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  • N90bn poll cash: Osinbajo can waive his immunity, says lawyer

    A senior lawyer, Prince Ajibola Oluyede has said Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has the constitutional right to waive his immunity.

    He said the immunity under Section 308 of the Constitution was a personal right which can be suspended by the holder.

    Osinbajo, on September 26, disclosed his readiness to waive his constitutional immunity to clear his name over allegations that he received N90 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the funding of the 2019 elections.

    The vice president, through his verified twitter handle, @ProfOsinbajo, said the waiver would allow for a robust adjudication of the allegations levelled against him.

    A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on September 23, alleged that the VP was facing trials following an alleged N90bn scandal, and that recent developments involving the VP had nothing to do with 2023 politics.

    But the vice president also announced that he had instructed his lawyers to commence legal action against Frank and one Katch Ononuju for allegedly defaming his person.

    Reacting to the situation, Oluyede said Osinbajo’s decision was lawful.

    Read Also: How AfCFTA will transform Nigeria’s economy, by Osinbajo

    He said: “Can a person protected under Section 308 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution waive his immunity from issuance of civil or criminal process?

    “The answer is yes.

    “The section makes it clear that it is a personal right that accrues to ‘a person’ holding any of the specified offices.

    “The erroneous thinking that it protects the office and cannot be waived is clearly untenable in view of the clear words of that section which stipulates this immunity for “a person to whom this section applies during his period of office”

    He said conceding that the immunity is designed to enable persons operate in those offices without fear of personal civil or criminal liability is not enough basis for seeing this as a right enuring in favour of all Nigerians or the State.

    According to him, “the operation of this provision is not to restrain the officeholder from issuing civil process but to restrain others from proceeding against him whilst he holds that office.

    “This means that where appropriate the officeholder may issue process to protect his personal rights.

    “The question that flows from that is whether, in a circumstance where an officeholder opts to issue process against a person, would a counterclaim in that action be invalid pursuant to section 308(1)(a).

    “The law and practice of immunity stipulations make it clear that immunity may be waived the only question is by whom. It is also clear from relevant authorities and treatises that the issuance of civil judicial process by a person enjoying immunity is a constructive waiver of that immunity for the purpose of that proceeding. See: United States v. Deaver, Crim. No. 87-0096 (D.D.C. June 22, 1987).”

    He said furthermore, where an office holder enjoying immunity so chooses, he is entitled to waive even his immunity from criminal process.

    He added”The immunity under Section 308 is not equivalent to the Sovereign immunity misapplied in the Fela Kuti case pursuant to the 1963 “Republican” Constitution.

    It is therefore clear that a person who enjoys immunity under Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution May waive such immunity himself in order to issue civil process and/or in a bid to clear his name from malicious falsehood May yield to criminal process by waiving his immunity.

    The confusion in the minds of some may also be due to the misconception that the immunity under Section 308 is a Sovereign immunity which accrues to the State and not to the person. However what that would mean is that only the State can waive that immunity.

    However, immunity under Section 308 is different from Sovereign immunity”

  • Davido drops second song with Chris Brown Oct. 1

    Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, a.k.a, Davido has announced dropping a new song with American rhythm-and-blues (R&B) singer and actor Christopher Brown, a.k.a, Chris Brown next week.

    The music star announced the release of his second song with Chris Brown on Sept. 26 to be produced by kiddominant.

    The music star made this announcement via his twitter handle @iam_Davido

    “New @ChrisBrown x OBO next week!!!! KIDDO KIDDO @KIDDOMINANT!!” he tweeted

    Read Also: Davido to make Hollywood debut in ‘Coming to America 2’

    The song would however be the second major song collaboration between Davido and Chris Brown.

    Since the ‘Blow My Mind’ song collaboration, which has over 21 million views on YouTube, produced by Shizzi and co-written by Wurld, both singers have been a team.

    Davido has been on the IndiGOAT tour with Chris Brown.

    Few days ago, Davido was in Washington, District of Columbia, US with Chris Brown on additional IndiGOAT Tour.

  • FUOYE crisis: Fayemi clears victims’ medical bills

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has taken over the medical and funeral expenses of victims of the violent protest held at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) in fulfilment of his promise during a recent statewide.

    This was confirmed on Friday by the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Mr Ajayi Adeyanju, who was directed by the Governor to ensure all victims were taken care of.

    Adeyanju said others actions will be taken by government after receiving the outcome of the panels set up by the Police and the University authorities to investigate the protest that resulted in the death of two undergraduates and left many, including two policemen injured.

    The Fayemi’s Chief Security Officer, said two of the injured, who are still being treated at LASUTH Ikeja and FMC Ido Ekiti, are reported to be recuperating well.

