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  • Obaseki, dignitaries storm Ekpoma for Ambrose Alli’s 30th memorial

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Sunday, September 22, lead a retinue of high society icons in business, academia and politics to Emuado in Ekpoma, Edo state, for the 30th Memorial Day Celebration of former Governor of old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states), late Prof. Ambrose Alli.

    In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the governor has made the Memorial Day celebration an annual event to mark the enormous contributions of late Prof. Ambrose Alli to the development of Edo and Delta states.

    He said, “We were in Emuado, Ekpoma last year to mark the 29th Memorial Day celebrations. This year, Governor Godwin Obaseki will also lead a large entourage to the same town to celebrate the late Ambrose Alli. We are proud of what he represents and his achievements while he lived.

    “A lot of middle-aged Edo people enjoyed the numerous projects and policies implemented by the late Ambrose Alli. They benefitted from him in one way or the other, so much so that their lives were positively impacted. A good number of them would have attended either one of the over 600 secondary schools or the Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University). So, for them, it is an opportunity to once again pay homage to a quintessential leader and an enviable son of the state.”

    Read Also: Obaseki nominates Iyase as commissioner

    The governor’s aide maintained that the former governor of old Bendel State has his name etched in gold in the state as, during his stint as governor, the state witnessed remarkable records in governance and probity in public life.

    He said the governor will be leading the delegation to Emuado, for the memorial mass service, which will host a lot of people from within the state and across the country.

    According to him, “A Memorial Mass will hold at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Emaudo, Ekpoma. There will also be laying of wreath and a lecture at Ambrose Alli’s compound, in Emuado, Ekpoma.”

    Late Prof. Alli was a Professor of Morbid Anatomy, and governed old Bendel State from 1979 to 1983.

  • Unauthorized activities: FAAN seals off business outlets at Lagos Airport

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during the week sealed off some business outlets and shops at the cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos over unauthorized activities.

    The directive to carry out the sanitization exercise, sources hinted was on the orders of its managing director, Captain Hamisu Yadudu.

    Part of business outlets sealed off at the cargo wing of the airport, it was learnt include food vendors, clearing and cargo agents offices and other businesses at the terminal.

    Investigations reveal that FAAN management was irked over the uncouth attitude of some of the business outlets, who besides operating crossed the threshold in terms of time of operations at the airport.

    Read Also: FAAN to close Enugu airport runway August 24

    Sources hinted that some of the affected outlets were using their premises for unauthorized activities not covered by the terms of their contractual agreement with the airport authority.

    Irked over the unauthorized activities, the FAAN boss, the source said has insisted that the sealed off premises will remain closed until the operators sign a performance bond to desist from activities that will subject them to ridicule.

    Investigations reveal that FAAN has set up a task force to sanitize the activities of persons carrying out business at the cargo section of the terminal.

  • PDP denies reported romance between Dickson, Petroleum minister

    The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Network has called on Bayelsans to ignore a wild rumour being peddled by unscrupulous characters about a purported meeting between Governor Dickson and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.

    The Secretary-General of the PDPYN, Mr. James Oputin, urged Bayelsans to ignore the unfounded rumour which he described as a product of mischief.

    He said that the politicians behind the rumour were scared of the growing internal cohesion within the PDP ahead of the April 16, 2019 gubernatorial election in the state contrary to their expectations.

    Oputin also advised the members and supporters of the PDP to ignore the false story designed to malign the leadership of the party in Bayelsa.

    He said that the surreptitious design to put unnecessary doubts in the minds of well-meaning supporters of the party in the state should be resisted.

    The PDPYN Scribe said that Governor Dickson and the leadership òf the PDP did not need any meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress to win the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

    He stated also while it was possible for Governor Dickson to host Chief Timipre Sylva in his capacity as the minister from Bayelsa in the Federal cabinet, it is sad that some APC members are peddling deliberate misinformation to deceive Bayelsans about a meeting that did not take place.

    Read Also: How I will govern Bayelsa, by Lyon

    Oputin stressed that the same set of people from the All Progressives Congress were behind the story that Sylva supported David Lyon because he wanted to give the governorship to the PDP.

    He advised the uninformed people behind the fake story to focus their attention on their electoral campaign rather than the failed attempt to plant discord within the PDP.

