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Unknown Assailants Kill Uber Driver, Leave Body on Lagos Road

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The terrible death of Yusfat Ayinde, a 42-year-old e-hailing driver, who was violently stabbed by unidentified attackers on Friday, has been mourned by the Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria.
Ayinde was on duty when he was ambushed, according to the union’s head, Jaiyesinmi Azeez, who confirmed the event to PUNCH Metro on Monday.
After arriving at the agreed-upon location after receiving a ride request via the e-hailing app, the driver was attacked by a gang of thugs, Azeez claimed.

He claimed that before escaping with his car, the attackers fatally stabbed Ayinde.
Comrade Yusfat Olawale Ayinde is our member and the administrator of the state’s Professional Chauffeur Association, he stated. He was brutally attacked by unknown attackers and tragically killed. Our investigation revealed that when Ayinde accepted a trip request via the e-hailing app, a gang of thugs ambushed him when he arrived at the agreed-upon spot. After killing Ayinda with a knife, the attackers took his car.

According to reports, before being transported to the morgue, his remains were left behind along Agidingbi Road in Ikeja.

Concerned about the security of e-hailing drivers, Azeez demanded that the industry implement more stringent security procedures.

He further said that in order to determine the facts behind the murder, the union has started an inquiry through its task force.

“The task force is currently collaborating with the family and other authorities to collect evidence and identify the app that was used to make the ride request,” he told the audience. An attempt is being made to find the attackers and prosecute them.

“The task force will work with law enforcement to improve the quality of the investigations and use technology to track the attackers.”

Other safety measures for e-hailing drivers, including as emergency response systems and heightened surveillance in high-risk locations, are being discussed, Azeez added.

“The union will keep up its support and make sure Ayinda’s family gets the help they need during this terrible time. The Auaton Lagos State Task Force is dedicated to making sure that justice is done and that actions are made to stop such incidents from happening again. As the inquiry continues, more updates will be given,” he said.

Read Also: Shettima: $1 Trillion Economy by 2030 Impossible Without Strong Foundation

A related issue is that David Segun, a 21-year-old US returnee, was detained by the Lagos State Police Command along with two other people for reportedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area.

While parading the suspects at the state command headquarters on January 12, Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju disclosed that on Thursday, January 9, at midnight, Segun and his accomplices, Emeka Akwara (19), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19), ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende.

He claimed that after the culprits arrived in a desolate region of Obalende, they robbed the Uber driver and fatally stabbed him several times in the neck.

Shettima: $1 Trillion Economy by 2030 Impossible Without Strong Foundation

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that a solid economic base must be a top goal in order to reach the government’s $1 trillion economy by 2030.
According to reports, Vice President Shettima stated that President Bola Tinubu was dedicated to economic reforms that promote inclusive growth and close the nation’s debt.
He made this declaration on Monday when he established the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), which is a component of the federal government’s 2030 trillion-dollar GDP goal.

His spokesperson, Stanley Knwocha, stated that private sector participants also signed an investment agreement at the event to supply the necessary infrastructure for the Aso Accord plan to fully operationalize.

The agreement is a fundamental component of the Tinubu administration’s plan to restructure the country’s economy, and it was signed on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the State House Banquet Hall.

During the signing of the investment commitments and the inauguration event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the vice president urged all parties involved to back the government’s endeavor to close the financial gaps facing millions of unbanked individuals.

He asserts that Nigeria’s economic goals call for intelligent plans and methods motivated by our will to succeed rather than just optimism.

Without a solid basis, our goal of having a $1 trillion economy by 2030 would remain just a hope. Hope alone does not create dreams. “They are the culmination of intentional concepts and tactics, motivated by our ambition to succeed,” he stated.

Senator Shettima underlined the advancements since the Financial Inclusion Strategy was introduced in 2012, stating that as of 2023, inclusion rates have increased from 60.3% to 74%. However, she also pointed out that behind these numbers are untold tales of millions of people who are still unable to access the financial system.

“This investment is welcomed as a chance to boost our startups and MSMEs, generate employment, and move Nigeria closer to its 2030 economic goal of $1 trillion. This is not just one more government project. It is our national responsibility to close the economic gap and realize the full potential of our people; this is a higher calling.

Initiating this committee and formally committing to this investment strengthen President Tinubu’s commitment to an inclusive economy, which the National Economic Council (NEC) has supported.

