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Pro-Wike lawmakers no longer PDP members, Rivers AG insists

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Pro-Wike lawmakers no longer PDP members, Rivers AG insists

The Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma (SAN), restated on Wednesday that the 27 members of the state Assembly loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike are no longer members of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Iboroma said the lawmakers, led by the Speaker,  Martin Amaewhule, had last year defected to the All Progressives Congress and ceased to be PDP members.

He added that having defected from the PDP to the APC they had lost their seat as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Iboroma, in a statement on Wednesday, said contrary to reports, the Certified True Copy of a Monday judgment by the Rivers State High Court, validated the position that Amaewhule and his colleagues were no longer PDP members.

He blamed the media for what he described as a misrepresentation of the judgment delivered by Justice Okogbule Gbasam.

Iboroma said, “Yesterday (Tuesday) I briefed the press and made the point that there is a misrepresentation of the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No. DHC/20/CS/2024 in social, print, and electronic media.

“My position has been confirmed and vindicated by the Certified True Copy of the court order in Suit No. DHC/20/CS/2024.”

Iboroma stated that a court order embodied the enforceable decisions of a court, adding that in this case in focus, the enforceable orders of the court would necessarily entail the specific pronouncements of the court.

He listed the three orders of the court in the judgment to include: “That this suit be and is hereby dismissed/struck out for want of jurisdiction.

“That the Peoples Democratic Party be and is hereby joined as 4th defendant. That the claimants’ case be and is hereby dismissed for lacking in merit.”

He added, “Contrary to the false claims and misrepresentation in social, print and electronic media, the court did not make a declaration that Martin Amaewhule is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, neither did it make a declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 26 others are members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party.

“If it were so, it would have been embodied in the court orders, which have been circulated to you all and displayed by me here for the purpose of clarity.”

Iboroma regretted that the deliberate ‘misrepresentation’ of Monday’s court was painted in a bad light and the public was misled with such misinformation.

He said: “Whatever finding of fact that is not included in the court order is an Obiter Dictum, which has no binding force.

“Once again, I respectively urge the media to desist from giving any interpretation to any judgment without first reading the content of the judgment and seeking legal advice,” the attorney general added.

Constitution, not suit will address LG autonomy

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Constitution, not suit will address LG autonomy

The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said the constitution needs to be amended “to expunge the Joint Account Allocation Committee” for local governments to fully have financial autonomy.

AbdulRazaq, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said though he personally believes in LG autonomy, the constitution provided for the JAAC.

“JAAC, in summary, pulls resources together to pay all teachers, health workers, traditional rulers, and other statutory duties listed in the schedule of the local government areas,” the governor explained.

“If we all want these to change as a national consensus, we believe that the constitution will have to be amended to expunge JAAC,” AbdulRazaq said.

He was reacting to the lawsuit filed by the Federal Government at the Supreme Court against the 36 states of the federation.

The Federation Government, in the suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), wants the Supreme Court to order that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid to them directly rather than through the state governments.

The Federal Government also wants the court to stop state governors from appointing caretaker committees to manage the affairs of local governments instead of duly elected local government chairmen and councillors.

Hearing in the suit has been fixed for June 13, with most of the states countering the prayers of the Federal Government.

AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday, insisted that Kwara State was not in violation of the provisions of the law on the subject.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, quoted the governor as saying, “The position of the state in the ongoing legal proceedings on local government is that the state does not violate any section of the law regarding autonomy.

“It is my personal belief that each local government should manage its resources and be responsible for its obligations, including wages that are first-line charges. I also believe that the state governor should not be held liable if any local government is unable to pay salaries since we do not touch a kobo of their money.

“We also do not have any joint project accounts with any local government in the state, as was the case with the previous administration in our state.

“These are my personal beliefs. But my personal belief is not necessarily the same as the letters of the law, including the provisions of the JAAC, which is a creation of the Constitution. As of today, local government allocations are sent to the JAAC as required by the law. Section 162 of the Constitution is very clear on this.

