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President Tinubu to African Union: You have Nigeria’s support, we won’t allow you to fail to secure

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• The AU wants to work closely with Nigeria on all issues pertaining to the continent.

• President Tinubu advises the OIC that African Islamic leaders must learn to accept Allah’s will.

• The OIC applauds President Tinubu’s “bold” leadership on geopolitical stability and economic transformation

In a bilateral conversation with President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros on Monday in New York, President Bola Tinubu claimed that the African Union (AU) is strategically positioned to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the rest of the world, particularly with Nigeria’s steadfast backing.

Nothing other than accepting freedom and the rule of law can bring about development and prosperity. It serves as an essential indicator of sustainable development. We are grateful that the AU is actively mediating peace talks between the warring factions in Sudan and working hard to bring about peace in the Sahel. Sudanese peace will be a significant accomplishment. I admire what you did in Burkina Faso and how well we worked together on Niger.

“We can talk about the security and stability of AU member states if you call me at any moment. For the black race, stability and prosperity are essential. Our current era. To fully benefit from the developmental prospects offered to Africa in this era, we must maintain peace. We must create a sustainable development paradigm. Nigeria is willing to work with you. But we must go beyond people who have a misguided and terrible view of Africa. Although we are not averse to conflict, we would rather maintain our composure for the time being, the President said.

President Azali Assoumani, the chairperson of the African Union, stated that rather than competing with Nigeria, the African Union aims to finish its efforts in preserving peace and prosperity in Africa.

“It is our duty to stand up to the extra-constitutional power struggles taking place on the continent. We have made it clear to China and Russia that they are responsible for maintaining peace in these nations since there can be no joint development efforts in unstable nations affected by coups. The AU Chairperson stated, “We appreciate your stance on these issues.

The AU Chairperson stated that as President of the Union of Comoros, Comoros seeks to learn from Nigeria’s experience in relation to the gradual progress in diversity management, election officiating, and economic growth over a long period of time.

The Comoros President underscored, “We want to make our nation an emerging economy, and we need Nigeria’s experience as we seek your cooperation to conduct an election that will earn us the respect of the international community and allow us to develop at the right speed and quality.”

In addition, President Bola Tinubu greeted Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and reaffirmed that the Islamic world has a crucial role to play in sustaining peace and progress in Africa and around the world.

“The effort we are putting forth in the Sahel is crucial. We are aware that we need to work harder. We must convey to our Muslim brethren who are vying for leadership positions that only Allah chooses them. We must respect Allah’s will. I’m prepared to work with you. Our region appreciates your efforts in promoting agricultural development and ensuring food security by supplying resources from Islamic banks. The President declared, “I am resolved to work with you to uplift Nigerians and Africans.

The president of the 57-nation cooperative group received recognition from its head for his vigorous efforts to bring African states to a point of understanding.

“We must reach agreement on the importance of peace, particularly among our member states. We had faith and optimism that the situation in the Sahel region would get better when you were chosen to lead ECOWAS because you are bringing people together. The OIC chief said, “We were also pleased with your election as President of Nigeria and we notice the changes.

President Tinubu has been invited by the OIC Secretary-General to attend the OIC Heads of State Summit, which is scheduled to take place in a few months.

Ajuri Ngelale, Chief

Advisor-Special to the President

(Publicity & Media)

 

Delta police apprehend seven members of drug cartel

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The Delta State Task Committee on Drug Trafficking stormed known drug dens in the state’s Sapele Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of seven suspected drug cartel members.

Pastor Omasan Mabiaku, Senior Special Advisor to the Governor on Security Issues, was in charge of the raids, which were a part of a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in the state.

According to information obtained, the task committee stormed the locations on Sunday as a result of reliable intelligence. Four men and three women were detained with millions of naira’s worth of cannabis, codeine, and tramadol, among other illegal narcotics.

As a result, the suspects and evidence were given to the NDLEA for additional investigation.

