My Sin Is I Refuse To Share State Funds – Edo Gov, Obaseki

July 20, 2019

The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has said that the sin he has committed, which has thrown the state House of Assembly into crisis is the fact that he refused to share public funds with some self-styled godfathers.

The governor, who was addressing a delegation that visited his Abuja home from Benin City, Edo State capital, said that the crisis that trailed the inauguration of the state assembly was largely based on the fact that some people, who claimed to have brought him to power wanted to administer the state government affairs.

He vowed that he would not Edo State to ”be a pawn in anybody’s political chess game.”

“The only thing they have said is that I refused to share money; I am not taking care of the people who brought me into office.

“I said 300,000 Edo people voted for me to be governor; if I do for the people, everybody will benefit.”

He also vowed that the state will not be left in the hands of selfish political gladiators marauding themselves as ”father” in the state in a bid to create confusion.

”Is it not ironic that in a state where we have one party ruling, and that has all the 24 seats in the House of Assembly, we have this kind of a crisis? “At the centre, we have our own person who is supposed to superintend (over) this (matter).

So, if your children are fighting and you cannot come and settle them, then what authority do you have to even be a father?

“I will not allow Edo State to be a pawn in anybody’s political chess game.

“For me, I keep asking the question, what have I done wrong? What is my offence that they want to now get people to come and create confusion in the state?”

Insecurity: Buhari Gives Osinbajo Marching Order To Consult With Selected Monarchs

Greenbarge Reporters

July 20, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to embark on the consultations with a number of leading traditional rulers with the aim of securing the peace and effective maintenance of law and order across the country.

This, according to statement by Laolu Akande, senior special assistant to Vice President Osinbajo, is part of the determination by President Buhari to develop and reinforce effective strategies towards addressing security concerns in the country

Akande said that Professor Osinbajo dropped the hint today in Ogun State at the take-off of what is expected to be wide consultations with key traditional rulers in the state, and across the country.
“Answering reporters’ questions after separate meetings with the Akarigbo of Remoland and the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Vice President noted that the consultations would be done with traditional rulers across the country to ensure peace and security in their communities.
“As you know, there are many significant concerns all over the country; and of course there are concerns also in the South West. So, I’m here on the instruction of Mr. President to consult with the Kayibesi, Governor Dapo Abiodun and other stakeholders on what to do to beef up security, and to generally improve the security architecture.”
Akande said that after meeting the Awujale, the Vice President said: “of course, you know that the Kabiyesi is not just the traditional ruler, but also a very important part of the government. That’s why we are here to speak with him and to agree on a few modalities for beefing up security, ensuring that we are fully conscious of all that is going on around us, and just to be sure that peace and security reigns here and across the country.
“There are some who might want to cause instability and difficulties, but we are very confident that God helping us, working together as a nation, we will be able to overcome all our problems and set our country on the path of peace and prosperity.”
He quoted the Vice President as saying that the Federal Government, in collaboration with State Governments, has taken significant steps to improve security, while there would be further consultations with the traditional rulers.
Professor Osinbajo said that the governor of the state was committed “to ensuring there is peace and security and that everyone who lives in all our neighbourhoods, localities and communities live in peace with each other and that we maintain a high level of security.”
On the nationwide consultations with traditional rulers to improve security in their respective communities, the Vice President said: “we are consulting with many of the traditional rulers all across the country. But there are concerns in the South West. I’ve started here in Ogun. We are also going to be in Osun State on Tuesday. We are also going to go round and see several other traditional rulers. Primarily, they themselves want to participate. We’ve spoken at various times and they want to participate in improving the security architecture.”
“One of the things that Mr. President has spoken about is the role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security in their own locality. As you know, they are the closest to the grassroots, to their communities. And one of the critical things that we expect is that even with our community policing efforts; we expect that there would be some interventions between the traditional rulers, the community police and some of the other efforts that they are making to improve intelligence to understand what is going on. We need to know who is where and what exactly is happening all around, so that these can then be transmitted to the security agencies.”
Akande said that the Vice President would continue on the consultations early next week.

AFCON 2019: Champions, Algeria, Smile Home With $4.5 M; Nigeria Get $2 M

Greenbarge Reporters

July 20, 2019

For emerging champions in the just concluded 2019 Africa cup of Nations (AFCON), Algeria will pocket $4.5 million with the runners up Senegal going home with $2.5 million.

Nigeria and Tunisia both of whom played the third-place match will receive $2 million dollars apiece.