We’re still committed to reducing the immediate consequences of economic reforms, increasing access to financing, and making sure that all Nigerians, regardless of location or social standing, are included in our narrative of economic progress. But the responsibility for this vision lies with everyone of us assembled here today,” he said.

Shettima also pointed out that particular regions, rural populations, women, youth, and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) have all continued “to encounter institutional impediments that deny them.

The new Presidential Committee, he clarified, will function through a Technical Committee (TechCo) and Governance Committee (GovCo), with the assistance of an Implementation Secretariat.

Read Also: Tinubu’s Minister Keyamo Clears Air on 2027 Delta Governorship Ambition

This framework, the vice president continued, “ensures that our approach is not only robust but also adaptable to evolving challenges and opportunities in financial and economic inclusion.”

Leading a group of key investors dedicated to supplying the necessary infrastructure for the Aso Accord’s execution is IQS Africa in the interim.

Governors Wale Edun and Peter Mbah are dedicated to financial inclusion.
Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu State, stated in a word of goodwill that financial and economic inclusion have been crucial to the state’s phenomenal rise in internally generated income and that the state government’s main goal is to grow the economy while keeping the weak and vulnerable in mind.

Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, stated in his remarks that the Ministry of Finance is still dedicated to the work given to the Presidential Committee and that it will be in charge of converting the Aso Accord’s vision into meaningful and practical reforms and initiatives.

Tinubu’s Minister Keyamo Clears Air on 2027 Delta Governorship Ambition

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Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has confirmed that any campaign posters implying that he is running for governor of Delta State in the general elections of 2027 are not related to him.
In a statement issued Monday via Voke Oshasha, his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Keyamo called the posters “fake” and described them as an unsuccessful effort at blackmail by those seeking to control the Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) for personal gain.
It is speculated that as the 2027 election draws near, the minister may be assessing support within the APC.

According to the report, some stakeholders believe the posters may have been intended to confront Ovie Omo-Agege, the former deputy senate president who is also rumored to be interested in running for governor.
However, Keyamo disputed these notions, stressing that the posters are meant to misrepresent his and other Delta APC leaders’ attempts to create a more inclusive party rather than letting one individual control it.

“Our attention has been drawn to some fake posters circulating online, suggesting that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, is interested in running for Governor of Delta State in 2027 on the platform of the APC,” Oshasha stated in the statement.

“There is nothing that could be more untrue. For those who wish to use Delta APC as their personal property, this is cheap blackmail. Instead of leaving the party in the hands of one person, they want to sabotage the minister’s and other leaders’ sincere attempts to let all members freely engage.

Along with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of NADECO, Mr. Keyamo has a long history of opposing injustice and military dictatorships. He is also unafraid to oppose civilian dictatorship.

In order to stop the party’s collapse in the state, he emphasized that the APC leaders in Delta have formed a strong coalition.

Read Also: Okanga & Best: A Model for Sibling Unity and Cooperation

For emphasis, nobody is shut out or excluded. The message is straightforward. Instead of kneeling in someone’s hamlet to create structures or plead for tickets, everyone must labor together. In Delta APC, democratic principles must be evident.

The statement further said, “The Minister will continue to work with others to accomplish these significant objectives despite all current blackmail attempts.”

Okanga & Best: A Model for Sibling Unity and Cooperation

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In a world where sibling rivalry and discord often make headlines, it’s refreshing to come across a story of two brothers who embody the true spirit of brotherly love and cooperation. Okanga and his younger brother Best are a shining example of how siblings can work together towards a common goal, supporting and uplifting each other every step of the way.
The bond between Okanga and Best is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on humanity. Their symbiotic relationship is a beautiful thing to behold, with each brother playing to the other’s strengths and weaknesses. Okanga, the older brother, is the public face of their joint endeavours, while Best works tirelessly behind the scenes, providing the necessary support and guidance to ensure their shared vision becomes a reality.
Best is, without a doubt, the power house of Okanga’s administration. His selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to their common goal are a testament to the love and loyalty of a true brother. While Okanga may be the one in the spotlight, Best is the unsung hero who works day and night to ensure his brother’s success.
The 100% support that Okanga receives from Best is a rare and precious thing. In a world where jealousy and competition often drive siblings apart, Okanga and Best are a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their story shows us that with love, trust, and a shared sense of purpose, siblings can achieve great things together.
As we reflect on the remarkable bond between Okanga and Best, we are reminded of the importance of family, loyalty, and teamwork. Their story encourages us to nurture our own relationships with our siblings and to work together towards a common goal. By doing so, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Finally, Okanga and Best are a shining example of the transformative power of brotherly love and cooperation. Their story is a demonstration to the fact that when siblings work together towards a common goal, they can achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on humanity.