 

In a press conference following his detention, Pastor Mabiaku declared that the state’s government had charged him with eliminating drug dealers and human traffickers.

He commended the state’s governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for establishing the committee to fight the drug abuse and human trafficking problem that is wreaking havoc on the state’s young. He also reassured the populace that the committee will continue to conduct raids on alleged drug abuse dens in other local administrations.

He promised that “we will ensure that all those arrested are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Sapele Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Eugene Inoaghan, praised the task force in his remarks over the arrest.

The head of the council declared, “Many of our youth are using strong drugs, which limits their potential.

“I urge parents to speak with their kids. No one bringing or selling drugs here will be spared.

Gunmen kill eight soldiers, policemen in Imo

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In Imo State, gunmen have killed no less than eight security personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.

The incident that occurred on Tuesday morning in the Umualumaku settlement of the state’s Ehime Mbano Local Government Area has caused concern in the neighborhood.

Two security trucks carrying the joint security taskforce team were attacked and set on fire by their assailants.

They were all burned alive inside their functional vehicles, therefore none of them survived.

Unnamed security personnel told our correspondent that reinforcement teams had been dispatched to the crime scene in order to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the bodies of the deceased security personnel.

A local resident who wishes to remain anonymous for reasons of security claimed to have seen the security officers just before they were set on fire.

According to him, the development had caused confusion in the neighborhood.

The security officers were set ablaze in the two trucks while our journalist watched the attack on tape.

When reached, Henry Okoye, a spokesman for the state’s police, verified the news but requested more time to learn all the specifics of the terrible tragedy.

Soon, more information.

Letter approving Shaibu’s office relocation surfaces

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As a letter to that effect, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, surfaced on Tuesday morning, the drama surrounding the transfer of Edo State deputy governor, comrade Philip Shaibu’s office outside the government house may have come to an end.

When he was locked out on Monday, Shaibu had denied knowing about the change in location of his office and noted that he had not received a letter ordering him to vacate the government house property for another site.

The troubled deputy governor added that only government employees were given written instructions to relocate to the new location.

According to the letter from Ogie to the deputy governor, Governor Godwin Obaseki has ordered the Shaibu to move to the new office address.

 

A Permanent Secretary in the deputy governor’s office received the letter, dated September 15, 2023, and acknowledged it on September 18, 2023, a Monday.

“Relocation of Office Accommodation” is the subject of the message, which begins: “I write to notify you that His Excellency, the Governor, has approved the relocation of your office accommodations to No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, G.R.A., Benin City.

Therefore, please make sure that your compliance is in line with Mr. Governor’s permission.

Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, had a falling out when the deputy governor filed a lawsuit in an Abuja Federal High Court earlier in August, asking for the court’s protection from the governor’s alleged plot to impeach him using the Edo State House of Assembly and others.

The deputy governor’s media team was quickly disbanded by the governor in response to the lawsuit, and his office was relocated from the main Government House.

Three weeks prior, some prominent state residents from the political and religious spheres had intervened, forcing Shaibu to drop the lawsuit from court.

Any optimism that the disagreement would be settled was dashed on Monday when Shaibu was unable to enter the building because the gate to his office was closed.

Breaking: Sanwo-Olu seeks DSS to get involved in investigation into Mohbad’s death

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The Department of Security Services has been invited to participate in the investigation of the late musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This was said in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy for the state of Lagos.

At the age of 27, Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley at Marlian Records, passed away on Tuesday.

The former Marlian Records signee’s family and supporters received condolences from the state administration as well.

 

“We are devastated by the loss of such a gifted and promising young guy who thrived in a cutthroat field. The message concludes, “May the Almighty grant his soul rest and comfort his grieving family and supporters.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the DSS to join the inquiry and broaden the dragnet with interagency cooperation and the deployment of best-in-class technology to uncover the truth, in addition to the police special investigative team in Lagos looking into Mohbad’s death.

