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  • VC, Corps Dean, want hate speeches criminalized

    Prof. Michael Adikwu, Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, and Prof. Al-Hassan Conteh, Deputy Dean of African Diplomatic Corps, have underscored the need to criminalize hate speech in order to curb it.

    They spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on sideline of activities marking the 25th anniversary week of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda on Friday in Abuja.

    They decried hate speeches as abusive speeches or writings that could express prejudice against a particular group especially on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation.

    They, therefore, urged governments at all level to exercise political will to criminalize hate speech in order to achieve the desired positive goals.

    Adikwu said although hatred is not learnt, there is the need to sensitize people early enough to abhor hate speeches and guard against its potential negative effects such as genocide.

    According to him, human character is such that it emits hatred, which is why the university collaborated with Rwandan Embassy to sensitize people that hatred was not beneficial.

    Read Also: Yoruba elders warn against hate speech

    Adikwu said: “We keep talking about hate speech and the aim is to prevent something like genocide, but I also believe that there is no human problem that cannot be solved.

    “More so, we do not lack the capacity to solve our problems; I believe we have enough people with brain capacity to solve our problems.

    “If we work very hard, there is no human problem without solution; so what we are stressing here is the need to sit-up to prevent genocide in future, particularly in Nigeria.”

    On his part, Conteh, who is also Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, urged governments to be steadfast in the promotion of peace and solidarity.

    Conteh said: “absence of peace leads to lot of things, especially this terrible event that took place in Rwanda in 1994.

    “The lesson we must learn now is that reconciliation is very necessary; as such, governments must begin to criminalize hate speeches that are fast destroying the fabrics of society.”

    NAN

  • 9th NASS: Our challenges have no party, tribe or religion, says Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has said that the ninth National Assembly would rise above political, religious, and ethnic divides to address the myriads of challenges facing Nigeria.

    Ekweremadu spoke at a dinner to mark the end of the orientation programme organised for the members-elect of the incoming National Assembly in Abuja.

    The Enugu West lawmaker, who described the National Assembly as a microcosm of Nigeria, observed that bringing together the members-elect from across the country had not only helped them to garner basic legislative knowledge but also to familiarise with one another and better appreciate the peculiar challenges faced by various parts of the country.

    Ekweremadu said: “After elections comes the onerous business of governance and I am greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and determination of Distinguished Senator and Honourable Members-elect to rise above narrow politics.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu donates classroom to Hausa community

    “It gladdens the heart that Members-elect are aware that once sworn-in as Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic, we are bound by our oath of office and House Rules to always act in the overall interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being, and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are bound by these instruments to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We may all have come in different vehicles as represented by our various political parties but poverty and hunger faced by the masses of Nigeria have no political party.

    “We may profess different religions, but the insecurity taking high tolls on our people has no religion.

    “Therefore, it is imperative and we are indeed inclined to work as a team for the peace, justice, equity, and national prosperity, irrespective of political leanings and diversities.

    “Ours is a call to service, a call to deliver democracy dividends, a call to meet the expectations of our people and a call to ensure that the government of Nigeria works for the people of Nigeria and I have no doubt whatsoever that we will deliver on our mandates.”

  • Patience Jonathan: Court hears oral evidence in $8.4m forfeiture suit

    A Federal High Court Lagos on Friday took oral evidences in a suit seeking final forfeiture of about 8.4 million dollars, and N7.4 billion found in accounts linked to a former first Lady, Patience Jonathan.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured an interim order for forfeiture of the sums on April 20, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, following a motion exparte it filed.

    Joined as respondents in the suit are: Patience Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd and Magel Resort Ltd and Esther Oba.

    On Oct. 29, 2018, EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had moved his motion for final forfeiture of the sums, urging that same be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Meanwhile, defence counsel, Messrs Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Mr Ige Asemudara had respectively moved their processes in opposition to the motion for final forfeiture.

    On Jan. 15, the court had admitted electronic evidences presented by respondent counsel, which depicted video exhibits showing various business outfits of the third and sixth respondents.

    Read Also: Court gives Saraki, Dogara, 52 others 5 days to respond to suit challenging defection

    The court had then adjourned until Feb. 28, for judgment.

    On Feb. 28, the judge had first dismissed an application by counsel to the respondents, seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture orders made on April 20, 2018.

    Meanwhile, giving its ratio on the motion for final forfeiture, the court held that it finds the affidavit evidences conflicting, adding that same can only be resolved if the parties concerned are called upon to give oral evidences.

