Home Blog Page 482

Ex-Senate president, North-Central APC elders back Ganduje

admin
-
0
Ex-Senate president, North-Central APC elders back Ganduje

A former President of the Senate, Senator Ameh Ebute, and elders of the North Central All Progressives Congress, on Monday, endorsed Abdullahi Ganduje to remain the APC national chairman.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to the press in Abuja by Ebute, who also serves as the chairman of the North Central APC Elders Forum.

The endorsement comes four days after the North Central Governors’ Forum, led by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, also expressed their support.

While endorsing Ganduje’s leadership, the governors cautioned against distractions as the ruling APC prepares for two crucial governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

In Monday’s statement, Ebute praised Governor Sule for his efforts in restoring peace to APC states in the region.
He said, “The forum specifically applauded the recent courtesy visit of Governor Abdullahi Sule to the APC headquarters to discuss the interests of the North Central geopolitical zone with the National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. We are pleased that the governor is leading the North Central geopolitical zone to reposition the party for maximum performance.

“We also thank President Bola Tinubu and Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for resolving the political crisis that previously plagued Benue APC. The dissolution and formation of the caretaker committee in Benue have restored peace to both the party and governance in the state.

“The North Central elders urge Ganduje to include the North Central zone in the leadership of the institute, which is about to be unveiled by the party in a few days. We are committed to supporting anything that will benefit the North Central people by using the governing APC to attract development to our zone.

“We encourage all APC governors in the region to follow Governor Sule’s example by visiting the National Chairman of our party to further strengthen our relationship with the leadership at the centre.”

In the past six months, Ganduje has survived a series of challenges, including aborted moves and legal battles, particularly from APC stakeholders in the North Central, who have been advocating for the leadership position to return to their zone following the exit of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Two weeks ago, the media was rife with rumours that President Bola Tinubu planned to announce Ganduje’s dismissal at the forthcoming National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 12 September.

However, the ruling party put the speculation to rest on Friday when the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, assured that there would be no change of leadership at the APC secretariat.

INEC must conduct LG polls to ensure transparency

admin
-
0
INEC must conduct LG polls to ensure transparency

A member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa, has stressed the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct local government elections to promote democracy at the grassroots level.

Doguwa who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, made the call while addressing his constituents on Sunday in the ancient city.

In a statement made available to According Online on Monday, the lawmaker noted that until the relevant laws are reviewed, the third tier of government would continue to play little or no part in grassroots development, thus worsening rural-urban migration and its attendant challenges.

The statement read in part, “INEC is the only reliable electoral umpire. We must quickly review our electoral and constitutional laws to provide for INEC to conduct local council elections; otherwise, local council elections in Nigeria will continue to be a caricature of what they should be.”

Recall that on May 23, 2024, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu described local government elections as mere coronations of ruling party candidates and called for significant reforms to ensure fair and credible elections.

Yakubu who had expressed his concern during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions, accused State Governors of manipulating the exercise in favour of their respective political parties.

“Realising our shared responsibility for the conduct of democratic elections in Nigeria and the challenges faced by SIECs in carrying out their mandates, INEC encouraged the establishment of FOSIECOM in a genuine effort to foster partnership for credible elections in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, the conduct of local government elections in virtually all the states of the federation has become mere coronation of candidates of the ruling parties. It is time to stop the coronation and conduct proper elections.

“In some states, the SIECs are either not properly constituted, have no security of tenure or their critical functions have been taken over by government officials. Some SIECs are only constituted on the eve of elections and dissolved thereafter.

“They are also severely under-resourced to the extent that some of them rely on INEC even for basic facilities such as ballot boxes and voting cubicles,” the INEC Chairman was quoted as saying.

Doguwa who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) also noted that only elections conducted by the electoral body would help deepen the nation’s democratic and enhance her electioneering system.

“Our electoral system, our constitutional instruments and our participatory democratic processes can only be guaranteed under elections conducted by the INEC.

“It will further entrench the philosophical wisdom of the recent supreme court’s pronouncement and judgement on the autonomy of the third tier of government in Nigeria,” Doguwa added.

The All Progressives Congress chieftain called on Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, noting that in no distant time, the gains of the pain they are currently suffering will give away to economic and social prosperity.

He said, “The government made it clear from the beginning that the journey to make Nigeria great was not going to be an easy ride. We cannot deny the truth that things are difficult for us as a people.

“What is important is that very soon, this pain will birth prosperity on the economic and social fronts. The government has taken bold steps in making investments in agriculture and critical infrastructure.

“You will agree with me that the cost of foodstuff is gradually going down. Insecurity is being addressed with our gallant troops recording significant victories against insurgents.

