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  • Three herdsmen held for attacking mourners, others

    Three herdsmen held for attacking mourners, others

    Suspected Fulani herdsmen have reportedly killed four mourners – all women – with machetes in Oja-Odan community, Ogun State.

    The Nation gathered that the women were returning home from the funeral of a relation at Moro village in Eegelu community when two suspected herdsmen accosted them at Oja-Odan.

    It was learnt that the suspected herdsmen demanded to sleep with them but they resisted.

    The furious herdsmen reportedly inflicted deep machete cuts on three of them.

    A source close to one of them said some villagers rescued the women and took them to a private clinic.

    The assailants were said to have fled.

    It was learnt that the incident was reported at the Oja Odan Divisional Police headquarters.

    But the assailants reportedly carried out a similar attack on farmers the following day (Sunday), severely injuring one of them.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The women were returning home after a burial programme in their neighbouring community. They were attacked with machetes by herdsmen who wanted to rape them.

    “There was another attack on innocent farmers on Sunday. The two incidents have been reported at the Oja-Odan Police Station.”

    Police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said a farmer, Ige Orisade, was attacked and injured by suspected herdsmen.

    He added the three herdsmen have been arrested by the police in connection with the attack on Ige.

    An AK-49 rifle, pieces of 0.8mm live ammunition, 26 live cartridges and two sharp cutlasses were recovered from them.

    He named the suspects as Mohammed Bello (40), Muhammed Momoh (30) and Yisau Umoru (18).

    The statement added: “Three herdsmen have been arrested by the police in Ogun State for attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms.

    “The three: Mohammed Bello (40), Muhammed Momoh (30) and Yisau Umoru (18) were arrested following information received by the police that a man, Ige Orisade, was attacked and severely wounded by the herdsmen on his Imedu farm at Oke-Odo via Oja-Odan.

    “And when he confronted them to know why their cattle grazed on his farm and destroyed his crops, an argument ensued. The herdsmen attacked him with machetes, wounding him severally before they escaped into the nearby bush.

    “On the strength of the information, the Area Commander for Ilaro, Titus Musa, dispatched a team of policemen to the scene. The bush was combed in conjunction with vigilantes, at the end of which the three suspects were arrested.”

  • Alleged import duty waivers: CBN boss, Ali, others to face Reps probe panel

    The House of Representatives committee has commenced investigations into the abuse of waivers and bonds on import duties from 2010 till date.

    Subsequently, the lower chamber has demanded an audit of the customs duties remitted by money deposit banks to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from January 2014 till date with proof of the remittances.

    The move by the lawmakers, The Nation gathered, was informed by the failure of affected agencies and private organisations to respond to requests for information sent three weeks ago, House Committee on Customs. The committee has therefore summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Hammed Ali, Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin  Emefiele, bank executives, importers and inspection agents, private organisations, among others.

    They are to appear at a public hearing this Wednesday to explain their different roles in the alleged infractions since 2010 to date.

    Chairman of the Committee, James Faleke (APC, Lagos), who expressed disappointment at the response of the affected organisation to the Committee’s requests, regretted that it may be a way of stalling the investigation.

    “In view of the timeline set for the assignment, our Committee wrote the affected stakehokders to ensure that the information and documents required of them are sent to the Committee’s Secretariat before November 29th, 2017. “What we are asking for include which are very critical to the investigation include schedules of all beneficiaries with respect to all duty waivers, exemptions, concessions, processed by them in the fiscal year 2010 till date,”Faleke said.

    The Committee, he stressed, hopes to review schedules of all beneficiaries with respect to all bonds indemnity upon which imports were processed by the customs within the period.

    “We want to believe that everyone concerned will realise that we have the constitutional powers to embark on this investigation as much as we are duty bound to set our country on the right path,” he said.

  • Leadership Award: APC, Assembly, others greet Osun lawmaker

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, for winning the Most Outstanding House of Assembly Member in Nigeria Award.

    The awards ceremony was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on December 2.

    The award acknowledged Oyintiloye’s contributions to law-making for good governance and community development.