    When trial resumed on Friday, EFCC counsel (Oyedepo) called a witness, Mr Chukwuma Orji, who deposed to some of the affidavits, and he made adoptions before the court.

    Referring to his role in the course of investigation into the case, Orji told the court that he was Head of EFCC task force in Lagos, and named some of his team members as Ogare Ogbore, Idris Adamu. Abdullahi Tukur, Shehu, among others.

    He said that he came across the account of Global Integrated Services Ltd, A. M P. M Global Network, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd, and Margel Resort Ltd, adding that he also came across an account name captured as Patience J.

    Orji also adopted an affidavit deposed to by one of the team members, (Ogare Ogbore), and an objection by defence counsel was overruled by the court.

    The witness confirmed sums of money lodged into a First Bank account and also confirmed that the first respondent was a public officer, who worked with the Bayelsa State government, adding that he annexed documents to exhibit same.

    He confirmed that the monies sought to be forfeited by the EFCC, are in dollars, whereas, the receipts of sale of proceeds were in Naira.

    According to him, the money being transferred by Bola Shagaya were in dollars and converted to Naira, which emanated from Aso rock, adding that same was from unlawful activities of first respondent.

    Under cross examination by first defence counsel (Adedipe), the witness reiterated that he was part of the team of investigators in the case.

    When asked if he was aware that the first respondent was Nigeria’s First Lady under President Goodluck Jonathan, he replied Yes.

    On whether he was aware that the former First Lady had a pet programme known as Women for Change at the time, the witness replied that his investigations revealed that the programme was used to receive and conceal proceeds of crime.

    On if that was the provision of the programme’s constitution, the witness replied that while the constitution says something different, its purpose was different.

    When asked if the government of Bayelsa and Edo had complained to the commission, that the funds volunteered to the Women for Change was by force, the witness replied “I didn’t investigate to know if it was paid by force.”

    On whether he knew if Bola Shagaya was a friend to the former First Lady, the witness replied that he only discovered from investigations that they were co-conspirators.

    “Have they been charged to court, ” Witness replied “It is not my duty, ”

    Adedipe then said “I suggest to you that you are not a witness of the truth, ” and the witness replied “You are wrong. ”

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  • Breaking: Umahi suspends auditor-general, others

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Friday suspended the Auditor-General of the state, Mr Innocent Nwida from office over the latest communal crisis in the state.

    The governor also suspended other elected and appointed office holders from Igbeagu Community in the Izzi Local Government Area of the state because of the crisis.

    On April 9, Umahi suspended the chairmen of Ikwo and Abakaliki Local Government Councils and all elected and appointed office holders from Enyibichiri in Ikwo and Enyigba in Abakaliki over a communal clash.

    Dr Kenneth Ugbala, Commissioner for Border, Peace and Internal Security, announced the suspension of the officials while addressing newsmen after the governor’s meeting with people from Igbeagu Community, involved in a boundary dispute with Ukele community in Cross River.

    Ugbala noted that the suspension, which took immediate effect would elapse when peace returned to the communities.

    “The affected persons include the Auditor-General of the state, Mr Innocent Nwida, Mr Cletus Nwakpu, Project Coordinator of the FADAMA 3 programme and His Royal Highness, Ogbonnaya Ukwa, among other political office holders.

    “The issue of whether the governor has the constitutional right to suspend the elected officers does not arise because they are constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of their people.

    “However, when an elected officer fails to perform this function, he has violated the constitution and should either resign, be suspended or charged to court.

    “The courts would interpret such issues further and we are expecting such situations with this decision taken,” Ugbala said.

    Read Also:  Umahi suspends two LG chairmen over communal clashes

    The commissioner berated the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for its inability to permanently resolve the bound disputes, including others in several parts of the state.

    “We sometimes doubt the sincerity of the Federal Government in settling such crisis and view the NBC as a toothless bulldog.

    “It has made several visits to the disputed areas even before the inception of the present administration but no decision has been made.

    “It is not our duty to demarcate the boundaries and the state government has attended all meetings convened by the NBC, being always disposed to peace.

    “We urge the commission to live up to its responsibilities because no land is worth the lives of the citizens.

    “The commission only makes ‘urban carol’ visits to the areas whenever there are clashes and we urge the media to mandate it to perform its duties.”

    The commissioner noted that Umahi would visit the affected areas on Saturday to assess the extent of damage and find a permanent solution to the crisis.

    “Stakeholders from the areas are enjoined to enlighten their people on ways of ensuring peace as the government will also look into issues concerning internally displaced persons,” he said.