    Oputin noted that the PDP and its followers would not be distracted by disgruntled elements of the APC who are battling to divert attention from the challenge of marketing a gubernatorial misnomer as their candidate in Bayelsa.

    He insisted that Bayelsa is the stronghold of the PDP and would continue to remain so.

    He challenged those behind the rumour to prove the veracity of their story by providing photographic evidence of the said meeting to convince Bayelsans or remain silent.

  • Okene-Lokoja road an eyesore, says Bello

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Logo State, has described the deplorable condition of Okene-Lokoja federal road as an eyesore.

    He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to immediately commence with the rehabilitation of the road to alleviate the sufferings of commuters.

    The governor who made the call on Saturday, while on his way to Okene, said that his administration had intervened in the maintenance of the road in the past.

    He lamented that such maintenance work cannot stand the test of time due to heavy vehicular traffic on the road.

    According to him: “Constant damages done to the road by heavy vehicles, cannot be sustained through maintenance by the state government, due to dearth of funds.”

    Read Also: Kogi, Bayelsa polls: PDP steps up efforts to unite aggrieved members

    He expressed displeasure over the hardship suffered by commuters that Travers the road.

    “They are citizens who have fulfilled their civic rights by electing their leaders at all levels of government, therefore, they do not deserve to spend days on a journey they would have made in hours,” he said.

    He appealed to the Minister of Works and Housing, to as a matter of urgency look into the condition of Lokoja-Okene-Ekiti road, saying that, “as the major road that connects the North and the Southern part of the country, the road suffers heavy traffic and so, millions of Nigerians suffer the deplorable condition of the road.”

  • Air Force neutralises several terrorists in Borno

    Scores of Boko Haram Terrorists have been killed in three different locations in Borno State as the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted air interdictions against them.

    According to the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Ibikunle Daramola, several of the terrorists’ structures and hideouts were destroyed as well.

    Daramola announced in a statement that the airstrikes were carried out following credible intelligence information on the activities of the terrorists in the locations.

    Daramola said: “In continuation of its sustained air offensive against terrorist elements in the Northeast of the country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has neutralized scores of terrorists and destroyed their hideouts in separate airstrikes conducted at Durbada (also known as Bula Mongoro), Abaganaram and Tumbun Rego in Borno State.

    “The raids were executed between 13 and 20 September 2019 based on credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports, which were also corroborated by confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, that identified locations within the settlements that served as hideouts for the terrorists.

    Read Also: Airforce denies dropping weapons for herdsmen in Enugu

    “At Durbada, a staging post from where the terrorists launch attacks against own troops locations, the intelligence particularly indicated that a high value Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) leader had been haboured at the location for a number of days.

    “The ATF therefore scrambled its aircraft yesterday, 20 September 2919, to attack the identified harbour positions within the settlement.

    “The attack aircraft scored accurate hits on the targeted locations, destroying some of the buildings and neutralizing dozens of the terrorists.

    “The earlier attacks on Abaganaram and Tumbun Rego, which are both on the fringes of the Lake Chad, similarly resulted in massive destruction of the terrorists’ structures as well as the killing of several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

    “The NAF will sustain the tempo of effort, operating in concert with surface forces, to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the Northeast of the country. “

  • Falana to FG: Propose Money Bill before implementing increase in VAT

    Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to propose a Money Bill to the National Assembly before the implementation of the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

    Falana told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja, said that the National Assembly (NASS) erred by inviting the Minister of Finance and the Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to clarify issues of VAT increment.

    According to him, provisions of the constitution states that the President ought to have presented a money bill to be passed by the NASS before the increment.

    “It’s illegal, under a democratic dispensation you cannot impose tax or increase tax without a law made by the National Assembly or the State Assembly as the case may be.

    “In this case, it has to be realised that we are not under a military dictatorship.

    “By virtue of section 59 of the Nigerian Constitution, any increase, levy or tax will have to be presented to the National Assembly by way of money Bill by the President, it has to be passed into law.

    “The Senate erred in law by inviting them to come and clarify, the National Assembly has invited the Minister of Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Services to come and clarify.