“As things stand today, no activity of the local government in Kwara State is at variance with these provisions of the law. Our case in the court is not about my personal belief. It is, we believe, in the defence of the constitution, which created JAAC for reasons that are well-grounded in our experiences as a people. JAAC, in summary, pulls resources together to pay all teachers, health workers, traditional rulers, and other statutory duties listed in the schedule of the local government areas.

“If we all want these to change as a national consensus, we believe that the constitution will have to be amended to expunge JAAC,” AbdulRazaq said.

Akpabio denies teaming up with El-Rufai for 2027 presidency

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Akpabio denies teaming up with El-Rufai for 2027 presidency

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, described as mischievous campaign posters in circulation suggesting a political alliance between himself and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement by his  Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the campaign posters as “the handiwork of mischief makers.”

“Senator Godswill Akpabio does not have any intention to contest for president in 2027 nor is he nursing any ambition of a joint presidential ticket with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other person by whatever name,” Eyiboh said.

Describing the posters as “spurious and mischievous,” Eyiboh said Akpabio was focused on his role as the Senate President, supporting President Bola Tinubu in resetting Nigeria and restoring the nation’s pride on the global stage.

“Since assuming office on June 13, 2023, Akpabio has been dedicated to providing the necessary legislative support to the Tinubu administration and has not contemplated running for President at any point.

“It is embarrassing for anyone to link the person of Senate President Godswill Akpabio to an insipid presidential ambition, when a competent, trusted, and tested leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is in the driving seat, effectively navigating the contours of purposeful leadership and adept governance with his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Eyiboh said.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the posters “as attempts to distract from the significant and positive interventions being made by the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership.”

The statement also called on security agencies to investigate and identify those behind this “ugly enterprise.”

El-Rufai is currently facing an allegation of N423bn theft allegation levelled against him by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

Though shortlisted by President Bola Tinubu for ministerial appointment, the National Assembly declined to confirm him, citing unfavourable security reports.

Delta lawyer kicks as EFCC allegedly auctions seized tugboat

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Delta lawyer kicks as EFCC allegedly auctions seized tugboat

A Warri, Delta State-based lawyer, Prof. O. G. Izevbuwas, has kicked against an alleged move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to auction a tugboat, MV Omas Success, owned by his client, Ocean Marine, which the anti-grant commission reportedly seized six years ago.

The lawyer has subsequently issued a 30-day ultimatum to the EFCC to release the tugboat, MV Omas Success, to his client, arguing that “while the EFCC Act vests some powers of seizure in the commission, such powers are only exercisable where a vessel has been found culpable.”

He said, “Our client’s tugboat was not involved in any wrong neither was it intended to be used in committing any crime.”

He consequently demanded from the EFCC a sum of N50 million, “being damages for the salvage and repairs of the boat, having been majorly submerged by water.”

In a protest letter from the lawyer to the EFCC, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday, Prof. Izevbuwa who led a team of other lawyers, F. I. Bob-Osaze (Mrs.), C. C. Udoala (Mrs.), J. E. Ibiomgbo Esq. and A. E. Iluobe (Miss), alleged that the EFCC had deprived their client “the use of the tugboat for the past six years,” adding that they were shocked when the EFCC displayed the tugboat for sale by auction few days ago and the client saw it.

The protest letter reads in part, “Our client is at a loss to understand why the commission has decided to take this unilateral move.”

Izevbuwa explained that in 2018, the tugboat was assigned by its owner to Egrangbene community, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State where dredging and canalization work was being carried out.

“The tugboat was detailed to move dredging equipment and hoses to other locations within Egrangbene community. The photographs of the tugboat, its operator’s permit, and other documents are attached herein as Annexures A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K respectively.’’

“Our client states that on their way back from Egrangbene community, the tugboat had mechanical problems when it was tied at New Jerusalem Christian Settlement within Egrangbene community.

