Television Nigerian

Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo, urges swift action for Edo’s growth

Politics

admin

-

November 12, 2024

Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo, urges swift action for Edo’s growth

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of Edo State.

Tinubu conveyed his felicitations through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu Congratulates Senator Okpebholo on Edo Governorship Inauguration.’

In his message, Tinubu urged Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Reflecting on the transition, Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

“The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance,” the statement read.

Expressing concerns, Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

Additionally, Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

At the inauguration ceremony, the President declared a new chapter in Edo State’s history with the triumph of democratic values.

As Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the nation’s most challenging economic period was now behind them.

In his address, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrated what he termed “democracy in its truest form,” stressing the significance of the popular will in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

“This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people.

“This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow, is what democracy sounds like,” the President declared.

He also spoke optimistically about the nation’s economic trajectory, saying Nigeria has already overcome its most challenging period.

“We have weathered the hardest days as a nation.

“We have pulled back from the brink of economic collapse, and now we step forward into a time of growth,” he stated.

Tinubu called for immediate reconciliation to address potential post-election differences in the state, noting that, “while some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them.”

The President particularly emphasised the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting, “Over 25 years into our return to democracy, we have evolved, and today’s inauguration is yet another testimony that no individual vote holds more worth than another.”

Speaking on leadership qualities, Tinubu offered a pointed observation: “It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of problems they inherit.

“However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to confront them.”

The new administration’s mandate, according to the President, extends beyond partisan considerations.

“Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to build the Edo State you envision—a place where jobs are plentiful, where education is accessible and strong, where infrastructure is modern, and where healthcare is within reach for every citizen,” he affirmed.

Linking state-level governance to the broader national economic ambition of his administration, he said, “When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would demand serious reform—reform to stave off looming fiscal and monetary threats to the stability of this great nation.”

“No political party has managed its own affairs with greater unity and purpose than the APC since we took charge,” he added.

The President called the transition in Edo State a “covenant of hope,” positioning the state as important to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth trajectory.

Earlier in his inauguration speech, Okpebholo thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming show of trust and pledged never to betray it.

“You voted overwhelmingly for me, and I promise not to betray this trust,” he stated, pointing out that the new state administration would focus on achieving rapid development and economic growth.

Okpebholo promised to implement a five-point agenda prioritising health, security of lives and prosperity, education, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

“Edo shall rise again. My administration is committed to fixing the roads across our dear state to make them motorable once more.

“We will ensure that our communities currently without electricity are connected to the national grid and illuminated,” he said.

The Governor affirmed that small business owners would be empowered to stimulate socio-economic growth, assuring the state’s youth that they would not be forgotten, as they would be empowered to address the issue of unemployment.

“We shall provide soft loans to our market women to boost their trade,” he added.

He further assured state civil servants and the judiciary of a brighter future, pledging increased respect for traditional institutions.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony included Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum/Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassy Otu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among many others.

Atiku woos Ondo voters for PDP gov candidate

Politics

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

Atiku woos Ondo voters for PDP gov candidate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday called on Peoples Democratic Party members in Ondo State to support the party’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Atiku made the call in a press statement issued in Abuja by his media adviser, Paul Ibe.

Ajayi, the incumbent Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress and 15 others are contesting the election.

Atiku described the PDP candidate as a consummate politician who has what it takes to improve the welfare of his people.

The PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election also argued that he was certain the people of the stqt3 would reject the continuity of an APC government.

He said, “The governorship election that is coming up in Ondo State this Saturday presents an opportunity for the people of Ondo State to elevate the condition of the state into increased prosperity. The APC, as it has been made clear to everyone, is a grossly unpopular party which does not have the interest of the people as a core objective.

“The people of Ondo State have an opportunity in Hon. Ajayi of the PDP to tell the APC that enough is enough. As leaders of the party, we shall provide all necessary support to ensure that the APC is not allowed to repress the wishes of the electorate in this election.

