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  • ‘Security is a collective responsibility’

    The newly-installed monarch of Ayetoro-Budo community in Ayetoro, Ogun State, Oba Adewumi Adeniji has stated that government alone cannot tackle insecurity in the country.

    Speaking at a press briefing in his palace, the monarch noted that the issue of insecurity remains the concern of everybody, hence government should be supported by all agencies and stakeholders involved to put an end to it.

    Oba Adewumi Adeniji stressed that insecurity in the country has become alarming, urging citizens to be security-conscious.

    He said, “The security challenge in the country is mind-boggling, to say the least. You get to hear different frightening stories of murder and kidnap on a daily basis. However, it is the business of every citizen to ensure that the country is safe and secure. Everybody needs to come together to proffer a lasting solution. We should not leave it for the government alone.”

    Read Also: Man arraigned for ‘false information’

    He praised the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari for his sustained efforts towards tackling the scourge of insecurity in the land.

    The monarch disclosed that if everyone supported government in fighting insecurity, the country would experience peace and harmony.

    He said, “If we all rise up to support government in tackling insecurity, we will all benefit from it. Everyone will move freely without fear of being kidnapped, murdered or raped.”

    Oba Adeniji who built a police station in his community, wants community leaders to borrow a leaf from him as a way of demonstrating support for  government.

  • ‘Internet fraudster’ remanded in Kwara

    Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, the state capital, on Wednesday remanded a-36 year old re-arrested suspected internet fraudster Ilorin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned the accused Abolarin Kayode before the court over offences bordering on internet fraud and other fraud related offences.

    The accused was first arraigned in February 2019 before Justice Babagana Ashigar of a Federal High Court in Ilorin but absconded after he was granted bail.

    He ran out of luck in August this year when operatives of the commission traced to G.R.A, Ilorin and got him arrested.

    At yesterday sitting, EFCC arraigned Abolarin on seven count charge before the court presided over by Justice Sikiru Oyinloye.

    Read Also: Man arraigned for ‘false information’

    One of the count reads “that you,  Abolarin Kayode (Alias Lauren Saint) on or about the 6th day of February 2019, in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Kwara state, with intent to defraud, had in your possession a document containing false pretence, to with; a gmail titled paid to drive initiative by your budweiser which you sent to one Chad Bakichan American citizen through your acclaimed email laurensaint345@gmail.com, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 6 read along with section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1 of the same Act.”

  • Xenophobic attack: Oyo promises to assist returnees

    Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan, on Wednesday formally received 30 victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, who are indigenes of the state.

    Olaniyan, who received the returnees on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, assured them of the state government’s assistance.

    He said the assistance would not be monetary “but a proper profiling of the returnees will be done to know specific areas to assist them; thereafter, they would make their proposals.”

    Olaniyan said that the state government would consider those that qualified for government jobs, when the state was ready to recruit workers.

    Read Also: Xenophobia: ECOWAS citizens seek access to African Court

    He enjoined the returnees to abstain from any criminal acts, but see their return to their home-state as an opportunity to excel.

    Olaniyan said the current administration in the state was working hard to provide favourable atmosphere for everyone to prosper.

    The deputy governor announced a donation of a token of N30,000 to each of the 30 returnees as transport allowance back to their respective towns and villages.

    Some of the returnees, Temilade Olakojo, Oluwaseun Okeleye and Bolatito Lawal, pleaded with the state government to assist them, saying they returned to Nigeria with nothing as they had lost everything in South Africa.

  • Man arraigned for ‘false information’

    Ondo State Police Command has arraigned a 39-year old man, John Abiodun before a Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo state capital, for allegedly providing false information on his sworn affidavit before the Commissioner for Oaths to mislead the general public in the state.

    Abiodun was arraigned before Magistrate Ruth Olumilua by the police on allegations of providing false information and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.

    The accused was said to have committed the offence on March 28.

    The charge sheet reads, “That you John Abiodun on the 28th day of March, 2019 at Chief Magistrate Court, Akure did falsely swear to an affidavit on oath before the Commissioner for Oaths knowing fully to be false with intent to mislead members of the public and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 188 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.

    Read Also: Group leader killed in Adamawa

    “That you John Abiodun on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magistrate court made a false statement on oath knowing fully to be false and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 191 of the criminal code cap 37 vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.

    “That you John Abiodun did insult the religion of the Church of God, Promised land Prophetical Ministry, Shasha Area, Akure in order to prevent free officiating and worship of the Church and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 204 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.”

