Identities Of Presidential Military Guards Shot Dead By Terrorists In Abuja, Revealed

The identities of some of the Nigerian Army personnel attached to the Guards Brigade who lost their lives in an ambush by terrorists in Abuja have been revealed.
SaharaReporters had reported that a captain of the Nigerian Army and two soldiers were killed by terrorists in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, credible sources close to military high command confirmed on Monday.

The deceased officers, who were attached to the Presidential Guards Brigade, were reportedly ambushed after they visited the Nigeria Law School in Bwari following a distressed call from the authorities of the school.
Meanwhile, Daily Trust reports that Lieutenant Ibrahim Suleiman and Captain Samuel Attah, who were indigenes of Kogi State, were killed in the ambush.
Suleiman was the son of Colonel Suleiman Ahmodu Babanawa (retd.). He hailed from Okpo in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
Late Attah was from the Ibaji local government of the state.
Meanwhile, messages of condolences have been pouring in to the family of the slain soldiers.
A military signal obtained by SaharaReporters had revealed that the gunmen on Sunday ambushed the soldiers who were on routine patrol of the area.
The troops were said to have successfully repelled the terrorists.
“At about 241620A Jul 22, own tps of 7 Gds Bn on routine ptl along Rd Kubwa – Bwari were ambushed by suspected terr. 3 x sldrs were injured during the attk. The sldrs have been evacuated to 7 Gds Bn MRS for med attn,” the signal had read.
“Details on the extent of their injuries are still under cfm. The ambushed attk happening within the gen area of Bwari shows that the terrs are actually within the loc and possibly to carry out their plans of attacking the law schl in Bwari as earlier reported.”

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BREAKING: Terrorist Attacks In Nigeria’s Capital, Abuja Force Body Of Benchers To Change Venue For Admission Of New Lawyers From Law School

The Nigerian Body of Benchers has changed the venue of the Call to Bar Ceremony for successful aspirants scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, 2022, over the state of insecurity in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The Body of Benchers is a professional body concerned with the admission of prospective students into the Nigerian Law School. The body also regulates the legal profession in the country.

The event was earlier scheduled to hold on the premises of the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, but it has been shifted over security concerns.

Some officers of the Presidential Guard were killed by terrorists close to the Law School on Monday.

During a telephone conversation with TheNigeriaLawyer, the Secretary of the Bench of Benchers, Daniel Tela said after a meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the body decided to relocate the venue of the ceremony to the Body of Benchers' permanent site in Jabi, FCT.

Tela also noted that the event is exclusively for aspirants, stressing that family members and well-wishers would not be allowed to be part of the programme.

Some Nigerian Army personnel attached to the Guards Brigade lost their lives in an ambush by terrorists in Abuja on Monday.

SaharaReporters had reported that a Captain of the Nigerian Army and two soldiers were killed by terrorists in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The deceased officers, who were attached to the Presidential Guards Brigade, were reportedly ambushed after they visited the Nigeria Law School in Bwari following a distress call from the authorities of the school.

There have been hints that terrorists are planning to attack the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, the Central Mosque, other worship centres and security formations in the FCT.

This comes barely a month after terrorists who later identified themselves as members of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre in the nation’s capital, releasing hundreds of inmates including Boko Haram fighters.

On Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education ordered the immediate closure of the Federal Government College, Kwali, in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

It was gathered that the closure of the school came after a security breach on Sheda and Lambata villages and suburbs of Kwali Area Council which also threatened FGC Kwali.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, had ordered the closure of all Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja due to rising insecurity.

The government directed the immediate evacuation of the students because of the threat to their lives, security and well-being, SaharaReporters learnt on Monday.

It was learnt that on Sunday night, a yet-to-be-verified report trended on social media indicating that there were heavy shootings in Federal Government College (FGC), Kwali, Abuja, and that parents rushed to the school to ascertain the safety of their children and possibly return home with them until calm was restored.

When contacted by SaharaReporters for comments and clarification on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education said it would release a statement on the issue later in the day.

However, in a letter signed on Monday by the Ministry Director Press and Public Relations, Ben. Bem Goong, the Minister noted that the closure became necessary because of the insecurity in the area

 He added that the timely intervention of security agencies saved the situation.

In the letter, the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu also directed that arrangements should be made for final-year students to conclude their NECO (National Examination Council).

"The Minister also directed Principals of Unity Colleges across the country to liaise with security Agencies within their jurisdictions in order to forestall any security breach in our schools," the statement said.

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No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, said he entered the “match” of the 2023 general elections and his only aim is to win and not to work for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Obi while speaking on Channels TV on Monday evening, noted that he had all what it took to defeat Atiku.

The former Anambra State governor, Obi was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 general elections and despite his acclaimed eloquence, the duo lost to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Obi had “divorced” Atiku and opted to run on the platform of the Labour Party as its presidential candidate.

Atiku, however, said last Friday in an Arise TV interview that Obi could not perform any miracle to win the presidential election in 2023.

However, when Obi was asked on Channels TV about the possibility of him working with Atiku if the chance arose, he said he was in the contest to win, adding that he had all it took to win.

Obi said, “Nobody goes into a match thinking of what will happen. Everyone is going into it to win. I’m going into this contest to be the next President of Nigeria… I think I have all it takes to win.”

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2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina

 

The President of the African Development Bank (ADF), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has made a case for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in the 2023 general elections to decide the leadership of the country.
Adesina, who was Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the appeal in his speech at the celebration of Nigeria's diaspora day, delivered virtually.