    Read Also: VAT: What you need to know about ‘proposed increase’ from 5% – 7.5%

    ” No, the National Assembly must insist on its powers under Section 59 to pass a law to increase VAT or any tax, there can be no taxation without a legislation.

    “The Federal Executive Council has no power under the Constitution to increase VAT or any tax in the country,” Falana said.

    NAN recalls that the Federal Executive Council had last Wednesday approved the increment of VAT from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

    The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, had explained that the increase would only begin after the VAT Act was amended by the National Assembly and after consultations with the state and local government areas as well as the Nigerian populace.

    According to her, our projection is to finish consultations early enough so that it takes effect in 2020.

    She further disclosed that the FEC approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategic Paper, MTEF/FSP for 2020 to 2022, which will guide the 2020 Budget.

    The Minister also said the next step was to present the document to the National Assembly for consideration.

  • A/Ibom: I won’t impose a successor – Gov Emmanuel

    Amidst political speculations and postulations against 2023, Governor Udom Emmanuel has diffused plan to seek third term using a surrogate as a successor.

    The Governor cleared the air while interacting with the leadership and some members of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, foremost socio cultural organization of the Ibibio youths, that stormed Government House gate to herald his arrival following his victory at the Governorship petitions tribunal.

    “I usually hear people saying he has anointed someone who will take over from him so that he can be able to manipulate the person to do his bidding after leaving office, I want to assure you that it is not true”

    “As I Speak, it is only God who knows who my successor will be. When He presents him, we will support him to also succeed,” the Governor said.

    He used the opportunity to commend Mboho for the role it has played in maintaining peace in our dear state. The peace of Akwa Ibom State will never be shaken” Mr. Emmanuel added

    Mr. Emmanuel whose arrival from Abuja was greeted by different crowds of supporters right from the airport through to the city center, thanked all Akwa Ibomites and the Association for their surprise welcome

    He appreciated the Mboho for uniting in support to him, despite all odds, during the election, and urged them to continue supporting his administration to achieve the completion agenda.

    Read Also;  Tribunal upholds Emmanuel’s election

    Earlier, the President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akpawara Patrick Edwin Udofia said the association came to register their goodwill to the State Chief Executive on his second term confirmation by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    Meanwhile, thousands of youths, women groups, members of the political class and the state executive council members thronged the Victor Attah International Airport to celebrate with the Governor on the victory at the Election Petition Tribunal.

    Among the dignitaries to receive the Governor who arrived the state from an official function in Abuja, were the Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo, the chairman PDP Obong Paul Ekpo,Secretary to state govt. Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Head of service, Elder Effiong Essien among other Exco members.

    Reacting to the verdict, Governor Emmanuel dedicated the Victory to Only God and Akwa Ibom people for the love demonstrated at the polls and affirmed by the Judiciary.

    He said that his administration is committed to deliver on the Campaign promise of an economic and socially viable state bonded in love and unity.

    The State chief executive said he is passionate about youth employment, industrialization, Education and infrastructure across the length and breadth of the state.
    He thanked the people for the show of love and the judiciary for being the last hope of the common man by upholding the Truth.

     

    NAN

  • Fatoyinbo never raped Busola, says COZA

    The leadership of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), on Saturday officially broke its silence over the lingering alleged rape by it’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo.

    COZA authoritatively disclosed that Fatoyinbo never raped Busola, wife of celebrity musician, Timi Dakolo, who claimed that Fatoyinbo raped her in 2002 when she was 17 years old.

    The church said: “We see this ugly development fuelled by envy and sheer jealousy as an unnecessary distraction and a fight from the pit of hell against the ministry that God gave Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo, as well as a declaration of war against the Church of Christ to which COZA is a flourishing branch under God’s grace.”

    A statement issued in Abuja by the Executive Senior Assistant to the Senior Pastor of COZA, Ademola Adetuberu said: “As a result of the recent unprovoked satanic campaign of calumny orchestrated against the leadership and members of our church, Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) by agents of darkness, the church would like to break its silence and clear certain misconception and misinformation being churned out in order to misguide members of the church, public and relevant authorities that we do not support rape.

    Read Also: Alleged rape scandal: COZA pastor Fatoyinbo fights back

    “We stand with anyone who has been a victim of rape. We stand by our Founding and Senior Pastor, Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo, who has been at the receiving end of organized blackmail and all sorts of attacks because of his innocence and we are sure that our faithful and unfailing God will vindicate him very soon.