    The prosecuting counsel, Inspector Martins Olowofeso told the court that the accused person has committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under sections 188, 191 and 204 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.

    Inspector Olowofeso however prayed the court to adjourn the case for him to study the case file, adding that he had about four witnesses to call on the matter.

    The accused who was represented by Mrs. Maria Bolorunduro pleaded not guilty to the three count-charge leveled against him.

    Mrs. Bolorunduro urged the court to allow her client to be bailed on liberal terms, saying the offence he was charged with is bailable.

    According to her, the accused person would not jump bail if passionately granted bail, stressing that he is ready to provide a credible surety.

    Magistrate Olomilua granted the accused person to bail on the sum of N500,000 with two sureties who must resident within the court jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit of means.

    Magistrate Olomilua  adjourned the case till October 18 for hearing.

  • Council primaries: Ekiti APC aspirants, reject imposition

    The crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress in Ekiti State on Wednesday deepened as some of its aggrieved local government chairmanship aspirants protested alleged imposition of candidates for the December 7 council election.

    The protesters led by two chairmanship aspirants, Mrs. Tosin Aluko and Tajudeen Gidado, besieged the party secretariat at about 9.30 am to express their grievances.

    The party had last week Saturday suspended primaries in Ado, Ikole and Ekiti East local government areas over alleged security threat and rumour that some members were planning to disrupt the process in a violent manner.

    It was gathered that the Deputy Governor and leader of the party in Ado Ekiti council, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, and 35 others, had picked Mrs. Omotunde Fajuyi against the wishes of the two other aspirants.

    Read Also: Ekiti APC suspends local government primary elections indefinitely

    The two aspirants faulted and rejected the consensus process that produced Fajuyi as the candidate, saying it was a flagrant violation of party’s constitution, which stipulates that there must be indirect primary, when consensus option fails.

    They said the decision didn’t reflect the interest and free will of the party members, saying the principle of internal democracy should not be inhibited, but rather strengthened.

    But the APC State Publicity Secretary, Hon Ade Ajayi, said the party was not interested in the imposition of candidates.

    Ajayi also exonerated Governor Kayode Fayemi of complicity in the crises that dogged the primaries, warning that nobody should bring the governor into the controversial issue.

    He said: “Some group of people came to protest here today and said they rejected the consensus option in Ado Ekiti. They were led by Mrs. Tosin Aluko and Mr. Tajudeen Gidado. They came with placards carrying inscription that they rejected imposition; that they wanted primaries. We have never contemplated imposition as a party.

    “The party will look into their protest vis-a-vis the letter signed by the deputy governor and 35 leaders. You know that the deputy governor is the leader of the party in Ado Ekiti and you know what it means for him to have signed for consensus. The state exco will meet on the issue and take a position.

    “We are not ready to impose anybody and nobody must bring the name of Governor Kayode Fayemi into this matter.”

    Ajayi said the party had set up intervention and reconciliation committees to interface with the aggrieved aspirants on how to resolve the crises trailing the conduct of the primaries in the three councils.

    He said the party took proactive measures by postponing the primaries in the three councils on Saturday upon realising that some hoodlums wanted to hijack the process and burn down some marked houses.

    On the efforts being made to pacify the aggrieved candidates, the APC spokesman said: “We are getting representations from various communities, because we recognise the right of every individual to contest in our party without being deprived.

    “We have invited leaders from Ikole, Ekiti East and Ado Ekiti; so all the issues are being attended to and it will be resolved amicably.”

  • Southwest governors proactive about security challenges, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday said his colleagues in the Southwest geo-political zone are responding comprehensively to various security challenges facing the zone.

    Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman, Southwest Governors Forum, disclosed this in Akure during a church service for the state’s Covenant Renewal Day 2019.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, said the state was working in collaboration with sister states to re-jig the security architecture of the zone to respond adequately to new challenges.

    He said: “It is no longer news that our country is going through security challenges. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to salvage it together.

    “We are doing our best to respond comprehensively to the new challenges. Ondo State is working in collaboration with sister states in Southwestern zone to re-jig the security architecture of the zone to make it respond adequately to the new challenges.

    Read Also: OPC can tackle security in Southwest, says Gani Adams

    “Government has never relented on its efforts to curb crime and criminalities within our boundaries. We will continue this until our people can sleep with their two eyes closed. Nigeria must survive its challenges and it is possible, if we all agree and pray together in unison.”

    The governor described the church service as an opportunity to renew strength and pray to God for future good life for the state.

    He said no government or organisation could achieve craved height without the backing of God.

