The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a leading public procurement advocacy group, has urged the outgoing Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mamman Ahmadu, to comply with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to hand over to the agency’s most senior officer.
Recall that President Tinubu last week sacked Ahmadu as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP and ordered him to hand over to the most senior officer in the Bureau, pending the appointment of a new Director-General.
Reacting, NEFGAD, therefore, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Inspector General of Police to closely monitor Mr Mamman Ahmadu’s handover procedure to ensure compliance with existing service rules and the president’s directive.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NEFGAD’s Country Head, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi, reiterated the group’s support for President Tinubu’s efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law within his administration. He also warned the president to remain vigilant against those who might engage in illegal maneuvers that could undermine his government’s credibility.
He said, “We cannot continue to politicize appointments and expect a sustainable and effective system in the country.
“The resolve of Mr. President to reorganize the BPP for greater efficiency and transparency, as captured in his directive to the agency, shouldn’t be lost on anyone.
“We are closely monitoring the BPP’s transition process, and any unlawful actions by anyone will be met with strong resistance and mass action.”
NEFGAD asks outgoing BPP boss Mamman Ahmadu to comply with Tinubu’s directive
NEFGAD asks outgoing BPP boss Mamman Ahmadu to comply with Tinubu’s directive
Deadly fire at army ammunition depot in Chad’s capital
A deadly fire erupted at a huge military ammunition depot in Chad’s capital N’Djamena, sending powerful explosions into the night sky and shaking buildings miles from the blast.
The explosions from the late Tuesday blaze turned the sky red and could be heard miles away as ordnance fired off in the flames at regular intervals, according to AFP journalists and witnesses on the scene.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said people had been killed and wounded in the blaze, without giving precise figures.
“Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the grieving families and a speedy recovery to the wounded,” Deby wrote on Facebook, promising to open an investigation into the fire.
The sky burst into flames above the Goudji area, where the army’s largest depot of ammunition is located, for several hours before tapering off and finally ceasing after midnight.
The explosions shook buildings as far as seven kilometres (four miles) away and the flames were visible for miles.
“The roof of our house was blown off by one of the explosions,” said resident Kadidja Dakou, who lives in the Amsinene area near Goudji.
The 36-year-old and her three children took refuge in the street alongside their neighbours, for fear their houses would collapse, she told AFP by phone.
Authorities had cordoned off the area with a heavy security presence, where thick red smoke hung in the air long after the blasts stopped.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, who is also the government spokesman, said on Facebook that there were “huge explosions” at the site and urged the population to keep calm.
There are multiple homes in the neighbourhood that is the site of the depot, which sits near the international airport and a base where French troops are stationed.
The blaze “caused explosions of ammunition of all calibres”, an official with the French forces told AFP on condition of anonymity.
“For the moment, no French military personnel have been wounded”, he said.
Russia awaits US response to prisoner swap proposals
Russia said Wednesday it was waiting for the United States to respond to its propositions regarding a prisoner swap, days before US reporter Evan Gershkovich was set to face trial in Russia.
Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges rejected by his family, employer and the White House as false.
President Vladimir Putin said in February that talks on a prisoner swap involving the journalist were underway, but the Kremlin has not given any details on the progress of the negotiations.
“The ball is in the court of the United States, we are waiting for them to respond to the ideas that were presented to them,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russia’s state TASS news agency in an interview.
“They are well known to the relevant parts of the US administration. I understand that, perhaps, something in these ideas does not suit the Americans. That’s their problem,” he added.
Gershkovich is set to face a secretive trial in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on June 26 and could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Washington has accused Moscow of arresting its citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad.
Among other US nationals detained in Russia is reporter Alsu Kurmasheva, detained last year for failing to register as a “foreign agent”. Her employers denounced the case against her as politically motivated.
Former US marine Paul Whelan, in prison in Russia since 2018 and serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges, is also pushing to be included in any future prisoner exchange.
AFP
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Couple, accomplice arrested for alleged human trafficking in Anambra
Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has handed a couple and an accomplice to the police over alleged human trafficking in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.
This was made known in a statement by the media aide to the Women Affairs Commissioner, Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, on Facebook on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the arrest was made possible after the community chairman, Mr Arinzechukwu Azodo, notified the Women Affairs Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, about a suspected trafficking incident in the community.
According to Mr Azodo, he was alerted by his team commander over a report of suspected trafficking taking place in the community and quickly informed the commissioner, who instructed him to arrest the suspects.
Upon arrest, it was discovered that the suspects were about to seal a deal worth one million naira.
One of the suspects, Ebere, confessed that she was approached by another suspect, Temple Nwankwo, who offered to sell her twin baby.
Ebere claimed she agreed to partner with Temple and link her up with a prospective buyer. However, Temple denied any involvement in the alleged transaction.