    A congratulatory message in Osogbo, the state capital, by Osun State APC’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said: “First, this award stands Osun high in the country’s quality legislation category and, secondly, raises hope for youth participation in the legislative arm of government.

    “For a young first-timer legislator to win that award speaks to the dedication and diligence of Oyintiloye. It sets a remarkable example for youths, who may be interested in the legislative process of the future.

    “The party celebrates your achievement and feels proud that despite your being new in the House of Assembly, you have set a record within two years of participation to clinch the Most Outstanding House of Assembly Member in Nigeria Award. This is a sign of better things to come. The party urges you and other members of the Osun State House of Assembly to keep the Omoluabi flag flying.”

  • Pope, UN, EU, others chide US President

    Pope, UN, EU, others chide US President

    Pope Francis, the United Nations, the European Union and others criticized President Trump’s decision.

    Pope Francis said, “I cannot remain silent.” The United Nations secretary general spoke of his “great anxiety.” The European Union expressed “serious concern.” American allies like Britain, France, Germany and Italy all declared it a mistake.

    A chorus of international leaders criticized the Trump administration’s decision on Wednesday to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as a dangerous disruption that contravenes several United Nations resolutions and could inflame one of the world’s thorniest conflicts.

    Secretary General António Guterres and Pope Francis both expressed alarm that the announcement would provoke new tensions in the Holy City, which is revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims.

    Within minutes of Mr. Trump’s speech, in which he said the American Embassy would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Mr. Guterres delivered what amounted to a diplomatic rebuke.

    Reading a statement outside the Security Council chambers at United Nations headquarters in New York, Mr. Guterres criticized “any unilateral measures that would jeopardize the prospect of peace for Israelis and Palestinians,” underscoring the administration’s departure from decades of American policy.

    “Jerusalem is a final-status issue that must be resolved through direct negotiations between the two parties on the basis of the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, taking into account the legitimate concerns of both the Palestinian and the Israeli sides,” Mr. Guterres said.

    “In this moment of great anxiety, I want to make it clear: there is no alternative to the two-state solution,” he said. “There is no Plan B.”

    In Rome, Pope Francis prayed that Jerusalem’s status be preserved and needless conflict avoided.

    “I cannot remain silent about my deep concern for the situation that has developed in recent days,” Francis said at his weekly general audience at the Vatican. “And at the same time, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to ensure that everyone is committed to respecting the status quo of the city, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.”

    “Jerusalem is a unique city,” he said, “sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, where the Holy Places for the respective religions are venerated, and it has a special vocation to peace.”

    In especially strong language, the pope added, “I pray to the Lord that such identity be preserved and strengthened for the benefit of the Holy Land, the Middle East and the entire world, and that wisdom and prudence prevail, to avoid adding new elements of tension in a world already shaken and scarred by many cruel conflicts.”

    The European Union’s top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, expressed concern about “the repercussions this may have on the prospect of peace.”

  • ‘Wike, others backing Secondus for selfish reasons’

    ‘Wike, others backing Secondus for selfish reasons’

    Former Minister for Mines and Steel Elder Wole Oyelese has warned leaders of the PDP and delegates not to fall into the trap set by River State Governor  Nyesom Wike and some governors at Saturday’s convention.

    He told reporters in Abuja that Wike and co were working to install Prince Uche Secondus who “is a  disaster waiting to happen. ”

    He said: ” I will not expect anybody that loves the PDP to support Secondus  because of his antecedents but there is a difference between loving the party and being selfish.

    ” Wike wants to build a political empire using the PDP as a platform hence his support for Secondus. Some governors who are also afraid of their shadows believe that they cannot manipulate Chief Bode George and believe Secondus could easily be manipulated.

    ” Wike and the other governors are unnecessarily anxious, they are not thinking about the future of the party. They should know that there is no room for experimentation, he said”.

    Oyelese also appealed to the PDP leaders in the South – South to see Nigeria as a country that must be united and not divided along any ethnic line.

    “They should begin to see South – South as an integral part of a united country “, Oyelese charged the South South PDP leaders.