“This is also a sound warning to all election management officials and volunteers that the PDP will stand firmly against any malpractice in the Ondo governorship election.”

Continuing, Atiku called on the people of the state to troop out in large numbers to cast their ballots and ensure that their votes count.

“When the tide is high, it becomes too big to rig. The people of Ondo State are known for their forthrightness, and this particular election calls for eternal vigilance,” Atiku added.

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]

NDLEA uncovers cross-border drug syndicates, arrests six kingpins

Metro

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

NDLEA uncovers cross-border drug syndicates, arrests six kingpins

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have dismantled two major cross-border drug trafficking syndicates and arrested six drug kingpins from Adamawa, Anambra, and Lagos states, as well as Cameroon.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the group had been under the agency’s surveillance for several months as they were major suppliers of drugs to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon.

He said, “After months of intelligence gathering and painstaking surveillance, operatives of the NDLEA have dismantled two major cross-border drug trafficking syndicates, with cocaine and opioids worth billions of naira recovered. Six leaders of the cartels were arrested in different parts of the country.

“The syndicates, which include Nigerians based in Mubi, Adamawa State; Onitsha, Anambra State; and Lagos State, as well as Cameroonians, came under the NDLEA’s radar after they were suspected of being major suppliers of drugs to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon.

“Leaders of the syndicates so far arrested include Ibrahim Bawuro, Najib Ibrahim, Ibrahim Umar, Nelson Anayo, Ezeh Martin, and Adejumo Ishola. Intelligence gathered revealed that some psychoactive substances, including tramadol, were often sourced by Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib from a notorious drug dealer in Onitsha, Nelson Udechukwu Anayo, and were then packed and concealed in vehicles at the premises of Ezeh Amaechi Martin, an associate of Udechukwu.

“The duo of Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib would transport the drugs from Onitsha to Yola and subsequently to other parts of the North and Cameroon in specially constructed false compartments of vehicles, which travelled from the East to the North at night.”

Babafemi further stated that on October 7, 2024, Bawuro and Najib were trailed from Onitsha, where they had gone to purchase another consignment, and were arrested in Taraba the following day. A total of 276,500 pills of tramadol were recovered from a Toyota Avensis saloon car marked DKA 57 TT, which they abandoned on the Jalingo-Yola expressway upon realising NDLEA operatives were on their trail.

“Follow-up operations were subsequently carried out in Delta and Anambra states, where Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Udechukwu Nelson Anayo were arrested by operatives of the NDLEA Directorate of Intelligence, which coordinated the entire effort with their counterparts in Taraba, Adamawa, Delta, and Anambra,” he added.

Babafemi also said another leader of a different syndicate, Ishola, was arrested on Tuesday, November 5, at the Seme border in Lagos, on his way from Ghana with 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of synthetic cannabis. The 37-year-old was arrested following months of intelligence and surveillance on his cross-border criminal activities.

In another operation in Lagos, Babafemi noted that operatives at the Apapa seaport on November 6 intercepted 31,750,000 pills of 240mg Voltron, a controlled opioid, which were packaged and concealed in a container imported from India as diclofenac sodium 100mg tablets.

He added, “The discovery was made during a joint examination of the container with officers of the Customs Service and other security agencies.

“At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), import shed, Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA officers on Tuesday, November 5, intercepted a 700-gram consignment of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis. A software engineer, Olu Marshal, who showed up to collect the package, was promptly arrested, and a follow-up search of his home in Lekki led to the recovery of drug paraphernalia, including a cannabis crusher.”

Babafemi also stated that an attempt by another suspect, Orji Nnaorji, to send 32.50kg of codeine syrup and 5.70kg of cannabis to London, UK, concealed in tiger nuts cargo through the export shed of the Lagos airport, was thwarted by operatives on November 8, 2024, among other interceptions.

Moldova heads to polls

Politics

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

Moldovans went to the polls on Sunday in a tense presidential election runoff that could play a key role in the country’s European future amid fears of Russian interference.