    “The multiple investigations into the incident are aimed at identifying those responsible for the degeneration of the protest and ensure justice for the dead students.

    Read Also: I’ve no candidates for council polls, says Fayemi

    “The report of the investigations are expected to be presented to the State Government by end of September.

    “We have taken care of the bills of those receiving treatments and those already buried. We are looking at all sides and justice will be done to all sides in this matter”, he said.

    The Governor had, in his broadcast, expressed government’s regrets and resolve to get to the bottom of the incident.

    Fayemi expressed sadness at the unfortunate incident, reiterating the rights of citizens to protest and the need for the police to explore less fatal prone ways to manage citizens unrest.

  • Medical Council adjudges doctor guilty for cutting off patient’s kidneys

    A medical doctor based in Adamawa State, Dr. Yakubu Hassan Koji, has been adjudged guilty of all the 12 charges preferred against him.

    He was arraigned for allegedly surgically cutting off the kidneys of one Isa Hamma, now deceased, a patient under his care, without informing the patient of the nature of the operation and risks involved.

    The Chairman of the tribunal sitting of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Prof Abba Hassan, declared him guilty as charged for the 12 count charges of gross negligence and professional misconduct.

    The tribunal in delivering its judgment said: “The tribunal has no difficulty in resolving the sole issue against the respondent and in favour of the prosecution.

    “The prosecution has proved all the counts of all the charges to warrant a conviction of the respondent.

    “The respondent engaged in malpractice when he failed to use his considered judgment and sense of honour by acceding to the demand of his patient Isa Hamma, to undergo a surgery on him.

    “The respondent exhibited incompetence in the assessment of Isa Hamma, a patient under his care.

    Read Also: 9-year-old double amputee to model at Paris Fashion Week

    “The respondent failed to correctly diagnose the illness of Isa Hamma, a patient under his care.

    “The respondent failed to advice Isa Gamma, patient under his care.

    “The respondent failed to obtain informed consent of one Isa Hamma, a patient under his care before undertaking a surgical operation on him.

    “The respondent undertook a surgical operation in one Isa Hamma, and removed an organ he could not identify.

    “The respondent failed to refer in good time when Isa Hamma, a patient under his care when such referral was necessary.

    “The respondent failed to do all that he reasonably ought to have done under the circumstances in the treatment of one Isa Hamma, a patient under his care.

    “The respondent failed to appropriately communicate with one Isa Hamma, a patient under his care with good regard to his condition.

    “The respondent undertook a surgical procedure on one Isa Hamma which resulted to the loss of his kidneys.

    “The respondent failed to conduct his medical duty in accordance with standard decorum and by methods adjudged acceptable and appropriate in the generality of the registered member of the Medical profession in the treatment of one Isa Hamma, a patient under his care.

    “The respondent failed to pass on the details and history and treatment of one Isa Hamma, to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, when he referred the patient to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.

    “The respondent violated laws 29.4d, 29.4a, 29.4g, 29.4h, 29.4i, 31, 33, 33.1, 33.0 and 43.3 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria in 2008 Edition.”

    The Chairman in his judgment explained that because of the enormity of the professional misconduct, the tribunal is minded to pass the maximum sentence.

    His judgment reads: “The name of Dr. Yakubu Hassan Koji, is hereby struck out of the register of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.”

    Recall that the doctor performed an operation on the patient without informing him of the risks involved; in the process he ‘mistakenly’ cut off the kidneys in the patient.

    Although in earlier arraignment, Koji pleaded not guilty to one or two of the charges, however, in a new twist, the respondent pleaded not guilty to all of the twelve-count charges.

    Dr. Yakubu Hassan Koji, practised from 2012 (housemanship) to 2016.

    In an interview with the Nation Correspondent, the respondent lawyer, Mr B. E Olowonubi,
    said: “There are options that are open to any aggrieved person to the decision of the tribunal.

    “One option is to abide by the decision of the tribunal. The other option is to appeal the decision of the tribunal to the court of appeal.

    “To appeal the decision, the respondent has 28 days to do that by the rules of the tribunal.

    “From the area he comes from there is a level of poverty in the area. He is one of those who have been very helpful to the downtrodden who require medical help, and with reference to this particular incident, you realise that when a medical doctor is performing surgery it is difficult to take notes because the patient came as an emergence.”

  • BBnaija2019: Tacha, Mercy face disqualification

    Mercy and Tacha may be disqualified or get strikes from the organisers of the Big Brother Naija show for engagement violence in the House.

    There was serious drama in House on Friday, which led to Tacha hitting Mercy.

    This happened after both housemates engaged in a heated argument, leading to what appears like a physical confrontation.