“It was while awaiting repairs that men of the Joint Task Force, Warri Base, descended on the tugboat in a warlike manner. They then illegally and unlawfully towed it away.

“Our client states that it was while awaiting the release of the tugboat that it became aware that the tugboat had been handed over to the EFCC.

“Your commission subsequently invited the Managing Director of our client and some other workers in the company in the course of its investigation, through a letter dated 27th September 2018, with reference CR.3000/EFCC/BNZ/STF/278/VOL.6/100. A copy of the said letter of invitation and a copy of the letter dated 9th October 2018 written by our client’s solicitors asking for a re-scheduling of the interview is attached herewith as Annexures L and M respectively.”

The lawyer stated further that after a detailed investigation by the EFCC, it was discovered that the men of the Joint Tax Force who arrested our client’s tugboat were only on a voyage of mischief.

Also speaking with journalists, the owner of the tugboat, Mr. Owen Nanakumoh Esq, Chairman/Managing Director of Ocean Marine Services Limited, affirmed that “as we are talking, they’ve sold it (tugboat) amongst other vessels through auction, despite the receipt of this protest.”

Nanakumoh named the purported buyer of the tugboat from the auctioneer as Mr. Elo E.

He added that the buyer called the military when “our protest was brought to him before the Enerhen police, but the military threatened to deal with whosoever questions or interferes.” He disclosed that the buyer claims the order is from the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. Nanakumoh said.

The tugboat owner therefore pleaded profusely that the Service Chiefs should intervene and ensure that justice is served.

Efforts to hear from the EFCC on the incident were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

MKO detribalised, wanted the best for all Nigerians – Abiodun

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MKO detribalised, wanted the best for all Nigerians – Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, said his administration would continue to uphold the good vision and desire of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Abiodun described Abiola, who died in detention fighting to reclaim his electoral mandate, as a completely detribalised Nigerian and a great son of Africa who wanted the best for everyone, irrespective of tribe or religion.

The governor stated this during a special memorial prayer held at the Abiola family  House , Oja Agbo, Gbagura, Abeokuta in honour of the late MKO.

Abiodun had on Tuesday ordered that Abiola’s house be given a face-lift ahead of Wednesday’s Democracy Day celebration.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, explained that the late MKO wanted the best for everybody when he was alive not minding ethnicity or religion.

He said, “We are here to honour the late MKO and pray for his soul and also celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy in the country.

“We will continue to uphold what MKO believed in. Democracy has continued to thrive, democracy is what will give our people the best leadership,” he said.

The governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu for what he had done to better the lots of Nigerians, urging Nigerians to pray for the progress of the country.

Speaking on behalf of Abiola’s family, one of his children, Ameen Abiola, appreciated the Ogun State government and the Federal government for always celebrating his father yearly.

He particularly appreciated the Ogun government for preserving the heritage of Abiola’s family.

In his sermon at the memorial prayer, Alhaji Daud Toriola, Mufasir Egba Agura, described the late MKO Abiola as one of the greatest philanthropists the nation ever produced.

Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential elections annulled by the military government.

The renowned businessman, philanthropist, and politician died in prison on July 7, 1998.

5,000 Kaduna ginger farmers get FG inputs

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5,000 Kaduna ginger farmers get FG inputs

At least 5,000 ginger farmers across seven local government areas of Kaduna State have been presented with the Federal Government’s free agricultural inputs.

The support, through the National Agricultural Development Fund, was part of efforts to rejuvenate ginger farming after the devastating effect of the blight disease suffered in 2023.

The seven beneficiary local government areas are Kachia, Zango-Kataf, Kaura, Kagarko, Jema’a, Jabba and Sanga.

The According reports that the NADF’s Executive Secretary,  Mohammed Ibrahim, had said the Federal Government, through the fund, was providing support in the form of inputs valued at N1.6bn to ginger farmers in three states and Abuja.