While eulogising Nigerians in diaspora and their contributions to the development of the country, the AfDB president disclosed that in 2021, Nigerians in diaspora remitted $20billion to the country which represented four times more than the foreign direct investments in the same 2021 and half of the nation's crude oil export.
He said, "Today Nigerians in diaspora send home over $20 billion a year as remittances. Now to put this in perspective, you are going to think of the following - Nigeria's foreign direct investment in 2021 was $4.8 billion according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD). That means remittances by Nigerians in diaspora are four times the total foreign direct investment to Nigeria.
"Nigeria export revenue from crude oil average is about $40 billion annually. Now that means that remittances by Nigerians in the diaspora are half of the crude oil exports of Nigeria, is like the new oil for Nigeria.
"Without any doubt, Nigerians in diaspora are Nigeria's second largest source of revenue after crude oil. Nigeria should therefore provide policies that support Nigerians in diaspora regardless of where we live or work; home is home.
"Nigeria will achieve greatness if the diasporans will play a great part in our country's greatness. That is why it is important for Nigerians in the diaspora to be allowed to participate in the political processes of Nigeria.
"It is time that Nigerians in the diaspora are allowed to vote other nations do this. America allows its diaspora citizens to vote. Several African countries now allow their diasporan citizens to vote. Nigeria should do the same.”
"Then Nigerians at home and Nigerians outside the country, we can share in the shaping the future of their homeland Nigeria. May Nigeria thrives and prosper in peace unity and shared prosperity," he added.
 

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Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’

President Muhammadu Buhari, known for frivolous foreign trips, will on Tuesday depart Abuja for Monrovia, Liberia to, among other things, deliver a lecture
Buhari, according to a statement on Monday, will also address issues bordering on West Africa’s security, free and fair elections and respect for rule of law. 

He will also join other African leaders as Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule; making it the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
The Presidency disclosed these in the statement by Garba Shehu.
Shehu noted that Buhari’s visit to Liberia, Tuesday, July 26, “signifies the importance attached to the security and wellbeing of Liberia and the rest of West Africa.”
The statement read in part, “On this day, Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule, with the country being the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
“President Buhari is the Special Guest of Honour at the celebration and will deliver an address. The trip to Liberia comes at a time when political instability and the return of coups-d’état have upended two to three decades of democratic order in the sub-region.
“Liberia, Sierra-Leone along with Nigeria are going into elections in 2023 and President Buhari is expected to emphasise to them the importance of free, fair and credible elections.”
“In his address, the President is expected to stress the importance of the respect for rule of law rule throughout the sub-region. Without rule of Law and constitutional rule, there cannot be security, peace and development.” 
Further justifying the President’s trip, Shehu said “Peace and security of Liberia (and Sierra-Leone) is important to Nigeria given the enormous investments in men, material and resources expended by this country to secure the two states.
“Without the leadership of Nigeria in the context of ECOWAS to secure these two, there would not have been a Liberia on the map in its present configuration today.
“Bilaterally, Nigeria and Liberia may bring to the table issues of cross-border terrorism, bolstering defence and trade ties. The warmth of the relationship and personal chemistry between President Buhari and George Weah of Liberia is no less significant and will play a key role in the events of tomorrow.”

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Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha

The Nigeria Police Force has detained the Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja.

It was gathered Oloye was detained because of a petition by the lawmaker representing the Taraba South Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye

Bwacha had earlier submitted a petition to the police to investigate the journalist in Taraba State over alleged cyber-stalling, defamation of character, and frustration of ambition among others.

Daily Post reports that Ayodele had, prior to his detention, raised an alert in a text message forwarded to media colleagues on Monday morning.

He said, “I’m Ayodele Samuel, Publisher of Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper and CEO of Rock FM Jalingo, the first private FM radio station in Taraba State.

“I’m honouring a police invitation at the FCID, Abuja over a petition (I don’t know who the petitioners are or the content of the petition) but as a law-abiding citizen, I have honoured the invitation with a lawyer provided by the Media Rights Agenda, MRA.

“I feel it’s necessary to inform you and seek your support in case things go south.”

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Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration

A group of people living with disabilities, under the platform of the National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Benue State Chapter, on Monday, stormed the Benue State Government's House to protest the lack of employment opportunities and nonpayment of bursary allowances to their members.

The members of the association were seen gathering in large numbers in front of the state government house.

SaharaReporters gathered that the protesters were at the Government House since 10am and defied the rain to demand to see Governor Samuel Ortom for failing to address their needs for over seven years now.

"We are demanding to see the governor because none of the letters we wrote to him was approved. It is high time we took this move because he is not only representing the able persons, he also represents the disabled," the group’s spokesperson told SaharaReporters.

He continued, "Among us, we have graduates, we have undergraduates. No job has been given to people with disabilities in Benue and we are finding it hard to cater to our families.

"If you can recall in 2018, 5% of jobs in Benue State were given to our members. But since then, nothing has happened again. Maybe he is not aware. So we decided to come to this gate to relate our challenges to him.

"The other one is disability commission; we want it to be domesticated in Benue. If he doesn't do it, we don't have the power to do it for ourselves. The students amongst us have not received bursary (scholarships) awarded to others since seven years back," he added.

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Nigerian Appeal Court President, Dongban-Mensem Loses Son Who Newly Got Married, 11 Years After Death Of Another Son

The President of the Court of Appeal in Nigeria, Monica Dongban-Mensem, has lost his son, Prince Paeke Shapnaan.
Paeke died in his sleep on Saturday.
The deceased was 38 years old and recently just got married, SaharaReporters learnt.

Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem
He studied Mathematics and was billed to start his graduate studies in Maritime studies on the 13th of September, 2022.
The tragic incident comes 11 years after another son of the Appeal Court President, Samson Kwapda’as, was killed by a hit-and-run driver.
The then 32-year-old student had graduated with a law degree from the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau state, and had gone to the capital city to get his certificate.
“I gave up sleep, hoping that my son will walk through the door and give me a big hug. I also left a plate of food on the table hoping he would return hungry,” Dongban-Mensem had told BBC in an interview.
“My son wanted to be the best prosecutor in the world but died like a chicken on the street after being knocked down. He broke his two legs and neighbours within the area looked the other way as my son groaned in pain, bleeding from one end of the road to the other.
“He gave up the ghost in the pool of his own blood but I am sure he would have survived if he was rushed to the hospital.”

