Friday, 15 July 2022

NigerianEye: “CAF Women’s Awards: Oshoala, Gift, Waldrum Make final shortlist” plus 29 more

NigerianEye: “CAF Women’s Awards: Oshoala, Gift, Waldrum Make final shortlist” plus 29 more

CAF Women’s Awards: Oshoala, Gift, Waldrum Make final shortlist

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 02:28 AM PDT


Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala has made the final shortlist for CAF Women's Player of the Year award for 2022.


The Barcelona Femeni striker is the only Nigerian on the list which comprises nine other top players from the continent.


Her compatriot, Francisca Ordega, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade failed to make final shortlist.


Oshoala was ruled out of the ongoing 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco after copping an injury in Nigeria's opening game against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.


Talented forward, Monday Gift, who plays for Nigeria Women's Professional Football League outfit, Rivers United made the final shortlist for the Young Player of the Year and Inter Club Player of the Year awards.


Gift has made three substitute appearance for the Super Falcons at WAFCON 2022.


Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum is also in the running for the Coach of the Year prize.


The winners of each category will be decided by a voting panel made up of CAF Technical Committee, media representatives, head coaches and captains of Member Associations and clubs involved at the group stage of the Interclub competitions for the 2021/22 season.


The awards will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Rabat Morocco.

Russia-Ukraine war: UN reacts as deadly missile attack kills 22 in Vinnytsia

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 02:24 AM PDT



UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has condemned the deadly missile attack on Thursday against the city of Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, reportedly killing at least 22 people, including three children.


According to reports, more than a hundred people were wounded in the attack.


Cruise missiles fired from a Russian submarine in the Black Sea struck civilian areas of Vinnytsia, including an office block and residential buildings, according to media reports, citing Ukrainian authorities.


The Secretary-General, in a statement by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, condemned any attacks against civilians or civilian infrastructure and reiterated his call for accountability for such violations.


He said he was "appalled by today's missile attack against the city of Vinnytsia in central Ukraine.


"The Secretary-General condemns any attacks against civilians or civilian infrastructure and reiterates his call for accountability for such violations," the statement read in part.


Meanwhile, the UN humanitarians report that in the past 24 hours, strikes have resulted in casualties and damaged civilian infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and in several parts of the Donetska region, located in the east.


Hostilities have destroyed more critical infrastructure, leaving millions overall without access to health services, water, electricity and gas supplies, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York on Thursday.


Haq said, "In Mariupol, people have limited access to drinking water, with only five litres per person every week, according to Ukrainian authorities."

Tinubu-Shettima ticket: Politicians should always consider Nigerians – Pastor Kumuyi

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 02:00 AM PDT

 


The General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, William Kumuyi has said politicians should always consider the desires of Nigerians when making decisions.

 

Kumuyi made the remark while noting that the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu took a slippery road in picking Borno Senator, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

 

Tinubu came under intense criticism by Nigerians after he settled for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

 

Nigerians had wanted Tinubu to pick a Christian to balance his presidential ticket, but he opted for a Northern Muslim.

 

However, Kumuyi said politicians should be aware that they did not elect themselves into office when making their decision.

 

He spoke after paying a visit to the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, yesterday.

 

Addressing journalists, the clergyman said: "The Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christan ticket is a difficult and slippery area.

 

"The APC presidential flagbearer Bola Tinubu and his party took that slippery way to make Borno Sen and ex-Gov Kashiim Shettima his running mate.

 

"What I will say is that the political office holders should look at the heartbeat of the country, as well as desires of the people.

 

"Politicians should know that they are not there for themselves. They are there for all of us. They should ask and make their research about what the nation wants.

 

"They should ask and make their research on what the country wants, what the people want; if they listen to the people, we will be confident that they will listen to us when they get there."

2023 presidency: Obasanjo, Babangida, Abdulsalam Abubakar working for Peter Obi – Sowore

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 01:57 AM PDT

 


Omoyele Sowore, the Presidential Candidate of the African Action Party, AAC, has claimed some former Nigerian leaders are working for Peter Obi, the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate.

 

Sowore claimed that former Heads of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar are all 'working for' Obi.

 

He urged Nigerians not to vote for Obi because criminals were backing him.

 

In a Facebook post, Sowore said the former Nigerian leaders are Obi's "godfathers."

 

According to Sowore, these godfathers ruined Nigeria, hence Obi should be rejected.

 

"Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Aliyu Gusau, Abubakar Abdusalam and Ango Abdulahi are Peter Obi's 'Godfathers'. The people that ruined Nigeria are the ones fronting for him.

 

"May it never happen that we will work with these criminals!" He wrote.

2023: I have millions of followers to defeat APC – Funke Akindele

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 01:48 AM PDT

 


Funke Akindele, the Deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State has given reason she will defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 election.

 

Recall that the APC had said Funke had nothing to offer as the PDP deputy guber candidate and that she would lose in the forthcoming election.

 

When asked how she plans to defeat the ruling party in Lagos, Funke in an interview with Channels Tv on Thursday said she has over 20m followers on social media who are ready to vote for her.

 

She boasted that apart from her followers on social media, so many people love her at the grassroots level in Lagos State.

 

Funke said: "I have the numbers, I have fans and followers and I'm true to myself.

 

"I have more than 20m fans on social media and also at the grassroots level.

 

"I have fans at the grassroots level outside Ikorodu ready to support me and I'm true to myself. What I'm coming in is to change the lives of Lagosians.