“The government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is essentially about Nigeria and Nigerians. I plead with us to support it irrespective of our different political affiliations,” he pleaded.

Ighodalo vows to grow businesses, eradicate poverty

admin
-
0
Ighodalo vows to grow businesses, eradicate poverty

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Edo governorship election on September 21, Asue Ighodalo, has promised to work for the growth of businesses and eradicate poverty if elected into office.

Ighodalo, who stated this at New Benin Market while speaking to the traders on Monday, said he would also promote prosperity for all.

He also vowed to ensure that those who torment the traders with illegal levies would never return to the market to harass or intimidate them again.

He described PDP as the light, urging the traders to shun the darkness. He emphasised the need to work together for the progress and development of Edo State as the election draws near.

He said, “I thank the traders for receiving me, and I promise that I would work assiduously for the growth and development of their businesses and promote prosperity for all.

“There is light and darkness. We are the light. Vote for the PDP. It’s the light. There’s good, and there’s bad. PDP represents good. So vote for PDP.

“I will work tirelessly until there is no more poverty. See me as your son. Like a son you laboured to train through school, now working, and he is back to take care of you. I will work to make you happy.

“There are places that are not as richly endowed as Edo State, but they are doing very well. We can do the same.”

The wife of Ighodalo, Ifeyinwa, expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded her husband and his entourage and assured the traders that her husband would fulfil his promise to the traders and the people of Edo State.

She stated that she would also support her husband to ensure that he fulfils his promise to the traders and distributes aprons and wrappers to the women.

In his welcome address, the Coordinator of New Benin Market Christian Traders Fellowship, Ero Amienghomwan, prayed that by December 1, 2024, Ighodalo would be at Osadebey Avenue, the seat of Edo State Government.

Addressing the traders, the President of Edo State Market Women/Traders, Blacky Ogiemen, rallied support for Ighodalo. She thanked the women for coming out to receive the PDP candidate and charged them to come out en masse on September 21 to vote for the PDP with the umbrella as its symbol.

Bandits kill one police officer, vigilante in Sokoto

admin
-
0
Bandits kill one police officer, vigilante in Sokoto

Suspected armed bandits in the early hours of Monday killed one police officer and one other local vigilante officer in the process.

Speaking while confirming the incident, the state police spokesman, ASP Ahmed Rufai, said bandits ambushed the officers at their checkpoint.

“They ambushed them at the checkpoint at Milgoma junction along Sokoto – Bodinga road and shot them at close range.

“One policeman, Inspector Eze, was killed while another local vigilante also died in the process,” he added

Meanwhile, the spokesman also confirmed the neutralising of armed bandits along the Sokoto – Isa road.

He further explained that in the shootout, which happened on Sunday evening, one AK 49 was retrieved from the bandits in the process.

In August, bandits killed four soldiers and set two military operational vehicles ablaze in the Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The police command said it was not aware of the kidnapping of 150 people in the Gobir Emirate.

A monarch in the state, the District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government, Isa Bawa, recently died in captivity.

Fire guts over 40 shops in Ibadan

admin
-
0
Fire guts over 40 shops in Ibadan

Over 40 shops have been completely razed to the ground, at a popular market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Though no life was lost, the incident which happened at the popular Oranyan market, herbal section, in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday, destroyed multimillion naira property and herbs.

market, on Monday, the shop owners were seeing in a different group, gnashing their teeth over the unfortunate incident.

Nobody could speak on what led to the inferno.

Some of the victims, Fatimoh Adebimpe (the market youth leader); Kafaya Lucky and Kehinde Moronfade lamented that the cause of the fire incident was still unknown as no single food vendor was in the market.

The youth leader, Adebimpe, who said she had been in the market since 1979 lamented, “We normally resume here around 7.00 am and close by 7.00 pm as well. Whenever they ring the bell or you hear the sound of the bell in the evening, you must take your leave. So, some of us were already at our different homes when those leaving close to the market started calling us around 10.0pm that the market was on fire.

“What could have caused this? We are not connected to the national grid, because it’s a taboo. We are not using electricity. Nobody is selling food here. So, we are still in total confusion.

“I cannot say this is what I lost in that fire. I just bought some things like full tiger skin; and many other things that I may not want in the paper.

“Though, the local government officials who control this area were here this morning (Monday), and they promised to do something. We are hopeful.”

Another victim, Lucky, said, “I have a lot of money in the shop. The reason why we always keep money there is because of hunters who normally bring different animals for us.

“If you are unable to pay immediately, they may take it to another person. Forget whether he is your customer. So, you must always have money with you. That’s why we are keeping money in the shops.”