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Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video

The Nigerian Presidency has reacted to the flogging of abducted Kaduna-Abuja train passengers by terrorists.
The victims were abducted when bandits attacked the Kaduna-bound train on March 28.

Eight passengers were killed during the train attack, while a yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons were kidnapped.
In a viral video lasting two minutes, 50 seconds sent by the terrorists to family members of the abductees on Saturday, the male victims are seen crying as they were being flogged by the terrorists.
As the flogging stopped, female captives came into the frame. One of them cried out and rued voting for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to the video in a statement on Sunday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the use of violence by ‘terrorists” is not new.
Shehu said President Buhari has gone beyond expectations in supporting security operatives, and he expects results.

WATCH: Terrorists Beat Remaining Kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna Passengers, Vow To Destroy Nigeria pic.twitter.com/oKAe4cjFXo

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 24, 2022

He said, “Terrorist activity using propaganda and the use of violence to force governments to accept or submit to political demands is not new all over the world. The country’s security and defence forces are not clueless or helpless. They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.
“The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages? They have committed no offence. All they did was to board a train.
“It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them. Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.
“Terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors – the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers. This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.
“To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.
“The Presidency, in the meantime, wishes to reassure the public that the President has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-in-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.”News AddThis :  Original Author :  saharareporters, new york Disable advertisements : 

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Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Sonny Echono, who is a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, is not running down the agency through unwholesome practices as alleged, a lawyer, Felix Ayanruoh has said.
Echono was appointed in March by President Muhammadu Buhari as TETFUND boss.

Sources earlier told SaharaReporters that Echono had turned the agency into a fiefdom where contract splitting and padding was the order of the day.
"The situation in TETFUND in less than four months is worrisome; the ES has done what no other chief executive has done in terms of splitting contracts to favour his cronies and fronts. A situation where the ES brags about extensive knowledge of procurement is disgusting. I can say that the rot he perpetuated while he was Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry is what he is repeating here,” one of the sources had said.
"The ES is in the habit of asking for advance payment in dollars before grants are released. You know he was the former PS in the Education Ministry, and he knew most of the Vice-Chancellors of the universities. So it has been business as usual with how these Vice-Chancellors respond to his monetary demands before grants are released.”
“One of the antics of the ES of TETFUND is insisting that most TETFUND projects are executed by firms he recommended. He has a list of firms under his direct control that he uses in executing TETFUND projects.
“There is a list of anointed firms that must execute projects. In some instances, these firms are not qualified and what happens is that they end up engaging firms with capacity but for a lesser fee. One of the federal universities in the Southern part of the country was a case where TETFUND released the sum of 250 million (naira) for constructing twin lecture theatres. The firm that was awarded the contract later engaged another firm for the same project at the sum of 150 million (naira),” another source had noted.
Reacting, Ayanruoh described the allegations as false.
The lawyer described Echono as a true and dedicated civil servant and an epitome of what a public administrator should be.
He said, “Mr. Echono is a testimonial of a dedicated and incorruptible public administrator that our dear nation deserves.  He has not been investigated or questioned of his decades of service to our great nation.
“He inspires governance and administration of all shades of government to action. And while inspiration alone isn’t enough to get the job done, it is a necessary ingredient to begin the hard work.
“His unwillingness to cross the line into the dark side of public administration has touched a fundamental place in the hearts of many who are eager to work with him and believe that public service is not entirely cynical.
“However, it is imperative to state that Mr. Echono turned down an extension offered by the Federal Government as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, the supervisory Ministry of NECO referred to in the article. 
“It is instructive to note that Sony Echono is a true and dedicated civil servant – an epitome of what a public administrator should be. He has traversed public service and propelled successes from the administration of the likes of Akinwumi Adesina the former Minister of Agriculture, Oby Ezekwesili (Madam Due Process) and former Minister of Education among others. 
“Never allow the transitory evanescence demands of men to take precedence over eternal demand of the Almighty God.” 

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Anger As Shi'ites Group Honours Members Killed By Nigerian Army During 2015 Zaria Massacre, Marks Annual Quds Day In Abuja

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as "Shi'ites" at the weekend gathered in Abuja to mark Quds Day, a day set aside by the movement in Nigeria in support of the Palestinian struggle.
The movement also used the event to honour

their fallen 'heroes’ and ‘martyrs’ killed by security operatives in Zaria in 2015 by the Nigerian military.
The sect said they would never give up the struggle in demanding justice for the victims and exercising their right to practise their religion.
The event was marked soberly with portrait photographs of the victims including three children of the leader of the movement, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, on display. 
Speaking at the event, the Patron of the Academic Forum of the movement, Prof. Isah Mshelgaru said irrespective of the killings, harassment and intimidation by the Nigerian government and security agencies, the movement would not be forced into silence. 
"It is a day to remember these our heroes and also tell the world that these people that have sacrificed their lives, there are still some other people that are ready to make similar sacrifices until the aims of those people who sacrificed their lives are achieved," he said. 
He lamented the illegal detention of many Shi'ites by security agencies across the country since 2015, adding that the movement would do everything legally possible to ensure their release.
He also added that the sect would sustain the procession and protest against the continued seizure of the passports of their leader, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat
by the Nigerian government which has prevented the couple from travelling out of the country for medical treatment.
"When Sheik and his wife were detained, we protested for over six years and most of the time on a daily basis. We didn't get tired even when the government was saying we would be tired and abandon the struggle.
"The issue of fighting for our rights is a continuous process and there is no way we will abandon our rights. We will continue to pursue our rights using all legal means until we get our rights. So the protest and all other things will continue," he added. 
Another scholar of the forum, Ahamad Shuaib said the aim of the Nigerian government not to release the passport of their leader was to eliminate him.
"Why will they seize his passport? Seizing his passport, they mean bad for Sheik. Since he has bullets in his body system and bullets emit lead poison and lead is very poisonous. It is the only miracle that has made Sheik to survive till this time. 
"He has stroke twice while in detention without proper care. His wife is suffering from a knee problem and other complications."
He explained that the event was also done in solidarity with the people of Palestine, saying they are being terrorised by the Israeli government with support from the USA.
IMN added that the international community has turned a blind eye to the increasingly transparent reality on the ground for too long.
 