    Oyelese challenged Secondus to come out with details of his achievements.

    He said as the organising secretary of the party,  Secondus caused more division in Oyo State PDP when he allegedly accepted three different results from three different groups  during a congress.

    He said he also in 2014 imposed an unpopular candidate for the governorship election in Oyo State making PDP to lose the state.

    “Is that the kind of man that will lead a great party like PDP or any other party for that matter? Anybody that could be so compromised should not be the chairman of PDP”, he said.

    Oyelese said Chief Bode George turned the fortune of the party round when he was the South West Vice Chairman of the party in 2003 winning five out of the six states in the region for the party.

    “George as PDP vice chairman in South West went round all the states about five times and by the next election in 2003, PDP won in five states out of six “. Let Secondus tell us what he achieved for the party.

    ” George is one individual who can sit down and he knows the people to be contacted in Sokoto,  Maiduguri, Calabar who can make the difference in the future of the party”, Oyelese said.

    A group within the PDP, the Committee for Justice and Fairness,  has called for the removal of Dr. Sunday Ornor as Secretary of the Convention Electoral Committee.

    In a statement yesterday by by its Chairman Mr. Etim Nsikak, the group said Onor who joined the party barely two months ago is an ally of Governor Nyesom Wike who is promoting Secondus’ chairmanship aspiration.

  • Obasanjo, others for Yar’Adua’s 20th memorial programme

    Obasanjo, others for Yar’Adua’s 20th memorial programme

    THE Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre yesterday said it will hold a 20th memorial programme for the late Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua tomorrow in Abuja.

    A statement by the centre’s Director-General, Jacqueline W. Farris, said the anniversary is an opportunity to remember one of Nigeria’s foremost contemporary leaders, who died in Abakiliki Prison on December 8, 1997.

    The statement said: “The Board of Trustees of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation will host a Memorial Programme in honour of late Shehu Yar’Adua to mark the 20th anniversary of his death. The memorial is scheduled for Friday, December 8, 2017 at 9:30am at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. Prayers at the National Mosque will immediately follow.

    “His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR will serve as chairman of the occasion. His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, President and Commander in Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone will deliver a Goodwill Message.

    “Expected dignitaries who will offer tributes to the late Tafida include Major General Paul Tarfa (retd), Mallam Adamu Ciroma, former Minister of Finance, Mr. Kola Abiola, son of late M.K.O. Abiola and Barrister Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    “Shehu Yar’Adua not only fought during the civil war to unite the country but paid the supreme price to ensure that democracy is enthroned in Nigeria.

    “The Yar’Adua Foundation was established in 1999. Through its facilities and programmes, the foundation endeavours to inspire future generations with Yar’Adua’s life of service; his commitment to national unity, good governance and to building a just and democratic society for all Nigerians.”

  • Group seeks co-operation with police, others

    Group seeks co-operation with police, others

    The Police Assistance Committee (PAC) has called on the police and other security agencies to embark on an open-door policy by extending hands of friendship and give more cooperation to its members who are saddled with the responsibility of giving information to them to address security matters in the country.

    In a communique issued at the end of a two-day security workshop held in Lagos for its members comprising chairmen, secretaries and PROs of traders’ associations and artisans, as well as CSOs of public and private establishments on how to keep on assisting security agencies with information and intelligence gathering, the organization urged the Inspector General of Police and other security chiefs to ensure that their officers and men extend open hands of friendship to PAC members and encourage them as trained informants in the act of information dissemination which they have been doing diligently for the past two decades.

    The Director-General of the PAC, Dr. Martins John-Oni, who signed the communique also enjoined the police chiefs to promote better cooperation and understanding amongst the PAC, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and other voluntary organizations who perform functions of information dissemination to security agencies.

    Stressing the need for more security consciousness during the end-of-year celebrations, the PAC boss called for more vigilance among the members of the public in maintaining security alertness and ensuring that all suspicious movements are reported to security agencies before such movements could lead to havocs, adding that PAC members are ever committed to keep assisting our security agencies.