    Akeredolu, therefore, urged other states of the Federation and the Federal Government to renew their covenant with God on a yearly basis.

    According to him, “There is, therefore, a compelling need for collaboration of all stakeholders in the task of building a virile and egalitarian society.

    “It is indeed heartening to be in the presence of several eminent spiritual leaders of the Christian body for the 2019 edition of this special programme.

    “It will be recalled that I gladly participated in the last edition, because we know that our dear state and indeed Nigeria needs continuous prayers. Our administration, since inception, has partnered the Ondo State chapters of PFN, CAN and other groups, in almost all their programmes and events.”

  • Group leader killed in Adamawa

    Suspected assassins have gunned down the Adamawa State Chairman of Tabital Pulaaku International, Alhaji Abdu Balli.

    Tabital Pulaaku International, known fully in local parlance as Tabital Pulaaku Joondie Jam, is a pan-Fulani group.

    The state government has strongly condemned Balli’s killing, pledging to use every legal instrument and resources available to the state to track down the killers and bring them to book.

    The attackers who struck at the group leader’s residence in Yola town on Tuesday night, also killed a man who was identified as a visitor, and left another visitor critically injured.

    Our correspondent gathered Tuesday morning that three gunmen stormed the Tabital Pulaaku chairman’s house in Lakare area of Yola town about 8:30 pm on Tuesday and opened gunfire on the man and his visitors, killing him and one of his two visitors and injuring the other.

    A source said, “Alhaji was inside the house with two people who were on a visit when three armed men came shooting sporadically and entering the house. They killed Alhaji and one of the visitors while the other visitor was left badly injured.”

    The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Sulaiman Ngurore, confirmed the incident Wednesday morning.

    Read Also: Traditional ruler killed in Lagos

    He said, “When we were alerted, we rushed there and found the Tabital Pulaaku chairman and his visitor lying in pools of blood. We took them and another visitor who was injured to the hospital where the chairman and his other visitor were confirmed dead.”

    The PPRO added that men and officials from all relevant police units had been deployed to fish out the killers and have them prosecuted.

    Responding to the killings, the state governor, Rt Hon Ahmadu Fintiri, said Wednesday afternoon that he was deeply touched that precious lives had been taken to cast a dark pall on the celebration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary.

    In s press statement released from Government House Yola and signed by the Director General, Media and Communications, Solomon Kumangar, Governor Fintiri condoled the families of the deceased and wished those injured quick recovery.

  • ‘A soldiers’ soldier at 80’  

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi pays tribute to 80 year-old Gen. Alani Akinrinade for his pro-democracy activities, military professionalism and commitment to the rule of law and the cause of national unity.

    I’ most delighted to contribute this tribute to a leader who has affected me positively in my own growth trajectory, General Alani Akinrinade as he clocks eighty. His spartan reputation loomed large even before the privilege of meeting him. He was the intrepid barnstormer in the 3rd Marine Commando that played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s eventual victory in the Civil War. He was also the General Officer Commanding the First Division, who told Colonel Bukar Sukar Dimka that it was in his best interest to change his mind about the 1976 coup before he marched down south with his troops to overrun him and his band of coup plotters. Soldiers talked about him in hushed tones but with bated breath and barely concealed admiration. Contemporaries regard him as the quintessential exemplary soldier. It was no surprise that he went on to attain the highest levels in his chosen career – first as Chief of Army Staff and subsequently as Chief of Defence Staff under President Shehu Shagari even before he turned 50.

    General Akinrinade was a soldiers’ soldier. Brave, bold, intrepid and professional in his chosen trade. He is also self -effacing to a fault. He would rather operate in the shadows than call attention to himself. Yet he is a patriot to the core, one who is never afraid of speaking truth to power and challenging any status quo that is not delivering development to the downtrodden.

    Although I met him first as a research student writing a doctoral thesis on defence planning in Nigeria, my relationship with him  has grown from one of a detached academic observer to a mentee and an adopted son. I have had the privilege of working closely with him in the quest of making Nigeria a truly Federal republic at home and abroad and have seen him agonize over missed opportunities in our country over the years. What becomes clear very early  to anyone who knows General Akinrinade is his abhorrence of oppression. Whether he is defending the Ogoni in the Niger Delta or protecting the rights of the small and medium scale enterprises as Industry and Agriculture Minister, he is never tired of being the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the defenseless. For that, he suffered greatly. Not only did he become persona non grata in the country he fought to keep united, assassins were sent after him for his audacity to speak truth to power. His Opebi, Lagos house was fire bombed and his Yakoyo residence ransacked. His family suffered greatly in the hands of those not even fit to tie his shoelace.