Ibrahim had said that the input support was under the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment initiative.

He disclosed this at the launch of the Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce Support Initiative, supported by the Office of the Vice President in March 2024.

He had said 15,000 ginger farmers from Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the FCT were affected by the recent ginger blight epidemic in the country.

The NADF’s boss, Muhammad Abu Ibrahim, at the flag-off ceremony held in Kachia town, in Kachia LGA of the Kaduna State on Tuesday, said the intervention was the first phase of the input distribution programme of the NADF under the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment.

He said the GRATE programme was designed to provide free agricultural inputs as a form of support to smallholder ginger farmers by the Federal Government.

“The NADF will further support the crop production process by providing monitoring and evaluation services, good agronomic practices and market linkages for the farmers while also developing programmes to strengthen and develop the entire ginger value chain,” he added.

Meanwhile, at the event, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said his administration remained resolute in the provision of support to smallholder farmers as a strategy against poverty and boost the economic fortunes of our people.

The governor, who was represented by his  Deputy,  Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said, “The state government remains resolute to continue to provide support to smallholder farmers as a strategy against poverty and boost the economic fortunes of our people.”

FG threatens to punish schools shunning safety guidelines

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FG threatens to punish schools shunning safety guidelines

The National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has issued a stern warning to schools across the country about the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.

The Commander of the centre, Hammed Abodunrin, announced that deliberate failures to comply could result in significant sanctions.

In a chat with our correspondent on Wednesday, Abodunrin emphasised the critical nature of the Safe School policy, which aims to ensure security and prevent violence in educational institutions nationwide.

“While the policy remains voluntary at this stage, the government is strongly advocating for compliance among school managements and communities,” he stated.

Abodunrin clarified that the policy was currently not enforceable by law but highlighted the government’s expectation that schools would willingly adhere to the guidelines.

“Everyone desires security, and we do not foresee widespread refusal to comply. However, should there be capacity gaps making compliance difficult, assistance will be provided to those schools,” he explained.

Despite its voluntary status, the NSCDC is taking a proactive stance. “Where failures are noted to be deliberate, the Safe School teams will report to the authorities for appropriate actions which may include sanctions,” Abodunrin warned.

The commander also discussed the government’s efforts to institutionalise school safety and security within higher education. He revealed plans to introduce specialised programmes on school safety, potentially up to the doctoral level.

“Higher institutions will be encouraged to run special programmes in school safety, recognising it as a critical field of study,” he said.

Abodunrin noted the growing importance of these issues, drawing parallels to fields like disaster management and peace and conflict studies, which have only recently been established as distinct academic disciplines.

“The specific need to address school safety and security underscores its potential to be integrated either as a subject within the security studies curriculum or as an independent field,” he said.

Heartland relegated after 4-1 thrashing in Ikene

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Heartland relegated after 4-1 thrashing in Ikene

Former Nigerian champions Heartland FC of Owerri have been relegated to the Nigeria National League for the third time in their history after losing 4-1 against Remo Stars during an NPFL match-day 36 game in Ikenne on Wednesday, According Sports Extra reports.

They returned to the second tier just one season after they were promoted back to the top flight.

Rooted 19th in the NPFL table with just 35 points before the game, Heartland needed a win against their title-chasing hosts to keep their hopes of surviving the drop alive, but Remo wasted no time in piling more misery on their visitors courtesy of a brace from Stanley Joseph plus other goals from Franck Mawuena and Jide Fatokun.

The Naze Millionaires struggled for the most part of the season, which saw them embroiled in a managerial crisis. Current Sunshine Stars coach Kennedy Boboye took charge of the team for six games in November 2023, before the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, ordered the reinstatement of former coach Christian Obi.

They have only been able to win eight matches this season, playing 11 draws as well as 17 defeats.

Heartland were first relegated in 2016 while their second relegation was in the 2021/22 season.