  • Saint Joseph ordains two female apostles, others

    Saint Joseph’s Chosen Church of God (SJCCG) has ordained two new female apostles.

    The ordination was highpoint of the 70th anniversary of the church at the St. Joseph Conference Centre Sapele-Warri expressway, Ikwewu Community near Amukpe roundabout in Delta State with the theme; “A new cycle of growth”.

    The two new female apostles were part of the six pastors elevated at the anniversary, which featured lectures geared towards healthy and church growth by experts on different fields.

    They are: Mrs. Charity Ogbonna and Mrs. Clara Aibangbee, who were not originally scheduled but consecrated based on their dedication to the service of God and humanity.

    The remaining new apostles were: James Abache, Friday Inekhomon, Daniel Iwuoha, Godson Emulo.

    Wife of the Spiritual Leader, Apostle Hayford Alile in 2015 became the first female apostle of the church founded by an unlettered Apostle Joseph Anyanwu (1913-1998) in a farm settlement, Cowan Estate, Ajagbodudu.

    Responding to the needs of a growing institution, seven apostles were upgraded and decorated with red cape garment.

    They were: the church’s General Secretary, Apostle Levi Ogbonna; wife of the Spiritual Leader, Apostle Pat Alile; James Ogbu; S.N. Emofonmwan; Emmanuel Nmalagu; Gideon Irerhievwie and Abraham Amadi.

    37 pastors were also decorated with staff and 24 new pastors and several hundreds of other ministers were also ordained in preparation for greater harvests.

    In his charge to the ordainees, the Rector of the church’s bible college, admonished them to be steadfast at all times because when God calls a man, He positions him for specific assignment and only the dedicated can excel.

    “I want us all to return to the old time church. We have allowed worldly things to influence our conducts in the church and when the unexpected happens we will begin to blame others,” he warned.

    He stressed that God doesn’t call people because of their qualifications or background.

    According to him, when God calls a man, He humbles the man, adding “the Church is made for the meek and the humble. God demands from His ministers’ faithfulness and truthfulness. God didn’t give man dominion over man, He gave man dominion over all things.”

    Spiritual Leader of the church, Apostle Harford Alile, said:  “Having sailed through the different seas of life, with my empirical understanding of the corporate world, to the spiritual enlightenment from ecclesiastical, I have come to discover that, the beauty of life is not in the duration but in the donation.

    “It is really not what you get out of life, but rather, the value you add to it. This is the St. Joseph’s story today.

    “We are a selfless ministry and take pride as a people predominantly led by the Holy Spirit, who is the executive head of the church.”

  • Akwa Ibom 2019: How Mbang, Ukpai, others anointed Emmanuel

    It was supposed to be just an interactive session, the very first of its kind in the State. Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel walked into the banquet hall prepared to take tough questions from the fathers of faith.

    On seat were Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria Sunday Mbang; the legendary Dr Uma Ukpai; Archbishop Cletus Bassey; Dr Sylvanus Ukafia and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman in the state, Reverend Ndueso Ekwere and over 200 other church leaders.

    In less than 30 minutes, Emmanuel had covered areas such as industralisation, job creation, healthcare, education and health answering their questions.

    Apparently moved by his impressive answers, 81-year-old Mbang moved a motion for the adoption of Emmanuel for a second term come 2019.

    He said: “One of the things that endear me to the governor is his transparent Christianity. This governor is real and touchable. He has transformed the State in less than three years in office.

    “If you are here and want him to continue, promising to support him with prayers and mobilization please rise to the feet before God and man.”

    There was no single cleric on the seat again. All of them rose with standing ovation to declare support for the governor’s reelection bid.

    Not done, Mbang added:  “We have adopted Udom as our governor for 2019. Udom is the Christian candidate for 2019.

    “We would talk about Udom and governance from the pulpits. He is fighting cult members, kidnappers and criminals without relenting. He is developing and transforming our state.

    “I want this man to come back and continue his good works. Whether they like it or not, Udom will be reelected come 2019.”

