Following the disappearance of her 8-month-old baby, Ikechi Kelechi from Amuzi Umuofor in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Imo State, has asked members of the public, especially, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to come to her aid and find her child
Kelechi alleged that the infant was snatched from her by one Uche and others who are still at large.
Speaking to our correspondent, an Activist, Chikezie Erege, said the incident caught his attention and he decided to wade into the matter.
He narrated that the lady and her baby were ambushed along the road by the said Uche and his cohorts who had called her to deliver some drug supplement she sells to him at Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Imo State
The activist maintained that a search for the whereabouts of the baby had commenced but appealed to security agencies to help apprehend the kidnappers and retrieve the infant.
Erege hinted that the lawyer of the victim, U.D.Ibeneto Esq. has also written a petition to the Commissioner of Police Imo Police Command CP Aboki Danjuma requesting the arrest of the suspects, Uche and one Drn Obinna, who is said to be Trado medicine practitioners and reside in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA.
He, however, said it was disappointing that no arrests had been made since the incident.
Part of the petition that was written to the police which was also extended to our correspondent read:
“Our client works with New Life Company which has its office at 46 Tetlo Road Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, that specialises in selling and distribution of supplement drugs as a temporary sales girl.
On the 23rd of June 2024, our client got a call from Mr Uche to deliver some drugs (Supplements) to him at Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Imo State Nigeria.
After delivering the drugs to him at his house and while our client was returning to Owerri where she resides, the above-named Uche in the company of one person known as Dr Obinna(Trado medicine) and other persons who are unknown to our client, attacked her at Afor Ekiri, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, inflicted serious bodily harm on her dumped her in the bush leaving her in a coma”.
It was further revealed by the petition that after beating her to a coma, they snatched her baby from her and left her for dead.
The petition said the baby is yet to be found and those people mentioned are still at large even when the matter has been reported to the Police station at Ezinihitte Mbaise.
Mr Egere has joined the victim’s lawyer in urging the police authority to effect the arrest of the alleged suspects said to be known according to the petition.
Kidnapped 8 Month-old Baby: Mother cries for help, begs Police to intervene
Kidnapped 8 Month-old Baby: Mother cries for help, begs Police to intervene
Why Nigerians should support Dangote — Otedola
Billionaire business mogul, Femi Otedola, has explained why Nigerians, particularly the government should support the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, by creating an enabling environment to ensure businesses thrive.
He argued that Dangote’s contributions which extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, must be recognised and supported by all means.
Otedola, who rose in defence of his friend and business ally in a post on his X account on Tuesday, described Dangote as a “titan that God created specially for mankind”.
“In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognise and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity.
“Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress,” Otedola said.
He added, “My brother, the visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State. Additionally, he has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants in the world, soon to surpass the biggest one in Qatar, also in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created specially for mankind.
“Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers. In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined. If not for him, we would still be importing cement.”
According to him, Dangote’s contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.
Otedola said, “Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why it’s no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford—The men who built America’s industrial landscape. These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation. Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.
“Similarly, today’s tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components for powering these innovative vehicles. This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI.
“In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to India’s economic growth and global business footprint.
“There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization. In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the world’s leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce.”
Dangote has been in the news lately after claims that a cabal was blocking his moves to import crude and how it has been difficult to get the products, slowing down operations.
Last week, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority said the Federal Government was yet to license the Dangote refinery to begin operations in the country.
The NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the State House on July 18, 2024.
According to Ahmed, the claims of ongoing efforts to scuttle the operations of Dangote refinery due to lack of supply of crude oil by International Oil Companies were not true, adding that the refinery was still at the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed yet.
Ahmed added that the diesel product of Dangote was below international standard, a claim which the businessman had refuted.
Also, Dangote has made an offer to sell the refinery to the NNPCL. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Premium Times on Sunday, the businessman expressed his willingness to sell the refinery to address allegations of monopoly in the industry.
“Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist. That’s an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s OK. If they buy me out, at least, their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.
“We have been facing fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery,” Premium Times quoted him as saying.
Obi demands apology, 5bn from Tinubu’s aide, threatens defamation lawsuit
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a 72-hour ultimatum to apologise for his claim that Obi was behind the planned nationwide protest.
Obi vowed to file a defamation libel lawsuit if Onanuga failed to apologise.
Obi, through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, demanded that the public apology be published in four national newspapers – Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable – as well as Onanuga’s verified X handle #aonanuga1956.
The demand comes after Onanuga alleged on July 20, 2024, that Obi’s supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria, linking him to anarchy.