 

"I'm here to provide solutions in Lagos. I'm in the system, I'm in the pain, we all know where the shoe pinches us."

Baba Ijesha: Parents should be punished for negligence – Yomi Fabiyi

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 01:48 AM PDT

 


Actor Yomi Fabiyi says his colleague, Olanrewaju James, aka Baba Ijesha, has the right to appeal the judgement of the Ikeja court which sentenced him to jail over sexual assault of a minor.

 

Recall that the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha, was on Thursday found guilty and sentence by an Ikeja Special Offences Court for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

 

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, in a two-hour judgement, sentenced Baba Ijesha to 16years in jail.

 

Speaking after the court verdict, Fabiyi on his Instagram, said Baba Ijesha has the right to appeal the judgement after he pleaded not guilty.

 

His post read: "Baba Ijesha was not NOT found guilty of The defilement (rape) with CAR KEY as charged (1&6) for lack of evidence, which he still denied ever committing but has been found guilty of few other charges bothering on sexual assault."

 

Fabiyi noted that despite his support for Baba Ijesha, he is agains abuse of children and will never support such.

 

He, however, stated that parents of such children abused should be punished equally for parental negligence.

 

"CHILDREN ARE MEANT TO BE PROTECTED. And I will insist that PARENTAL NEGLIGENCE is equally punishable under section 30(3) Child Rights Act. It is an imprisonment for ten years!

 

"I'm still committed to the frontiers of HUMAN RIGHTS and that all accused are innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. I thank the JUDGE for not punishing the defendant (Baba Ijesha) before today, until verdict is reached."

2023 presidency: PDP in court, wants Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu disqualified

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 01:43 AM PDT

 

 

 The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has gone to seek the disqualification of Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from contesting the 2023 presidential election.

 

The main opposition wants the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to prevent Tinubu and Peter Obi, from replacing their place-holders, Gov Kabiru Masari and Doyin Okupe, respectively.

 

The PDP wants the court to stop the two candidates from naming Senator Kashim Shettima and Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, respectively as their running mates.

 

The main opposition also asked the court to declare that Tinubu and Obi be disqualified unless they contest alongside Okupe and Masari, respectively.

 

In the originating summons, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022, the PDP is seeking an order barring INEC from replacing the running mates of Tinubu and Obi.

 

Those listed as first to seventh respondents in the case are INEC, APC, Tinubu, Masari, Labour Party, Obi and Okupe.

 

Tinubu and Obi had used Masari and Okupe respectively to beat the deadline set by INEC on submission of running mates after the primaries.

 

The two presidential candidates earlier this week changed their nominations. While Tinubu settled for former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, Obi announced Datti Baba-Ahmed as his running mate.

 

And the main opposition PDP now asked the court to determine if by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC's timetable, the APC and LP's presidential candidates are bound by the submission of Masari and Okupe, respectively as their running mates.

 

The PDP also wants the court to determine if "by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the first defendant (the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC) can validly accept any change or substitution of the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants as running mates of the 3rd (APC) and 6th (Labour Party) defendants."

 

The party asked the court to rule that both Tinubu and Obi will be disqualified the moment they substitute the names of their running mates.

 

Image Global: Court orders fleeing Ajetunmobi couple to pay ponzi victims N19bn

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 01:37 AM PDT

 


A Lagos State High Court in Ikoyi has ruled against Imagine Global Holding Company Ltd, Imagine Global Solutions Ltd, Bamise Samson Ajetunmobi and Elizabeth Anuoluwapo Ajetunmobi.

 

On Thursday, Justice Taofiquat Oyekan-Abdullahi ordered them to pay nearly N19billion to the victims of their alleged ponzi scheme.

 

The judge delivered judgment in a suit filed by 27 claimants who sued for themselves and 118 investors of Imagine Global Solutions Ltd.

 

The company ran lending service to small and medium businesses, offering 22 percent as interest on loans received and 10 percent returns to investors.

 

The litigants approached the court through their lawyers Adetunji Adedoyin-Adeniyi of AAA Chambers and Banwo & Ighodalo and Co.

 

In a suit marked LD/579CM/2021, they sought several declarations and orders against the couple and the companies.

 

In preliminary objections filed by their counsel Olukunle Nathan-Marsh, the Ajetunmobis, who did not appear in court, asked the court to throw out the case.

 

But Justice Abdullahi-Oyekan dismissed the objections and granted all the declarations and orders sought by the investors.

 

The judge ordered the couple to pay the N15,541,350 at 10 percent interest per annum, "being the outstanding investment sums accruing to the 1st to 17th claimants, who are investors; together with all other listed investors, in the second defendant's company, upon the maturity of the respective investments and the accrued return on investments thereon".

 

The Ajetunmobis were also ordered to pay N3,387,450 at 10 percent interest per annum, "being the outstanding investment sums accruing to the 18th to 27th claimants who are investors; together with all other listed investors, in the second defendant's company, upon the maturity of the respective investments and the accrued return on investments thereon."

 

Imagine Global was registered in 2017 and had around 100,000 subscribers.

 

The couple reportedly fled to London, where they incorporated a branch in August 2019.

Corruption: Buhari praises self, calls for establishment of international court

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 01:37 AM PDT

 


President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday called for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court to try offenders.

 

Buhari urged African leaders to intensify the fight against corruption, and create more disincentives for pilfering of public funds.

 

In his remarks on the African Day of Anti-Corruption, he said efforts must be intensified to prosecute offenders and get back resources stored in other countries.