The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that a total of $14.2 million would be shared among the best eight teams at the 2019 Africa cup of Nations in the form of prize money.

AFCON 2019 was contested by 24 teams for the first time.

According to CAF, the money will be shared as follows

If a team gets knocked out from the quarter final, they will be rewarded with $800,000.

The beaten semi-finalists who contest the third place play-off will share$4m, with each getting $2m.

The winners of the AFCON 2019 final will be paid $4.5m with the runners up pocketing $2.5m.

The prize money for the 2017 AFCON was slightly lower than the latest fund with the overall pot coming in at $12.2m-$2m less than 2019.

Cameroon won the tournament in 2017 and were paid $4m which is less than what Algeria got as 2019 champion. Beaten finalists, Egypt, got $2m while semi-finalists Ghana and Burkina Faso took home $1.5m each.

2019 Pilgrimage: 13, 107 Nigerian Muslims Already Airlifted To Saudi Arabia

Greenbarge Reporters

July 20, 2019

No fewer than 13,107 Nigerian Muslims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia from various Nigerian airports for the 2019 pilgrimage, beginning in the second week of August.

Information from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) today, July 20, said that Flynas airline departed to Madinah by 11.28 last night (July 19) with 431 intending pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) even as Medview airline departed from Kaduna for Jeddah by 4.00 this morning (July 20) with 545 intending pilgrims.

The statement said that so far, 27 flights have been operated, airlifting intending pilgrims from more than 12 states.

The airlift began on Saturday, last week, July13.

21,000 Qur’anic Reciters From 162 Countries Compete For 12,000 Million SAR In Saudi Arabia

Greenbarge Reporters

July 20, 2019

No fewer than 21,000 Muslims from 162 countries have registered to compete in Quran Recitation and Athan competitions for the coveted prize of 12,000 Saudi Riyal (almost N120 Million).

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), which handles the competitions, said in a statement today, July 20 that the initiative is aimed at providing a rich experience to the world by highlighting the diversity of the Muslim World’s cultures, reflected through the style of Quran Recitation and Athan performance, and to enhance the image of Islam and Muslims internationally.

The Authority noted that there had been steady increase in the number of people registered in these competitions, adding that number of participants have grown from 11,000 to more than 21,000.

The statement said that registration, which is still ongoing via a website address: https://quranathanawards.com will close at the end of July.

The winner of the Quran Recitation competition, according to the statement, will receive a prize of SAR5 million ($1.3 million), while the winner of the Athan competition will receive an award of SAR2 million ($530,000).

The competitions consist of several phases with the first stage including receiving participants’ applications via the website, followed by the shortlisted of applicantsfrom July 24 to August 23. The on-stage live performances will take place from August 24 to September 24, and the winners will be announced and awarded throughout the final stage, which will run from September 25 to October 25.

The competitions were the brainchild of the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Sheikh Turki Al Sheikh in early 2019 line with one of the pillars of the Kingdom’s vision 2030 towards creating a vibrant society.

The General Entertainment Authority was established specifically to organize, develop, and lead the entertainment sector to provide exciting entertainment options, and tailored experiences to the needs of people from all walks of life around Saudi Arabia. It is also fashioned out to stimulate the role of the private sector in building and developing entertainment activities.

The General Entertainment Authority contributes to supporting the Saudi economy by participating in diversifying its sources, raising its gross domestic product, supporting small and medium enterprises and increasing the proportion of foreign direct investment in the entertainment sector.

Soldiers Kill 11 Boko Haram’s Informants, Fighters; Nab 6 Commanders

Editorial staff

July 19, 2019

Gallant Nigerian soldiers have killed 11 Boko Haram insurgents, including their informants that were fleeing after they had attacked some military personnel on patrol duty. Six of their commanders were arrested by the soldiers.

Information reaching us indicated that the soldiers had disguised themselves, while laying ambush along a road in Jakana axis of Borno State where they gunned down the terrorists.
An intelligence source said: “the insurgents who were eliminated by the Nigerian troops had killed six soldiers before they met their Waterloo.”