  • Medical expert decries parents’ delay in seeking children medicare

    A medical consultant, Dr. Aigbokhaode Adesuwa has expressed worry over delay by parents in taking their children to healthcare providers at the appropriate time.

    He attributed certain avoidable deaths to delays by caregivers who often resort to self-help and traditional ways of treating ailments.

    Speaking Friday at Atani, Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state at a 2-day training of Nurses and Community Health Extension workers, Adesuwa canvassed for community leaders’ partnership in health policies implementation.

    He explained that effective partnership with relevant stakeholders were essential in promoting quality healthcare delivery in communities.

    Adesuwa, from the department of Public health, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta state, however regretted the adverse effects of harmful health practices on the health of individuals in the community.

    He said, “Community health extension workers need to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, especially government, community, religious and political leaders in enforcing policies geared towards promoting the health of the rural dwellers.

    “Such collaboration will enhance the implementation of the laws guiding the harmful practices.”

    The workshop, themed, “Improving the quality of health services in our community”, was facilitated by Nolia Consult limited and sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal constituency, Hon. Chukwuka Chu-Chu Onyema.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, had appreciated the lawmaker’s gesture in partnering the state government towards providing healthcare to the people.

    Read Also: Boy, 14, drowns in stagnant pool in Kano

    On his part, the lawmaker, Hon Chu-Chu Onyema said he ventured into sponsoring the programme because of his love to his constituents, especially on their health needs.

    Onyema, represented by Vice Chairman, PDP Ogbaru and Director- General, Ije-Awele Campaign Organisation, Mr Vincent Eneh, said the gesture was to reciprocate his constituents for reelecting him.

    “The sponsorship of this programme is one of many that Chu-Chu Onyema has been doing for the people of this constituency,” he said.

    Onyema said he would soon announce a date for free medicare, including surgeries to all constituents.

  • Free shopping spree at Christian women’s 6th anniversary

    The 6th annual conference of Women of Wisdom tagged the love party holds on Saturday, April 13.

    Founded by Folasade Murtala, Women of Wisdom also known as W.O.W, the interdenominational ministry was commissioned to help women in their pursuit to discover purpose and build a profitable life.

    The vision of the organisation is to build builders, train trainers and raise women of prayer and purpose.

    Tagged WOW free shopping spree, Murtala said it started “started as a result of a leading I had. The instruction is to bring women together, meet their basic needs and tell them about the love of Christ.”

    She added: “This event is all about showing love to the womenfolk, especially the needy, we provide them and their children with basic needs such as food stuff, clothes and shoes etc. We remind them of the love of God.

    “A lot of women are going through challenges in the quietness of their homes. Some are struggling with self-esteem, lack of provision for their children and many other serious life issues.

    “It’s a way of ministering to women letting them know that we care about them and for their children. It’s actually a family thing, even though the men are not included in the giveaway, but by extension, the man is also a beneficiary because we know whatever a woman gets, is for the whole family.

    “Last year over 800 women and children benefited from our free shopping program, and this year our target is one thousand people.

    “The response last year was awesome, people were blessed, lives were touched and generally, WOW made a great impact in so many families.”

    Even though the free shopping is targeted at women, men are not left out in this year`s conference as there are other segments profitable to the spiritual, physical, financial, health and marital fruitfulness of both male and female attendees, organisers stated.

    The theme of the party is “All-round fruitfulness”. Venue is The Kings Chambers 42, Association Avenue, Ilupeju Lagos.

    Time is from 10:00 am.

    The guest speaker for this event is Bishop Francis Wale Oke of the Sword of the Spirit Ministry, Ibadan Oyo State.

  • Bayelsa buries victims of electoral violence

    The Bayelsa State Government on Friday buried the late Government House photographer, Reginald Dei and Ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Seidougha Taribi, who were reportedly killed by soldiers during the last elections in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, quoted Governor Seriake Dickson as saying that the victims were interred in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Speaking during a meeting with political appointees in Yenagoa, Dickson accused the leadership of the nation’s security agencies of deliberately shielding the perpetrators of the heinous acts.

    He said that the masterminds of the violence and killings during the election were being protected from arrest and prosecution.

    He said: “These two young men were cut down in their prime for no reason. The criminals responsible for this heinous crime are being guarded by security agencies. It is indeed another sad reminder of the things the Federal Government do to us as a state.”

    Dickson described the gruesome killings as acts of terrorism against the state adding that Dei and Taribi were not near any polling unit when soldiers were led to kill them in their residence in Oweikorogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area òf the state.

    The governor condemned the use of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies for brazen acts of murder and terrorism against innocent citizens.