    “As for Busola Dakolo, justice will soon be served. We would like to, again, for the record reiterate that our Senior Pastor, Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo has never had anything personal to do with her. Busola was not raped by Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo and she had never been in a relationship with him either.

    “We are not unaware that certain pastors that felt threatened by the unprecedented growth of COZA and the grace of God upon His Servant are after some of our members, just making every effort to cash in on the attack against God’s servant. There was nothing they had not done behind the scene until this rape scandal. They are accusing our Pastor of snatching their members. Some are even asking why he couldn’t remain in Ilorin. Our focus is the Kingdom of God and winning souls for Christ. COZA is home to those who have sold out to Jesus. At COZA, we believe that every sent servant of God has his or her harvest field given to him or her by God and not by poaching souls or believers of another ministry.”

    COZA urged: “those sponsoring these evils to desist however if they do not, the God of vengeance will visit them. They should let Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo continue freely with his divine mandate that our Lord Jesus Christ gave him. It is ungodly and sinful to be used by satan against the anointed.”

  • JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap ASUP chair, four others in Oyo

    The Chairman Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igbo-Ora, Mr. Opadijo Olujide, his secretary, Gbenga Alayande and three others have been kidnapped.

    It was gathered they were returning from a union meeting on Thursday in Saki when the incident occurred.

    A source said that four kidnapped comrades are members of the school chapter of ASUP while the other victim is one of their wives.

    “It is true. It happened on Thursday. They were returning from a union meeting in Saki. Five of them were kidnapped. Four of them are staff members of the school. The other one is wife of one of the victims.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap rescuers of Bayelsa accident victims in Rivers

    “The school authorities have been making frantic effort to secure their freedom. The police are monitoring the situation. The Commissioner of Police was in Igbo-ora in the morning (Friday).The school is being careful. But the school may update the public when it gets updates,” a source said.

    Police Public Relations Officers(PPRO) of Oyo State Police Command Olugbenga Fadeyi confirmed the incident.

    The PPRO said:”Some lecturers were abducted at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-ora. The police is on the top of the situation.

    The Commissioner of Police went there in the morning for on-the-spot assessment. Other developments will be unveiled.”

  • Protest in Ughelli over alleged SARS shooting

    Residents of Ughelli in Delta State have protested the alleged killing of a young man simply identified as Mr. Patrick by agents of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    SARS operatives had reportedly pulled the trigger on the victim’s leg for refusing them access to his phone.

    The incident was said to have happened on Thursday morning around Makolomi Street near Upper Agbarho area of Ughelli.

    The SARS team were further alleged to have left the victim at the scene with blood gushing out of his wounds.

    It was gathered policemen from the Ughelli station later rushed the victim to the Ughelli Central Hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.

    A witness reported: “The young man did not do anything. SARS operatives who were patrolling the area on Thursday stopped the victim and demanded that he must open his phone for them but he declined.

    “The operatives started beating him until they collected the phone from him but he refused. He is a very humble boy in the area.

    “When the incident was happening it was the women in the area that were bold enough to challenge them. When others were still flogging him, one of the operatives opened fire on his leg. They jumped into the vehicle and left.

    Read Also; Alleged rape scandal: COZA pastor Fatoyinbo fights back

    “It was other police officers from the Ughelli Police Station that came to rush to the man to hospital. He is there at the hospital as we speak.”

    Residents, including women and youths, took to the streets to protest the development.

    It was learnt that the protesters who set fire on tyres on major roads leading to the Ughelli Area Command called for an end to SARS operations, positing that several innocent persons have died from their onslaught.

    One of the protesters, who only gave his name as Igho, called on police authorities in the state to ensure that justice was served the victim.

    He said: “We no longer move freely because of SARS in Ughelli. Once they see two or three youths walking together, the next thing you will see is SARS operatives searching their phones.

    “We cannot continue like this. The police authorities should investigate the incident and stop their men from maltreating people,” he stated.
    Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeyinka Adeleke, said it was not clear if it was a policeman that shot the victim.
    “Somebody was shot but we do not know if it was a policeman that shot the person,” the CP stated.