The intelligence service has already identified some communities suspected to be harbouring terrorists and their agents but the military is wary of collateral damage on the communities because of women and children, which is why they are yet to attack and raid the terrorists’ hideouts.
It was gathered that some of the communities allegedly aiding, supporting and offering help to the extremists include Matari, Mada, Burgozo, Duwari and Didiri.
The six high-profile Boko Haram commanders that were arrested were discovered to be frequently ambushing and coordinating attacks on troops within Auno, Jakana and Banishaik general area.
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division of Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, confirmed the incidences and said: “the vigilant troops effectively ambushed and eliminated the insurgents who killed two officers and three soldiers, at Burgozo community in Borno State.
“After a gun battle that lasted 20 minute, the fleeing terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.”
The General said that while some of the terrorists were killed, the rest of them who were fleeing sustained serious wounds.
He said that troops have commenced mopping-up, combing of the general area while some arrests had been made.
The GOC listed the items recovered from the insurgents to include one gun trucks, two anti-aircraft guns, one RPG, five Ak 47 riffle and one night vision google.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army authorities have confirmed the killing of a Colonel, a Captain and three soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno. The Deputy Director, Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Colonel Isa Ado, gave the confirmation in a statement in Abuja today, July 19.

He said that the incident occurred on Wednesday in Jakana area of Borno, adding that the officers and soldiers were on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu when they ran into an ambush by the terrorists.

Colonel Isa Ado said that troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB), Jakana, dealt with the insurgents.

He said that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists tried to infiltrate the military base to garner logistics but were repelled by the troops.

According to him, the terrorists came at about 6.45PM in seven Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by troops.

“The terrorists could not withstand the fire power of the troops after losing significant number of equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire.

“They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along Benisheikh-Damaturu axis and abandoned a damaged utility gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items.

“Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and captured one anti-aircraft gun, two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes, two AK 47 Rifles, 15 machine gun rounds and 12 AK47 NATO rounds.

“Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain as well as three soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu ran into an ambush staged by the fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis, which led to their unfortunate death.”

He said that the Chief of Army Staff , Tukur Buratai, had commiserated with the families of the fallen heroes, adding that Buratai reiterated that the army would never be deterred in the ongoing “noble and patriotic fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East’’.

According to him, General Buratai commended the efforts of the entire troops in the theatre and charged them to remain focused, highly committed and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

“The sacrifices of the fallen heroes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency is no doubt painful to all.

“But, that will further spur us to do more to ensure that our country remain secure, peaceful and free from terrorist activities for the overall interest of the nation,” he quoted Buratai as saying. Sources: PRNigeria and NAN.

Algeria Lifts 2019 AFCON Cup, Defeats Senegal 1-0

Editorial staff

July 19, 2019

Algeria’s players celebrate their winning goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFP)

Algeria have emerged champions by lifting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Senegal.

Baghdad Bounedjah scored a freak goal in the 3rd minute when his shot took a huge deflection off a Senegalese player and looped in for Algeria.

Details shortly…

Buhari Approves Recruitment Of 5,000 Personnel For Drug Law Enforcement

Greenbarge Reporters

July 19, 2019

Officials of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, inspecting some seized drugs

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Colone Muhammad Abdallah has confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved recruitment of 5,000 personnel for the agency to boost its manpower.

Abdallah, who spoke today, July 19 at the Public Destruction of Drug Exhibits by Taraba Command of NDLEA in Jalingo, said that the gesture would go a long way in improving operations of the agency on campaign against drug addiction in Nigeria.

He said that increased consumption of illicit drugs among the youths in Taraba was worrisome, appealing to families to brace up to their responsibilities.

According to Abdallah, effective drug prevention must involve positive engagement of children, youths and adults with their families, schools, workplace and community.

He commended Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba for his support to the agency in addressing drug problems in the state even as he also commended Mrs. Anna Darius, wife of the governor, for giving great impetus to the war against drug abuse in the state.

The chairman said that the provision of Hope Afresh Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), managed by the wife of the governor for sensitization against drug abuse is a great boost to anti-drug abuse campaign.

Acting Commander of NDLEA in the state, Peter Odaudu, had said that the agency had assembled seven tonnes (6,963.80 kilogrammes) of deadly weeds and psychotropic substances for destruction.

Odaudu said that the exhibits were seized between January, 2003 and December, 2018.

He listed some of the illicit drugs assembled for destruction as Cannabis Sativa, Diazepam, Rophynol, Cough syrups with codeine and Tramadol.

According to him, a court order for their destruction has been duly obtained, even as he commended other security agencies in the state for their cooperation in the success recorded by the NDLEA.