Obi’s counsel described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to demean and embarrass their client, causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being.
The counsel noted that the allegation went viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Obi’s hard-earned reputation.
He stressed that Obi abhors violence and has a long record of law-abiding and constructive engagement in private and public life.
The Obi’s counsel letter read in part, “The said statements are in every sense malicious and convey with them the potentiality of an ostracisation of our Client by well-meaning citizens of Nigeria. It should be stated without any form of equivocation that our Client is an elder statesman, a diplomat, and an unwavering democrat.
“He has always tailored his affairs according to the dictates of Nigerian law. Where there has been any dissatisfaction with any process or procedure, our Client’s first and only resort has been to invoke the appropriate legal mechanisms to ventilate his grievances.
“As a matter of fact, our Client has severally urged his teeming supporters to abide by the rule of law and to abstain from any actions which could result in a breakdown of law and order. He refrains from associating himself with protests and has constantly persuaded Nigerians to persevere.”
Continuing Obi’s counsel in the letter said, “Our Client has expressed dissatisfaction with certain policies and has voiced the same through constructive criticism, without malice or resentment.
“It is our Client’s conviction that the publication was a calculated plot to demean, ridicule, humiliate, and embarrass him by the estimation of every right-thinking member of society. It appears you have achieved your insipid motive, as well-wishers from all around the globe have inundated him with calls to register their shock.
“His appellation as ‘Okwute’ (the Rock) notwithstanding, the demeaning and scandalous publication has also caused serious emotional injury to our Client, given his decades of stellar stewardship in private and public life.”
Obi demands a retraction of the defamatory statements and an unreserved apology within 72 hours, along with the monetary damages.
“Consequently, we have our Client’s mandate to demand that you retract the statement made in the publication and tender an unreserved apology to him within 72 hours of the receipt of this letter in no fewer than four National Dailies, to wit: Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable, including your verified ‘X’ handle ‘@aonanuga1956’.
“Our Client is also making an unequivocal demand for monetary damages of ₦5,000,000,000 (Five Billion Naira) only for the embarrassment your defamatory publication has caused him and his family.
“Take Notice that in the event of your failure to meet the demands set out above, our Client shall be constrained to approach a Court of competent jurisdiction and take legal action against you for defamation and libel.”
“Be advised accordingly. While looking forward to your response, accept the assurances of our highest esteem.”
Tinubu’s aide Dada Olusegun under fire for anti-protest comment
Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has faced backlash following his controversial statement regarding potential protests in Nigeria.
Olusegun’s comment, which many perceived as a threat, has ignited controversies about the right to protest and the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Olusegun in a post on Tuesday via X stated, “Those who want to burn the country down under whatever guise will meet the strongest resistance of their lives. Not from security agencies, but from the silent majority that gave their mandate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for four years in the first instance. We are waiting.”
This statement comes in the wake of calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship.
President Tinubu, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday, appealed to citizens to shelve the planned protests and give his administration more time to address their concerns.
However, Olusegun’s comment has been met with widespread criticism on social media. Many users pointed out the apparent hypocrisy, recalling that members of the current administration, including Olusegun himself, had participated in protests during previous governments.
Twitter user #cartermillz highlighted this contradiction, saying, “I am sure D.O was on the street with other protesters during the Jonathan government and no one threatened them back then, But today he is dinning with government and do not longer feel the pains of ordinary Nigerians that they felt during Jonathan years.. hypocrisy 2.0.”
Another user, Aremu Ridwan #REALLUCAS20, emphasised the right to protest, stating, “Those who gave mandate to GEJ didn’t resist Tinubu and co, when they protested against GEJ govt in 2012. Let the individuals willing to register their displeasure against the hardship, carry on without being intimidated. Protest is a fundamental human right.”
The backlash also highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by many Nigerians.
Ben Samuel #flourish007 shared a personal anecdote stating, “One of my brothers voted for BAT, but today, he can barely feed his family under BAT’s government despite being a businessman. He’s now joining the peaceful protest and comparing it to Buhari’s administration.”
Some users, like Alli Moshood #bigmorsh, called for a balanced approach, acknowledging the right to protest while emphasising the need to differentiate between peaceful protesters and those who might cause mayhem.
#bigmorsh wrote, “”There is hunger in the land obviously only if we all want deliberately shy away from the truth. Those kind of people have a right to protest. What we must focus on now is how to separate those who want to protest peacefully and those who want to use the avenue that they lost election to cause mayhem.”