    There are many who now bestride the Nigerian political space like the colossus with scant acknowledgment of General Akinrinade’s role in making this democratic process possible. I should know. I was involved in that process and could speak authoritatively about the role General Akinrinade played. In fact, written  about it in my book, Out of the Shadows.  I know that I’m a beneficiary of his generosity of spirit and of his extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s complexities. Yet there are many who are also beneficiaries of the General’s goodwill without the decency of openly confirming this.

    One of his most unique qualities is the fact that he is an unapologetic Nigerian nationalist as he is a proud Yoruba patriot. His position on the distortions that have bedraggled the Nigerian state is well known. His critique of the creeping unitarism brought about partly by military incursion into politics is also well documented. And he has proffered solutions by arguing largely for competitive and cooperative federalism – particularly the type that strengthen minority segments of the country.

    Today at 80, I’m almost certain that he is not happy about the state of affairs in our beloved country. But with his incurable optimism and his unflagging determination, General Akinrinade has defied stereotypes and become one of the most dashing 80 year olds in this clime. And that is why we cannot let go of him in these difficult times. The leadership that is needed in troubled times like this requires the experience, courage and non-partisan direction of his type. Although he has always avoided been put in a position in which leadership is thrust upon him, it is clear as the elders say, Ti Ina o ba tan laso, eje ki tan Lekan na. Our country needs guardian angels right now  and they don’t come any better than General Akinrinade.

    General, sir! The job is not done. Your children and mentees in the saddle still need you. They need your wise counsel, they need your network, they need your clarity of vision, they need your sincerity of purpose. We need your consensual, purpose-driven leadership.

    Happy Birthday sir…..Igba Odun, Odun kan oo.

  • Akinrinade, a fighter for democracy, rule of law, says Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu extols the virtues of Gen. Alani Akinrinade, who is celebrating his 80th birthday today.

    All Progressives Congress National Stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has paid a special tribute to former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade, as he clock 80 on October 3rd, 2019, describing him a fighter for democracy, rule of law and social justice with whom he was in the trenches during the military era.

    He said General Akinrinade is a true democrat, an unrelenting fighter for rule of law and social justice and a statesman extraordinary who served and continues to serve his country with all that he has: “his intellect, energy, power, doggedness and commitment”.

    Asiwaju said in the emotional tribute: “Whether in the army or in retirement, General Alani Akinrinade deployed all he is endowed with to accomplish whatever tasks he is given or to the goals he sets for himself. He served and continues to serve his country with all that he has: his intellect, energy, power, doggedness and commitment. He served the military meritoriously and faithfully. Given his brilliance and tenacity, he rose to the pinnacle of the military profession as Chief of Army Staff and later Chief of Defence Staff, appointed to help in stabilizing the new civilian government then in 1979 during the Second Republic.  He, however, quit barely a year after, retiring from the military, as it were, at just 38.

    “The circumstance of General Akinrinade’s retirement is a testament to his impeccable character and good qualities. Sensing that some in the then President Shehu Shagari government he was left behind by the military to assist feared there could be issues of trust in his position, General Akinrinade put in his resignation letter in order not to compromise himself and the principles he stood for. This was to the discomfiture of President Shagari and some top Yoruba functionaries in that NPN government who tried to prevail on him to change his mind. That is not in his character. Once he is convinced in a course of action and makes his decision, General Akinrinade I know does not look back.

    “For close to 30 years that our paths have crossed in the field of struggle for the termination of military rule in Nigeria and political emancipation of Nigerians, General Akinrinade has not changed a bit. He is a true democrat, an unrelenting fighter for rule of law and social justice and a statesman extraordinary. He is very political, though not a politician. After the annulment of the June 12 election, General Akinrinade was among the few of us who formed NADECO to demand the de-annulment of that election. From the Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba which he belonged to and where he first espoused robust engagement with the military forces over the annulment, he later agreed that a bit of force was needed to actualise June 12 and correct the ills in the system. We were in the trenches together with General Akinrinade. Together, we were forced on exile from where we continued the struggle. A combatant soldier who is no stranger to battles, he provided direction and leadership for us in the push back against the annulment.

    “General Akinrinade deserves all the accolades he is getting today. He deserves our gratitude. He is one of those who sacrificed for the democracy we enjoy in the country today. For democracy, he suffered untold deprivation. He was hounded endlessly by agents of the military dictator. His house was burnt down, his business crippled. We thank God that the General bounced back and he is living well to witness the democracy he fought for and to tell his story of conviction, courage and victory to the younger generations.