The statement said, “Ebere said she accepted to partner with her and went further to link her up to a prospective buyer who needed a male child urgently. Ebere in her confession said that after their negotiation, they agreed to meet at Oye Agu to further seal the transaction but instead, Temple requested an instant payment of one million naira in her account which the buyer objected to because he hadn’t seen the baby in question which brought disagreement among them before Temple changed her mind and left them.
“On the alleged seller’s part, Temple Nwankwo from Enugu State but resident at Ifitedunu, she denied ever having to be in any type of business with Ebere but explained that she only reconnected with her when she was four months pregnant. Temple in her defence said it was Ebere who actually asked for her help in getting a male child because she’s not been able to have a child of her own.
“Temple in her confession said, after Ebere made the request, she warned her to never involve her in such and that since that day, Ebere has been coming to her house in her absence meeting her daughter even after her several warnings to her.
The investigation revealed that Temple had been accused of human trafficking by some community members, who claimed that she and her husband, Ndubuisi Nwankwo, were involved in the business. When questioned about the whereabouts of her two children, Temple claimed they were dead, but her story raised suspicions.
The statement added, “It will interest you to know that, some members of the community alleged that Temple is into the trafficking business with her husband Ndubuisi Nwankwo as an accomplice because they have not seen some of her children for a very long time.
“When the couple were asked the whereabouts of the two kids, they claimed that they were dead but when asked about the people present when they were buried, they stated no one has ever been around to witness the burial of the two children.
“It was at this point that the Honourable Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare Anambra, Obinabo, who was visibly sad over the incident, handed them over to the police for investigation and prosecution.”
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Obinabo, handed the suspects over to the police for investigation and prosecution, reiterating the state government’s commitment to ending human trafficking.
She urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the ministry.
End of the road for Wike as youths turn against FCT Minister
The once blossoming romance between former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the people of the state may have ended in acrimonious circumstances as the youths have turned against him in the political showdown between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This much was demonstrated on Tuesday when the youths of Obio Akpor local government area where Wike comes from, chased out the Caretaker Chairman who refused to vacate office at the expiration of his tenure.
To further show that they were tired of the Wike era, the youths went further to destroy a statue of the FCT Minister which was erected at the headquarter council.
A video of the removal of the statue which was shared by @AskPHPeople was accompanied by this post:
“Pro-Gov. Sim Fubara’s supporters destroy Statue of Minister of FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the headquarter of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.”
Pro-Gov. Sim Fubara’s supporters destroy Statue of Minister of FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the headquarter of Obino/Akpor Local Government Council. pic.twitter.com/kjKaw5RVwK
— Port Harcourt People (@AskPHPeople) June 18, 2024
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Mysterious monolith appears in US desert, sparks alien speculation
A mysterious shiny monolith has appeared in a Nevada desert, the latest other-worldly installation to materialize in recent years across North America and Europe.
Las Vegas police spotted the reflective shape during a search and rescue mission over the weekend in a hiking area an hour north of Sin City.
“We see a lot of weird things… but check this out!” the force posted Monday on social media.
The rectangular structure is the latest to baffle the internet after they began appearing in places around the globe in 2020.
The first monolith, which was discovered in the Utah desert as the world was grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, quickly caught international media attention.
Many noted the object’s similarity to alien monoliths that trigger huge leaps in human progress in Stanley Kubrick’s classic sci-fi film “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
There have since been sightings in the Netherlands, in Poland, Romania, Canada and Britain, sparking the inevitable websites dedicated to tracking them.
The Nevada find, which the police posted on their social media feed on X, generated a bevy of comments ranging from awestruck speculation to the downright dismissive.
“Clearly Aliens!” wrote user @NWK1WAYS.
“Let’s crack it open may be prizes inside,” suggested @Nstynick.
“Are we really gonna do this whole thing again?” asked a weary @cdharris19. “Just remove the trash, find who dumped it, and fine them.”
AFP
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Edo APC defends Shaibu, slams PDP over ‘irritating’ resignation call
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has come out in strong defense of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, on Tuesday, dismissing the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) call for his resignation as “irritating and baseless”.
Shaibu, who was impeached in April, had publicly endorsed the APC’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the upcoming governorship election, describing him as a “homeboy” needed to govern the state.
In response, the PDP called for Shaibu’s resignation, accusing him of demarketing their candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
However, the APC has turned the tables on the PDP, saying the party should focus on its own internal crisis rather than attacking Shaibu. The APC’s Publicity Director, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, stated that the PDP was “drowning” and that Shaibu’s support for Okpebholo was a significant blow to the party.
The APC also took a swipe at outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of leading the PDP to “political obscurity” in the state. The party demanded that the PDP concentrate on explaining their candidate’s plans for the state rather than attacking Shaibu.