    Seyi had earlier called on Mercy to come to the lounge so they can read Biggie’s scroll.

    However, Mercy who just finish having her bath, came out late for the reading.

    Tacha, who was already boiling, seized the opportunity to rain insults on Mercy.

    Read Also: BBNaija (4): Mercy and Tacha fight dirty

    She said: ”You are a moron, remain there and don’t come out. clout chaser, old woman. You keep using your body to get everything you want. You have been using Ike to get what you want. You can’t stand eviction that is why you need Ike to help you.”

    Mercy replied: ” You are very stupid, you Instagram beggar. Go and treat your body odour before you talk to me, you stink. At least, I have a boyfriend (Ike) to get me what I want. What has your boyfriend done for you?”

    During the argument, Tacha pushed Mercy and also dragged her weave-on twice while Mercy struggled to control her anger.

    She picked up a pressing iron but was stopped by Omashola.

  • BREAKING: Court jails farmer 10 years for raping, impregnating daughter

    A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a Lagos farmer, Yesiru Onajobi, to 10 years imprisonment for raping and impregnating his 14-year-old daughter (name withheld).

    Justice Sule Hassan convicted Onajobi following a six-year trial

    The judge said the prosecution successful proved the charges of rape and unlawful canal knowledge made against the farmer.

    Justice Hassan held: “The prosecution has been able to establish the charges against the defendant. “I have also listened to the plea of allocutos made by the defendant’s counsel, though, she did not say much.

    “The offences that the defendant is charged with are very serious offences, consequently, I hereby sentenced you, Yesiru Onajobi to 10 years imprisonment on each count without option of fine.

    Read Also: I wasn’t kidnapped, says Edo ex-Speaker

    “The terms of imprisonment are to run concurrently. However, the period spent in custody shall be deducted from the jail terms”.

    Onajobi was arraigned by the National Agency for Prohibition and Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on July 18, 2013.

    The offences, according to NAPTIP, contravened Sections 13 (1) and 18 (a) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement Act 2003.

  • BBNaija: Fans react to Cindy’s eviction

    Housemate, Cindy Okafor has been evicted from the ongoing BBNaija season four.

    The shocking eviction took place on Friday morning with host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s visit to the house.

    Cindy, who was introduced to the show on July 30 alondisde Elozonam, Enkay and Venita, is an online radio presenter, writer and content creator.

    In an interesting turn of events, Ebuka strolled into the house with the envelope containing the name of the evicted housemate.

    Read Also: Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    Prior to that, he asked all the housemates to pack their bags and get ready for the show at the lounge.

    On Monday, Frodd used his veto power card to nominate Mike, Tacha, Ike, Cindy and Elozonam for possible eviction.

    Following Cindy’s eviction, fans took to social media to express their shock at the turn of events.

    @Thecybernewt said, “This breakfast has too much pepper. Which kain eviction be this.”

    @Raynergy tweeted, “Cindy is an amazing girl and she’ll do just fine.”

    @Byran said, “Cindy is an amazing girl and she’ll do just fine.”

    @JaneChy said, “This gonna be most pepperish moment in BBN4, why not wait till Sunday.”

  • No cold war in the Presidency -APC, Govs.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governors have dismissed recent allegations of a cold war within the Presidency as mere rumour and another scheme of opposition mischief makers.

    There have been media reports and allegations in the political space of a festering sour relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the last few days, indicating that handlers of the president had demanded the resignation of the vice president.

    However, during separate media engagements in Abuja on Thursday, the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the national secretariat of the ruling APC dismissed the insinuation, stating that more recent events had proven such as invalid claims.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Steering Committee on Media and Communication, Lagos Governor, who is also the chairman of the committee, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the alleged face-off in the Presidency was just ‘gossip’.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, explained that the Buhari/Osinbajo administration has carried on with its normal duties in the last few days, despite the alleged bad-blood.

    “There is no crack. It is in the realm of gossips. By the time they said that, the Vice Presieent went to Zimbabwe to represent this country. It was the prerogative of the president but he nominated him.

    Read Also: Forum to provide synergy between APC governors, lawmakers

    “Like I said earlier, it is in the realm of gossips because only on Wednesday, the Vice President presided over the Federal Executive Committee (FEC) meeting which is the highest decision making body in the country. So, we don’t listen to rumours. We deal with facts and the fact is that they are working together. So, it is all rumour  and don’t take it that serious,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the ruling APC during a media conference at its national secretariat in Abuja, squarely placed the blame for the spread of what it described as “fallacy” on the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), noting that the ruling party would not abandon its serious national assignments to pay attention to what is not important.

    According to the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu: “We have important issues of governance than to continue to respond to fallacies. How do you determine a crack?