The vote in a country bordering war-torn Ukraine comes two weeks after a razor-thin “yes” in a referendum on joining the European Union.

Pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu scored 42.5 per cent of the vote in the first round of the presidential election two weeks ago. Alexandr Stoianoglo, supported by the pro-Russian Socialists and who was fired as prosecutor general by Sandu last year, received 26 per cent.

But Stoianoglo has since gained the support of other defeated candidates, and analysts are predicting a close battle, similar to Georgia’s vote last weekend when the ruling party narrowly won a contested parliamentary election.

In both ex-Soviet republics, Russia has been accused of seeking to sway voters. In each case, it has rejected the claims.

– ‘Honest votes’ –

Sandu, a 52-year-old fervent pro-Western former World Bank economist, blamed “foreign interference” for the narrow EU vote when 50.35 per cent backed membership. Police said they had uncovered a Russian vote-buying scheme that could have affected up to a quarter of the ballots.

For the presidential second round, polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 9.00 pm, with the first partial results expected an hour later.

Ahead of the vote, Sandu’s camp intensified campaigning on social media and in door-to-door visits in villages to try to counter any vote buying.

“Let’s remain mobilised so that the honest votes determine the outcome of these elections and not the bought ones,” Sandu said in a video message on Friday.

In messages sent to mobiles and even broadcast on supermarket loudspeakers, police have been telling people offered money for their votes to refuse.

Police have reported a “massive phenomenon” of people receiving calls, emails, and even death threats to influence ballots. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has called it an “extreme attack… to create panic and fear so that people will be afraid to go out and vote. ”

Sandu applied for Moldova, which has a population of 2.6 million, to join the EU after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Accession negotiations formally opened in June.

While Stoianoglo, 57, says he also favours joining the EU, he boycotted the referendum, describing it as a “parody”, and promised voters a “balanced foreign policy”, which would repair links to Moscow cut by Sandu.

His ambiguous EU stance could see Moldova formally maintaining its EU ambitions, but taking decisions to thwart it if he wins, analysts say.

“I will truly be a president of all and will never divide people and society,” Stoianoglo — who usually gives scripted speeches that mix Russian with Romanian, the official language — declared on Friday.

– Deeply polarised –

Moldova is already deeply polarised. A large diaspora and the capital mostly favour joining the EU, while rural areas and the pro-Russian separatist regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia are against it.

“We trust Maia Sandu to take us down the right path… (but) here there is still a Soviet flavour. And this Soviet flavour runs deep to the bone,” a 56-year-old pensioner who only gave her name as Acsenia told AFP.

Others, like Zinovia Zaharovna, 75, said they rejected joining the EU, wanting Moldova “to be an independent country.”

“Many people fear war and see a candidate who would have a good relationship with Moscow as a guarantee that we will not be attacked as well,” Andrei Curararu, an expert at the Chisinau-based WatchDog think tank, told AFP.

The vote is being closely watched internationally for signs of Russian interference.

For the Curararu, “the pressure is unprecedented” with more than $100 million estimated to have been spent on “destabilisation activities.”

“Moldova is paying a high cost” for aiming to move away from Russia, he said.

NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Kebbi, Zamfara

Metro

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Kebbi, Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday confirmed that several terrorists in Kebbi and Zamfara states were killed in separate air operations.

The service also reported the destruction of strongholds belonging to notorious bandit warlords.

In a statement, NAF spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa highlighted that the hideout of terrorist kingpin Ado Aleiro was among those targeted, noting that many of Aleiro’s fighters were killed during the operations.

Akinboyewa said, “The first wave of strikes was launched following confirmed intelligence regarding increased terrorist activities in the areas.

“On November 8, 2024, using advanced surveillance and precision targeting, NAF assets executed a surprise aerial assault on multiple camps, including the strategic Sangeko location in Zamfara, near the Kebbi border, and Ado Aleiro’s heavily fortified enclave around Asola Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area.

