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Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Kogi not safe, PDP chairman cries out over abduction of Okene party boss

    The Kogi State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Sam Ohuotu, has raised the alarm over the reported abduction of Musa Adelabu, the party chairman in Okene local government.

    He said that the invasion and abduction of the PDP member by men dressed in military uniform is worrisome, one too many and declared Kogi state is not safe to live in.

    He said that gunmen dressed in military uniform invaded the house of the local government party chairman and whisked him away today, around 1.00am.

    He lamented that members of the PDP in the state, in the last week, have been consistently harassed by men dressed in security uniforms.

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who he said are scared of the popularity of the PDP, for the clampdown.

    Read Also: Challenges facing INEC ahead of Kogi, Bayelsa polls

    As at the time of going press, he said that the whereabouts of Adelabu remain unknown, adding that the PDP chairman is still held incommunicado.

    He said that for a personality of the local government party chairman, having served as a former LG vice chairman, an invitation would have been most appropriate, if there was the need, rather than the “invasion in a commando style at an unholy hour of the day”.

    He said that it is unfortunate that the state is no longer safe for living, “if people are daily abducted; kidnapped by men dressed in uniforms.

    He called for the unconditional release of Adelabu.

  • Randy soldier dismissed, in police custody for prosecution

    Authorities of the Nigeria Army have handed over Soldiers suspected to have allegedly raped a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) to the Ondo State Police Command for prosecution.

    The victim, a 300-level student of the Department of Religious and African Studies of the university, was allegedly gang-raped by the soldiers attached to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the army, inside a shed at the checkpoint, while the student was returning from the school.

    It was initially reported that the student was gang-raped.

    However, it was learnt through the investigation by the army that only one of the soldiers committed the offence.

    Before handing over the case to the police, it was learnt that the suspect, who was identified as Lance Corporal Sunday Adelola, has been dismissed from the service by the army.

    Read Also: Mob kills policeman for ‘shooting’ pregnant woman dead in Lagos

    The Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, Brig. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, has earlier promised to transfer the case to the police, after the alleged randy soldier must have been sacked and the investigation concluded.

    Abubakar, while speaking with reporters  said justice would be done on the matter, saying the army would try the suspect internally and if found guilty, the suspect’s uniform would be removed after which he would be transferred to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

    A source confirmed that he (Lance Corporal Adelola) had been tried at the Artillery brigade and sacked before the suspect was handed over to the police.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the development and said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

  • Prosecute Obasanjo, others now over $16b Power Projects, S/West group insists

    The federal government has been urged to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and or other relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the $16 billion and other funds spent on the power sector under successive administrations since the country’s return to democratic governance in 1999.

    The South West Peoples Assembly (SWEPA) said in Lagos that a probe is imperative otherwise Nigerians might lose faith in the current democratic experiment.

    Chairman of SWEPA, Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuya, and the Secretary, Ismael Oguntoyinbo told reporters that despite promises by successive administrations to reposition Nigeria’s troubled power sector and the alleged scandals in past administrations, including the ones headed by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, little or nothing has actually been investigated or the culprits prosecuted and duly punished.

    The group hailed the House of Representatives and the Young Nigerian Professionals on their resolve to get to the bottom of the issue, and demanded “specific interrogation of key individuals in the whole power mismanagement saga.”

    Read Also: EFCC begins probe of Obasanjo govt’s $16bn power project

    They added: “It’s our belief that there are known actors that were responsible for overseeing the sleaze that took place in the power sector spending since 1999.

    “The most prominent, as every Nigerian possibly knows, is Obasanjo – who is reported to have spent about $16 billion on power, with nothing worthy or credible to show for it.

    “This is one major reason behind our decision to commend the House of Representatives for its decision to again re-investigate the power sector spending and join other well-meaning Nigerians in demanding for nothing short of a thorough inquest.

    “It is our belief that what the House is set to do represents justice for the people of Nigeria who have had to bear the burden and pain associated with the poor power situation in the country. Until this investigation and other related efforts that ensure transparency and openness are undertaken, Nigeria cannot really move forward or record any significant progress. The unearthing of the sleaze that took place in the power sector is key if we want to start a new footing that ensures proper accountability going forward,” they said.