Why I Dragged Meta (Facebook) to Court – Femi Falana

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Femi Falana, a human rights attorney, claims that in order to demand accountability from social media corporations, he filed a lawsuit against Meta, Facebook’s parent company.
Falana allegedly sued Meta for falsely linking him to health care and requested $5 million.

During a Monday interview with Channels TV, Nigeria’s Senior Advocate advocate advocated for legislation to control social media.

Although he acknowledged that criticism was essential in a democracy, he pointed out that it was being abused.

In a democracy, criticism is essential, yet in some cases, people break the law, file a complaint, and possibly request a prompt resolution. Obviously, things have reached a point where we must reexamine the legislation.adverts.
It will be necessary for the government and lawmakers to examine the legislation. I’ve stated once more that I reject criminalization, but anyone is outraged can be granted access to civil remedies,” he said.

“Meta and its owner, Mark Zuckerberg, are not above the law,” Falana said in reference to his odds of winning the case against Meta.

Read Also:  NLC Raises Alarm: Governance Threatened as Governors Relocate to Abuja

“You are fighting a gigantic corporation, and sure, no one is above the law, therefore I’m really hopeful that you will win. In the UK, Lord Denning seems to have reiterated the idea that no matter how powerful you are, the law always has the upper hand. The goal is to make some of these groups take responsibility and examine their own functioning. It would cause enormous harm if you set up a forum where I could post anything I want.

He continued by saying that “by the time these organizations are forced to pay enormous sums, they will have to examine their system and have some built-in mechanism for check-making reckless publications.”

NLC Raises Alarm: Governance Threatened as Governors Relocate to Abuja

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Concern has been raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) about the increasing number of state governors who leave their states to live permanently in Abuja, leaving their citizens to suffer economically.

This was announced by NLC President Joe Ajaero at a town hall meeting with employees at the NLC Secretariat in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The discussion was a component of the NLC leadership’s visit to commission ten compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that were designed to alleviate the state’s workers’ mobility challenges.

The occasion gave employees a chance to voice their complaints, which Ajaero promised to relay to the state governor.
Nevertheless, he bemoaned the lack of governors in the five zones he had already visited.

The Impact of Governors’ Absence on Governance
However, there is a problem we are having with trends because the majority of governors now live continuously in Abuja, said Ajaero, who lamented the scenario. We are now in about five zones, with Kogi being in the fifth. There is only one state whose governors we have met. Every time you visit, they are in Abuja, which has an impact on government.

He emphasized the importance of leaders being reachable by the populace for democracy to have substance. We should be able to run the center and the units, in my opinion, so that people can communicate with their leaders and feel the benefits of democracy.

Ajaero went on to say that the NLC would try to get the governor to accept the demands of the workers.

But if we record all of these things, he continued, “the information you will provide us will be contingent on the governor’s presence.” We will share your information with him if he is present. We give it to him, anyone he chooses to send if he is not present.

The Strategic Significance of Kogi for NLC
Kogi State is particularly important to the labor movement, the NLC President underlined, because both Governor Usman Ododo and his deputy have union experience.

In Niger State, Ododo had previously served as an NLC official, while the deputy governor had previously served as a Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) official.

“We would like to hold a town hall meeting to hear your opinions and learn what has been done and what has not been done correctly, so we take it to them,” he said.

Read Also: SAN Writes Tinubu Over PSC Chairman’s Conduct As Lawyer Confirms Payment Of N700, 000 Into Court Staff’s Account

Ajaero stated: “To us, it is like homecoming,” adding that the visit also provided a chance to evaluate the government’s performance. In order to ascertain whether they are engaging in the behaviors for which we are criticizing others, we would like to visit and engage with them.

Labor unions are illegally prohibited in Kogi.
In response to the previous administration of Governor Yahaya Bello’s ban on labor unions in state-owned tertiary institutions, Ajaero declared it to be unconstitutional.

Since labor issues are covered by the Exclusive Legislative List, he contended, state governments are powerless to outlaw unions.

The Constitution’s Exclusive Legislative List includes union practices, let me state that. Since you can’t ban something you can’t control, no governor has the authority to do so.

“The registrar of trade unions registers unions nationwide. “What are you now banning?” he said, “They may decide to create branches in states for administrative convenience.