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SPN Supports Planned Nationwide Protest, Says Buhari Government's Condemnation Of Action Is Illegal, Irresponsible

The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has condemned and rejected the recent claim by the Nigerian Government that the planned nationwide protest scheduled for July 26 and 27, 2022 by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in solidarity with the striking workers in public universities and colleges of education is illegal.  
The SPN, in a statement on Saturday signed by its Acting National Chairperson, Abiodun Bamigboye and National Secretary, Chinedu Bosah said rather, it considers the pronouncement of the government, through Mr Lai Mohammed, the Minister for Information and Culture, as "not only illegal but also irresponsible".

"This is because it is an attack on the democratic right to holding a peaceful protest which the irresponsible Buhari government has made necessary by keeping students at home for more than five months," it said. 
It further said, "Again, the NLC being an umbrella body of trade unions which include Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU, Seniors Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, currently on strikes for months, has the historical responsibility of organising a solidarity action to strengthen the agitations of its affiliates in struggle regardless of whether or not is directly having a pending issue with the government.
"It is in line with this working-class solidarity that SPN being a pro-working people political party reiterates its support to the various, ongoing strike action of the staff unions in universities as well as College of Education Academic Staff Unions (COEASU). We believe that the demands by these striking trade unions are genuine and in the best interest of public education. 
"SPN strongly advocates adequate funding of education that is linked to human development and gives every Nigerian the opportunity to acquire the fullest human development towards the advancement of the productive forces.
"However, it must be stated that this is possible only when the mainstay of the economy and big industries are publicly owned and democratically run and controlled by the working class people. 
"This is in order to guarantee the generation of adequate resources and their judicious use for the benefits of the vast majority. Unfortunately, the Buhari-led government and other sections of the capitalist ruling elite are incapable of adopting this kind of socio-economic arrangement that guarantees free and quality education for all because of their self-serving, parochial looting and profit first interest as well as the lack of objective to industrialize the economy and make it more productive. 
"The uneven and combined development, as well as the looting of public funds, have made it possible for the ruling elite to be insulated from the poor education system as their children get quality education at a more expensive rate in Nigeria and abroad. Hence, the ruling elite are not bothered even if our schools are closed down for 2 years as a result of legitimate strike actions or the education system is embarrassingly poor as it is in the current situation."
According to the SPN, it welcomes the planned mass protest called by the NLC in solidarity with the striking unions scheduled to take place across the 36 states on July 26 and Federal Capital Territory, FCT on July 27, 2022. 
"We strongly feel that this solidarity action is long overdue, and hence we call on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take this solidarity action with seriousness in terms of mobilization and commitment," it said. 
"The NLC leadership should not organize this action with levity just like it did with some other past actions without adequate and proper mobilisation. Neither should the planned actions be unjustifiably called off at the eleventh hour."
The socialist party said the January 2022 botched mass action against the planned removal of fuel subsidy emboldened the government and oil marketers to increase fuel price from N165 to between N175 and N220 depending on the location. 
"The same way the strike action called off in September 2020 emboldened the government and electricity companies to increase electricity tariffs 3 times within a year with commitment for 6month periodic increment," it added. 
It, therefore, called on the "Trade Union Congress (TUC) to join the solidarity action in order to provide stronger class solidarity in support of the striking workers and students. It is important to note that it is a consistent struggle that can force the government to meet the demands of education workers and grant concession for more funding to public education". 
It continued, "Therefore, SPN calls on the NLC and TUC to come together for more sustained solidarity mass action including a 48-hour general strike, as the next stage, as a means of mobilising the Nigerian working people and youth not only in support of students and the striking workers but also against all anti-poor policies. 
"These include but not limited to hike in the price of petroleum products, increment in tax, inflation, hike in electricity tariff, underfunding of education and healthcare, casualization and contract staffing, jumbo salaries and perks for top political office holders, fraudulent contract system etc. This is the only way the trade union movement can adequately checkmate government and private sector attacks as well as defend the interest of workers and the masses.
"We call on all pro-labour and pro-students organisations to give active solidarity to this ongoing strike as well as the planned mass protest taking place on July 26 and 27, 2022. 
"Beyond this is the need to note that the continued stay in power by the self-serving capitalist ruling elite is antithetical to the interest of the working masses and the poor. By the logic of the iniquitous capitalist system especially in a neo-colonial economy with a backward ruling elite, ordinary Nigerians will always be subjected to all manners of socio-economic and political attacks. 
"Hence, there is an urgent need for trade unions, pro-masses organisations, and working people to build a pan Nigerian mass working people’s political party which can build a revolutionary mass movement to usher in a socialist change. This is in order to ultimately put the working class people in power and bring about real democracy wherein society will be planned and organized to meet the needs of all."