“The strikes not only obliterated a major arms depot belonging to the infamous bandit leader, Ado Aleiro, but also neutralised many of his fighters. The precision bombardment sent shockwaves through the criminal networks, severely weakening their operational capabilities.”

Akinboyewa also confirmed that several kidnapped victims held by bandits escaped during the operations.

He said, “Intelligence reports and Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the overwhelming impact of the strikes, which continued throughout the night. Several kidnapped victims, previously held captive by the bandits, managed to escape amidst the chaos, making their way to safety in Kebbi State. Some of the victims who escaped provided testimonies detailing their daring flight to freedom.

“The air campaign has not only struck fear into the hearts of the bandits but has also provided a sense of hope and assurance for residents who have long suffered under the threat of banditry.

“These operations highlight the NAF’s increasing agility and resilience, reaffirming the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s relentless dedication to restoring peace and security across the nation. Further updates on Operation Farautar Mujiya will be provided in the coming days.”

APC group lauds Ganduje’s leadership

Politics

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

The All Progressives Congress, North-Central Forum, has lauded the national leadership of the party for carrying its members along in the recently constituted National Campaign Council for the Ondo State governorship election.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, the Chairman of the APC North-Central Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, commended APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for carrying the Forum and other sections of the party along in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.

Ganduje had on October 28, 2024, inaugurated a 305-member National Campaign Council for the Ondo State governorship election.

The Council is headed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State heads the Finance Committee, with Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio as his deputy.

The Media and Publicity Committee is chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, with Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, as Deputy Chairman.

Borno State governor Babagana Zulum, and Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya, are the chairman and deputy chairman of the Security Committee, respectively.

Other members of the APC Ondo election campaign council include former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who will serve as the Secretary, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume.

Some members of the APC North-Central Forum were included in the 305-member Ondo governorship election campaign council.

Reacting to the development, Zazzaga said the APC national leadership has shown a commitment to integrate and unite all sections of the party.

He said, “We laud the APC national leadership led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for the decision to carry the North-Central Forum and other sections of the party along in the Ondo State Governorship Election Campaign Council.

“We commend the national leadership for getting different sections of the party involved in this all important assignment.

“The APC leadership has demonstrated a commitment to unite the party and this will ensure that our great party is positioned for victory in Ondo State and in future elections.

“A united APC is an asset to Nigeria as a united front is needed to turn the fortunes of the country around, as spelt out in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The APC North-Central Forum remains committed to the growth and progress of not only our great party, but also the entire Nigeria at large and we will always put in our best to ensure that the country moves to the next level.”

The APC North-Central Forum chairman urged Ganduje to continue the policy of inclusiveness in order to give all members the opportunity to contribute to the programs and progress of the party.

He also reassured the APC national chairman of the commitment and and support of the North-Central to his leadership.

Zazzaga also urged the people of Ondo State to come out enmasse and vote for the party’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s records speaks for him, he has done well and deserves to continue in office to continue his people-oriented policies and programmes.

“We, the North-Central APC Forum, are calling on the people of Ondo to troop out in large numbers to vote for Aiyedatiwa on election day. The APC candidate will take Ondo to the Promise Land and we believe a victory for Aiyedatiwa will consolidate progress and development in Ondo State,” he added.

Zazzaga noted that Aiyedatiwa’s decision to approve N73,000 minimum wage for Ondo workers shows his commitment to the welfare of the people.

In the same vein, the APC North-Central Forum chairman urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu.

Noting that the President has initiated policies towards addressing the country’s economic challenges, Zazzaga urged Nigerians to give Tinubu time for the impact of the policies to manifest.

Urging Nigerians to support the President, he said, “The challenges being tackled by the President are longstanding problems, they were there before he assumed office but he is determined to solve these problems.

“The President has initiated policies that will turn the situation around, and very soon, Nigerians will be better off. All the President needs is support and patience, and with time, the story will change for the better.