    “General Akinrinade has remained who he is -humble, modest, firm and focused on changing our society for better. He lives a Spartan way of life, radiating simplicity, happiness and self-contentment. Indeed, the General has lived a good life. His patriotism, commitment to democracy, rule of law, social justice and worthy causes and his simple way of life deserves to be emulated.

    “Though he is now gradually retiring to a life in the quietude of his ancestral home, Nigeria still needs his services, his wise counsel. We need his constant intervention in national politics.  I wish General Akinriande a wonderful 80th birthday. My prayers for him is that God grant him more years, good health and renewed energy to continue to be who he is and continue to contribute to national development.”

  • Stop visiting MDAs for favour, Umar Na’abba tells lawmakers

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba, on Wednesday warned against the conduct lawmakers who go cap in hand to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in search of favours, saying such action demean their status as lawmakers.

    Na’abba spoke just as Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the House will henceforth exercise the full authority of the legislature in exercising its oversight functions in furtherance of its objective of ensuring national development, peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

    The former speaker of the House, Ghali Umar Na’abba who insisted that the legislature is an important arm of government said lawmakers who go in search of favour from the executive were demeaning their status as an important arm of government.

    Na’abba described committees work as the engine room of the legislature as they provide Members Avenue for robust debate on issues before they are brought to the whole house for final deliberation.

    Read Also: Stop linking APC candidate, Agip to terrorism, lawmaker tells Dickson

    Gbajabiamila who spoke while inaugurating the 105 House Standing Committees told his colleagues to use the opportunity provided by their membership of the committees to prove to Nigerians that they deserve the mandate given to them by the electorates.

    He challenged the committees not to be guided by personal interest, but ensure that their services are motivated only by considerations that are in the best interest of the country.

    He said: “The legislative committee system is as old as the legislature itself, and it is through these committees that most of the work of the legislature is done, and accomplishments are achieved.

    “Whatever the judgment of history will be for this 9th House of Representatives, whether for good or not, will depend largely on the conduct and the activities of the committees we are inaugurating today.

    “In constituting these committees, the leadership of the House of Representatives, have taken our time to ensure that members are assigned to committees that fit perfectly with their legislative interests and priorities, their prior experience and skills as well as the identified needs of the constituencies they represent.

    “It is now left to you; Chairmen and members, to go forward and show yourself capable of meeting the responsibilities to which you have been assigned and deserving of the mandate which you hold in trust for the Nigerian people.

    “I charge you to be dutiful in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities of oversight and law-making, taking every care to ensure that at all times your conduct is without reproach, and your service is motivated only by considerations of the best interests of our country.

    ”You know as well as I do, that our country is at this time contending with serious challenges on multiple fronts. From the economy to national security, social justice to healthcare, infrastructure to the environment and climate change, this is a time that calls for determined efforts to achieve substantive reform and ensure that our country can overcome its challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that abound for economic advancement and social development. I trust that as you recognise these realities, your efforts will reflect this recognition, and be motivated therefrom.

    “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government for their cooperation and collaboration. It is only through our joint efforts that we can meet the objectives of the administration and keep the promises we have made to the Nigerian people.

    “We in the House of Representatives intend without reservation to exercise the full authority of the legislature as it relates to the oversight of the MDAs. However, our purposes are not punitive, neither are our intentions adversarial, but in furtherance of our shared objectives of national development, peace, progress and prosperity for all.”

    He directed the ad – hoc committees on the Niger Delta Development Commission and that on the Ports and Harbours are to conclude their investigations and submit their reports October 4.

    He also asked all other ad – hoc committees are to conclude their activities and submit their reports before the 14th of October 2019, adding that already, the House has begun to act on some of  the issues they have unearthed and the recommendations they have made, assuring that “these efforts will continue through the respective standing committees.”

    He maintained that “the job of nation-building is a joint task and the ambitions we have for our country can only be achieved through the dedicated efforts of every citizen, especially those of us elected officials in whom our fellow citizens have invested their hopes, their dreams and their expectations of a better life for themselves and a better future for their children.

    “We must never lose sight of this reality as to do so will be a betrayal of our commitments to God and country.”

    Former House leaders included Na’abba, Mrs Olubunmi Patricia-Ette, former House Leader Mullikat Akande, Abdul Ningi, former Clerks of the house among others attended the inauguration.