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Establishment Of Militia Group: Embattled Miyetti Allah President Ropes-In Nasarawa Gov

President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, has roped-in the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, over the establishment of the ethnic militia group, known as Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya.
Bodejo, who is currently facing terrorism charges in court, alleged that the governor was fully part of the formation of the militia group.
The Miyetti Allah leader was arrested by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency on January 23, 2024, and was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on three counts of terrorism on March 22, 2024.
Bodejo was specifically accused of establishing the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya ethnic militia in Nasarawa State without authorisation.
The offence was said to be punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Bodejo alleged that he received a call from the governor earlier in the year expressing his desire to establish a vigilante group different from those of his counterparts.
Bodejo’s confessional statement reads: “I was arrested because of the vigilantes I paraded in Nasarawa State. Sometime in early January 2024, Governor Sule called me and said that he wanted me to see him concerning a Fulani group called Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya, which I told him I didn’t know about.
“The governor said what he called me for was because all the governors had agreed to form vigilante groups in their states like Katsina State had done, but he did not want to organise his like other state governors.
“He said he wanted to use all those who participated in the political rally before the election. And he intended to link them with the Army and they would work for him as vigilantes.
“The governor asked if I could work with Akajo, the leader of the group and I told him that I couldn’t come down to work with Akajo because I am from the national level.
“Later, I called Akajo to meet me and we discussed how to operate the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya in the state. I told the Emir of Lafia that people complained about the group and I didn’t like them.
“However, I asked Akajo about the number of his men. He said there were about 700 men. I demanded for their ID cards which he showed me; the ID cards were authorised and signed by the CSO to the Nasarawa State governor. About two weeks later, Governor A. A. Sule called me to come with Akajo.”