 

"Corruption is evil and all efforts at tackling it are desirable. I have monitored the fight against corruption in Africa and I can see both successes and drawbacks.

 

"The battle must continue for the sake of the continent and its people no matter the difficulties.

 

'In Nigeria, the fight against corruption has been vigorous since 2015. A lot has been achieved in the areas of arrest, prosecution, conviction, asset recovery and anti-corruption laws."

 

The President noted that more work on many fronts is required, advising civil and public servants to be ethical and professional at all times.

 

He said the private sector must contribute to curbing corruption, while the international community needs to close safe havens.

 

"The judiciary requires more impetus. Perhaps, an International Anti-corruption Criminal Court is needed."

 

Buhari also wants family, schools and religions to do more to discourage corruption for a better society.

 

The Nigerian leader said for the continent to realize its full potential, "we must get rid of corruption in Africa".

 

Buhari added that as his tenure ends next year, he is proud to leave behind a legacy of fighting corruption among others.

 

"I abhor corruption and I will render my best in or out of office to get rid of corruption. I urge our youths to join me in this noble cause", he said.

2023: Nigeria not divided by religion, ruling class manipulating masses – Keyamo

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:57 AM PDT



Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment says Nigeria is not divided by religion or tribe as opposed to popular opinions.


Airing his opinion via his Twitter page, the Minister said Nigeria is rather divided into the ruling class and the masses.


According to him, the ruling class projects division in Nigeria by manipulating the masses with sentiments of religion and tribe so they don't question the real capacities of public officers.


His tweet read: "Our nation is not divided by religion or ethnicity.


"It is divided into the ruling class and the hapless masses who the ruling class continuously manipulate by sentiments of religion and tribe so that the masses will not wake up to interrogate their real capacities for public office."


For the past few days, Keyamo has been defensive of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2023.


The Minister assured Christians that they have nothing to fear if Bola Tinubu emerged President in 2023 because he allowed his wife to practice Christianity under him.

Muslim-Muslim ticket: Tinubu will take bold steps if elected President – Oshiomhole

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:54 AM PDT


A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole, has backed the party's Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.


Oshiomhole said the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu made the right decision by picking Borno Senator, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.


Appearing on TVC on Thursday, Oshiomhole said Nigerians have struggled to balance the issue of religion in the past.


He noted that Tinubu's choice of Shettima showed that he would take bold steps if elected President in 2023.


Oshiomhole said: "The more opposition party joined the Muslim-Muslim debate, the more I'm satisfied that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu's decision is right.


"We need courage. We have struggled to balance these religious issues in recent years. Tinubu's decision shows that he will take bold steps when elected.


"If the number of churches and mosques we have built over the years is equal to the number of factories, we won't be at this poverty level in the country.


"We can't continue with business as usual. I'm satisfied with the quality of Shettima. He is well-read and well-exposed. He is well awarded both at home and abroad.


"We should spend time interrogating the personality, and competence of Tinubu's nominee. Soon, pagans will organise themselves to say otherwise too."

Iyabo Ojo reacts as court sentences Baba Ijesha to jail

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:58 AM PDT



Popular actress, Iyabo Ojo has reacted to the court verdict sentencing colleague, Baba Ijesha to jail over s-xual assault of a minor.


It was reported that an Ikeja Special Offences Court found the embattled actor, real name Olanrewaju James guilty of s-xually molesting Comedian Princess's foster daughter.


Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo after two hours judgement, sentenced Baba Ijesha to 16 years in jail.


Iyabo Ojo, who has been at the forefront of the case demanding Justice for the victim, took to Instagram dedicating the win to abused children.


Her post read, "To all the girl child and boy being abused, do not be afraid to speak up and speak out


"This victory is for you. Say no to rape."

2023: Why I picked Bishop Idahosa as running mate – Kwankwaso

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:44 AM PDT


The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso has opened up on why he settled for Bishop Isaac Idahosa as his running mate.


Kwankwaso explained that he settled for Idahosa because the clergyman is a true role model to Nigerian youths.


He described Idahosa as a man of impeccable intergrity with outstanding records.


In a statement by his media aide, Muyiwa Fatosa, on Thursday, Kwankwaso said the selection of Idahosa followed careful considerations and meticulous screening of more than 20 prospective candidates.


He disclosed that all 20 prospective candidates were eminently qualified to be his running mate.


The statement reads: "Idahosa was selected because of his outstanding record, his impeccable integrity, his broad understanding of the Nigerian State and its contemporary challenges, his undiluted commitment to improving the conditions of Nigerians, and his sincere believe that a New and Better Nigeria is possible if we work together with sincerity, tolerance, competence, and faith.


"A self-made achiever and a credible Nigerian, Bishop Idahosa is also selected because he represents the definition of a true role-model for the Nigerian Youth."

ASUU ready to call off strike – Falana

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:40 AM PDT


Respected human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has said the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is ready to call off its lingering strike.


This was contained in a statement the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) released on Thursday.


Falana has now called on the Federal Government to meet the demands of the lecturers and end the strike which started on February 14.


This comes less than 72 hours after Falana called on the Federal Government to submit a supplementary budget to appropriate N200bn to revamp federal universities across Nigeria.


"Based on our consultation with the leadership of ASUU, we have confirmed that the entire members of ASUU are prepared to call off the strike as soon as the FG/ASUU Renegotiated Agreement is executed by the Federal Government.