 

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IPOB Commends UN Working Group For Calling For Immediate Release, Compensation For Nnamdi Kanu By Nigerian, Kenyan Governments

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has commended the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR) for condemning the arrest of the leader of the separatist group, Nnamdi Kanu, through its International Working Group. 
The group also commended Kanu's international lawyer, Bruce Fein for his efforts in drawing the attention of the body to the plight of the IPOB leader. 

An international Working Group had declared the arrest of Kanu as unlawful and an infringement on his international human rights.
It also called for the immediate release of the IPOB and compensation by the Nigerian and Kenyan governments for the way he was treated. 
The Working Group on arbitrary detention, under the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), disclosed this in a statement published on its website.
The group comprises scholars and experts who specialise in human rights issues and related laws.
Fein, the American lawyer of the IPOB leader had petitioned the group over an alleged gross violation of his client’s rights.
The UN group in its report also described Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 as “illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional extradition.”
In a statement on Sunday, IPOB commended the Working Group, Fein and everyone working to get victory for the detained IPOB leader. 
The IPOB leader was detained after he was arrested in Kenya and repatriated in June 2021.
He was arrested over his agitation for Biafra and by extension, Nigeria’s breakup.
He has since been detained by Nigeria's secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) and his trial for terrorism-related offences commenced in a Federal High Court in Abuja, the country's capital. 
IPOB, in the statement from its publicity secretary, Emma Powerful on Sunday, said, "We, the global and noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby commend Attorney Bruce Fein for the professional job in regards to the recently issued United Nations Opinion, condemning the extraordinary rendition of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and directing the Government of Nigeria to release him unconditionally and to compensate him.
"In the same vein, we commend all those who quietly labored and assisted in achieving this landmark victory. It is indeed a great milestone for our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB and Biafrans worldwide.
"We also express our profound gratitude to the United Nations and its Working Group for their courage in reaching this decision and issuing an opinion that comports with the tenets of international laws.
"It is our hope that Nigeria, as a member of the United Nations, will take heed and promptly obey and implement the UN directives to the letter. We caution that this is not a Nigerian court order that is often disobeyed without consequences." 
The statement by the working group said, “The Working Group is mindful that article 9 (2) of the Covenant requires that anyone who is arrested is not only informed of the reasons for the arrest but also promptly informed of any charges against them. 
"As explained by the Human Rights Committee in its general comment No. 35, the obligation encapsulated in article 9 (2) has two elements: information about the reasons for the arrest must be provided immediately upon arrest and there must be prompt information about the charges provided thereafter. Failure to do so violates article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principle 10 of the Body of Principles, and renders the person’s arrest devoid of any legal basis.
“Consequently, Mr. Kanu’s arrest without an arrest warrant and with no explanation as to the reasons for his arrest violated his rights under article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant and principles 2, 4, 10, and 36 (2) of the Body of Principles,” it said.
The UN group in its report also described Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 as “illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional extradition.”
It read, “On 30 December 2021, the Working Group transmitted the allegations from the source to the Governments of Nigeria and Kenya under its regular communications procedure. The Working Group requested the Governments to provide, by 28 February 2022, detailed information about the current situation of Mr. Kanu and to clarify the legal provisions justifying his continued detention, as well as its compatibility with the obligations of Nigeria and Kenya under international human rights law, and in particular with regard to the treaties ratified by the two States. Moreover, the Working Group called upon the Government of Nigeria to ensure Mr. Kanu’s physical and mental integrity.
“On 25 January 2022, the Government of Nigeria submitted a reply in which it stated that, given that the case is on-going in national courts, “any reaction by the Federal Government of Nigeria will be unconscionable.”
“The Working Group regrets that it received no reply from the Government of Kenya and that it also did not seek an extension in accordance with paragraph 16 of Working Group’s methods of work.
“The Working Group has maintained from its early years that the practice of arresting persons without a warrant renders their detention arbitrary. This lacks any valid legal basis under any circumstance.
"Judicial oversight of any detention is a central safeguard for personal liberty and is critical in ensuring that detention has a legitimate basis. In the circumstances attending the detention of Mr. Kanu at an unknown location, the Working Group finds that his right to an effective remedy under article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 2 (3) of the Covenant were violated. 
"He was also placed outside the protection of the law, in violation of his right to be recognised as a person before the law under article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 16 of the Covenant.
“The Working Group also considers that Mr. Kanu’s time in detention following his arrest constitutes pre-trial detention, which violated the prescriptions of article 9 (3) of the Covenant in so far as Mr. Kanu was not presented before a judicial authority within 48 hours and no individual assessment of the appropriateness of his pre-trial detention took place.
“The source asserts and the Government does not contest that on or about 29 June 2021, Mr. Kanu was subjected to extraordinary rendition to Abuja, Nigeria, with no prior judicial hearing before a judicial or administrative body. The source emphasizes that Mr. Kanu was not given access to counsel and was denied any judicial proceedings all together whilst in Kenya. The source notes that, according to Nigeria’s Attorney General, Mr. Kanu was apprehended and transported to Abuja with the cooperation of Nigerian intelligence officials and Interpol.
“The source claims that, in the present case, there was no fair and public hearing concerning Mr. Kanu’s removal from Kenya to Nigeria. The source stresses that involuntary expulsion to a foreign State without a hearing by judicial authorities does not conform with due process considerations. 
"It is clear from the facts as narrated by the source and not contested by the Government that Mr. Kanu was never presented to a court before leaving Nairobi. Instead, he was unwillingly taken, outside any legal process and without any legal protection. He was forcibly conveyed from Nairobi to Abuja under an arrangement between the Kenyan and Nigerian Governments, and with the cooperation of the Nigerian Intelligence officials and Interpol, as confirmed by Nigeria’s Attorney General.