Stakeholders Challenge APC In Court Over Proposed Indirect Primary In Kogi

Editorial staff

July 19, 2019

Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State have dragged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to court challenging the adoption of indirect primary for a candidate in the August 29 primary.

In the Originating Summons filed today, July 19 by their lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the plaintiffs are asking the court to halt the indirect primary proposed in the primary by the NWC.

The plaintiffs, who are members of Haddy Ametuo-led faction of the party in the state, are the Ex-officio, Destiny Eneojoh Aromeh; Organising Secretary, Isah Abubakar; Zonal Youth Leader, Noah Aku, and Zonal Women Leader, Mrs. Joy Onu.

Ametuo had earlier withdrawn from the case filed by the faction against the state Executive Committee, chaired by Abdullahi Bello and loyal to Governor Yahya Bello. The case pending before Justice Okon Abang of an Abuja Federal High Court is to determine which faction of the party is the genuine executive.

The stakeholders in the notification of the suit sent to the National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala, prayed him to advise the party on the need to respect court processes and halt any action on the proposed indirect mode of the primary.

Among issues formulated for determination are whether having regard to the pendency of suit filed by Haddy Ametuo, Salam Adejoh (suing for themselves and on behalf of other members) of the SEC elected on May 19, 2018, the APC can adopt the indirect primary mode.

Whether the involvement of persons claiming to be members of the Kogi SEC during the pendency of the suit in the nomination of the governorship candidate would not amount to interference with the judicial process and run against the principle of subjudice which would render the outcome of such primary illegal, null and void.

Whether the defendant can ignore the suit which seeks to determine the authentic members of the Kogi SEC, who constitute the delegates by adopting the indirect mode of the primary.

Whether it is not an act of disrespect for judicial processes for the defendant to adopt the indirect mode of primary in nominating its governorship candidate having been made a party to the suit, which seeks to determine the authentic members of the Kogi SEC, who will constitute the bulk of the delegates to participate in the indirect primary mode for the nomination of the governorship candidate.

Source: Punch

Buhari Has No Hand In El-Zakzaky’s Case, Won’t Ask Court To Stop It – Presidency

Editorial staff

July 19, 2019

The Presidency has made it clear that President Muhammadu Buhari has no hand in the court trial of the leader of the Shiites, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and will not interfere in the case.

The Presidency asked members of the sect therefore, to desist from needless violent street protests but to rather await for the decision of the court in Kaduna where their leader is currently being tried.

In a statement today, July 19, the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu stressed that as far as this country’s Ministry of Justice is concerned, the case involving El-Zakzaky is no longer in its domain.

“The Federal Government no more has hands in the matter and to that extent, the government at the centre can be said to be clear of any alleged violations of court orders as being trumpeted every day.”

Garba Shehu made it clear that the rallies and street dances which members of the sects have consistently carried out, sepecially in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital during which they engaged in open insult on the President and other leaders, threatening bloodshed will lead nowhere.

“President Buhari will not ask the country’s judiciary to abandon due process and set a suspect free. At the same time, the administration is determined to enforce the decision of the court clearly issued. The Buhari administration has absolutely no hand in the on-going court case and the courts are free to determine the bail request and the final outcome.

“The mentality that you are above the law and that your own rights are superior to other people’s rights is unacceptable.

“You can’t be provoking other citizens by interfering with their own rights on public roads and disrupting their businesses and call it democratic freedom. In democratic traditions, their rights end where the rights of others begin.

“Law abiding citizens must avoid deliberate lawlessness. It is not within the rights of any group to enter protected public institutions such as the National Assembly by force to attack police and destroy public and private property.

“It is always advisable to embrace dialogue and eschew violence in all our actions so that we can continue to live together in peace.

“We therefore appeal to the Shiite group to stop deliberate provocations that result in violence and fatalities and allow the trial of El-ZakZaky to take its course.”

The Presidential spokesman asked El-ZakZaky’s supporters to focus on his trial in Kaduna court “instead of causing daily damages, disruptions and public nuisance in Abuja.

“It is wrong to be in court and resort to violence at the same time in order to get justice for anybody accused.

“The destruction of public property in the name of protest is not within the right of this group of Shiite members and no government anywhere would have tolerated a situation where any group would take over public roads in cities as they have done in Abuja and interfere with the rights of other citizens who are prevented from reaching their destinations.

“We imagine a situation where families are taking their loved ones to hospital for emergency treatment and they are held up needlessly by the protesters. No government anywhere in the world would turn a blind eye to this unlawful behavior.

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