“The President is not insensitive, he listens and he understands the situation. He is determined to turn things around in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Six drug suppliers to terrorists arrested

Metro

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

Six drug suppliers to terrorists arrested

Two major cross-border drug trafficking syndicates have been smashed and six drug kingpins arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The syndicates had members from Adamawa, Anambra, and Lagos states as well as Cameroonians.

The NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, on Sunday, said the group had been under surveillance for several months, being major suppliers of drugs to terror groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon.

Babafemi said six leaders of the syndicate, identified as Ibrahim Bawuro, Najib Ibrahim, Ibrahim Umar, Nelson Anayo, Ezehi Martin and Adejumo Ishola, have been arrested.

He said, “After months of intelligence gathering and painstaking surveillance, operatives of the NDLEA have smashed two major cross-border drug trafficking syndicates with cocaine and opioids worth billions of naira recovered from them while six leaders of the cartels were arrested in different parts of the country.

“The syndicates, which comprised Nigerians based in Mubi, Adamawa State; Onitsha, Anambra State, and Lagos State as well as Cameroonians came under the NDLEA radar after they were suspected of being major suppliers of drugs to terror groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon.

“Leaders of the syndicates so far arrested include: Ibrahim Bawuro, Najib Ibrahim, Ibrahim Umar, Nelson Udechukwu Anayo, Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Adejumo Elijah Ishola.

“Intelligence gathered revealed that some psychoactive substances, including tramadol were often sourced by Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib from a notorious drug dealer in Onitsha, Nelson Udechukwu Anayo, and thereafter packed and concealed in vehicles on the premises of Ezeh Amaechi Martin, an associate of Udechukwu.

The duo of Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib would thereafter transport the drugs from Onitsha to Yola and subsequently to other parts of the North and Cameroon in specially constructed false compartments of vehicles, which travel from the East to the North at night.”

Babafemi said on October 7, 2024, Bawuro and Najib were trailed from Onitsha where they had gone to buy another consignment, and eventually arrested in Taraba State the following day. A total of 276,500 pills of tramadol were recovered from a Toyota Avensis saloon car marked DKA 57 TT, which they abandoned on the Jalingo-Yola Expressway when they noticed the NDLEA operatives were on their trail.

“Follow-up operations were subsequently carried out in Delta and Anambra states where Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Udechukwu Nelson Anayo were arrested by operatives of the NDLEA Directorate of Intelligence, which coordinated the whole efforts with their counterparts in Taraba, Adamawa, Delta and Anambra states,” he added.

Babafemi also said another leader of a different syndicate, Adejumo Ishola, on Tuesday, was arrested at the Seme border in Lagos on his way from Ghana with 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of synthetic cannabis.

He said the 37-year-old was arrested following months of intelligence and surveillance on his cross-border criminal activities.

In another operation in Lagos, Babafemi disclosed that operatives in Apapa seaport, Lagos, on November 6, intercepted 31,750,000 pills of 240mg Voltron, a controlled opioid, packaged and concealed in a container imported from India, as diclofenac sodium 100mg tablets.

He added, “The discovery was made during a joint examination of the container with men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

“At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport import shed, Ikeja, Lagos, the NDLEA officers on Tuesday, November 5, intercepted a 700 grams consignment of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis. A software engineer, Olu Marshal, who showed up to collect the package was promptly arrested, and a follow-up search of his home in Lekki led to the recovery of some drug paraphernalia, including a cannabis crusher.”

Babafemi also said an attempt by another suspect, Orji Nnaorji, to send 32.50kg bottles of codeine syrup and 5.70kg cannabis to London, UK, concealed in a tiger nuts cargo through the export shed of the Lagos airport was frustrated by operatives on Friday.

“A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Orji at his warehouse in Ajao Estate, Lagos,” he added.

In Kwara State, Babafemi said no fewer than 162,800 pills of opioids were seized by the NDLEA operatives from four suspects during interdiction operations in parts of the state.