"In this circumstance, we are compelled to call on President Buhari to end the industrial action by directing the Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu to execute the Renegotiated Agreement. The Agreement should be executed as soon as possible in the public interest," Falana said.

Osun Guber: Election Observers advised against compromise, fake election reports

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:35 AM PDT


Election observers for the Osun gubernatorial election holding on Saturday have been urged not to jeopardise the electoral process by providing fake reports in the polling unit they will be assigned to monitor.


This appeal formed part of the message of Faith Nwadishi, the Executive Director of the Center for Transparency Advocacy, (CTA) at a training session for election observers in Osogbo on Thursday.


Nwadishi, who pointed out that observers need not be biased, submitted that any observer with an affiliation to political parties could not be objective, but would make reports in favour of the party they belonged to.


She noted that the role of election observers could not be overstated, as they worked with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that free, fair and credible elections are held.


"Observers' reports have helped INEC to improve on the electoral process by giving them information on areas they can work on, so giving a factual report is very essential", she said.


The Executive Director, while advising the electorates not to sell their votes in the coming election, stressed that the act would affect the outcome of the election.


Nwagwu warned them not to collect any form of gifts from community leaders or politicians.


"Be diligent in doing your work as an observer, don't interfere with the election officer's work, and lastly, give an unbiased report," she said.

What God told me about solving Nigeria’s problems – Ogun monarch, Tejuoso

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:30 AM PDT


The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, has revealed what God told him about solving the many problems confronting Nigeria.


Oba Tejuoso said Nigerians disregarded his words 20 years ago when he disclosed what God wanted them to do to turn around the situation of the country.


According to him, all God wanted was for Nigerians to gather one day and seek the face of God in prayers.


The traditional ruler, however, regretted that nobody had listened to him since he made the revelation two decades ago.


Speaking with journalists at his Ibara GRA residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba Tejuoso said the criminal things happening in Nigeria were escalating because the nation refused to heed God's voice.


The Oba, who is the father to the former Ogun Central Senator, Lanre Tejuoso, opined that Nigeria's situation may not have deteriorated to this extent if the citizenry had listened to God.


"Whatever we do, we must always put God first. That is what is basically wrong with Nigeria. The bible says when the foundation is faulty, what can the righteous do? All the criminal things going on in Nigeria for some time now, (and they seem to be escalating), were foretold. If we had heeded the voice of God, we may probably not have got to this extent.


"I remember that in the last 20 years, I've said it severally that God wants all of us to come back to him. We are the people called by the name of God and if we had humbled ourselves to seek the face of God, many things would not have escalated to this level.


"What God was asking was for all of us to gather for one day in different places and seek His face, just for one day. That has been going on for about 20 years, with warnings severally, but nobody heeded it," the Ogun first-class monarch said.


The octogenarian maintained that, "Without God, we can do absolutely nothing. Anything we want to do, we need to put before God. We pray He will assist us. We may talk and talk, present hundreds of papers; but if we don't have the right people in the right places, all efforts will be in futility. May God choose good leaders for Nigerian."

It Is Not Our Duty To Stop Vote-Buying – INEC

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:06 PM PDT

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is not its job to prevent vote-buying during an election.

INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Prof Abdulganiy Raji, stated this while speaking on Channels Television's Daily Sunrise on Thursday morning.

Raji was speaking about the menace of vote-buying ahead of the Saturday governorship election in Osun State.

Vote-buying has become one of the greatest challenges during elections in Nigeria as the last month's governorship poll in Ekiti State was marred with massive buying and selling of votes.

On Wednesday, the Head of Secretariat, National Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, expressed concerns over vote-buying during the country's elections.

The cleric said the electorate in Osun were already waiting to sell votes during the election, lamenting that poverty in the land was glaring.

But while speaking on Thursday, Prof. Raji said, "As far as vote-buying is concerned, let me tell you that INEC can not prevent vote-buying. We can only make efforts to ensure that people are discouraged from doing it through voter education and sensitisation which we have been doing extensively.

"Vote-buying and selling is a criminal offence and INEC is not a security agency that can actually make arrests. We can only inform the security agents when it [vote-buying] is taking place. Then, they (the perpetrators) will be arrested and prosecution will take place where we will be joined.

"I am always surprised when people are talking about vote-buying and selling and they expect INEC to be able to stop it, an act that has nothing to do with the mandate of the management of an election.

"The people that are involved in vote-buying and selling are actually those that should be addressed."

He, however, said INEC would work with other critical stakeholders to curb the menace of vote-buying in Nigeria's elections.

Analysts said the placement of the voting cubicles during the Ekiti State Governorship election encouraged vote-buying but the Osun State REC said INEC had made a new design for the cubicles as part of efforts to discourage election rigging.

He also disclosed that voters who refused to fold their ballot papers after thumb printing should be arrested by security agents.

Osun State Election: Report any vote buying to us - Nigerian Police

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 05:58 PM PDT

 

The Deputy Inspector of General of Police (DIG), in charge of election, Johnson Kokumo has called on residents to report any act of vote trading in a bid to ensure a credible election.

He said it will take collective effort of every stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible poll in the State Saturday. 

Speaking at an interactive session with accredited observer groups in Osogbo on Thursday, Kokumo  charged members of the public to alert the security operatives whenever they notice electoral anomalies such as vote-buying. 

In his words, "you also talked about vote-buying, to you you feel when you see something or say something that is not applicable to applicable to circumstance, I want to appeal to you: whatever you see that is contrary to the Electoral Act 2022, let us know. Let us see if, call our attention to it. It is not out of place. 