    Dickson also berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state for colluding with the opposition to subvert the will of the people.

    He pointed out that despite the sacking of Bassambiri in Nembe LGA, and failure to use card readers during the election, INEC went ahead to accept fake results to foist a Senator and House òf Representatives on the people.

    He said: “You can see that in most of the states where the RECs were firm, INEC said no, let the result come from the field; even with the big names and money, they were firm.

    “But here in Bayelsa, a community like Bassambiri in Nembe LGA was sacked and the next day, after 24 hours of shooting, they just drove election materials straight to their location and INEC went on to announce what it got. Card readers were not used and yet some persons are parading themselves as winners.”

    Read Also: Host communities kick against Dickson’s commission of inquiry

    The governor charged party faithful to expect more intimidation and harassment from the APC ahead of the gubernatorial election in the state”

    “The APC’s plan for the governorship election is more than what we saw in the last election because the next one is an isolated election. They are planning to do ten times even more and that is why you must be steadfast and calm”, he said.

    He said that the state PDP Chairman, Mr. Moses Cleopas, would soon set up a committee to examine the party’s results in the last election in the various units, wards and communities.

    He said stakeholders and party leaders of the would appear before the committee to give account of their stewardship.

  • Fayemi’s new cabinet is robust, says Ondo APC

    The Ondo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Ondo State on Friday lauded the successful inauguration of his commissioners and other ranks of political office holders in Ekiti State.

    The party said the step was commendable especially for shortlisting a set of politicians and technocrats of high integrity to serve the state.

    A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro noted that the coming on board of new commissioners in a record time, confirmed the commitment of Fayemi as a true democratic to regain the lost glory of Ekiti State.

    The statement said” Everyone can attest to your faithfulness to develop your home state socially and economically and to evolve a lasting solution to its political problems.

    Read Also: Fayemi names Special Assistants, DGs, Board members

    ” With your past history of the struggle to achieve an inclusive and a democratic constitution, we shall continue to work with you and support the people and the government in an effort to bring honour and pride to Ekiti State”.

    Ondo APC also acknowledged Fayemi’s sterling performance since assumption of office as noteworthy and praiseworthy, urging him not to relent.

    It said” Our party’s victory in Ekiti State in the last poll is an affirmation of the level of confidence the Ekiti people repose in you. It is a testimony to the high level of hope your people placed on you for the redemption of the lost glory of Ekiti State.

  • APC to Ndume: respect party supremacy

    The Yobe Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised Sen. Ali Ndume (Borno-APC), to respect supremacy of the party and avoid placing personal interest above collective interest.

    Alhaji Abubakar Bakabe, the state’s secretary of the party, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Damaturu.

    “The interest of the party supersedes all other interests,” Bakabe said.

    He cautioned the lawmaker against working with the opposition to ridicule the party.

    “Ndume should avoid the pitfalls of the Bukola Saraki’s Senate presidency, this must not be repeated in the interest of the party, Nigeria and democracy,” he said.

    Read Also: My visit to Osinbajo not on Senate President, says Ndume

    He commended returning and newly elected senators for identifying with the position of the party and presidency on the proposed leadership of the National Assembly.

    “The state chapter of APC expresses optimism that the Borno senator will remain loyal to the party, its leadership and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “As a party, we can not afford to accommodate any sabotage and a divided house after the bitter experience of the last four years.

    “The endorsement of Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, for Senate President will provide the required leadership and coordination for the APC led administration to effectively execute its policies and programmes for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “Lawan will run an inclusive leadership that will give every Nigerian a true sense of belonging and fulfilment, he has the required experience, knowledge and administrative skills for the senate to reclaim its glory as a progressive arm of government,” he said.

  • North Korea elects new ceremonial president

    North Korea has elected a new ceremonial president, a month after the election of its official parliament, state media said on Friday.

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s deputy, Choe Ryong Hae, was elected on Thursday as chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as North Korea is officially known.

    According to a report Friday by the news agency KCNA, Choe replaces Kim Yong Nam, 91, who was long considered the diplomatic face of North Korea, but whose retirement was expected due to his advanced age.

    Read Also: As Korean Embassy intervenes in LADOL’s shooting incident

    South Korean media have described Choe as a political heavyweight and the number two man in North Korea behind Kim.

    KCNA called his selection a “great political event of crucial historical significance.’’

    The 687 lawmakers in the nominal parliament are elected for a period of five years, while turnout at the polls in March was over 90 per cent.

    The parliament is officially North Korea’s highest organ of state but it only meets once or twice a year to rubber-stamp decisions made by the country’s leaders.