Babafemi added, ”112,200 tablets of tramadol were recovered from Wahab Saliu, 18,900 tablets of the same opioid were recovered from Dalha Musa both at the Eiyenkorin area of Ilorin, Kwara State; 29,000 pills of tramadol, 200 ampoules of diazepam and 99 bottles of codeine syrup seized from Ahmed Isiaka, just as 2,500 tabs of tramadol were seized from Ahmed Garba, both at Bode Saadu in Moro Local Government Area of the state on Friday.”

In Abuja, Babafemi said operatives on Thursday intercepted a truck along the Abaji- Kwali Road with 755.50kg of cannabis concealed under empty cartons of noodles.

“The truck driver, Lukman Rasheed, 41, claimed that bags of the psychoactive substance were loaded into the trailer in Ogbese, Ondo State after departing Lagos with only empty cartons of noodles.

“Also in Ondo State, four suspects: Friday Daniel, Patrick Felix, Samuel Agada and Igwe Chukwuka were arrested at Emure Ile with 672kg cannabis sativa, while 513kg of the same substance was seized at the Gbodo camp, Ikun Akoko and a total of 4, 908kg cannabis recovered from a suspect Musibau Kosama at the Alabi Yellow, Ijoka area of Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday,” he added.

[ICYMI] Abia LG poll: ZLP wins 15 LGs, YPP two

Politics

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

[ICYMI] Abia LG poll: ZLP wins 15 LGs, YPP two

The Zenith Labour Party emerged victorious in 15 out of the 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State during the local government elections held on November 2, while the Young Progressive Party claimed victory in the remaining two LGAs. The results were announced by the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. George

Court jails fraudster for possession of fake documents

Metro

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

Court jails fraudster for possession of fake documents

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Friday sentenced a man, Babatunde Sodiq, to a year imprisonment for possessing fraudulent documents.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Sodiq on an amended one count of possession of fraudulent documents.

According to the EFCC, the offence occurred on May 14, 2024, in Lagos State.

Sodiq was accused of having in his possession a bundle of documents that he “knew or ought to have known was false.”

The commission said that the offence contravened Section 320 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Upon arraignment, the convict pleaded guilty to the charge.

In light of his plea, the EFCC prosecuting counsel, T.J. Banjo, requested that the court should hear the case facts from the prosecution’s witness.

The witness, John Enemali, an investigative officer with the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate, reviewed the case details for the court.

He testified that the EFCC received intelligence about the activities of an “Organised Cybercrime Syndicate Network” operating around the Ajegunle, Apapa area in Lagos in April 2024.

“Acting on the intel, surveillance was conducted, and a raid was carried out on April 25 2024 around 06:00 hours, leading to the arrest of the convict along with others. He was subsequently taken to the EFCC office,” Enemali explained.

He stated that Sodiq later admitted to his involvement in spamming and cryptocurrency scams, using the alias “Michael Scott” and claiming to be based in Florida, USA.

Upon his arrest, officers found an iPhone 11 on him, which, according to Enemali, “yielded fraudulent documents following forensic analysis.”

Further investigations revealed that Sodiq had profited $250 from his activities, the witness said.

After the review of the case, the prosecution applied to tender as evidence Sodiq’s statements, the fraudulent documents, the iPhone 11, and a manager’s cheque for N100,000, which Sodiq used as restitution.

Defence counsel, Kelvin Emonvuan, raised no objections, and the court admitted all the items into evidence.

The defence chose not to cross-examine the witness, after which the judge pronounced Sodiq guilty.

Emonvuan then made a plea for leniency, arguing that Sodiq was a “first-time offender who did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity” and had vowed never to re-offend.

Given the chance to address the court, Sodiq apologised and explained how he created a fake Facebook account to lure his victim.

Justice Oshodi consequently sentenced Sodiq to one year in prison.

The judge also ordered that all items recovered from the convict should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In consideration of the plea for mercy, the court allowed Sodiq the option of paying a fine of N500,000.