After a thorough inquiry, Mr. Sanwo-Olu has ordered that everyone who may have had any involvement at all in the circumstances that led to MohBad’s death be brought to justice.

DSS has therefore joined the inquiry in an effort to bring justice to the child, his family, and throngs of supporters, it continued.

The state administration asked with anyone who could be in possession of important information that could help the inquiry process to provide it to the investigative team.

The statement said, “Government also urges to the investigating team to ensure the anonymity and protection of all witnesses who may provide crucial information or suggestive evidence that may aid the process.

In the meantime, the Mohbad management scheduled a candlelight procession and homage night for the deceased singer on Monday night.

Since Mohbad’s passing, his supporters and admirers have demanded a thorough investigation to determine the cause of his demise.

The management of the late artist posted a message on his social media accounts saying that they “appreciate the outpouring of love from Fans across the world to the ones who’ve organized events in their communities as a way to honour and pay respect to our shining light we say thank you.” Come to the candlelight procession and memorial concert for Mohbad.

Aviation company disputes tampering with Adeleke’s aircraft engine.

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coic
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Quits Aviation’s management has disputed allegations that it tampered with the engine of Deji Adeleke’s Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft, which belonged to the elder brother of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, management stated that no one could interfere with the aircraft’s engine because it was under 24-hour security supervision, with CCTV footage showing no evidence of tampering.

Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson in Osun State, stated on Sunday that Governor Ademola Adeleke and some of his aides barely escaped an aircraft crash.

Rasheed said that the engine of a plane carrying the governor had been tampered with.

 

According to a national newspaper, on September 5, an airplane carrying Adeleke and three of his aides nearly crashed while attempting to take off from Lagos for a trip to Abuja.

Rasheed confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday, saying that preliminary findings from the internal probe indicated the likelihood of sabotage.

However, Quits Aviation’s management declared in a statement on Tuesday that the company is a respectable and reliable aviation entity with a proven track record of providing Aircraft Management, Maintenance, Operations, and Handling services.

“Under an aircraft parking agreement with the owner/operator of aircraft (Bombardier Challenger 605, registration marks 5N-ATA), Quits Aviation is responsible for providing suitable and secured parking space at its premises, while the owner/operator is responsible for technical parking procedures in accordance with the respective Aircraft Maintenance Manuals,” the statement reads.

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“The aircraft was parked at Quits Aviation premises prior to the date of the incident on 04.09.2023,” Adeleke’s aide claims. The airplane was under 24-hour security surveillance while parked, and no tampering or security violations were observed.

“The following can be confirmed based on CCTV footage: On the day of the flight (04.09.2023), at approximately 08:45, the aircraft was towed from its parked position and repositioned close to the Legend Business Hangar to begin flight preparation procedures.”

Furthermore, the management stated that, except from pulling the aircraft from its parking area to another position before Adeleke’s departure on September 4, 2023, the CCTV footage indicated no evidence of tampering or security breach.

“It is confirmed that the aircraft was parked with no engine cover protection,” the statement continued. There was no other disturbance to its airframe or engines outside the towing movement.

“The aircraft doors were opened at approximately 13:18 on the same day for flight preparation activities until the aircraft departed for its intended flight at approximately 15:20.”

“The aircraft later returned to the ramp before departing Quits Aviation at approximately 17:12.”

“Quits Aviation expresses regret for the incident and confirms its full cooperation with relevant stakeholders and authorities conducting an investigation.”

“In order to promote safety, Quits Aviation advises its tenants to park aircraft in strict accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual Procedures, which require that open orifices and engines be always covered to prevent Foreign Object Damage or Infestation.”

Nigerian students receive N23.2bn in US funding, scholarships in 2022

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Adnan Siddiqi, the counselor for public affairs at the US Embassy in Nigeria, reported that in 2022, Nigerians studying in the US received roughly N23.2 billion in financial help and scholarships.

Siddiqi made this announcement on Monday at the start of the 22nd annual U.S. Embassy and EducationUSA College Fair.