When workers met with Ajaero, they told him that Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State University, and the state’s Colleges of Education, Technology, and Nursing had prohibited labor unions for more than ten years.

Demands of Employees
The following were among the urgent concerns that employees wanted the NLC to address:

Not implementing yearly pay raises

Absence of worker housing options

In elementary and junior secondary schools, there is an acute teacher shortage.

Ajaero urged employees to stand firm in the struggle for their rights and promised that their complaints would be addressed by the authorities.

SAN Writes Tinubu Over PSC Chairman’s Conduct As Lawyer Confirms Payment Of N700, 000 Into Court Staff’s Account

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President Bola Tinubu has been asked to call the Chairman of Police Service Commission, PSC, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, to order over attempt to review a lawful judgement of court.

In a letter dated January 29, signed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Terkaa Aondo, SAN, the president was asked to call him to order for allegedly meddling unlawfully into enforcement of judgement of court of competent jurisdiction.

In suit number FCT/HC/CV/330/2018, Alhaji Usman Sarahi, challenged the unlawful and illegal revocation of Plot 1798 Cadastral Zone A2, Wuse District, Abuja, covered by a Certificate of Occupancy, without service of Revocation notice in line with the Land Use Act.

Upon determination of the case, the court delivered its judgment in favour of Alhaji Saraki and nullified the purported revocation
and subsequent reallocation. The court held that the purported Revocation of the claimant’s right of occupancy without service of revocation notice is illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

The judgment was enforced on 19/12/2024 by evicting all the occupants and on 25/12/24, one Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and his thugs, broke back into the property against the Order of the FCT High Court.

The SAN said, in the petition to the President, “It is pertinent to note that, on the 25/12/2024, one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, the brother in-law to a top high ranked official of the Police Service Commission, aided by weapon-wielding thugs, criminally and forcefully broke In and entered into the property in total disrespect to the Order of Court that had evicted them. Following complaint to the Court and the Police, on 14/1/2025, the illegal occupants were evicted from the property, and our client put back in possession.”

Alhaji Yahaya allegedly paid the sum of N700,000.00 to a staff of the Execution unit of the FCT High Court to prevent the Court staff from going back to the property to further evict him and his illegal occupants and thugs.

But Alhaji Yahaya, through his Counsel, Barrister Sani Abass, said the money was paid to the Court staff in error. He said, “That issue has been resolved, the money was sent in error and it has been reversed”.

Alhaji Yahaya approached the court in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/5699/2024, over the enforcement of judgment and secured an injunction to stop further construction work on the property and also petitioned the PSC, following which a panel, chaired by the Chairman of the
Commission, DIG Argungu (rtd) is said to be conducting an investigation into the enforcement of Judgment of a Court of competent jurisdiction over a civil matter.

The senior advocate said in the petition that despite the pendency of the matter before FCT High Court, his client was invited by a letter personally signed by the chairman of the PSC to appear before a panel set up by the PSC chairman over issues relating to the Court judgment and its enforcement which are subject of Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/5699/2024 pending before FCT High Court No. 5, Maitama, presided over by Hon. Justice Mairo Nasir.

According to the senior counsel, when the Panel sat on 27/1/2025, most of the issues raised by the Panel relate to the where-about of the judgment creditor; how the plot was allocated and how the
Judgment was obtained and enforced, which are all matters that have been
decided on merit by a Court of competent jurisdiction in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/330/2018, and which also form the basis of the pending litigation in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/5699/2024.

“All efforts by counsel to make the Chairman appreciate the fact that the investigation over the Plot of land upon which a judgment of court subsists, Is outside the mandate of the Commission, proved abortive. In the course of the sitting on 27/1/2025, in a rather shocking and bizarre twist, the Chairman directed the Panel to pay a visit to the locus in quo for a first hand assessment of the property, and deployed several Police Vehicles and Armoured vehicle, for this purpose.”

A senior official of the PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said he is not aware of the panel. According to him, ” To the best of my knowledge, I’m not aware of such panel.”

Read Also: Legal Ignorance is Nigeria’s Downfall” – Nnamdi Kanu Rants in Court

The SAN states that his client feels intimidated by the posture and threats by the Chairman of the PSC, but he is nonetheless, uninterested in any resolution of the matter outside the Court. The SAN concludes that: “It is important to note Sir, that It against the hallowed principle of rule of law, which your administration Is poised to protect, for an appointee of an exalted public office to deliberately interfere in the judicial process and the cause of justice. We pray your Excellency Sir, to use your good offices to call the Chairman of the Police Service Commission to order and to cause him to align himself with the mandate for which the Commission was established.”