    “The vice president had been sent out to represent the President at an international event, after PDP saw a crack; the Vice President presided over the FEC meeting just on Wednesday. Is that part of the PDP’s crack? Let us stop this joke. We know we have challenges in this country, let us face these challenges,” he said.

    Addressing other issues, Issa-Onilu also accused the PDP of being responsible for some other recent activities, which had been attributed to leaders of the APC, one of which he said was erection of campaign billboards and printing of campaign posters, purportedly in preparation for the 2023 elections.

    According to him, the APC is currently preoccupied with solving the myriad of challenges facing the country as well as working to fulfill her campaign promises to Nigerians, adding that the party does not have any room for election thoughts at the moment, but that those who want to distract the party from its task of providing leadership will use anything to do so.

    “As a party, we want to state clearly that having won elections convincingly and having been given the mandate to run government for the next four years, our major and only focus now is governance.

    “We are not engaging in any other activity a out 2023 elections and wherever you see such (posters) you can be sure it is from mischief makers and of course we know it is part of the strategy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to continue to take actions to cause distractions for the governing party from focusing on anything that is important to the people of Nigeria which is to deal with the challenges that we are all faced with; the challenges of governance, security, economy and corruption as well as other associated issues. That is what we are focused on.

    “So, as a party, we understand that the social contract we have signed with the people of Nigeria with the renewal of our mandate. Whatever poster you might have seen about any of our leaders anywhere in this country is irrelevant to us, we do not have a hand in it and it is not from those leaders. It is strictly part of the strategy of a party that is supposed to provide alternative to our governance model and since they do not have such, the only thing they can do is to continue to throw spanners into the works,” he said.

  • Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    Big Brother Naija housemate Cindy has been evicted from the reality show.

    Cindy who was evicted on Friday is now the 17th housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother Naija 2019 house.

    On Friday, September 27, 2019, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced her eviction of from the Big Brother House.

    Cindy emerged the Head of House on September 9, 2019. She joined the show four weeks after it kicked off alongside Joe, Enkay, Elozonam and Venita.

    This is the 10th eviction and 11th live eviction show on the Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem edition which kicked off on June 30, 2019.

     

  • Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria commended for maritime development

    Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), the leading operator of the SHI-MCI fabrication and integration yard, has won a highly-commended award in the category of contribution to development of the regional maritime cluster at the prestigious Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa held in Dubai on September 22, 2019.

    Samsung was the only nominee from Africa to be listed for four individual awards: Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster, Shipyard of the Year, Africa Maritime and Education & Training.

    In its award citation for Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster, SHIN was highly commended for its commitment to empowering the African oil and gas industry through local content leadership.

    Prior to the construction of its fabrication and integration yard in Lagos, customers in the regional oil and gas industry had to work outside of Africa.

    In order to complete the Egina FPSO project, significant investment was needed to develop a local workforce and facilities. These have become the core of a world-class marine construction capability that benefits all shipping & marine construction and maintenance companies in the region with greater access to opportunities as well as providing economic stimulus to the whole West African region.

    Commenting on the meritorious award, the Managing Director of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Mr. Jejin Jeon, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised for our Contribution to the Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster in Africa. This award validates SHIN and SHI MCI’s efforts in developing Nigeria as the next global fabrication destination. I thank the people of Nigeria and the Nigerian government for their faith in us. Our journey will not stop here. We will continue to empower the African oil & gas and maritime industry by developing local capacity to deliver world class work locally, stimulating more opportunities for the benefit of Nigeria.”

    The Seatrade Maritime Awards are recognised internationally as the most influential in the industry with a very robust selection process led by independent judging panels consisting of CEOs from maritime companies around the world. An impressive list of nominees was shortlisted, from over 120 entries across 20 countries, made it to 2019’s shortlist. The award ceremony was attended by over 700 industry and governmental representatives from across Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

    The award and nominations are an encouraging acknowledgement of the significant work SHIN has done in initiating collaboration with the Nigerian government and local partners to improve the profile of Nigeria as the most advanced integration and fabrication hub in Africa. The company has already been receiving worldwide recognition, winning multiple national and international awards for its dedication in bringing about economic and local talent development. It has received notable accolades from the Nigerian Content Board, NOGOF and Africa Assembly Paris hosted by World Energy Council.

    After successfully delivering the Egina, the world’s largest FPSO, SHIN’s next focus is to widen its integration and fabrication work for the on- and off-shore oil & gas industry as well as power and infrastructure projects. The high profile generated from this award will also drive increased interest among the maritime industry into the immense potential and capability of Nigeria and indeed the whole West African region, showing what they have to offer to international customers. This will continue to stimulate local employment, ongoing talent development and vocational training to continue performing at international standards.