Moronfade said, “I just got a loan on Friday, and this disaster happened the next day. It’s so pathetic. No traces of burning or cooking in the market. Honestly, I’m devastated.”

Confirming the incident to our correspondent in Ibadan, the General Manager of the state Fire Services, Yemi Akinyinka, said the Fire Services Headquarters received a fire emergency call at exactly 23:25hrs on the incident.

He said, “The incident affected 20 prefabricated shops out of multiple adjourning rows of shops.

“The property worth millions of naira was affected, while property worth billions of naira was saved, but no life was lost. Our personnel returned back to the station at exactly 3:36hrs.”

Nobody is above this party, PDP tells Wike

admin
-
0
Nobody is above this party, PDP tells Wike

The Peoples Democratic Party has confronted the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserting that no one is above the party.

During the PDP state congress at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike warned PDP governors to avoid interfering in the party’s matters in Rivers State, and issued a threat. “put fire in their states.”

He stated, “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give back to somebody.”

Responding to Wike at the ongoing press conference in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba stated ” What I can tell you is that nobody is above this party. It is the People’s Democratic Party.

“What we have done is set up bodies (reconciliation and disciplinary committees) and given them the mandate to do the job. We will wait for their report,” he added.

Details shortly…

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]

Edo native doctor testing bulletproof charm shoots client dead

admin
-
0
Edo native doctor testing bulletproof charm shoots client dead

The Edo State Police Command has said it has arrested a 19-year-old self-acclaimed native doctor over the death of his client.

The native doctor, who specialises in preparing charms against the effect of gunshots and cutlass attacks, killed his client while trying to prove the efficacy of a charm he prepared for the deceased.

The incident occurred at Onumu Community, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, on August 20.

In a statement on Monday by the State Police Command spokesman, SP Moses Yamu, the victim, Alex Ezekiel, approached the suspect and requested the bulletproof charm.

“One Alex Ezekiel ‘m’ now deceased, went to the “native doctor” to get the charms prepared for him.

“After preparing the charms, the native doctor tried to test the efficacy of the charm by shooting the deceased with a gun.

“Unfortunately, the deceased sustained fatal injuries and was rushed to Ifejola Hospital, Igarra, where he was certified dead by a medical Doctor,” the statement said.

Yamu said the suspect would face prosecution as soon as the investigation is concluded.

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 to.

Contact: [email protected]

Police nab Jigawa man for fraud, motorbike theft, animal rustling 

admin
-
0
Police nab Jigawa man for fraud, motorbike theft, animal rustling 

The Jigawa State Police Command, on Monday, confirmed the arrest of a fraudster for motorbike thief, and animal rustler in separate operations.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Lawan Adam, who made the disclosure at a press briefing held in Dutse, the Jigawa State Capital, on Monday, said, “On August 28, 2024, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse arrested Ilyasu Munkaila, 45, from Asayaya village in Kiyawa Local Government Area, in connection with a case of fraud conspiracy.”

Also, he disclosed that Munkaila confessed to committing the crime and revealed that he was paid N50,000 as his share of the proceeds.

The PPRO stated that the arrest is linked to a report filed by one, Alhaji Sani Muhammad, 50, from Kano State, who alleged that unknown individuals defrauded him at Nafara village, Birnin Kudu Birnin Kudu, on July 29, 2024.

He revealed that besides Munkaila’s arrest, the police also recovered two motorbikes, two sheep, and a ram from the suspects.

“On 28/08/2024, at about 1400hrs Operatives attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Dutse acting on credible Intelligence arrested one Ilyasu Munkaila ‘m’ age 45yrs of Asayaya village, Kiyawa LGA in connection with the case of fraud and criminal conspiracy.”

During interrogation, the suspect admitted to committing the crime, adding that he got his share of fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00k) upon successful completion of the deal and he was indeed paid.”

The Command has assured that efforts are being made to apprehend other suspects involved in the crime.

The Jigawa State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety in the state.

Ekiti PDP caretaker chairman vows to reconcile members, unify party

admin
-
0
Ekiti PDP caretaker chairman vows to reconcile members, unify party

The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, Dare Adeleke, has pledged to reconcile and unite all members while restoring confidence in the party within the state.

A statement issued by the PDP Southwest Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, and made available to our correspondent in Ado Ekiti on Monday, revealed that Adeleke made this commitment during the inauguration of the newly constituted caretaker committee. The event was officiated by the party’s Southwest National Vice Chairman, Kamarudeen Ajisafe, in Ibadan on Sunday.

The caretaker chairman assured that all factions within the party would be brought together, emphasizing the committee’s readiness to get to work immediately.