He claimed that students counseled by EducationUSA received financial aid and scholarships.

The advisor pointed out that the fair offers details on careers in academia as well as study abroad opportunities.

 

He claimed that approximately $30 million (23.2 billion naira) in financial aid and scholarships had been given to students who had been counseled by EducationUSA just in the previous year.

The counselor also revealed that over 9,000 student visas were issued by Mission Nigeria in the previous year, a staggering rise of 405.3% in visa issuance.

The next most popular states for receiving Nigerian students after Texas are Illinois, New York, Georgia, and Massachusetts.

According to Siddiqi, 14,400 Nigerian students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities across the US.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia are reported to be represented by the students’ 973 universities.

Nigeria is the African nation that sends the most students to the United States, he continued.

It is important to note that Nigeria sends more students to the United States than any other African nation, according to Siddiqi, who was quoting a recent report.

at all 50 states and the District of Columbia, over 14,400 students are now enrolled at over 973 institutions, according to the most recent data. The most populated state is none other than Texas, in case you were wondering.

He identified the yearly exhibition as the reason there were more Nigerians studying in the US.

In addition to helping Nigerian students secure more financial assistance and scholarship options, our yearly college fairs have been essential in increasing the number of outstanding applicants to American colleges.

“Many of those students attend a variety of American institutions, from small liberal arts private colleges to large state universities,”

The fair saw participation from representatives of 45 American schools and universities.

We want Federal Government to stop states from prohibiting mining activities — MAN

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The Miners Association of Nigeria, or MAN, urged the federal government Tuesday to prevent states from outlawing mining activity.

The national president of MAN, ‘Dele Ayanleke, claimed that the Nigerian constitution never gave states the authority to impose mining bans within their borders.
He claimed that only the mining industry was subject to state regulation under the constitution.

In response to the recent wave of state government bans on illegal miners and the arrest of some miners who are members of the association, Ayanleke said: “Our positions remain constant: Miners Association of Nigeria is categorically opposed to any form of illegality in the sector, whether in the regulatory or operational wing of the sector.

Our motto, “The Watchdog of The Mining Industry,” and our membership admittance policy, which excludes unauthorised operators, are powerful evidence of this claim. Do you need to outlaw crime or take preventative measures to stop it?

“When armed robbers enter your home, should you issue a ban or form a committee to enforce a prohibition? Who, besides the mother, in the home, can judge which of the family’s children is a bastard and which is a real child?

“How can a state government that doesn’t issue mining permits know who is mining legally and who is mining illegally?

Read Also: President Tinubu Approves Appointment of 18 Aides in Vice President’s Office

Where is the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s participation in all of this nonsense, along with its agencies that grant licences and oversee the industry?

What happens to the Nigerian Constitution, which all of our political offices, both elected and appointed, have taken an oath to uphold and defend?As the primary regulator/administrator of this issue, our Minister and the entire Ministry of Solid Minerals Development can no longer afford to keep quiet about it. It is slowly growing into a giant.

Kogi guber: Bello govt comes out on arrest of ADC candidate Abejide

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate for governor, Hon. Leke Abejide, will not be detained, according to the Kogi State Government.

Kingsley Fanwo, the State’s Commissioner for Information, made this information public.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja’s Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed had commanded the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide the ADC candidate with the highest level of protection.

Read Also: Agbese Philip: A PEEK AT HIS 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

The DSS, the Police, and Kogi Governor Yayaha Bello were all forbidden by the court from approaching Abejide, detaining him, or endangering his life or property while the suit against them was being heard and decided.

“No one is attempting to have any of the governorship candidates arrested.

“Leke Abejide, a candidate for governor in the ADC, has no pursuers.

Fanwo said on Channels TV on Monday, “We don’t know why he’s running around like he shouldn’t be detained.

NLC give Federal Government till Friday to meet our demands

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The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) stated Tuesday that the federal government has till Friday to abide by its demands or face further labour unrest.

The government was pleading for more time to address the labour movement’s complaints when this occurred.
The labour movement’s leadership, it was learned during the Ministry of Labour and Employment and NLC meeting, told the government explicitly that no one could accuse it of not providing the government more than enough time to address its demands.

Among the demands are wage awards, tax exemptions and allowances for public sector employees, a decrease in the cost of governance, the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, the release of modalities for N70 billion for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the release of officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by the police, and the vacating of occupation by police-backed intruders.

One of the NLC leaders present at the meeting claimed that, among others, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed hope that the government would accomodate the union’s demands before the 21-day deadline, which was about to expire.

“Exactly, this Friday, September 22, our 21-day ultimatum expires. Recall that on September 1, 2023, we gave the ultimatum. Comrade Ajaero has therefore clearly stated that the administration has till Friday to respond to our demands or risk yet another round of labour unrest.

He referred to the National Union of Road Transport Workers’, or NURTW, “quagmire and requested that the Police and Federal government be called to order to grant the union a reprieve.

“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), which is responsible for handling the NURTW issue, has immediate authority to do so.

“Ajaero responded that nobody can accuse the congress of not giving the government a reasonable amount of time because we have given the government more than enough time to act when the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, who called the meeting, asked for more time from the NLC to address our demands.

“Asking us to grant the government a reasonable amount of time when we have already done so is unfair. He exhorted the minister to take swift action before the ultimatum’s remaining days expired.

The congress cannot adjourn the meeting without accomplishing any of our goals, he told the minister. We won’t suggest to Nigerians that they give the administration a reasonable amount of time given what we have.

“The administration has until Friday to comply with our demands. The NLC will take whatever industrial action it considers necessary after Friday to meet the demands of the moment, the source said.

The Federal Government is dedicated to resolving the legitimate complaints raised by the NLC, according to earlier comments made by Labour Minister Simon Lalong.

Lalong, who was accompanied by Minister of State Nkeiruka Onyejecha, told the NLC that it recognised and valued the crucial part the organisation played in promoting the rights and welfare of workers in the nation. He also pleaded for cooperation and understanding, saying that efforts were being made to address the teething issues.

Ajaero bemoaned the lack of confidence between the government and the NLC in a post-meeting interview with journalists.

He declared: “The strike is a result of a policy that lacks a human face. Prior to the end of the fuel subsidy, there was no strike. The government was the one who told us to ask for painkillers and wages, and we did. Up until now, frustration had resulted in that warning strike.

“CNG, operating refineries, wage awards, and financial transfers are all issues. You want us to meet every day, but of all these agreements, not single one has been addressed by the administration.

“Some of us have been here a while; it is not our job to go on strike; rather, when an agreement is reached, it should be carried out,” one of us said. We brought up the problems of palliative care, pay awards, and the NURTW prior to the warning strike.

Nobody with a weekly income of N30,000 or N60,000 will purchase fuel. All of these issues require answers, and we have identified them. They want for more time each time we finish.

“We granted their request for eight weeks. We granted them their request for four weeks. Again, we are unsure of what to say to our colleagues or members.

The government is dedicated to addressing all of the issues brought up by the NLC in a just and equitable manner, according to Simon Lalong, the minister of labour.

He added that as the government works to meet the expectations of the labour force, it must be careful to strike a balance that fosters economic growth and ensures sustainable progress for the country.

Read Also: Ondo APC suspends chairman for beating commissioner

Lalong went on to say, “We acknowledge the legitimate grievances that have fueled the recent labour crisis, and we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.”

He expressed gratitude for the NLC’s attendance at the meeting intended to address the current labour problem and foster the nation’s economic development.

“Our nation has recently experienced growing pains, characterised by strikes and other forms of turmoil that have had a negative impact on the economy.

“I appear before you today not just as a representative of the government, but also as a proponent for constructive dialogue, striving to understand your concerns and working side by side to find long-term solutions that benefit all Nigerians,” he continued.

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