Established in 1985 as Spartans FC before being renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale from 1985 to 2006, Heartland won four straight NPFL titles from 1987 to 1990.

They also reached the finals of the 1988 African Cup of Champions Clubs and the 2009 CAF Champions League.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

HoS suspends perm sec, orders probe

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HoS suspends perm sec, orders probe

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been suspended by the Office of the Head of Service over sexual harassment allegation.

The Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, said the permanent secretary would be on suspension pending the outcome of a probe into the allegation against him.

“The permanent secretary has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe by the committee set up, “ a senior director in the OHCSF told our correspondent in Abuja.

It was learnt that following a petition submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, against Lamuwa, the HoS constituted a committee to look into the matter.

The complainant in the petition submitted by Tuggar was one Simisola Ajayi, who accused Lamuwa of serial sexual harassment.

Ajayi, in the petition filed by her lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), outlined alleged instances of harassment.

In a letter addressed to the Head of Service on May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegations involving the permanent secretary.

“I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment.

“Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly,” the minister stated in the letter.

An official familiar with the case told our correspondent on Wednesday that following the receipt of Tuggar’s letter on the allegation against Lamuwa, the HoS had set up a probe panel.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “Yes, the Head of Service has set up a committee to probe the whole matter. There are pieces of evidence, which will be tabled and witnesses who will also be invited to speak on the matter,  so it is not a matter that will be swept under the carpet.

“The minister (Tuggar) is also very much interested in the outcome. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a special ministry that operates even outside the shores of the country, so you can’t expect that an issue of such gravity will be swept under the carpet.”

Ajayi had, in a petition dated May 29, 2024 and addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harassment.

The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”

According to the petition, Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, which had created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.

She claimed for instance that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.

He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat.

She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.

Terrorists killed, military uncovers warehouse with looted foodstuffs

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Terrorists killed, military uncovers warehouse with looted foodstuffs

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed no fewer than three terrorists and recovered several rustled sheep in Zamfara State.

The operations were carried out on Monday in three local government areas of the state in collaboration with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards.

In a statement on X on Wednesday, the Nigerian Army said two of the terrorists were killed in the Zurmi Local Government Area of the state during an operation targeted at a terrorist kingpin’s hideout.

The service said the terrorist’s warehouse was uncovered and destroyed during the operation.

The statement read, “In Rukudawa Village, located in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state, troops launched an offensive operation targeting the hideout of notorious terrorist kingpin Gwaska Dan Karami. In the encounter, troops eliminated two terrorists and uncovered a terrorist warehouse stocked with looted food supplies. The warehouse has been destroyed in situ.”

In the Maru LGA, the service said troops engaged terrorists in a gun battle, leading to the death of terrorists and the recovery of 410 rustled sheep.

A pair of military uniforms and weapons were recovered from the terrorists during the operation.

“In another operation in the Mayanchi general area of the Maru Local Government Area, troops on fighting patrol intercepted and engaged marauding terrorists who had rustled a flock of sheep.

The troops neutralised one terrorist in the overwhelming firefight compelling the rest of the terrorists to flee, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, a magazine with three rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition, two motorcycles, and 410 rustled sheep; which have been recovered by the troops.

“Other items recovered include a pair of military camouflage and a mobile police uniform. The rescued sheep have been handed over to the Committee on Recovery of Rustled Animals in Gusau,” the statement added.

The Army added that troops foiled an attack by terrorists in Gummi LGA and recovered one AK-47.

“Troops also intercepted terrorists on a mission to carry out their nefarious activities along  Kairu road in Gummi Local Government Area and recovered one AK-47 rifle from the terrorists, after thwarting the mission,” the Army said.

The According reports that troops have intensified their operations against terrorists in the Northern part of the country leading to the death of no fewer than 9,303 terrorists in the last one year.

 Also, troops have arrested 6,998 terrorists in the last one year.

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