“As the Working Group has previously observed 9 international law regarding extradition provides procedures that must be observed by countries in arresting, detaining and returning individuals to face criminal proceedings in another country and in ensuring that their right to a fair trial is protected. This is also an explicating obligation arising from article 13 of the Covenant which requires that the person who is to be expelled “be allowed to submit the reasons against his expulsion and to have his case reviewed by, and be represented for the purpose before, the competent authority or a person or persons especially designated by the competent authority”.
The Working Group finds that all these requirements were ignored in the present case and the removal of Mr. Kanu from Kenya amounted to extraordinary rendition.
“Further, the Working Group notes that this was preceded by the secret detention of Mr. Kanu. As the Working Group and other experts have stated regarding State responsibility in the joint study on global practices in relation to secret detention in the context of countering terrorism: Secret detention, involving the denial or concealment of a person’s detention, whereabouts or fate has the inherent consequence of placing the person outside the protection of the law. 
"The practice of “proxy detention”, where persons are transferred from one State to another outside the realm of any international or national legal procedure (“rendition” or “extraordinary rendition”) for the specific purpose of secretly detaining them, or to exclude the possibility of review by the domestic courts of the State having custody of the detainee, or otherwise in violation of the well-entrenched principle of non-refoulement, entails exactly the same consequence. 
"The practice of “proxy detention” involves the responsibility of both the State that is detaining the victim and the State on whose behalf or at whose behest the detention takes place.
“It is aimed at avoiding all procedural safeguards, is not compatible with international law. The Working Group has previously found a violation of article 9 of the Covenant and the detention to be arbitrary where individuals were transferred to another country outside the confines of any legal procedure, such as extradition, were not allowed access to counsel. This is precisely what happened to Mr. Kanu.
“Secret detention, involving the denial or concealment of a person’s detention, whereabouts or fate has the inherent consequence of placing the person outside the protection of the law. The practice of “proxy detention”, where persons are transferred from one State to another outside the realm of any international or national legal procedure (“rendition” or “extraordinary rendition”) for the specific purpose of secretly detaining them, or to exclude the possibility of review by the domestic courts of the State having custody of the detainee, or otherwise in violation of the well-entrenched principle of non-refoulement, entails exactly the same consequence. 
"The practice of “proxy detention” involves the responsibility of both the State that is detaining the victim and the State on whose behalf or at whose behest the detention takes place.
“In the light of the foregoing, the Working Group renders the following opinion: In relation to Kenya and Nigeria; The deprivation of liberty of Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu, being in contravention of articles 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and articles 2, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is arbitrary and falls within Categories I, II, III and V.
“The Working Group requests the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria to take the steps necessary to remedy the situation of Mr. Kanu without delay and bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms, including those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“The Working Group considers that, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be for the Government of Nigeria to release Mr. Kanu immediately and for both Governments to accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law. In the current context of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the threat that it poses in places of detention, the Working Group calls upon the Government of Nigeria to take urgent action to ensure the immediate unconditional release of Mr. Kanu.
“The Working Group urges the two Governments to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Kanu and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights."

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Nigerian Police Kill Suspected Gunmen In Anambra, Recover Guns, Others

The Anambra State Police Command says it killed two suspected gunmen in different operations at Okija in the Ihiala Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noted that four automatic pump-action firearms, four vehicles, four motorcycles, and other items were recovered from the suspects.

Ikenga stated that police operatives in the state had intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls.
He said, "Anambra State Security Forces comprising the military and police, neutralized two gunmen, recovered four automatic pump action, one cutlass, one ash colour Lexus jeep 350 with reg. nos KJA- 666HE, one white Toyota Hilux jeep without reg nos., one white Toyota Corolla with reg. nos. HAL- 732RF, one sliver Highlander jeep without reg nos, four motorcycles without reg. nos.
“The recovery followed a distress call at about 9:30 am on 23/7/2022( Saturday) along Onitsha/Owerri expressway junction leading to Okija Nkwo Market, where some hoodlums blocked the road and were robbing/extorting motorists.
“The Joint Forces responded swiftly and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel; neutralised one of the armed men while others escaped the scene with bullet wounds."
Ikenga further disclosed that in another development, police operatives at about 3:30 pm on the same date while on clearance operation, sighted another criminal gang at Nkwo Market Okija, harassing sellers/buyers and residents in the area. 
"The operatives engaged the armed men in a gun duel. One of the suspects was neutralised and two automatic pump action and one machete recovered while others fled the scene.
“No casualty on part of the operatives and the situation has been brought under control. Meanwhile, Operation is still ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing gang members.”
The command's spokesman, however, added that the police commissioner in the state, Echeng Echeng, had charged the operatives of the command to sustain the tempo of its attacks on criminal elements.
He also ordered that patrols be intensified and operational positioning improved to respond to distress calls in the state.  

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Delta State Ex-Governors, Ibori, Uduaghan, Others Shun Okowa's PDP Rally Amid Party Crisis

The lingering crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), following the party's primaries especially that of the governorship is yet to abate.
SaharaReporters learnt that former governors, James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan on Saturday shunned the party's "Mega Rally" held at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, stadium, Ozoro, headquarters of the Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.

Also conspicuously absent at the rally were an aggrieved senator representing Delta South senatorial district and former governorship aspirant, James Manager, the state deputy governor and former governorship aspirant, Kingsley Otuaro, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Peter Mrakpo among other stakeholders of the party. 
The party in the state has been divided into two camps and engulfed with crisis following the PDP primaries where Okowa was accused to have secretly supported and imposed his preferred candidate on the people across the state.
A chieftain of the party in the state who pleaded for anonymity said, “One faction is being led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who has thrown his weight behind his anointed governorship candidate and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori and the second faction is being led by the former governor James Ibori whose anointed governorship candidate and former Commissioner for Finance, David Edevbie is being frustrated by Okowa.
“Okowa has vowed that over his dead body should Edevbie, his immediate past chief of staff be the governor of the state. The current crisis if not properly handled will consume the party in the 2023 general elections.
"With what is happening now, the party has no governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections because of cases in court bothering on the discrepancies in academic credentials of the state governorship candidate and speaker of the state house of Assembly, Sheriff.”