"You know our zeal. You know the security personnel are in the picture of vote buying, they may not. You have a civic responsibility to discharge and what is that? Join hands with us in curbing crimes and criminality. And, of course, this includes electoral offenses. We cannot do it alone. If you join hands with us to do it, you will be equally succeeded in doing your bit. 

"And the little things we were able to do collectively and equally are responsible for success we see  in those elections we have had in Nigeria," he said. 

The police afterward announced restriction of movements from the 12 midnight on Saturday to 18:00 of same day.  

According to him, "People who are saddled with special duties such as INEC accredited journalists and election observers are free to move as far as they have their tags."

Baba Ijesha took his acting too far – Judge

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 04:07 PM PDT

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday held that Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha, convicted for  defiling a 14-year-old, took his acting too far.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Taiwo sentenced Baba Ijesha to 16 years' imprisonment  for defiling a minor.

The judge sentenced the convict to five years' imprisonment on count two,  three years on count three,  five years on count four and three years on  count five of the six~count charge he faced.

She, however, said that the sentencing, which must take effect from July 14,  should should run concurrently.

"The defendant took his acting too far. Children are frequently preyed on because of their inability to defend themselves.

"However, the court is not distracted. The defendant abused the position of friendship.

"This case brings to the limelight various sexual assault cases in the society despite the efforts  of government and non-governmental organisations to sensitise the public on incessant cases of sexual assault.

"The is very sad. The behaviour of the defendant is appalling, as this shows the length people can go in exhibiting the animalistic urge in them," she said.

The judge remarked that the case attracted  frivolous comments on social media because of  the personality of the actor.

NAN reports that Baba Ijesha broke down in tears after the judge pronounced the judgment.

He was surrounded by his colleagues in the movie industry.

NAN also reports that his counsel, Mr Gabriel Olabiran, had prayed the court to consider the least sentence for him.


Olabiran said that the convict was a first-time offender and had passed through trauma of incarceration both at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, and at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.


"There is no doubt that the defendant is very remorseful. My lord, we pray you to consider the fact that the defendant is an actor who has impacted positively on the society in the course of his career.


"We urge your lordship  to be lenient with the defendant who has lost almost all his image all over the world and will be deserted by his colleagues in the movie industry.


"He has an aged parents, wife and son who depend on him; they look up to him coming back home. We assure the court that the defendant is a changed  person who will not go back to his vomit.


"We urge the court to be merciful  unto  him  and consider the least sentence," Olabiran said.


Prosecution team led by Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Babajide Martins, left the sentencing at the discretion of the court.


"The law has taken its course. The offences that my lord has found the defendant liable have custodial sentencing.


"Count  two is for seven years,  count three is for  four years, count four is liable for  seven years and count five is for  three years.


"We, however, leave the sentencing at the discretion of the court," Martins said.


Baba Ijesha faced six counts of child defilement that included indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.


The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which proffered the charges against the actor, argued that the offences contravened Section 135, 137, 261, 202, 262 and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015, which stipulates up to life imprisonment for offenders.


Baba Ijesha pleaded not guilty to all the counts on arraignment. (NAN)

Benefit of Muslim-Christian outweighs Muslim-Muslim ticket - Babachir Lawal

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 03:13 PM PDT

 


Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal has said that the benefit of a Muslim-Christian joint ticket for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2023 presidential election outnumbers a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Lawal made the assertion while speaking on Arise Interview on Thursday.

 

The APC chieftain who noted that cited religion as a major and divisive factor in Nigeria, said Tinubu should seek to unite the people he is intending to govern.

The former Secretary to the federal government said a Muslim-Chistian joint ticket was necessary in Nigeria's election for balancing.

He said, "A Muslim-Muslim ticket might not be beneficial to the party. First of all, you will antagonize the Christian majority in this country, it's a direct attack on them. And even in your (Tinubu) own zone, you might put the election in jeopardy."


Lawal, who noted that religion comes for Nigerians, stated, "You will jeopardize the election in the North, South-South and the South-East."

He said most of the people around Tinubu are only interested in the relationship with the APC candidate rather than what is beyond the presidential election.


Babachir noted that his stance on the APC vice presidential candidate has always been what the nominee is bringing to the table.

Rasheedat Ajibade send Super Falcons into FIFA Women’s World Cup, WAFCON Semi-Finals

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 03:06 PM PDT


Rasheedat Ajibade continues to prove how invaluable she is to Nigeria after heading Nigeria into another WAFCON semi-final and FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria's Super Falcons are through to the semi-final of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after they defeated a spirited Cameroon side 1-0 in the quarter-final on Thursday evening in Casablanca.

Rasheedat Ajibade was the standout performer and heroine again for the Falcons after her excellent second-half header proved to be the decisive winner.

In what was the 13th meeting between the archrivals, Nigeria and Cameroon, it was the defending champions who dominated the opening 45 minutes but failed to make it count as it ended goalless at the break.

'Eto'o cannot save you' - Reactions as Ajibade gives Super Falcons World Cup ticket against 'rough' Cameroon

Nigeria had seven (7) attempts but failed to register any on target while the Indomitable Lionesses had their only effort on target.

In the second half, Nigeria started from where they stopped, on the front foot, and 12 minutes into the half, the Falcons broke the deadlock.

Striker Ifeoma Onumonu found herself free on the right and delivered an excellent cross which found Ajibade free in the Cameroon box and the Atletico Madrid forward powered home to put Nigeria in front.

