to take $3 million but they paid $10 million instead. I called them and informed them of the overpayment but they said the $10 million was mine.

    “I told them they failed to give me a statement of my account even when I demanded for it severally. I discovered later that the amount was even more than what we are talking about because there was another person I asked the bank to pay who they paid extra.

    “I made enquiries and they told me that I should wait until when it was time for banks to reconcile accounts to find where the error stemmed from. I waited for a month and no one called me. I told the devil that he is a deceiver and a liar. He knows that I need money now, that is why this thing is happening now.

    “That’s why I invited First Bank and Unity Bank and reporters. I said let me give the money to First Bank, if they find out that the money is mine, they should return it. If it belongs to Unity Bank or CBN, give it to them. If it is your own, keep it. So, I am giving this money to you to keep on trust.”

    He called on the management of CBN, Unity Bank and First Bank to look into the origin of the money and such leakages could come with dire consequences for any commercial institution.

    Ben, in his remarks, said: “I don’t have any official thing to say but I must state that Dr Onyishi is a man of integrity. When we look into the situation, we will advise him on what happened and how to remedy this situation’’.

  • Ibadan to host first pensioners’ radio in Africa

    Oyo State Chapter of Nigerian Union of Pensioners’ (NUP) Radio station, “Pensioners Radio” will be commissioned in September by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    The union’s secretary, Comrade Segun Abatan, broke the news when the management of Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, led by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju, visited the Pensioners’ House at Jericho, Ibadan, to witness the test transmission of the radio station.

    Abatan said the radio station was the first of its kind in Africa and it would focus on broadcast of issues relating to the welfare of pensioners in the state among other issues.

    He said the feat was achieved because of the relative peace, financial empowerment and confidence that the Governor Seyi Makinde administration had restored back to workers in Oyo State.

    Read Also: Challenges before Makinde

    Abatan stressed that the union built its edifice, the radio station, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre and pensioners’ clinic from the meager resources that members contributed from their monthly pensions.

    “Today is another day we shall never forget in the lives of Oyo State pensioners. Despite our meager earnings, you can see all we have been able to achieve. Even NLC, despite their humongous income, has not achieved this.

    “Now that we have Omituntun (referring to Makinde), everywhere is calm and people are now happy. We have started the test transmission of the station today and we are happy the ministry of information is here to honour this event. It is our plan that the executive governor of Oyo State will commission the radio come September.”

    Olanrewaju said the pensioners’ radio came as a challenge to all other workers’ unions as the pensioners that would be expected to be resting after retirement were the one achieving many commendable feats.

    He admonished the leadership of the NUP to monitor the activities of the radio station so as not to be a source of misinformation and propaganda against government and politically-exposed individuals.

    “Let this be the flagship of responsible journalism. I hope ‘Pensioners Radio’ will not be used to peddle rumour and tarnish the image of the establishment. Make sure you employ workers that will not put the image of the establishment down.”

    The Pensioners House at Jericho in Ibadan has a 1000-capacity hall for events, an ICT centre powered by The Polytechnic, Ibadan and a standard clinic.

  • 109 babies born as RCCG’s annual convention ends

    THE ordination of 1,850 pastors and a special thanksgiving service yesterday dropped the curtain on the 67th annual convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

    Tagged: “And God Said”, the weeklong convention opened on Monday with the ordination of Deacons and Deaconesses as well as the graduation of 5,443 students from the Redeemed Christian Bible College (RCBC).

    Given an overview of the convention, the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said 106 babies were born at the RCCG maternity during the convention. He gave the breakdown as 56 boys and 53 girls.

    Appreciating RCCG members for their contributions for the success of this year’s convention, Pastor Adeboye assured that next year’s convention will be much more glorious.

    He gave the theme for the 2020 Convention as “wonderful.”

    Read Also: Why I don’t take Holy Communion in other churches – Adeboye

    In his sermon, the Assistant General Overseer of the church in charge of Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola challenged the newly ordained pastors never to despair as they go about task of evangelising the world for Christ.

    He reminded them that preaching the gospel message remained a task that must be carried out by all Christians as  they await the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, saying “and we have an assurance that God is with us and is strength we can rely upon no matter the tides that may blow our way.”

    He said rewards await every faithful minister in heaven.

    “We have herd of patriarchs of old who fought the good fight of faith and have long gone to heaven where they received their rewards,” Odesola said.

  • We need one another to succeed, says cleric

    Nobody can become anything in life without the input of others, President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide Pastor Abraham Akinosun has said.

    He reiterated the need to acknowledge contributions of others so as not to be seen as an ingrate.

    Pastor Akinosun spoke yesterday at the Regional Headquarters in Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, at the induction of Pastor Emmanuel Olusoko as the second regional superintendent of Olutimehin Region.

    He was represented by the General Superintendent, Pastor Samuel Oladele, who was accompanied by the General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Mapur.

    In his sermon:“The Well of Jacob”, taken from John 4:1-6, the cleric said: “Ours is a very rich heritage. It is good for us to be constantly reminded that all the benefits and privileges we are enjoying today have become ours, not necessarily by our achievements, but by inheritance. We also need to smoothen the paths for others to tread. There is need to acknowledge the persons who laboured before us.

    “There is the grace of God who always shows mercy, but we must learn to acknowledge the input of other people. What is the purpose of your existence? Are you fulfilling the very purpose of your existence? Are you wiping tears from people’s faces or are you causing them to shed sorrowful tears? No meeting in life is accidental.

    Read Also: Clerics canvass unity, seek national revival

    “What legacies are you bequeathing to the generations coming behind you? Always emphasise unity, love, purity, honesty, holiness, revival, righteousness, discipline, cooperation, good character, dignity, truth, integrity and fear of God, like our forebears. Our generation must not be different. Will your labour last? Do not be a useless person. Always make positive impact in the lives of the people you come across. Strive to leave legacies behind.”

    Secretary of Olutimehin Region Pastor Samuel Essien, in his welcome address, said the region was among the 12 created by CAC’s authorities in 2017 for proper governance and decentralisation of administrative power to reach the local assemblies and members with ease.

    Essien said: “Olutimehin Region, which consists of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, faces peculiar challenges, such as communal and cult-related crises, which have made members desert their churches in relocating for safety. The economy of the members is grossly affected, while many of them have lost their sources of income.

    “We have been trying our best to be loyal and submissive to the church authorities. We solicit prayers and cooperation of all members, knowing full well that the challenges will soon end by God’s grace. The region will soon be the pride of everyone and the authorities.”

    Pastor Olusoko, who assumed duty in January, promised to put in his best in the service of God, even as he thanked the personalities who honoured him.

  • Oyetola warns youths against cybercrimes

    OSUN State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to shun unholy and illegal means of getting rich.

    He admonished that they could still get rich and be comfortable doing legitimate business.

    Oyetola warned them to abstain from things that were capable of undermining their potentials to become great in life.

    The governor spoke on Sunday after he observed the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Osogbo central praying-ground.

    Oyetola, who emphasised the need for youths to be hardworking to make them more productive, also called on the citizens to do away with vices such as cyber-crimes, popularly called, “Yahoo Yahoo as well as kidnapping and robbery among others”.

    He advocated the need for the citizens to tow the path of greatness by striving hard to accomplish the aims and objectives of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

    He stressed the need for Muslims to keep imbibing the lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir by holding on to faith in God.

    He expressed gratitude to the people for being supportive of his administration so far, promising not to disappoint them.

    He said: “First of all, we must thank Almighty Allah that makes it possible for us to be here to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    “Last year, I was still in the process of contesting the election, but today, I thank God that I am here as the governor. I thank the people of this state for their unflinching support and prayers as I wish them happy celebrations.

    Read Also: Oyetola seeks focus on technical education

    “My message to our people is that they should always continue to imbibe lessons of the celebration, and they should have absolute faith in the Almighty God because once one has faith, he or she can surmount any problem in life. Osun is known for peace, and I want the peace to continue to reign in the state.

    “My advice to the youths is that they should have the fear of God in their minds. Those that are in school should face their studies, while those learning one vocation or the other are urged to remain committed and steadfast in their chosen fields.

    “The time is now for our youths to see their future as being important than their present. I implore them to face whatever they do and do it very well to excel in life. I want our youths to shun things capable of undermining their future. They must do away with things that can lure them to destruction.”

    Chief Imam of Osogbo Sheikh Musa Animasaun urged Muslim faithful to work with the fear of God and shun things capable of leading them to destruction.

    He admonished Muslim Ummah to imbibe the virtues of forgiveness, fairness and justice, adding that they should let the virtues reflect in their conducts.

    Sheikh Animasaun, who described worldly things as ephemeral, said people should begin to live as if they would die the next minute.

  • Gunmen kidnap provost in Benue

    Gunmen have abducted the Provost of College of Education, Katsina Ala, Mr Tsavwua Gborigyo.

    He was kidnapped last Friday.

    The victim was said to be travelling on the Kwande- Vandeikya Road when the hoodlums waylaid his car and forcefully took him to an unknown place.

    At press time, the management of the college said the kidnappers were yet to open discussion with the family.

    Police spokesperson Kate Anene confirmed the report.

    She said investigation has begun.

  • Police vow to arrest culprits as robbers invade UI

    The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu, has said the command has intensified efforts to arrest the hoodlums who invaded Abdulsalam Hall of the University of Ibadan (UI).

    He spoke yesterday about the attack which occurred early in the morning.

    The attack happened one month after robbers invaded Obafemi Awolowo female hostel in the university.

    A Deputy Communication of Police (DCP) in charge of Operations, Mr. Kehinde Alonge and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango Police Station, Joyce Mayaki, yesterday led other senior police officers to the scene of the robbery to access the situation and order manhunt and investigation into the crime.

    Olukolu, who spoke through police spokesman Olugbenga Fadeyi, a Superintendent of Police  (SP), confirmed that one student was injured in the attack.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Robbers attack UI New Hall hostel

    Robbers attacked Obafemi Awolowo Hall on July 11 and injured female students.

    The state police chief said officers of the command have begun manhunt to bring the robbers to book.

    He said about five hoodlums invaded the hall, with weapons such as knives and cutlasses to attack the students.

    Olukolu said the injured have been treated at the Jaja Clinic.

    He said the robbers, who attacked only the female wing of the hall, reportedly tied the security guard.

    Two male students, who tried to obstruct their mission, received machete cuts. The hoodlums escaped through the nearby bush, carting away phones and other valuables.

    The Director of Public Communications, Mr.  Olatunji Oladejo, while reaffirming that only one student was injured, said the security unit of the university had intensified efforts to prevent a recurrence.

    The Chairman, Council Committee on Security,  Prof. Ademola Aremu, said the university is reviewing the security design.

    Aremu, who visited the hall in company of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, said the police are working hard to arrest the invaders.

  • Ekiti monarchs sue Fayemi over appointment of chairman

    SOME aggrieved monarchs have instituted a suit against Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi over the appointment of the Alawe of Alawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, as the chairman of the state traditional council of Obas.

    The suit, filed before an Ado-Ekiti High Court, is asking the court to nullify the appointment of Oba Adebanjo.

    It described as a flagrant disregard of the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law, the action taken by Fayemi to appoint someone outside the stipulated 16 monarchs called “Alademerindinlogin” to occupy the prestigious seat.

    The governor had on July 31, appointed  Oba Alabi as the council chairman to serve for a period of two years, following the expiration of Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju’s tenure.

    Joined in the suit registration are Fayemi as 1st defendant, Attorney General Wale Fapohunda (2nd defendant) and Oba Adebanji Alabi (3rd defendant).

    An originating summon filed by Dr. B.A.M. Ajibade ((SAN) on August 7 and deposed to by Ajero of Ajero, Oba Joseph Adewole, on behalf of other 15 Obas, sought an interlocutory injunction restraining  Fayemi from swearing-in Alawe as the council chairman.

    Read Also: Fayemi seeks new formula for revenue allocation

    The claimants sought the following declarations:

    • ”Whether the 1st defendant is empowered under the Council of Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 15, Laws of Ekiti State 2012, to appoint the chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers on a bi-annual rotational basis from among only class of Obas constituted Alademerindinlogun/Pelupelu Obas of Ekiti State; and
    • ”That the claimants are the only valid authentic Obas or traditional rulers under the classification of Alademerindinlogun qualified to be so appointed as chairman.”

    The plaintiffs also sought a declaration that the 3rd respondent can’t be appointed as chairman of the council in consonance with the Ekiti State Traditional Council Law.

    By composition, the Council of Ekiti State Traditional Council has permanent and rotational members.

    The statutes stipulate that “The permanent and rotational members shall be appointed by the governor from among the recognised traditional rulers in Ekiti State; and

    “There shall be a chairman for the council who shall be appointed by the governor on bi-annual rotation among the Pelupelu Obas in the state.”

    In a letter earlier written to the governor on August 2 and signed by 15 Pelupelu Obas with the exception of Oore of Otun, Oba Adedapo Popoola, who travelled abroad, the monarchs told Fayemi to reverse the action.

     

     

  • Civil Defence operative ‘kills’ varsity student

    There was anger in Bayelsa State at the weekend following the killing of a 100-level student of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Southern Ijaw, allegedly by an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    It was gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 10:30pm on Saturday, threw the student community into mourning.

    Sources said the incident was avoidable and blamed it on the alleged unprofessional conduct of the NSCDC operative.

    Read Also: Police kill alleged armed robber in Kano

    The Nation learnt that the security personnel, attached to a politician, allegedly cocked his gun to fire some shots, announcing the arrival of his principal at the area, but discovered that the bullets hooked in the magazine chamber.

    He was said to have attempted to free the magazine chamber without pointing the nozzle of his rifle downwards or upwards.

    While the nozzle pointed at passersby, the gun fired and killed the student identified as Obinna, at Efeke Ama area of the university community.

    Obinna was said to be a student at the Petrochemical department, Faculty of Engineering, before his death.

    It was gathered that the victim was pronounced dead at the Tantua Hospital, while the NSCDC operative was handed over to the police in Ammassoma.

  • Driver, conductor who ‘rob’ passengers arrested

    Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested a commercial bus driver, Ezekiah Andrew Ovotu, 31, and his conductor, Abdulmon Mustapha, 32, for allegedly using their bus to rob passengers on the Oshodi-Mile 2 Road in Lagos.

    According to source, the SARS operatives got an intelligence report about the suspects’ nefarious activities along the Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway through the Directorate of the State Secret Service (DSS) and arrested them after days of surveillance.