Read Also: Fubara appoints caretaker committee chairmen for Rivers LGs (See full list)
In a bold move, the APC also called for an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the leakage of examination questions in the state’s education system, which has been plagued by scandals.
Omo-Ojo said, “The All Progressives Congress wishes to call on Nigerians and Edo people in particular, to ignore the irritating and baseless call on a former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, to resign his membership of the drowning Peoples Democratic Party, because of his open declaration of support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the APC.
“It is obvious that PDP is yet to understand the hurricane that has happened in their party. Virtually everyone with political relevance has left and those still in the party are only lying in wait as undertakers to bury the party.
“Rather than ask Shaibu to resign, the PDP should suspend their outgoing governor, Obaseki, for leading them to political obscurity in Edo State.
“Comrade Philip Shaibu is an Iroko, a true definition of homeboy and a political giant in the state, like the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“The APC wishes to give free advice to the dead PDP that it should concentrate its energy on how to tell Edo people what Asue Ighodalo and his running mate intend to bring on board after both have served the state for 28 years without any major development.
“The only sane thing left for the PDP is to join Obaseki and Ighodalo on a pleading tour of the state and beg for forgiveness, especially after last week’s confession by the state government that question papers for basic examination in the state was leaked to public schoolteachers in the state, which eventually ended up with maize sellers.
“We are by this statement demanding that Edo State Government should immediately set up an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led to the series of examination questions leakages that have trailed the so-called Edo Best education programme since 2020.”
The war of words between the two parties is intensifying as the governorship election approaches, with both sides trading blows and accusing each other of political desperation.
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BlockDAG vs. Internet Computer vs Pepe Coin: Crypto’s New Leader?
The cryptocurrency market is exciting as BlockDAG’s presale has crossed $51.5 million, capturing the attention of high-profile crypto endorsements and $30 by 2030 price predictions. This surge highlights the growing interest in innovative blockchain technologies. In this article, we will compare BlockDAG with two notable players in the crypto world: Internet Computer (ICP) and Pepe Coin (PEPE). We’ll explore their similarities and differences to help you understand why BlockDAG is emerging as a leading contender in the crypto space.
Internet Computer (ICP): The New Frontier
Internet Computer (ICP) has experienced a remarkable 17% surge, making it the biggest gainer among the top 50 cryptocurrencies. This bullish trend is driven by ICP’s groundbreaking innovations, such as Chain-key Bitcoin (ckBTC), which enables fast, secure, and low-fee Bitcoin transactions on the ICP blockchain. As the market recovers, ICP’s trading volume has seen a significant boost, rising by 40.14%, showcasing renewed investor confidence.
The ICP crypto rally has attracted considerable attention, positioning it as a key player in the blockchain industry. With its unique approach to integrating Bitcoin transactions seamlessly, ICP is poised to make a substantial impact on the crypto market. However, despite its impressive gains, ICP faces stiff competition from other emerging technologies.
Pepe Coin (PEPE): The Meme Coin Sensation
Pepe Coin (PEPE) hit an all-time high of $0.00001718 on May 27, 2024, but has since experienced a 15% decline. This volatility is typical in the meme coin market, where hype and sentiment play significant roles. Despite this dip, a new meme coin competitor, Fight Night, is gaining traction. With celebrity endorsements, an engaging storyline, and charitable initiatives, Fight Night is drawing attention and may lead to a significant price surge.
The PEPE price journey highlights the speculative nature of meme coins. While they can generate quick profits, they also carry high risks. Investors should be cautious and stay informed about market trends and emerging competitors. Despite the challenges, PEPE’s community remains active, and the coin continues to be a popular choice for those looking for high-risk, high-reward investments.
BlockDAG: Highest ROI Crypto with $30 Predictions
With its innovative technology and substantial fundraising achievements, BlockDAG is making waves in the crypto world. Driven by its secure platform and continuous technological advancements, experts predict that BlockDAG could reach $30 by 2030. As the market prepares for a new bull run, BlockDAG’s strategic developments position it as a frontrunner in the blockchain space.
The platform has garnered endorsements from giants like CoinTelegraph, Bloomberg, and Forbes, further solidifying its position in the crypto world. BlockDAG’s first batch of investors saw an impressive 1,120% ROI, with its price rising from $0.001 in batch 1 to $0.0122 in batch 18. This growth is a testament to the platform’s potential to deliver substantial returns to its community.
BlockDAG’s influence extends globally, with high-profile events in major tech hubs like Shibuya, Las Vegas, and Piccadilly Circus. These events have highlighted BlockDAG’s technological advancements and attracted significant investor interest. Notable moments include the viral keynote in Shibuya Crossing and prominent displays in Las Vegas and London, showcasing BlockDAG’s dedication to innovation and its global reach.