The goal was her third (3rd) in the competition, moving her joint top scorer in the WAFCON 2022.

Nigeria held on to book their ticket to the last four and will face a tricky tie against Morocco.

Nigeria maintained her record of appearing at every FIFA Women's World Cup after the Super Falcons' win against Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final.

The Falcons narrowly overcame the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 1-0 thanks to Ajibade's excellent second-half header.

With the victory, Nigeria's Super Falcons booked a ninth FIFA World Cup appearance, with the next edition slated for next year in New Zealand.

Nigeria is the third African country to confirm her spot after Morocco and Zambia.

INEC spits fire over PVCs allegedly buried in politician’s house

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 02:57 PM PDT

 


The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has expressed furry over the viral video of a large consignment of Permanent Voter's Card, PVCs, allegedly buried in the compound of a highly-placed personality.

INEC said it had commenced investigation into the incident and vowed to severely punish anyone involved in the act.

The electoral umpire made its stance on the matter known in a press statement Thursday, by its National Commisaoner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.


Below is a full text of the statement posted on INEC Twitter handle:


"REPORT OF UNCOLLECTED PERMANENT VOTERS' CARDS (PVCs) DISCOVERED IN INAPPROPRIATE LOCATIONS


"The attention of the Commission has been drawn to videos trending online of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) allegedly buried underground in some locations, including the compound of a high-profile Person.

 

"The Commission is not taking these allegations lightly. We have commenced immediate investigation 'and anyone found culpable in this diabolical scheme clearly intended to disenfranchise Nigenans will be sanctioned under the law. Every eligible Nigerian who registered as a voter is entitled to his/her PVC. The constitutional right to vote in any election must never be suppressed or abridged in any way.


"As far as the record of the Commission is concemed. PVCs have been printed for all valid registrants in Nigeria up to 14th January 2022 and delivered to all the States of the Federation for collection by voters. We will not allow retrogressive elements to sabotage our efforts.

 

"The issues of voter registration, compilation of the voters' roll and issuance of PVCs are at the heart of any democratic elections and the Commission won't fail to ensure that every eligible citizen who appears in person at the registration venue is registered. We assure Nigerians that the matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.


"Already, the Commission is reviewing the procedure for collecting PVCs to make it lees curnbersome and more transparent. This will be a major topic at the INEC regular quarterly meeting with stakeholders so that working together we can find a lasting solution to the issue.

"Meanwhile, we appeal to those who found the allegedly buried PVCs to deliver them to our nearest State or Local Government office. This will be their platonic contribution to the consolidation of our electoral process.


"National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Thursday 14th July 2022 

Donald Trump’s ex-wife, Ivana dies

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 02:49 PM PDT

 

Ivana Trump, the first wife of the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, and mother of his three eldest children, has died at the age of 73.


Ivana Trump "passed away at her home in New York City," Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social on Thursday, without providing the cause of death.


"She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life," said Donald Trump, 76.


"Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her. Rest In Peace, Ivana!" he added in the post.


Ivana Trump, a model who grew up under communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia, married Donald Trump, then a budding real estate developer, in 1977.


Their first child, Donald Jr., was born later that year. Ivanka was born in 1981 and Eric followed in 1984.


Eric Trump posted a tribute to his mother, who was also an accomplished skier during her childhood in Eastern Europe, on Instagram Thursday.


"Our mother was an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend," the post said.

"She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children and ten grandchildren," he added.


Throughout the '80s, the Trumps were one of New York's highest-profile couples, their extravagant lifestyle exemplifying the flashy excesses of the decade.


Their power and celebrity grew as Donald Trump's property business soared, with Ivana Trump taking on number of key roles in the business.


Their high-profile split, rumored to have been caused in part by Donald Trump's affair with actress Marla Maples, provided juicy content for New York's tabloids.


Donald Trump and Ivana Trump divorced in the early '90s and in 1993 the future president married Maples.


Ivana Trump went on to enjoy a successful business career of her own, developing clothing, jewelry and beauty products and penning a number of books.

Donald Trump's union with Maples lasted until 1999. He married has third and current wife, Melania Trump, in 2005.


AFP

Osinbajo distances self from memo to resign from APC

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:58 AM PDT

 


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday distanced himself from a memo purported to have originated from his office and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari seeking permission to resign his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

The Memo dated 24th June, 2022 with reference number SH/VP/605/2./0 and sited by The Guardian, listed among others, family pressure, his (Osinbajo) continuous participation in active and partisan politics and membership of the APC as the reasons for his decision.

 

But, when asked to confirm the authenticity of the said memo, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, described it as fake.

 

According to him, the language of the author of the memo is not that of Vice President Osinbajo, pointing out that his boss would not write a memo so full of errors.

 

"Where do you people even get these things from? Who gave it to you? Anyways, for the avoidance of doubt, the memo is fake. VP didn't write any such thing," he said.

 

The Memo with the heading, Permission To Resign From APC, and purportedly signed by Vice President Osinbajo read:

 

"I have the honour to inform you that for sometime now, I have been having series of meetings and pressure from my immediate family members on some matters. One of the issues borders on my continuous participation on active and partisan politics, and by extension, my continuous membership of our party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

 

"As a father and great member , whom without you, I would not be where I am today, regrettably, I write to seek for your permission to resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC. However, if the timing of this plan is not convenience or acceptable by Your Excellency, I will surely abide by your decision and advice, which I will consider to be the final.

 

"Please accept the assurances of my highest regards and loyalty."

INEC reacts as Nigerians uncover PVCs buried underground in Imo

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:56 AM PDT

 


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted to a viral video of buried Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs in Imo State.

 

The commission in a statement issued by its National Commissioner, Festus, said it has commenced immediate investigation and anyone found culpable in the act will be sanctioned under the law.

 

"The attention of the Commission has been drawn to videos trending online of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) allegedly buried underground in some locations, including the compound of a high-profile.

 

"The Commission is not taking these allegations lightly. We have commenced immediate investigation and anyone found culpable in this diabolical scheme clearly intended to disenfranchise Nigerians will be sanctioned under the law. Every eligible Nigerian who registered as a voter is entitled to his/her PVC.

 

"The constitutional right to vote in any election must never be suppressed or abridged in any way.

 

"As far as the record of the commission is concerned, PVCs have been printed for all valid registrants in Nigeria up to 14th January 2022 and delivered to all the States of the Federation for collection by voters.

 

"We will not allow retrogressive elements to sabotage our efforts. The issues of voter registration, compilation of the voters' roll and issuance of PVCs are at the heart of any democratic elections and the Commission is working hard to ensure that every eligible citizen who appears in person at the registration venue is registered. We assure Nigerians that this matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.

 

"Already, the Commission is reviewing the procedure for collecting PVCs to make it less cumbersome and more transparent. This will be a major topic at the next regular quarterly meeting with stakeholders so that working together we can find a lasting solution to the issue," the statement read.

 

Okoye, therefore, appealed to those who found the allegedly buried PVCs to deliver them to the INEC office.

Strike: Ngige lied to Buhari about our industrial action – ASUU

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:49 AM PDT



The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has accused the Minister of Labour and Employment of misinforming President Muhammadu Buhari about its ongoing industrial action.

 

ASUU accused Ngige of lying to Buhari that its executives chased away government officials during negotiations.

 

Appearing on Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Emmanuel Osodeke, the President of ASUU said Ngige was also churning out fake figures needed to meet the demand of the body.

 

He said: "If the president had been properly briefed by the committee through the Minister of Education, I don't think the president would have said enough is enough, go to your class while we are negotiating.

 

"It is the labour minister and his group that have gone to the president to tell him that we chased out his people and that we refused salaries.

 

"We are not aware of where their so-called figure arrives from. In all our agreement and discussion, we didn't talk about 1.2 trillion or 2.4 trillion, or whatever. We didn't.

 

"The ministry is churning out fake figures. We negotiated with the ministry of education, so wherever they got the documents is their business."

 

The ASUU strike which commenced in February has entered its sixth month.

 

The Federal Government and ASUU have been at loggerheads over the mode of payment for university lecturers.

 

Meanwhile, Buhari had urged ASUU to call off the lingering industrial action and return to classes.

 

Buhari appealed to the body to consider the future of students and end the strike. 

PDP crisis a social media drama, I’m open to meeting with Wike —Atiku

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 10:22 AM PDT

 


Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he is open to meeting with Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state.

 

Abubakar said this on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

 

When asked if the party is divided into factions, Abubakar said: "It is a social media drama. There is nothing like a Wike camp or Atiku camp. There is one PDP family."

 

Atiku was also asked if there is a plan to meet with Wike for reconciliation, and he responded by saying: "Why not? I am open to that."

 

The former vice-president added that the party will surmount its present challenges.

 

"Some people get angry when things don't go their way and so on and so forth. We will overcome that. I have every belief that we are going to do that," he said.

 

The opposition party has been embroiled in rancour since Abubakar named Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta state, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

 

Some party stakeholders, including Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, had expressed concerns over Atiku's decision to overlook Wike, who was recommended for the position by the party's national working committee (NWC).

 

Wike placed second in the party's presidential primary election which took place in May.

 

A few days ago, Abubakar had said actions are being taken to address the grievances of party members.

 

"We are taking action to address the feelings of all party members," the former vice-president had said.

 

 "The unity in our community is my priority. Our resolve to unify Nigeria starts in our party and moves to the community, then on to society."

Babachir Lawal’s panel recommended Shettima to Tinubu for VP position —Report

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 10:19 AM PDT

 


Kashim Shettima, former governor of Borno, topped the list of 11 persons recommended to be running mate of Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), by a committee headed by Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF). 

According to Daily Trust, the panel — planning and strategy committee of the Tinubu campaign organisation — which Lawal chaired, supervised the sub-committee that recommended the 11 persons to Tinubu.

The strategic committee was said to have been set up months ago and had Elisha Abbo, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, James Faleke, Magnus Abe, Nuhu Ribadu, Abu Ibrahim, Grace Bent, Musa Sarkin-Adar, among others, as members.

The newspaper said the sub-committee was set up after Tinubu was elected as the APC presidential candidate with the mandate to offer advice on the choice of a running mate.

Bent was picked as the chairperson of the sub-committee and Lawal's panel was in charge of overseeing its activities.

Sources, according to the newspaper, said the sub-committee recommended seven persons from the north-east and four persons from the north-west geopolitical zones for the vice-presidential position.

Aside from Shettima, those recommended from the north-east were Kashim Imam, Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno; Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the House of Representatives; Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations; Fatima Balla, and Senator Manzo.

Those from the north-west are Nasiru el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna; Najatu Mohammed, deputy governor of Kaduna; Aliyu Wamakko, former governor of Sokoto, and Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi.