Legal Ignorance is Nigeria’s Downfall” – Nnamdi Kanu Rants in Court

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According to reports, Justice Binta Nyako adjourned Kanu’s case indefinitely on Monday in a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Nyako should not sit and listen to a case in which she had excused herself, the IPOB leader said.
Kanu stated that he has the right to advocate for Biafra in response to the case being postponed. He wondered why different charges were continuously added to his case.

Justice Nyako should have done what Nigerian law asked of her, he continued.

Read Also: Okowa’s Former Aide Dumps PDP Over Lack of Progress

He said: “Listen, these are Nigerian laws. The truth is that neither the prosecution nor this court is familiar with the law. Nigeria’s lack of legal expertise is killing it. They lack legal expertise and have poor legal knowledge. Nigeria’s federal gazetted legislation states that the country’s highest judge cannot order Binta Nyako to do anything. It is present. You are bound by it. Just follow it. That’s the reason I do what I do. My cause is Biafra. I fight for Biafra’s rights in order to fight for mine. They changed it to terrorism from a reasonable felony.

 

Okowa’s Former Aide Dumps PDP Over Lack of Progress

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Monoyo Edon, a candidate for the chairmanship of the Warri South Local Government Area (LGA) and a former adviser to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor of Delta State, has formally resigned from the PDP.

In a letter of resignation addressed to Allen Mayuku, the chairman of the Obodo/Ubeji 1 ward, he stated that his departure was mostly due to the party’s “unusual” method of rewarding its members and its lack of openness to new ideas.

Edon, who served as the prior administration’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, stated that he joined PDP in the hope that it would provide a forum for Delta’s young people and motivated individuals.

Edon described the party as inhospitable to new progressive ideas, especially in Warri South, and emphasized that he cannot continue to be associated with a group that hinders his success.

“I am writing to formally inform the party of my decision to rescind my membership in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with party registration number 294/04/2022,” his resignation letter said.

As a devoted cardholder since 2021, I made a significant contribution to the election that resulted in His Excellency Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori being elected Governor of Delta State and the other four elective posts (completing 5/5 in Ward 1) in the general elections of 2023.

It is important to note that I also actively worked for former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity for a brief period of time.

I consciously joined the party in 2020 because I believed it would provide a forum for young, talented Deltans.

Read Also: Lagos Assembly Crisis: Obasa’s Allies Demand Meranda’s Removal

“In the 2024 Delta LGA polls, the party gave me permission to run for the chairmanship ticket of Warri South LGA.

But as the battle progressed, I learned more about the party’s culture, which, to be honest, has an odd system of rewards and is intolerant of new progressive ideas, especially in Warri South.

“Remaining in a position that is hostile to my advancement, contribution, and ambition is not in line with my character.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my leaders, the former Ward Secretary Ewetan Okerentie and Dcn Victor Agbateyiniro, for bringing me into the party. I should also acknowledge the other leaders I collaborated with while in the PDP.”

Lagos Assembly Crisis: Obasa’s Allies Demand Meranda’s Removal

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The current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, is allegedly being targeted by the camp of Mudashiru Obasa, the troubled former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Remember that since Meranda’s appearance on January 13, 2025, there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts to remove her, and there have been several attempts to put the beleaguered Obasa back in power.
There are signs that Meranda might be fired at any time, according to insiders who spoke to Vanguard over the weekend.

After the Ifako-Ijaiye candidate turned down the offer and others reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Meranda, the current strategy, according to the source, is to elect a member from the West, ideally from Ikeja.
Leaders of the APC, who have a soft spot for Obasa, are allegedly planning to ensure that a proxy speaker from the Ikeja constituency emerges. A few weeks later, they would reportedly quit their posts to make room for Obasa, who is then anticipated to step down in favor of a preferred candidate as speaker.

Read Also: JAMB Boss Urges FG to Give NUC Full Authority Over Varsity Finances

Speaking anonymously to the aforementioned publication, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, however, defended Meranda and cited some of Obasa’s wrongdoing, asking, “Why isn’t anyone focusing on the role of Abuja in trying to reinstate him, even with all the infractions and behaving like the elected members must get clearance from Abuja, especially at this stage of our democracy?” The issue is being excessively flogged.

Even the installation of a proxy was attempted in order to bring him back in a few months.

“Someone taking money out of employees’ allowances, including those of junior employees, and his coworkers.” They act as though they get something from his bad actions.