Rivers crisis stems from control of resources

Politics

admin

-

November 12, 2024

0

Rivers crisis stems from control of resources

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed and insisted that the current political crisis rocking the state is for the sole control of the state resources.

This is as the governor assured Rivers people that he will continue to utilise the state resources judiciously for the betterment and overall interest of the people.

Fubara made the revelation while addressing the congregation of Omega Power Ministries, Worldwide during the 51st Birthday of the General Overseer, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, and the 18th Anniversary of the church at the headquarters, Mbodo, Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State on Sunday.

The Governor, however, sued for continuous prayers from the church in order for his administration to remain focused with a view to achieving the purpose of governance in the State.

Fubara stated, “There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers State. Rivers State resources belong to you (the people), and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of Rivers State.

“What you owe us is just one thing: Continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance.

“Continue to pray for us because what is most important is the interest of the people here, and I believe that with your prayers, we will not lose focus and the purpose of governance will be achieved in Rivers State.”

Fubara lauded the General Overseer of OPM Worldwide, Apostle Chinyere for his philanthropic works and contributions to humanity.

The governor, who noted the decay of public amenities met on assumption of office, commended the cleric for the various educational programmes in the ministry aimed at providing children with the requisite vocational and technical knowledge needed for future employment.

He said, “I want to commend you for what you are doing. Life is not about taking. What is important in life is giving, and anybody who believes that it is only taking, the person won’t go far in life.

“For all you are doing for humanity, God will continue to strengthen you. You don’t know what you are doing, but those of us who are outside understand your contributions to humanity.

“Look at what you just showed me here. How many of our schools are still functioning to provide that level of training? They are no longer there! We met a dead system which we are trying to revive. But you are doing it as a private person. Why won’t God bless you?”

Fubara further thanked the cleric and the congregation for the support to his administration, particularly the prayers, which he noted, have kept the government alive, in spite of all the challenges, urging them to continue to pray for the progress of Rivers State and defense of humanity.

He also donated the sum of N200 million to the church to support its ongoing infrastructure development projects.

“I am happy to be here, especially to celebrate this birthday with him. He has been a very strong supporter of our cause. Right from the time we started this journey, he has kept faith with me in prayers.

“I strongly believe his prayer and the prayers of the church are one of the reasons that while in the face of all our troubles, we are still standing. There is nothing God cannot do. So, I know that with your continuous prayers, we will overcome this present challenge.

“I am aware that there is a building for your TV station, and one of the dreams for that place is when you finish it, guests will be staying there when they come for programmes. Let me, on behalf of the government and every one of you here, and the good people of Rivers State, donate the sum of N200million to support the project,” he said.

Earlier, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs Patience, lauded the cleric for his philanthropic work, describing him as a beacon of hope, strength, restoration and spiritual guidance to many in the church and beyond.

She added, “Apostle Chinyere has been a great blessing not only to the body of Christ, and his followers in Rivers State but also to the world in general,” even as she urged him and other clerics to continue to pray for peace in Rivers State.

The OPM General Overseer, Chinyere, said giving arms is core in Christendom, saying he has established an all-girls school free to encourage the girl child and discourage prostitution.

He stated, “We have established an All Girls’ Technical College. We find out that, if you go to Casablanca (a spit in GRA, Port Harcourt) you will see so many girls and those girls if you ask them questions, you’ll find out that most of them are university students.

“So I ask, why do you people do prostitution? They can’t meet up with the university system. When they finish secondary school with their parents and they enter university, they can’t meet up with the handouts, school fees, and feeding, so they have to use what they have to get what they need.

“I said okay, how do we solve this problem? The only way to solve this problem is to empower the girl child.”

Continuing, Chinyere said, “When she’s in secondary school, while she’s still under the confines of the parents, we empower her. When you empower the girl child, as she’s finishing secondary school, she already has a trade.

“So when she enters university, she can be doing any of those trades, she will no longer use her body to generate money, she’ll use her hand to generate money.”