He said, “Our all-inclusive agenda will include party discipline, reconciliation, unity, welfare, teamwork, and renewing confidence in the party.”

Adeleke also promised to ensure “a smooth transition of the party leadership to Ekiti PDP leaders through the conduct of credible congresses as directed by the party at the national level.”

Alaba Agboola, the immediate past chairman of Ekiti PDP, who officially handed over to Adeleke during the occasion, stated that strengthening the PDP to win elections in the state would require the collective efforts of all members.
Ajisafe, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of the National Working Committee, expressed confidence in the newly constituted committee’s ability to harmonise, reposition, and lead the party to victory in the state.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by party stalwarts from the six Southwest states, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, urged the Ekiti Caretaker Committee members to seize the opportunity to restore the party’s reputation.

In his remarks, Atofarati commended the leadership of the PDP under Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke for providing the enabling environment for the party to thrive in the region.

Atofarati noted, “The appointment by the party’s National Working Committee of the 22-member committee, headed by Hon. Dare Adeleke, was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 21(2) (a-b) of the PDP constitution.”

He listed the members of the caretaker committee as Dare Adeleke (Chairman), Ayodele Joshua, Mr Agbetuyi Joshua, Olonila Benjamin, Mrs Mojisola Omotosho, Mrs Modupe Oke, and Mrs Bosede Ayodele.

Other members include Ojo Ayeni, Mrs Abeni Olayinka, Ademola Alade, Afolayan Akutupu, Bobby Jeje, Sina Animashaun, Araromi Samuel, Festus Akinbode, Ade Fajana, Ayo Oguntuase, Olanipekun Boboye, Adebayo Jackson, Ojo Fasasi, and Olatunji Ayofe (Secretary), with Asabo Victor as Administrative Secretary.

Missing teenager raped, murdered on father’s farm in Ogun

admin
-
0
Missing teenager raped, murdered on father’s farm in Ogun

An 18-year-old girl, Habibat Akinsanya, who had been reported missing, was discovered dead on her father’s farm in Obasa, Mile 6, along Ajebo Road, in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

According to Online learnt on Monday that the victim was discovered dead on Sunday, bearing multiple machete wounds to her head and other parts of her body, with her hands bound behind her back.

According to reliable police sources, the victim was sexually assaulted before being murdered, as our correspondent was informed.

A police source, who wished to remain anonymous due to not having the authority to speak on behalf of the state command, informed our correspondent that the brutal murder could be linked to a revenge attack on the family.

The source refused to elaborate further when our correspondent inquired if it was a cult-related reprisal.

Meanwhile, According to Online learnt exclusively from the Ogun State Police Command that the incident is being investigated as a premeditated murder.

The deceased’s father, Shamsuddeen, had previously reported his daughter missing to the Kemta Police Division on August 31, 2024.

On August 30, 2024, Akinsanya reportedly left her father’s house to assist her sister, who operates a Point of Sale business in the Kemta area, where she was allegedly approached by Onyeka.

Onyeka, who the police have identified as a primary suspect in the murder and who typically worked for the father, allegedly told the deceased that her mother needed her at the farm to help with the cassava harvest.

Our correspondent, however, learnt that the family grew suspicious of foul play when the deceased’s sister could not find her at either the shop or home. This led the father to report the situation to the Kemta Police Division.

The cop said, “The father informed the police that Akinsanya had left the house to assist at her sister’s at her Point of Sale shop on Mile 6, Ajebo Road. However, when the sister arrived at the shop, Akinsanya was not there and did not return home.

“This case does not involve kidnapping, as none of the typical elements are present. While the exact motive behind the murder remains unclear, rumours suggest it was premeditated. The victim was not forcibly abducted but was lured by the perpetrator under the pretence that her mother needed her at the farm. Once there, the perpetrator restrained her, raped and then murdered her.

“The father reported receiving a phone call from someone demanding money. The number was tracked, and the police searched the last known location of the number in Oke Egunya, Totoro, for hours. This search yielded no results until a call was received indicating that the girl’s body had been discovered on her father’s farm.

The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, informed our correspondent on Monday that an investigation had been initiated to uncover the circumstances surrounding the murder, noting that a manhunt had commenced to locate the fleeing suspect.

She stated, “In cases of missing persons, the police typically ask the complainant to wait 24 to 48 hours before filing a report, as some individuals return home within that timeframe. This is a standard procedure followed by law enforcement.

“A manhunt has been launched to aid in the apprehension of Onyeka, who is currently at large. Our officers have also initiated a discreet investigation into the matter.”

1...481482483...2,842Page 482 of 2,842
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv