Home Blog Page 274

Breaking: IGP Moves to Revoke Bail of Abraham Daniel in Defamation Suit

0

Because Oboyinlo Enenche Peter, a relative of Pastor Paul Enenche, is accused of violating his release terms in an ongoing criminal defamation case, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has asked the Federal Capital Territory’s Magistrate’s Court in Abuja to withdraw his bail.
In the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, Oboyinlo Enenche Peter, Abraham Daniel, and other allegedly at-large individuals are on trial for allegedly disparaging the reputations of Pastor Paul Enenche, the General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Center, and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
IGP Egbetokun charged Peter with violating the terms of his release in a Motion on Notice filed with the court on March 17 by his lawyer, Francis Gabriel Esq., of the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Prosecution Section.
Egbetokun, the police chief, is requesting a court order to remand Peter in the Nigeria Correctional Service’s custody until the end of his trial due to this alleged infraction.

It was recognized that the application was submitted in compliance with the inherent jurisdiction of the court, Section 4 of the Police Act, Section 35 (f, 44 (2) K. 251(d) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and several sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The allegation of a breach of bail terms serves as the foundation for the application.

Notably, this comes after the defendants in the case, Peter Enenche and Abraham Daniel, a former pastor at Dunamis, petitioned Chief Emmanuel A. Iyanna, the presiding magistrate, accusing him of misconduct and flagrant disrespect for the law.

“The First Defendant, after being granted bail by this Honourable Court, went and made several publications on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms defaming the Character of the General Overseer of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre and consequently was found to be committing the same offence for which he is standing trial before this Honourable Court,” the applicant stated as one of the six grounds for the application.

“With the intention of making fun of this Court in the eyes of the public, the first defendant also published a piece that touched on the subject matter of the criminal trial that is currently taking place before this Honorable Court without this Court’s consent.

“That the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 gives this Honorable Court the authority to cancel the first defendant’s bail if it is discovered that the defendant is committing another crime while out on bail.”

“That the Respondents will succeed in their plans to shorten the justice of this case unless this Honorable Court steps in and grants this application.”

Oboyinlo Enenche Peter, Mr. Abraham Daniel, and Others At Large are the first through third defendants/respondents in the lawsuit, while the Inspector General of Police is the complainant/applicant.

Read Also: Tinubu Urged by PANDEF to Ensure Competent Leadership for South-South Development

“AN order of this Honorable Court revoking the bail of the 1st Defendant, Oboyinlo Enenche Peter for violating the Condition of his bail,” is one of the three reliefs the applicant requested.

An order that remands the first defendant to the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service until the case’s trial is over.

“And any additional orders that this Honorable Court may think appropriate to issue under the facts of this case.”

Tinubu Urged by PANDEF to Ensure Competent Leadership for South-South Development

0

Stressing the value of strong leadership in promoting sustainable progress in the region, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make sure that qualified and experienced people are chosen to head the recently formed South-South Development Commission.
PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, released a statement in which the forum praised the President for enacting the South-South Development Commission Bill.
Additionally, the group thanked the National Assembly for enabling the legislative procedure that resulted in its prompt passage.

According to PANDEF, “this one action has increased our people’s confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering even regional development across Nigeria.” “Efforts to address the particular social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing the South-South region are also affirmed.”

PANDEF praised the commission’s creation but emphasized that the ability and moral character of people chosen to serve as its leaders would determine how well it worked.

The group urged President Tinubu to give merit and experience top priority when choosing members to oversee the commission’s operations so that it may successfully support state governments’ initiatives to advance the Niger Delta.

The meeting also underlined how urgently the government must step in to address the long-standing infrastructure deficiencies and environmental degradation in the oil-rich region.

PANDEF restated its position that the Federal Government must carry out more extensive measures for economic development and environmental rehabilitation outside of the commission.

PANDEF also called for the restoration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly, urging the President to step in and resolve the continuing political situation in Rivers State.

The group expressed disapproval of their suspension and called for quick action to bring the state back to stability.

The statement said: “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expresses sincere gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, announced on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, on behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples that comprise the South-South geopolitical zone.” We also applaud the National Assembly for finishing this piece of legislation on schedule.

“This one action has increased our people’s trust in the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting equitable regional development throughout the nation, especially to address the unique social, environmental, and developmental challenges that our region faces.”

“In order to ensure that this body plays its complementary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region—which continues to contribute greatly to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades—PANDEF is hopeful that Mr. President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience when establishing this new Commission.

“PANDEF restates that other unresolved issues will be given priority, particularly environmental cleanup from the detrimental effects of oil and gas extraction and the severe lack of basic infrastructure, which pose an existential threat to the South-South.

Read Also: 2023 Elections: Atiku Explains Why He Didn’t Pick Wike as Running Mate

“Lastly, PANDEF hopes that the President will kindly give urgent attention to returning the State to its normal democratic governance by promptly recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly. This is in response to the repeated nationwide appeals and sincere concerns from almost every corner of the nation regarding the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and the State Assembly.

We express our gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Assembly once more for this important accomplishment. PANDEF anticipates further cooperation, advancement, and harmony in the days to come.

2023 Elections: Atiku Explains Why He Didn’t Pick Wike as Running Mate

0

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, has stated that he has no regrets over his choice to not compete with Nyesom Wike, the incumbent minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the 2023 election.
In an upcoming interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie for the television program Untold Stories, which is scheduled to air today but was obtained by Daily Trust, Atiku addressed issues about the leadership crisis in the PDP that preceded his selection.
Numerous analysts conjectured that Atiku’s election defeat was influenced by the choice to ignore Wike, who had spearheaded a PDP uprising alongside five other governors. Afterwards, Wike boasted about working against Atiku and giving President Bola Tinubu Rivers State.
When asked if he felt bad about not choosing Wike, Atiku firmly said, “No, not at all.”

Atiku clarified that his choice was based on the party’s internal procedure, bringing up the criticism he received in 2019 for reportedly not conducting extensive consultation before choosing Peter Obi to be his running mate.

Atiku revealed that he spoke with former President Olusegun Obasanjo after obtaining the PDP ticket in Port Harcourt, and he received advice to choose a running mate from the South-East rather than the South-West.

Obasanjo recommended well-known individuals like Charles Soludo and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, but neither was a PDP member, according to Atiku.

Peter Obi, a party member who was also recommended by Obasanjo, was ultimately selected by Atiku. Atiku was given the assurance that there were no objections to Obi being selected as his running mate after speaking with governors and party officials, including as Wike and Aminu Tambuwal. Later on, though, he came under fire for not consulting the party sufficiently.

According to Atiku, in 2023 he made the decision to involve the party in the selection process more and asked them to form a committee to suggest three potential running mates.

The committee recommended three names, according to Atiku: Udom Emmanuel was the third, Wike was the second, and Ifeanyi Okowa was the first.

Read Also: Hon. Agbese Applauds Chief Aboh for Donating Health Facility to Agila

Because Wike was the second option on the list, Atiku decided to go with Okowa, the first option, and explained his reasoning.

Hon. Agbese Applauds Chief Aboh for Donating Health Facility to Agila

0

The Honorable Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo in the House of Representatives, has applauded Chief John Otse Aboh for his philanthropic gesture in commissioning a state-of-the-art health facility in Agila, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

Chief Aboh, a former bank executive and philanthropist, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development of his community through this remarkable donation. In his statement, Hon. Agbese acknowledged the significant impact of Chief Aboh’s contributions, emphasizing that his efforts will leave a lasting legacy, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education.

“I am honored to recognize Chief Aboh’s contributions to our community,” Agbese stated. “His philanthropic endeavors will unquestionably have a lasting impact on the lives of our people, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education.”

The newly constructed health facility, a much-needed addition to the community, is expected to provide quality healthcare services to the residents of Agila and surrounding areas. Hon. Agbese described this development as a significant milestone in improving healthcare delivery in Benue State, underscoring the critical role of private individuals in complementing government efforts.

As the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Agbese lauded Chief Aboh’s vision, leadership, and generosity, noting that his selfless contributions will serve as an inspiration for future generations. He further extended his appreciation to other stakeholders who contributed to the realization of the project, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in driving community development.

“Chief Aboh’s vision aligns with my own commitment to improving the lives of our people, and I am heartened to see him taking concrete steps to translate this shared vision into reality,” Hon. Agbese noted. “His dedication to the well-being of our community is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our quest for a better future, and that together, we can achieve great things.”

The commissioning of this health facility represents a beacon of hope and resilience for the Agila people and the entire federal constituency. According to Hon. Agbese, the project is a testament to the community’s determination to build a brighter future for present and future generations.

“This initiative is a shining reflection of the goodwill, dedication, and resilience of the Agila people and, indeed, the entire federal constituency,” he stated. “It demonstrates our collective commitment to constructing a better future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.”

As the community celebrates this milestone, Hon. Agbese reiterated that collaborative efforts and visionary leadership remain crucial in addressing societal challenges. He concluded by extending his heartfelt congratulations to Chief John Otse Aboh for his outstanding achievement and expressed his hope that the newly established health facility will bring joy, hope, and healing to the people of Agila.

With this philanthropic endeavor, Chief Aboh has set a commendable precedent for community-driven development, reinforcing the importance of individuals taking active roles in fostering progress. The Agila community and surrounding areas now stand to benefit immensely from this noble initiative, marking a new era of improved healthcare services in the region.

‘Retirement? Not Yet!’ – Senator Ndoma-Egba Speaks

0

Any intention to go away from active politics has been rejected by former Senate Majority Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba.
Some of his friends are still serving as Supreme Court justices and university instructors, according to a report quoting Senator Ndoma-Egba.
“I will continue to speak for my people,” the three-term senator said in an interview in Calabar.

Speaking for his people did not need him to hold a political office, the former Senate Majority Leader emphasized.

“To speak for your people, you don’t have to be an official. It is too late for me to remain silent, which is why God brought me this far,” he stated.
He claims he spoke with someone about his 2019 Senate campaign and the person asked him if he was still too old for politics.

In response, Ndoma-Egba said, “My classmates who are currently serving as Supreme Court Justices haven’t retired. Professors at universities are still teaching.

He stated that he will continue to speak for his people even though he has not yet made a decision in front of the 2027 election.

He declared, “Whether from the palace or from the trenches, I will still be speaking for my people.”

Read Also: Breaking: Atiku Holds Strategic Meeting with Key APC Senators

In addition, the former senator from Cross River Central praised Governor Bassey Otu’s work in the state.

Senator Bassey Otu’s government is returning governance to the tried-and-true ways we know.

“The past eight years have been a trial run for several styles, many of which lacked empirical research. He was quoted by the Daily Post as saying, “Otu is now returning governance to what we were taught in school.”

Breaking: Atiku Holds Strategic Meeting with Key APC Senators

0

In Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, former vice president Atiku Abubakar is reportedly meeting with certain senators from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of a coalition.

Several APC chieftains are reportedly present at the coalition meeting, along with Senators Ishaku Abbo and Aishatu Binani.

Arriving at Yola International Airport at 12:48 p.m. in his own plane, Atiku was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

Following his reception by Senator Abbo, his entourage headed to the American University of Nigeria Hotel, where the meeting would take place.
Punch was informed by a close friend of Senator Binani, the APC candidate for governor of Adamawa, that she is joining the coalition, however no specifics of the meeting have been made public.

“My principal is obviously one of the team leaders since you can see me here. “You will see her at the next meeting, but she is currently engaged,” the unnamed aide stated.

Nigerians Must Stand Against Oppression, Says Lawmaker

0

Nigerians have been exhorted by House of Representatives member Hon. Inombek Abiante to resist all forms of persecution, irrespective of personal prejudices. At a meeting between the FCT Traditional Council and the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters in Abuja on Monday, he made this request.

His colleague, Hon. Jonathan Gwefwi, denounced the relocation of the FCT’s original residents under the pretext of resettlement, which spurred Abiante to make the call. The FCT’s residents had nowhere else to call home, and Gwefwi called the situation “painful.”

Abiante observed that the indigenous people have not benefited from several resettlement projects. Under the direction of HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, he tasked traditional leaders with protecting their citizens from tyranny.

The senator also called out the government’s repressive treatment of the Niger Delta’s residents, pointing to the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State. He made it clear that keeping quiet about injustice would only make things worse.

Abiante said that Nigerians will ultimately become victims themselves if they do not speak out against injustice. In spite of their prejudices and backgrounds, he exhorted everyone to stand up against oppression.

The lawmaker also considered how Nigerian crude oil exploration started as a private project by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He pointed out that the nation still faces a number of issues that resulted from the nationalization of petroleum as a national asset.

Read Also: World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa’s 3 Points at Risk Due to Ineligible Player

The continuous hardships of the people of the FCT and the Niger Delta are brought to light by Abiante’s remarks. His call to action highlights how critical it is to speak out against oppression and injustice.

In order to address the issues facing the country, government agencies and traditional leaders must work together and communicate, as the meeting between the FCT Traditional Council and the House of Representatives Committee illustrates.

World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa’s 3 Points at Risk Due to Ineligible Player

0

After defeating Lesotho 2-0 last Friday, South Africa, who are now atop Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifications, could be penalized for using an ineligible player.
Due to his two yellow cards from previous games, Teboho Mokoena, the South African midfielder in question, was not allowed to play against Lesotho.
In a 2-1 victory over the Benin Republic at home in November 2023, Mokoena was given his first yellow card. In a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in June 2024, he was given another one.

He was still selected for the starting lineup against Lesotho, though, and played 82 minutes before being replaced by Thalente Mbatha.
A player who receives two yellow cards is prohibited from playing in any more games, according to FIFA’s qualifying rules.

FIFA rules provide that after two cautions in a single match or in a series of matches during the competition, players or team officials must be immediately suspended.

Currently trailing South Africa by four points in the group, Nigeria and Lesotho have the chance to formally dispute this circumstance. Any protest, though, must be made as soon as possible.

Within two hours following the match, FIFA requires that any questions about a player’s eligibility be submitted in writing to the FIFA Match Commissioner. Within twenty-four hours, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee must receive a complete report. The protest might not be taken seriously if the deadline is missed.

Read Also: ‘Peter Obi Has Failed in Politics, Does He Even Grasp Democracy?’ – Tinubu’s Aide

Three points, or eight points, could be given to Lesotho if the protest is successful. This might drastically change the rankings, potentially enabling Nigeria to surpass South Africa, contingent on the outcome of future games.

With 10 points after five games, South Africa now leads the group. Benin Republic is next with 8 points, Rwanda is with 7 points, and Nigeria is in fourth position with 6 points. In the future, South Africa’s matchup with the Benin Republic will be very important in deciding where they finish in this tight group.

‘Peter Obi Has Failed in Politics, Does He Even Grasp Democracy?’ – Tinubu’s Aide

0

Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, has criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, for his recent remarks regarding Nigeria’s democratic situation.
Bwala claimed that Obi is merely engaging in flimsy rhetoric and has never stood up for democracy.
The presidential media assistant went on to say that Peter Obi has never understood democracy and has always been interested in buying and selling.

Recall that under the current government, democracy in Nigeria has failed, according to the former governor of Anambra State.

Obi revealed how, while he was governor, former Senate President Ken Nnamani and former President Olusegun Obasanjo intervened to keep him from being impeached.
He claimed that under Obasanjo and previous President Musa Yaradua, the court was mainly free from corruption, in contrast to the current administration, when a president suspended a governor.

Speaking as one of the panelists at Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday democracy colloquium in Abuja on Monday, he made this statement.

The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party disagreed with Hassan Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Sokoto, who stated that democracy has not failed but is still being worked on.

But Bwala responded directly on Tuesday by warning Obi not to advocate hate speech in a message on his 𝕏 account (previously Twitter).

“I find it amusing that ineffective politicians are attempting to redefine democracy,” he added.

According to @PeterObi, democracy has fallen apart.

Does he even understand what democracy is?

Gregory was buying and selling when people were striving for democracy.

“From his school days until now, he has no history of democratic activism.

His specialty is exposing hate speech and hate speech.

“Talk is cheap.”

Farotimi: ‘Tinubu Is the Devil I Know, El-Rufai’s Evil Is Unmeasured’

0

According to human rights attorney Dele Farotimi, any coalition between Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi before the 2027 election might not succeed.
According to reports, Farotimi criticized the former Kaduna governor for his racism and silence during attacks on the Southern Kaduna population.
“Any alliance for 2027 without guaranteeing citizens’ votes would be a waste of time,” the former member of Obi’s presidential campaign committee told News Central in an interview.

He asserted that an alliance with El-Rufai would not be accepted by the peoples of Southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt.

“2027 is a pointless endeavor. This raises the question of whether Peter Obi should form an alliance with an El-Rufai. Is that coalition formed after Nigerians have gained citizenship and are able to cast ballots? If it is, I might examine the terms of such an alliance without assuming that someone like El-Rufai, who has perpetrated several transgressions against the Nigerian people, particularly the people of Southern Kaduna, will make amends and take a back seat. He shouldn’t be in the spotlight and letting others be reminded, in my opinion.

“Because I’m not sure how anyone could think that Southern Kaduna residents would be observing an El-Rufai.” It is unclear to me how the people of the entire Middle Belt would tolerate an El-Rufai in a political party where he has a key role. “His bigotry is well documented, too well documented for us to argue about it,” he remarked.

When questioned if he would rather have President Bola Tinubu than El-Rufai, Farotimi replied that he was aware of Tinubu’s depravity, but that he still gets shivers when he thinks of the former governor of Kaduna.

“I’ll be honest: Tinubu is the worst person I’ve ever met. I am unsure of El-Rufai’s potential for wickedness. I simply know that when I consider the things that have been connected to him, I get a shiver down my spine. His own statements in public, such as how terrorists should be compensated, how you will pay for your debt to Fulani, and how the people of Southern Kaduna were treated like swine.

Read Also: JAMB Shifts 2025 UTME Mock Exam to April 10

He was the governor and the state’s top security official, so regardless of his direct responsibility, he had nothing comforting to say about these issues. Additionally, I participate in the Middle Belt and Southern Leaders Forum. People from the Middle Belt have told me of their suffering at the hands of Fulani raiders. It makes my skin crawl to hear someone now discuss the normalcy of that degree of evil. I can’t dispute what Chidi Odinkalu said, even though it’s like to asking which hand I would rather have amputated. Because the Nigerian people will not be saved by either of them,” he continued.