The platform’s community is rapidly expanding, with massive Whale purchases and miners leveraging the limitless potential of its X series miner offerings. BlockDAG’s advanced features and investor backing make it a promising investment for those looking to capitalize on the next big opportunity in the crypto market.
BlockDAG Gives You the Highest ROI
By strategically analyzing and comparing ICP, PEPE, and BlockDAG, we’ve highlighted why BlockDAG is a leading choice for investors looking to maximize their returns in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies. While ICP and PEPE have their unique strengths, BlockDAG’s innovative technology, strategic developments, and substantial investor backing position it as a frontrunner in the blockchain space.
With endorsements from major industry players and a growing community, BlockDAG is set to redefine the crypto landscape. For investors seeking the highest ROI crypto, BlockDAG offers a compelling opportunity. Its secure platform, continuous improvements, and global influence make it a standout choice in the market.
Join BlockDAG Presale Now:
Hit-and-run driver kills two on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
A suspected hit-and-run driver struck and killed two male travellers, identified as Yahaya Suleiman and Emeka, after knocking them off the overhead bridge at the Kara Market on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According Online gathered that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Monday when the driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed into three travellers who were waiting for a commercial bus.
According Online also gathered that the third pedestrian, identified only as Ishola, is currently in the hospital fighting for his.
Issa, a pure water seller who witnessed the incident, told our correspondent on Tuesday that three pedestrians were struck by the driver, and two of them fell from the bridge due to the impact.
Issa said, “The driver was speeding, and I think he lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the three people who were waiting by the roadside to board a bus. The impact of the hit knocked two of the three travellers off the bridge. The driver sped off immediately after.”
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to According Online on Tuesday and revealed that Suleiman and Emeka, who were knocked off the bridge, died in the hospital.
She said, “They were taken to the Lagos State Emergency Clinic at the old toll gate in the Ojota Area of Lagos State. The two travellers who fell off the bridge were confirmed dead minutes after they were rushed to the hospital.
“The driver was believed to have lost control of his vehicle before ramming into the three travellers who were waiting to board a vehicle on the bridge. The third traveller, Ishola, sustained serious injuries. He is still in the hospital.
“The corpses of the victims have been taken to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in the Sagamu area of Ogun State for preservation and autopsy. We are making efforts to trace the family of the deceased to inform them about the incident. We are also working on identifying and arresting the driver.”
Between January and June 2024, at least four pedestrians were killed by suspected hit-and-run drivers on major highways in Ogun State.
In January 2024, a Nigerian Police Force Inspector named Bulus Joel was reportedly killed by a suspected hit-and-run driver on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Earlier this month a 22-year-old traveller, Elizabeth James, was killed after being knocked down on the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.
Activist, SUG seek probe of Ondo varsity student’s death
Mixed reactions have trailed the death of Modupe Ayandare, a 500-level student of Agronomy at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, who was found dead off campus on Monday.
According Online reported that the deceased allegedly hanged herself around 4 a.m. on Monday in a spot near the church where she attended a vigil.
Some Nigerians have, however, made observations about the posture of her body, arguing that the presumption that she committed suicide is not factual.
Speaking with our correspondent, an activist, Oluwaseun Ogunmola, called on the state government to intervene and ensure the case is investigated so justice could be served.
Ogunmola also charged the state police command to be proactive in unravelling the mystery behind the sad event.
“This is not the first time an AAUA undergraduate will be proclaimed dead without any convincing event that led to the death. With the report and videos seen so far, it looks suspicious and unbelievable that it was a suicide. This is why I am crying out to the state government to help her loved ones get justice for the deceased.
“They said she went for a vigil, and she committed suicide on her way at 4am. Why? How? What led to it? Watching the video, one’s instinct can tell that there is more to her death, and a lot of people are saying the same thing that it does not look like a suicide.
“The police are aware of this incident, but I have not seen any recent reports on the case. We demand clarification on this incident,” Ogunmola said.
The Students’ Union Public Relations Officer, Olaogbebikan Noble, also said that the circumstances surrounding the death are mysterious, and he looks forward to the outcome of the police investigation.
“Yesterday, they said a student committed suicide, so we went to the spot to check and met her kneeling down with a rope on her neck. They had to perform some traditional rites before they could move her body to the morgue.
“The rope we saw on her was not tied firmly at the upper part. Even if she wanted to jump down, the rope was supposed to be tight; that is what we are still confused about. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“At the moment, we cannot say it was suicide. Once the police are done with their investigation, feedback will be given on the cause of her death,” Noble said.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Funmilayo Odunlami, reiterated in a text sent to our correspondent that an investigation is ongoing on the case.
“Investigation is ongoing,” Odunlami said