Meanwhile, X users went further to dig up old tweets of Olusegun stating his support for protests. Some of the tweets are dated 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
On September 2, 2012, Dada Olusegun posted, “Every Nigerian has a right to protest. Its a fundamental right! If u don’t buy the opinion, don’t instill fear into them. That’s evil!”
On January 1, 2012, He posted, “Special S/0 to dat policeman that will shoot me when I protest, ur corpse and dat of ur kids wil b eaten by Dogs.”
Troops arrest 10 suspected terrorists, recover AK 47 rifle, 10 military camouflage
The valiant troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS in conjunction with other security agencies have arrested 10 suspected terrorists in Taraba State.
Captain Oni Olubodunde, Acting Assistant Director of the 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operations took place on Monday.
He said some of the operations were carried out at the Galeri and Kwondo Villages of Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas of the state.
In the first operation, two suspects, namely; Ali Ibrahim aka Yellow and Wetti Alhaji Ibrahim were arrested by the troops while an AK 47 rifle and 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered.
The statement added that in another operation, about 8 suspects, who have been attacking the Southern Taraba were also apprehended after weeks of covert intelligence-led operation.
It said that during a preliminary investigation, “it was revealed that the gang leader was part of Terwase Akwaza aka Gana’s gang.
“Items recovered include 10 Military Camouflage uniforms, the sum of Sixty Thousand Naira 60,000 and 30 rounds of 7.62MM Special ammunition after a search was conducted at one of the arrested suspects’ houses.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution”.
Troops arrest 10 suspected terrorists, recover AK 47 rifle, 10 military camouflage
NSCDC nabs seven for selling sand as fertiliser in Gombe
Gombe State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Tuesday paraded no fewer than seven suspects for adulteration of fertilizer in the state.
Recall that over time farmers have lamented the poor performance of fertilizer on crops.
The State Commandant Muhammad Bello, while leading a raid at their factory in the Nasarawa area lamented the economic sabotage on unsuspecting farmers who patronised their product.
According to Bello, the suspects specialised in fetching limestones from Katsina State for their business.
Bello said, “Our attention has been drawn to the wicked activities going on here where these people sell sand as fertilizer in this hardship. This is simply wickedness how can you sell in the place of fertiliser.”
While urging farmers to confirm the product before buying, Bello noted that they should buy only from authorised dealers.
“Members of the public especially farmers must desist from arbitrarily buying fertilizer without checks. You should be able to see what you want to buy. You can’t just go anywhere to get fertilizer so that you won’t fall victim to such adulterated product,” he added.
Speaking, the Plant Manager of the adulterated fertilizer, Usman Abubakar said they have so far produced no fewer than 1000 bags, adding that the raw materials for the products come from Katsina State.
“We used to get it from Kankara Local Government Area. We used to get red limestone, white limestone, potash, etc.
“We started production in Kano State but in the last two years, we have been producing in Gombe State. We have produced over 1000 bags in Gombe State,” he confessed.
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August 1: We’re not part of planned nationwide protest – Abuja owners
The original owners of the Abuja, under the Gbagyi/Gbari Youth Association, have warned anyone, groups or individuals planning to carry out a protest within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and its environs, to perish their idea.
The Gbagyi/Gbari youths and some of their prominent elders gave the warning at a press briefing jointly addressed by its Board of Trustee Chairman, Amb. Ayuba Ngbakp and Comrade Nuhu D. Auta, the President, Gbagyi/Gbari Youth Association.
TVN has it in authority that some Nigerians, who are no longer at home with the sufferings of the citizens across the country are ganging up to stage a large-scale protest against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The news being spread about the protest has put all the thirty-six states of the federation and the federal capital Territory on edge.
However, the owners of Abuja said they won’t sit back and watch people from other states destroy the little they have through protest, adding that aggrieved members of the society should engage the government through dialogue.
They said that issues being canvassed are already on the table of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, according to them, is working to ensure that those issues are adequately addressed.
The government also confirmed that the planned mass protest is in the pretence that they are fighting for the masses but with a self-serving undertone to grease their fading political relevance.
The Gbagyi/GBARI said that though the issues raised by the sponsors of the planned mass protest may be genuine, the adopted approach through a mass revolt may be counterproductive.
“The Gbagyi/Gbari Youths Association Of the Federal Capital Territory said it
has also observed that considering the loss of life and destruction of property in the EndSARProtest, such avoidable loss is glaringly imminent if the planned mass protest is allowed to pull through.
It therefore cautioned those behind the planned mass protest to shield their plans to avoid another national calamity.
”The Gbagyi/Gbari Youths Association wishes to categorically state that the youths of the Federal Capital Territory have distanced themselves from the planned mass protest being sponsored by faceless and yet-to-be-identified elements fighting for their hidden selfish political agenda.
“Youths of the Federal Capital Territory will not be used by known or unknown individuals just to settle scores with their political rivals.
“The FCT Youths are knowledgeable enough to know where to place their political priority and work for the development of the Federal Capital Territory.
“That the Youths of the Federal Capital Territory will not allow anyone or groups to truncate the ongoing development in the Federal Capital Territory occasioned by the administration of Tinubu.”
August 1: We’re not part of planned nationwide protest – Abuja owners
FG empowers Edo farmers with 18,000 bags of fertiliser
As part of efforts to boost food production, the Federal Government has empowered farmers in Edo with 18,000 bags of fertilisers to enhance their production for the 2024 farming seasons.
The State chairman of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Mr Bako Dogwo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin during a meeting with members of the association.
Dogwo said that the 18,000 bags, equivalent to 30 trucks, were out of the 1,652 million bags meant for farmers across the country.
The Federal Government, the AFAN chairman said, had paid over 80 per cent of its counterpart fund, while the farmers would pay at least 10 per cent of the cost of the fertiliser.
“The Federal Government is bringing so many inputs to Edo State. They are bringing fertilisers and it has paid 80 per cent of the cost of the fertilizer.
“It is supposed to be counterpart funding, but our state government, I can’t say why it has not paid its share of the fund.
“But it is now left for us, farmers, to pay at least 10 per cent to get the fertiliser if it comes to the state. For example, if the cost of fertiliser is N20,000 we are going to buy it with N10,000.
“Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria has just approved another fertiliser that will also come to the state, along with chemicals, inputs such as cassava stems, maize and rice for planting,” he said.
Dogwo said the fertiliser was only meant for the actual farmers and not “portfolio farmers”.
“The Federal Government is very serious for every farmer to benefit from its programmes. We are talking about the real farmers and not portfolio farmers.
“Members of AFAN are all genuine farmers and that was why we refused anyone to say that they are profiling farmers in the state. You cannot profile farmers. It is we that know who is a farmer and where such person farms,” he added.
Dogwo, who said the association was made up of more than 40,000 registered farmers, however, encouraged those that were yet to join the association to do so, noting that a time would come when it would cost much to be registered as a member.
He also urged members to encourage women to join any of the association’s affiliates, adding that it would provide them the opportunity to be taught all farming techniques and benefit from inputs and other intervention programmes.
NAN.
Flood: Disaster management everybody’s business – NEMA to Nigerians
Hajiya Zainab Suleiman-Saidu, Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, says disaster management is everybody’s business and not just the business of Federal Government agencies.
Suleiman-Saidu said this on Tuesday at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Sustainable Waste Management and Flood Preparedness held at Kwara State Library, Ilorin.
According to her, flood preparedness and waste management require a collaborative effort from governments, the private sector and local communities to build resilience against natural disasters.
She said with the increasing frequency and severity of floods due to climate change, proactive measures are essential.
“Disaster management is not just the business of NEMA or government agencies. It is everybody’s business.
“We must put our heads together to manage the disaster in 2024. We must show concern and stop showing negligence.
“Flood preparedness is very vital for safeguarding lives and property. Sustainable solutions are achievable through cooperation and dedication,” the NEMA official said.
Flood: Disaster management everybody’s business – NEMA to Nigerians
Reps pass Police Act Amendment Bill
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, approved the Police Act Amendment Bill to allow the occupant of the Office of the Inspector General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
The House’s decision followed the consideration and approval of President Bola Tinubu’s request, seeking an amendment to the Principal Act to reflect on the tenure of the IGP.
The proposed legislation to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 seeks to guarantee the tenure of the IGP and enhance police operations by promoting accountability, modernising policing methods, and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.
When the executive bill was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, lawmakers voted unanimously to pass it expeditiously.
The Senate similarly passed it during its sitting on Tuesday.
Recall that earlier in July, police authorities denied allegations that the incumbent IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, made moves to influence the National Assembly to pass a bill seeking to raise the retirement age of officers.
The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023, and he is expected to stay in office for four years. He was appointed alongside four new service chiefs.
In compliance with Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024 at the age of 60.
A copy of the bill obtained by our correspondent showed that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by the addition of a new Sub-Section (8A).
It reads, “Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.”