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PRP Backs Nigerian Labour Congress’ Nationwide Protests, Says Buhari Government Exploiting Nigerian Students

The People’s Redemption Party, known as the Real PRP, has expressed support for the Nigerian Labour Congress nationwide protest to demand an end to the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) strike.
The real PRP in a release on Friday by its national chairman, Comrade Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, said the Nigerian government was exploiting the Nigerian students, and it was necessary to “mobilise, organise, and march against de-education, and for the fulfillment of ASUU's genuine demands.”

The party described the Muhammadu Buhari-led government as a “failed and reactionary federal government” while calling for all Nigerians to join the mass action.
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria embarked on a legitimate total strike on the 14th February 2022. It did so after several appeals, diplomatic efforts and warning strikes to draw the attention of the federal government to the union's demands, and to the government's own responsibility to respect agreements sealed under its authority. Further, the academics, as usual, engaged in broad consultations with stakeholders and its general membership, all in an effort to stave off the last option in industrial relations: strike. Though these efforts were not perfect, they carried the support of the majority.
“The demands of ASUU were not necessarily new or unknown to their employer, the federal government, via its education ministry. If there was anything new in the package, it had to do with roping university salary administration with the single treasury account system adopted by the federal government. Here the snag was a choice between the state imposed Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the union's preferred University Transparency Account System (UTAS). Both sides were agreed that the payroll and personnel information system needed improvement. In sum, ASUU's demands, among other things, centred on: improving facilities, funding, payment of withheld  salaries and allowances; a new salary package; and ASUU proposed electronic payment system (UTAS), as against that imposed by the government (IPPIS). 
“The PRP is aware of the hushed fears of government, that acceding to ASUU demands will trigger copycat strikes in the entire higher education sector and outside it. Already polytechnics are on the move, so are monotechnics and sister institutions. All are justified in this struggle for sector survival and improvement under a generalised system of state education sector exploitation and  'de-leveraging', as opposed to systematic leveraging of for-profit higher and sub-higher institutions owned by cronies and 'vulture capitalists'. Even here, the less influential amongst these have come under the hammer of extortionist taxation, while operators in underclass neighbourhoods have to invent multiple charges to stay in the school business and still make profit at the parents expense.
“Although previous administrations have underperformed in their handling of industrial relations in the higher education sector, this administration has outperformed most in its insensitivity, incompetence, and sheer lack of good faith to resolve the issue. So third party participants in the negotiations have observed and categorically stated. The tortuous negotiations between ASUU and the federal government's team have not just dragged on for too long, but amount to regime sabotage of the nation's development. Children of ranking public office holders, as ordinary folks are quick to point out, school abroad where there are no ASUU strikes and lost semesters.
“While we in the real PRP declare our unflinching support for the ongoing ASUU strike and for NLC`s solidarity protest coming up on the 26th and 27th of July 2022, we view the Nigerian student as among the most oppressed and exploited in the world, both by government and a few odd actors amongst the teaching and administrative fraternity in the higher education sector. This, however, is no time for blame game. The fight at hand is a good fight. Let's network, mobilise, organise, and march against deeducation, and for the fulfillment of ASUU's genuine demands by a failed and reactionary federal government and the exploitative social system that it represents.
“Recall that in this struggle for salvaging the university system, some have, in the long wait, passed on, while others, especially students, may never return back to campus again, futures permanently altered. For this reason alone, it is justified to hold an unaccountable government accountable, in the only language it understands: mass protest. 
“We call on all real PRP members nationwide to join the protest on the 26th and 27th of July 2022.”

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I Will Tell Nigerians Actual Truth About Atiku Presidency – Governor Wike Says

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that he will soon reveal the “actual truth” about the recent happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and his relationship with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said it had become pertinent for him to speak and reveal to Nigerians all that had transpired in the PDP since the emergence of former Vice President, Abubakar, as the presidential candidate of the party.

"On Atiku, I will speak soon and Nigerians will know the actual truth of all that has transpired in the PDP in recent times," Wike said.
SaharaReporters on July 6 reported that the governor also rejected the call for him to have one-on-one meeting with the Atiku, over the lingering crisis on the choice of running mate.
The PDP has been enmeshed in deep crisis since Atiku picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as running mate for the 2023 general elections.
The crisis has also degenerated to some members of the party calling for the resignation of its National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Wike, who came second in the party’s primary election, had asked Atiku to rather meet with his team for peace talks on the terms proposed to the party, especially as it concerns the resignation of Ayu.
The Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin, had suggested that Atiku should lead a reconciliation team to Wike, but Wike indicated that he would depend on the advisory from the “Strategy Team.”
Also, a BoT member of the party, Waziri Adamu, had suggested that Wike should be appointed as Director-General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation.
Meanwhile, Wike who rejected the one-on-one meeting with Atiku cited lack of faith in any personal agreement with Atiku.
A source had said, “There is no likelihood of Wike having one-on-one private discussion with Atiku. Shortly after the primary, the governor had a side meeting with Atiku in Abuja and nothing was adhered to.
“He was shocked that Atiku has not told Nigerians what transpired between him and Wike after the primary and how he arrived at Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as a running mate.
“Since there was no full disclosure, Wike has directed that fresh talks with Atiku should be with his strategy team members, who will come up with an advisory for him.”