  • JUST IN: Robbers attack UI New Hall hostel

    Robbers struck again in the early hours of Sunday at New Hall hostel of the University of Ibadan.

    This attack is exactly a month after a similar operation on Awo Hall, a female hostel of the premier institution.

    A post graduate student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated unmasked young men charged into New hall at about 2:10am.

    According to her, they had to axe down the door leading to the hostel containing four blocks, two of which accommodate males and the other two, females.

    “They had a struggle entering into the hostel because the security in New Hall is actually tight.

    “The bang we heard when the door was axed down already told us that something was coming for us.

    “But we didnt know what it was and we were wondering where the securities and potters were at this time,” She informed.

    Read Also: Gunmen raid UniUyo female hostel

    Our source revealed that only two of the 15 rooms on the ground floor were not affected.

    “On the ground floor where I stay only two rooms were not affected, the rest were.

    ‘I don’t know what happened on the first floor, but so far, I’ve heard that three rooms were affected.”

    The robbers were said to have demanded for phones, laptops and money.

    According to our source, one guy whose iPhone was collected put up a struggle with the robbers and sustained a machete wound.

    “He was rushed to the health centre,” she stated.

    Our source revealed that the robbers took to their heels at the approaching sound of sirens.

    It wasn’t until after the operation that students found where the security officials and hostel workers were tied up and gagged, our source revealed.

  • Northern leaders to shut down livestock markets in Enugu

    The Northern Leaders, Livestock and Perishable Goods Market traders, and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Enugu state on Saturday rose from a meeting and resolved to shut down their livestock and perishable goods markets in the State.

    This is in response to the recent security challenges experienced in Enugu State.

    The leaders of the groups who briefed reporters at the end of the meeting said the decision was to enable them embark on “sensitization tour of all livestock and perishable goods markets and every Fulani settlement in Enugu State between Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday August 15, 2019”.

    They explained that “during the sensitization exercise all livestock and perishable goods market will be closed down, either in cattle markets, Fulani settlements, or wherever they exist throughout Enugu State”, adding that they have constituted a 14-man committee for the programme for the purposes of identifying all their members and weed out infiltrators.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected gun manufacturer, recover exhibits in Enugu

    The Northerners led by the South East Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki and the Sarkin Hausawa, Enugu State, Alhaji Abukakar Yusuf Sambo, regretted the unfortunate incident that led to the death of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu of St. James The Greater Parish, Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area and enjoined his family and the people of the state in mourning with fortitude.

    They disclosed their commitment towards the security of the state, saying: “In appreciation of the good gesture, which Enugu State has extended to us, we are prepared to join hands with the police, the military and other security agencies in ensuring maximum security in our neighbourhood.”

    The Northern leaders therefore expressed their “profound appreciation to Enugu State Government for the peace that prevails in the state which has helped us in our business” as well as “the peaceful co-existence we have enjoyed over the years”.

  • Glo charges Muslims to live up to the tenets of Islam

    Digital Transformation Leader, Globacom has charged Muslim faithful to live up to the tenets of Islam. The company gave the advice on the occasion of this year’s celebration of Eid-El-Kabir. Globacom in a press statement from its headquarters yesterday sent felicitations to Muslims across the country, wishing them a happy Sallah celebration. The company urged them to live in love and good neighbourliness.

    “On the occasion of 2019 Eid-El-Kabir, we felicitate with the Muslim Ummah and urge them to use the opportunity of this year’s celebration to promote friendship with all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion,” the organisation said.

    The telecom company in Nigeria added that it had made adequate arrangement to ensure that its subscribers have seamless communication experience during and after the holiday.

  • PDP urges selflessness, trust in God

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to use this year’s Eid el Kabir celebrations to imbibe the life of total trust in the Almighty God in all spheres of life.

    The party said the Eid el Kabir indeed offered the citizenry great lessons on selflessness and absolute trust in God, as exemplified in the life of Prophet Ibrahim.

    In the PDP’s message, contained in a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party called on all compatriots to use the occasion to particularly pray for the nation.

    It also enjoined Muslim faithful to reach out and share with the less privileged, the deprived as well as victims of escalated insecurity in various parts of the country in the recent time.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Make sacrifice for development, Tinubu urges Nigerians

    The main opposition party similarly urged prayers and support for the nation’s gallant troops who are making sacrifices and who are daily putting their lives on the line in protecting the nation.

    It also urged Nigerians to always remember the sacrifices of our fallen heroes by reaching out to their families at this trying time.

    It charged leaders in all walks of life, including public office holders, faith-based and community leaders, captains of industry and employers of labour to note that their positions are bestowed on them by God for service to humanity, and for which they must give account.

    The PDP prayed for the unity, peace, stability and development of the nation, even as it wished Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community, a happy Eid el Kabir celebrations.

  • With prayers, Nigeria will surmount its problems — Omo-Agege

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has called on Muslims to use the period of Eid el-Kabir to pray for Nigeria to overcome its present challenges.

    In his Sallah message to Muslims in the country, Omo-Agege urged Nigerians to be tolerant and continue to work for peace, unity and progress of the country.

    The senator, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, expressed the readiness of the 9th National Assembly to work with the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy by actualising all the programmes in the All Progressives Congress’s Next Level Agenda.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege, NNPC bicker over NGC relocation plan

    He also called on Nigerians to eschew bitterness and ill-feelings towards one another as the country stands to gain a lot from a united front.

    “As Nigerian Muslims join the rest of the world to celebrate the Eid el-Kabir festivities, I rejoice with them and wish them a hitch-free Sallah celebration.

    “We must continue to strengthen the spirit of oneness, regardless of religious, ethnic, regional, and political diversities, for that is the only way to build a greater Nigeria,” he said.

  • Emulate the Prophet, Gbajabiamila, Wase, Ado-Doguwa urge Muslims

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, his Deputy, Idris Wase, and the Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, have all, in separate messages, urged Muslim brethren to be prayerful during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    Gbajabiamila urged Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

    The Speaker, who is in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, said the teachings of the Holy Prophet should also be replicated by all Nigerians.

    Read Also: Eid el Kabir: Federal Lawmaker sues for peace

    He said: “Eid el Kabir is a festival of sacrifice, and it reminds us of the need for sacrifice and obedience.”

    The Deputy Speaker in his message enjoined the Muslim Ummah to always be guided by the attributes and lessons from the life and times of Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) which symbolizes peace, love and tolerance.

    On his part, Reps’ Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, urged Nigerians to pray for the country’s unity and security.

    “Let’s show love and charity to one another and imbibe the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW),” he said.

  • Abia killer-soldier risks life in prison

    A Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson, serving under 14 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State risks spending life behind bars if found culpable of killing a commercial motorcyclist identified as Chimaobi Nwaorgu at Amaise, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    It could be recalled that the spokesman of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Aliyu Yusuf, had in an earlier Press Release claimed that the killer of late Nwaorgu was a suspected cultist in army uniform, but relations of the deceased and friends insisted that they know the killer soldier as an army officer stationed at Ohanze military outpost.

    However, during the visit of the governor of the state to the deceased family, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu informed the community and the family of the victim that the soldier has been arrested and taken into custody, promising that he would make sure that justice was served on the happy trigger soldier.

    Read Also: Army detains suspected Abia killer soldier

    In a press release to counter its earlier release, the 82 Division spokesman said further investigation on the matter revealed that the soldier that carried out the dastardly act is deployed at the Ohanze Forward Operation Base of 144 Battalion under the 14 Brigade, Ohafia.

    According to the release, disciplinary action was already in progress, adding that the killer soldier would be tried according to extant law of the Nigerian army and if found culpable of the crime he is accused of committing, would be dismissed from service and handed over to the Civil Police for prosecution.

    The Army while praying for the repose of the dead and for God to give the family members the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of their loved one, said the incident was regrettable.

    In a related development, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji has joined other well-meaning Abians and Nigerians to condemn the killing of Mr. Chimaobi Nwaogu by Corporal Johnson, for allegedly refusing to pay N100 bribe at Ohanze military checkpoint.

    Orji in a release described the action of the soldier as “tyranny of the gun by some bad eggs among security agencies paid with taxpayers money to protect lives and property of the citizens”, saying, “Such barbaric acts are not welcome in a peaceful state like Abia”.