The news organisation quoted sources as saying the sub-committee's report "passed through" Lawal and that Tinubu picked Shettima in line with the panel's recommendation.

"In arriving at our recommendation, we looked at all persuasions including religion, gender and acceptability. We looked at those who can add value to the ticket," the source was quoted saying.

"He was part of the decision and the report got to the presidential candidate through him. First, we sent the soft copy of our report to Asiwaju before Babachir Lawal took the hard copy to him in London last Wednesday."

But Lawal was said to have denied being aware of the sub-committee's report.

"I chaired the Bola Tinubu planning and strategy committee, which was set up to implement strategies for Tinubu to pick the ticket. But I'm not aware of the sub-committee that recommended running mates. It is not our work. You know politicians can cook up anything," Daily Trust quoted him as saying.

'MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET A DISASTROUS ERROR'

Recall that Lawal criticised Tinubu's choice of running mate, describing it as a "disastrous error".

Tinubu had, unveiled Shettima as his running mate on  Sunday. The development has elicited varied reactions from Nigerians with some condemning the former Lagos governor's decision.

Lawal, who protested the decision on Tuesday, asked the APC to compel Tinubu to change his choice.

"I thought I will be able to avoid commenting on the disastrous error by my very good friend, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his choice of a running mate," he had said.

 

2023 Presidency: Kwankwaso picked weak running mate- Adeyanju

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 10:18 AM PDT


Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has reportedly picked Pastor Bishop Isaac Idahosa as his running mate.

 

The party disclosed this via a tweet on Thursday that read: "Our VP Pastor Bishop Isaac Idahosa from Edo State."

 

Bishop Idahosa, who hails from Edo State is the Senior Pastor of God First Ministry, a.k.a Illumination Assembly.

 

The church has its headquarters in Lekki, Lagos State.

 

Idahosa's emergence as Kwankwaso's running mate followed the inability of NNPP to form an alliance with the Labour Party, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

Kwankwaso and Obi had disagreed over who would become a running mate to the other during talks, hence the fallout.

 

However, a socio-political activist, Deji Adeyanju, has claimed that Kwankwaso picked a weak running mate in Idahosa.

 

In a tweet, Adeyanju said Idahosa can't deliver his ward to Kwankwaso during the 2023 elections.

 

He stressed that Kwankwaso can't win the 2023 presidential election.

 

"Kwankwaso's VP pick is too weak. His VP candidate can't deliver his Ward to the ticket. Kwankwaso cannot win," he tweeted. 

Dismissed teacher charged with s..3..xual molestation escapes during Kuje prison jailbreak

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 09:49 AM PDT


A dismissed teacher in Abuja, Igoche Daniel Adah charged with alleged s-xual molestation before an Abuja High Court is suspected to be among inmates who escaped from prison custody when some gunmen attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre last week.


Adah was ordered to be remanded in prison custody on June 23, when he was arraigned before Justice Akeem Fashola of the Federal Territory High Court sitting in Jabi.


The Commissioner of Police in the FCT had put the dismissed teacher on trial on charges of s-xual abuse-related offences.


Adah was slammed with one count charge to the effect that on April 15, 2021, he repeatedly touched the breast and other sensitive parts of a 14-year-old student of Destiny Academy, Lugbe in Abuja where he was teaching.


The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge punishable under section 32 of the Child Rights Act.


At Thursday's proceedings, the accused person was not present in court, fuelling speculation that he might have escaped from Kuje prison where he has been on remand since June 23.


His defence counsel, led by Terka Aondo confirmed that Adah escaped from custody during the attack.


He, however, claimed that the accused had returned to custody, but failed to produce him in court due to logistics hiccups.


Earlier, Justice Fashola admitted the suspect to N500,000 bail after spending 21 days in remand at Kuje prison on the order of the court.


Justice Fashola admitted him to bail in the amount with two sureties in the like sum while delivering the ruling in his bail application.


Among other stringent conditions, Justice Fashola ordered that the accused person produce two sureties, both of whom must be Federal Government workers and residents in the FCT.


In addition, the Judge held that one of the two sureties must deposit his international travelling passport with the Registrar of the Court till the duration of the trial of the accused person in the criminal charge.


While delivering the ruling, Justice Fashola remarked that granting bail in a criminal matter is entirely at the discretion of the Court to enable a defendant prepare for his defence in the trial.


The Judge specifically held that the s-xual molestation charge against the dismissed teacher was a bailable one and not a capital offence.


In another ruling, Justice Fashola vacated the arrest warrant earlier issued against the defendant during the period he refused to appear in court to take his plea.


The Court held that having been arrested, arraigned and his plea taken on June 23, the issue of bench warrant has been overtaken by events.


Justice Fashola subsequently fixed October 27 2022 for the trial of the defendant in the one-count criminal charge filed against him by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.


Police Counsel Mr John Ijagbemi had opposed the bail application of the accused person on the ground that twice, he refused to appear in court to take his plea without any justification.


He had informed the court of how a bench warrant had to be issued against him and executed by Police operatives before he could be apprehended and brought to court.


While on administrative bail, the Police counsel had alleged that the defendant committed another offence of the same nature adding that the court must be wary of granting such a person bail.


The Police counsel had further stated that the administrative bail granted him by the Police Commissioner was abused as he refused to honour invitations extended to him by the police immediately after he was allowed home to prepare for his defence in the allegations against him.


Besides, the prosecutor had stated that the defendant's surety had to withdraw from standing for him when it became apparent that the accused person was evasive.
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