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Chief Of Staff To Lagos Governor, Tayo Ayinde, Allegedly Linked To Over N500million Land Scandal

Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been accused of gross impersonation, assault over a landed property belonging to Chief Adetunji Omisore and one Tajudeen Mohammed, at No. 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja.
It was gathered that Ayinde, in a bid to forcibly obtain the land, worth N500million, destroyed properties worth millions of naira, by using the police and other security forces to assault the landowners.

“The incessant issue of Lagos State officials meddling in the affairs of landowners and their wanton and indiscriminate destruction of properties among other vices was brought to the fore following an unauthorised demolition and sealing off of a property, belonging to Chief Adetunji Omisore and one Tajudeen Mohammed, at No. 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday July 19, 2022. #4Ladoke.
“Fingered in this allegation playing prominently in this saga is the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State governor, Tayo Ayinde, the owner of Watercrest Hotel and numerous choice properties around the Lagos metropolis, who lives opposite the above-mentioned address, precisely occupying No.5, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja,” a source said.
It was learnt that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) served the owner and developer of the said property a seven-day demolition notice on Friday, July 15, 2022.
On Monday, July 18, the developer approached the general manager of LSBCA, Gbolahan Oki, who was recently reinstated after he was suspended by the governor, for clarification on the illegal action.
“Note that the property in question is under the authorisation and jurisdiction of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the source added.
Oki was temporarily booted out when a high-rise block of luxury flats under construction in the neighbourhood of Ikoyi collapsed, killing at least 42 people in November 2021.
“The owners' efforts to prove to the agency that they have the approved documents on the said land fell on deaf ears as the owner was kicked out of the office of the general manager and ordered to send the document through official channel the following day.
“However, without waiting for the 7 day notice to lapse, on Tuesday, July 19, the agency moved caterpillar and Black Maria to the site to begin demolition of the over N500million investment as early as 6am in the morning, barricading the property while the workers were assaulted.

“Not only were those who made attempts to record the illegal activities of the policemen attached to the governor's office beaten, their gadgets were also confiscated.
“It took the intervention of the Presidential Committee on Lease in Abuja to put a stop to the demolition after frantic calls were made to them. By then, a new six-bedroom bungalow, a penthouse, the reception of the hotel building among other things had been leveled down on the 3800 square metres property,” he said.
An official at the Lagos State Building Control confirmed Ayinde gave Oki directive for the demolition of the structure.
It was also alleged that after the sealing of the property when demotion was halted by the Nigerian government, the Chief of Staff, who is also a close ally of the leading presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, allocated a portion of the property to a construction company.
The company was awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the road covering the whole stretch of Ladoke Akintola Street, as site office.
“From all indications, it is becoming glaring that Tayo Ayinde's activities are allegedly adding to the long list of nefarious state-backed land-grabbing nightmares,” the source added.
 

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Zamfara Government Committee Probing ‘Chieftaincy Title’ Given To Bandits’ Leader, Aleru Demands N3.2million As Allowances

The six-man committee set up by the Zamfara State Government to investigate the circumstances leading to the turbaning of notorious terror kingpin, Ado Aleru as the Sarkin Fulani (the chief of the Fulani) has demanded N3.2million to finance its activities.
Aleru was recently turbaned as Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulani) of Yandoto Emirate by the Emir of the emirate, Aliyu Marafa.

Yandoton Daji is one of the two new emirates created by the Zamfara government in May.
The turbaning ceremony was held at the palace of the suspended Emir and was attended by the council chairman of Tsafe Local Government and the state Commissioner of Security and Home Affairs, DIG Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe (rtd).
The bandit leader was the arrowhead of a deadly raid on Kadisau, a community in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, where about 52 people were killed.
He was declared wanted by the Katsina Police Command in 2019 with a bounty of N5 million put on his head.
Reacting to the event, Governor Bello Matawalle suspended the Emir and inaugurated a committee to investigate the circumstances leading to his action.
The committee has Yahaya Goro as chairman and Musa Garba as secretary.
The members are Yahay Kanoma, Muhammed Magaji, Lawal Zannah, Isa Moriki.
However, Secretary of the Committee, Bukkuyum in a letter to the government requested funds running into millions of Naira for two weeks’ sitting allowances, stationeries, refreshments and other miscellaneous procurements.
“I humbly write to apply on behalf of the above-mentioned committee for the release of funds to finance its activities which have since commenced today Thursday, 21st July 2022.
“The total amount requested hereby is Three Million Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Naira (N3,293,800.00) only.”
A breakdown of the committee’s demand includes a N420,000 sitting allowance for the chairman, which is a daily fee of N30,000 for 14 days.

 

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WHO Declares Monkeypox As Global Health Emergency As Over 70 Countries Record Cases

The World Health Organisation, on Saturday, officially declared the Monkeypox disease as a global health emergency.
The global health body noted that it activated its highest alert level for the growing Monkeypox outbreak, making the virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Monkey Pox Discovery Magazine
Monkeypox, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (i.e. an infection transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in areas in and near tropical rainforests in Central and West Africa.
“It is caused by the Monkeypox virus which belongs to the same Orthopoxviral genus and Poxviridae family of viruses as the Variola virus (Smallpox virus), the Vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccine for eradication programme), and the cowpox virus (used in earlier generations of smallpox vaccines) and some other viruses.
While addressing the press, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, noted that the decision came as a result of the rise in cases of the Monkeypox virus.
“We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little,” Tedros said. “For all of these reasons, I have decided that the global Monkeypox outbreak represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”
The PUNCH reports that, globally, no fewer than 16,000 cases of Monkeypox have been reported across more than 70 countries so far this year, and the number of confirmed infections rose 77 per cent from late June through early July, according to the WHO data.
Reports from Nigeria, according to the NCDC, confirmed 101 cases of Monkeypox in 2022, its highest figure since 2017 when the disease re-emerged.
 

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