    The hall vibrated with excitement. Mbang kept a long face, determined to make his point. Ukpai clapped and clapped. He nodded in complete agreement with Mbang.

    Bassey declared Emmanuel is taking the state to the Promised Land. “This is one man who is unafraid of leading us. We have seen glimpses of the Promised Land and we shall ensure he takes us there.

    “With him, we have witnessed unprecedented development and advancement. We have left Egypt. We have moved closer and closer to the land of God,” he stated.

    Bassey went on:  “In 2015, time happened to you and the church produced in you a worthy governor and ambassador of the church. You came as a prayer answered.

    “In 2015, we crossed the red Sea. As 2019 beckons, we stand before the river Jordan. We have the confidence that He who started with us will perfect it.

    “We are ready to wade into the Jordan River that is opened to you. We know we would be called all kinds of names but we don’t mind. We will pray and work for Akwa Ibom.

    “We will not allow you to walk alone. Your success is the success of the State. We see in you a tool in the hands of God. You have done well as a governor.

    “We are meeting at Gilgal to renew our faith in God and confidence in your leadership. Though your paths be dark, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

    “You will not stumble because we will be there for you. Together we shall overcome the Goliaths.”

    Ekwere declared: “It’s an historic and unprecedented day. We want to say that we love you and appreciate the transformation you have bought to the state.

    “The church bought you up and we are standing by you. The people here pray, defend and fight for you. We love you so much that we will stand by you.”

    Ukpai, who has been smiling and enjoying the spectacle, finally spoke up. “It’s not every day you get a Christian as a politician. He has come to wipe your tears. I am not only asking that we adopt but also pray that God should anoint him more.

    “He came not to repeat but he is sent by God to redeem us. We have overstayed in Horeb. Our own Moses has come. We owe him a prayer support. It is a debt we must pay.

    “I want to thank him for accepting to serve because we are a difficult people. I believe you were sent by God to transform our economy to an industrialised one.

    “God will raise only dedicated and honest men to work with you. Don’t be afraid of anybody because when God has accepted to do something for a man, He must do it,” he declared.

    While the show was on, Emmanuel simply watched in bewilderment. It was his turn to respond to all the fathers of faith said.

    “This is one of the amazing days since I was born. I just cannot believe that this is happening and I feel so humbled and overwhelmed.

    “I have nothing to add than to say once the fathers of faith have spoken, I have no choice but to accept the challenge. This calls for a high level of responsibility and I know you will help me ask God to help me through.”

    He stated the foundation laying ceremony of the ecumenical worship centre he promised during the electioneering campaign will take place on January 21 unfailingly.

    He said the 10,000-seater auditorium will further move Akwa Ibom closer to God, assuring “it will be elegant and simple. I have more burden on it than you can imagine.”

  • Omawumi Megbele, Paul Play Dairo, others for ‘Music Meets Media’

    Omawumi Megbele, Paul Play Dairo, others for ‘Music Meets Media’

    THE 2017 edition of ‘Music Meets Media’ held annually to honour top media personalities is billed to hold on November 30, 2017, at the Tenstrings Urban Center, Lekki Phase, Lagos.

    The event will be hosted by award winning OAP Ariyike Akinbobola.

    As revealed by the organisers, music icon, Omawumi Megbele will be headlining this year’s edition alongside DJ Jimmy Jatt, Yemi Alade, Paul Play Diaro, and MC/Show host and Gbenga Adeyinka among others.

    Media personalities that have been recognised in past editions include Peter Okwoche and Olisa Adibua.

    Speaking on the upcoming event, Bob Alash, CEO of MeetsMedia Event said, “This year’s edition will go beyond expectation because of the iconic touches that will be added to it. As we all know, Paul Play and DJ Jimmy Jatt will be performing on that day, and we all know that they are one of the selected few who have proven to all and sundry that talent and right positioning are keys to recording enduring successes in the music business.”

    The event, which is being put together by MeetsMedia has featured impressive collection of artistes including Banky W, Harrysong, Adekunle Gold, Sound Sultan, Wizboyy, DJ Spinall, Del’B, Olu Maintain and many others.