Bodejo stated that he met with Akajo and Sule at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
“I left Bauchi and sent for Akajo to meet me at the Governor’s Lodge. When I got to the lodge, I met Akajo with the governor. The governor enquired what was happening between me and Akajo. I told him that Akajo and his group were spoiling the good name of the governor by causing crises, stealing cattle, and killing people.
“They went and cleared the Toto LGA problem. When they got there, they gathered Fulani and harassed them. The Fulani ran away, leaving the cattle. Akajo and his group gathered the cattle and sold them. The governor insisted that I should work with him.”
The Miyetti Allah leader claimed that other people from the Nasarawa, Obi, and Kyana local government areas of the state who were meant to join Akajo’s group pulled out because Akajo failed to give them their share of the fund released by the governor.
“I told the governor that I requested for the group’s list from Akajo so that I could join it with my people to make up the 2,000 and that he had not given me. The governor said we should have a meeting in Lafia. During the meeting, I told the Ardos what the governor wanted to do with the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya and they bought the idea. During the meeting, one member of the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya complained that they were not benefiting from anything. I immediately called the governor to inform him.
“The governor affirmed that all funds were released to Akajo for the group, so it was Akajo who failed to settle them. On this revelation, the people were angered and the people from Nasarawa, Obi, and Kyana LGAs said they could not join Akajo’s group.
“The governor instructed that I should make do with the existing 700 members of the Akajo group and if possible I should make it up to 1,000.”
Bodejo said that after the meeting, he met with one of his friends, Captain Ahmed Chiroma (retd.), who advised him to make the establishment of the group legal.
According to him, Chiroma made a write-up, which they both presented to the governor.
Bodejo claimed that when the governor was presented with the write-up, he rejected it.
“After the meeting, I met one of my friends, Captain Ahmed Chiroma (retd.), who is the deputy secretary of the Presidential Think Tank and explained everything to him. Captain advised that I make it legal; he said he would put a write-up for the governor, which he did, and the two of us went to present it to the governor.
“I don’t know what he wrote but after the governor read the paper, he said no that he wanted to run the state the way he wanted.”
Bodejo said that the governor then instructed him to meet with the Secretary to the State Government to discuss the cost of procuring kits for 1,000 members of the group.
The Miyetti Allah leader said that Chiroma advised him to be careful as the establishment of the group was illegal.
“The governor said I should meet the SSG and tell him the cost of procuring 1,000 uniforms and kits. Chiroma advised me to be careful with the governor because what he was doing was illegal. That is number one; the governor can’t just carry one tribe of Fulani as vigilantes, and secondly, he can’t carry one as security. He did not build schools for them, just this security vigilante group.”
Bodejo said that the governor called him the following day to inquire about the arrangements put in place for the establishment of the group, adding he pleaded with Sule to give him two weeks.
Bodejo said that he contacted Chiroma who advised him to establish a nomad vigilante group and register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“The following day, I was on my way to Bauchi and the governor called me. So I stopped to see him in Lafia and he inquired about the arrangements. I told him to give us two weeks.
“I informed Akajo and sent a text message to Captain Chiroma, who agreed that we should meet in Bauchi. While in Bauchi, Chiroma advised that I should inform the governor that we would not use the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya, rather we would use Miyetti Allah and register it as a nomadic vigilante group.
“The governor said he had released funds for the uniform that I should contact the SSG, and when I contacted him (SSG), he directed me to the state Deputy Commissioner of Police. He gave me N14,500,000, but I learned that the governor gave N15,000,000. I informed Captain Chiroma about the money and he advised that we should quickly register the nomadic vigilante group with the CAC to give us cover. We registered the group and were issued a certificate.”
Bodejo said that after registering the group, he got the uniforms and presented them to the governor.
The Miyetti Allah leader said the governor was very angry and asked him to put Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya on the badges of the uniforms.
“We sewed the uniforms and put badges that showed the Nomadic Vigilante Group of Nigeria. When we took the sample to the governor, he asked us who told us that what he wanted was Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya.
“He said I should remove the badges of the Nomadic Vigilante Group from the uniform and put Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya. The governor was very angry with me and I left.”
He alleged that the governor directed him to come with the Commissioner of Police and Director of the Department of State Services to his office.
He said that the meeting ended before he got to the governor’s office, but that governor Sule directed him to parade the group on January 17, 2024.
“On January 12, 2024, the governor called me and I told him I was in Bauchi. He said I should come with the state Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS. However, before I could arrive from Bauchi, they had finished the meeting.
“I met the governor after the Jummat prayer and he said I should meet him in his office. He said he had directed that we should parade the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya with the uniform on January 17, 2024.
“He told me that he met the Commissioner of Police and the DSS Director.”
Bodejo said that he met with the CP who was in support of the governor’s directive, but the DSS director advised him to apply wisdom.
“I met the Commissioner of Police and asked him if he supported the governor’s idea and he said yes. When I met the Director of DSS, he said we all knew that what the governor was doing was wrong but that he was the governor; that if I said I couldn’t do it, he might tag me as an enemy of the state and sponsoring bandits. He advised me that I should be wise about it.”
The Miyetti Allah leader said that he was given N7.5m out of the N15m released by the governor to convey members of the group and to book the hall for the unveiling.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police gave me N7,500,000 out of the N15,000,000 released by the governor for the transportation of the group members to Lafia and payment for the hall in Lafia.”
Bodejo said that on the day of the unveiling, the governor, his SSG, and other officials were absent.
“On January 17, 2024, we assembled all the members in the hall in Lafia. On getting to the venue, I did not see the governor and the SSG.
“I called the governor and he told me he was in Abuja because the judgment on his case would come up on January 18, 2024, at the Supreme Court and that I should continue. I asked about the SSG or any governor’s representative. He gave different excuses for their absence. Then I sensed trouble.”
He said that after the exercise, he realised that the governor planned to remove him from the equation to have full control of the group to “perform nefarious activities against the Fulani.
“The governor directed that I should march the group to the office of the Commissioner of Police after the ceremony. I did exactly that.
“However, it dawned on me after the whole exercise that the governor’s agenda was to extricate me from the state so that he could have his way to use the group to his advantage.
“I know that I am the only person who can stop the group from performing some nefarious activities against the Fulani. So now that I am arrested, his purpose has been accomplished because he knows that I never liked the group before he tactically involved me and backed out during the launch.”
Source: The Punch.

I Support Tinubu 100 Percent, For “DealingI” With Nigerians – Buba Galadima

Maverick Nigerian politician, Alhaji Buba Galadima has said that he is supporting President Bola Tinubu as he “deals” with the citizens that voted for him after collecting pieces of Indomie noddles and N200 from him.
Buba Galadima spoke when he answered media questions, posted on TikTok.
When he was told that Nigerians are now hungry because of the policies of the Tinubu government, he said: “let them die.
“Next time, I want to see if they (Nigerians) will vote for those who give them Indomie noddles or they will vote for their conscience.”
He accused Nigerians of voting for “rogues” all over the country in the last general elections.
Buba Galadima hinted that he and the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari are still the best of friends, but that he looks healthier than him (Buhari) and more popular, despite that he did not give him any position when he was President.

Buba Galadima has for long, been one of the critics of the Buhari government, accusing the former President of taking Nigeria 100 years backward.

How I Became Bobrisky, Idris Opens Up

Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, who is popularly known as Bobrisky, has provided further insights into his journey to becoming a transgender.
The controversial Internet personality said that he started crossdressing as a marketing strategy while he was selling unisex clothes during his undergraduate days at the University of Lagos.

Speaking in a candid interview with maverick singer, Charly Boy, Bobrisky said he didn’t envisage that crossdressing would lead him into becoming a transgender.
He said: “About nine years ago, I was at the University of Lagos studying Accounting. I also had a side hustle, I was selling unisex clothes.
“Most times I try the female wears on myself and I love the outfits.
“From there, I moved to female hairstyles to makeup and more women were patronising my business. So I decided to keep crossdressing since it was lucrative.

 

Idris and his wife

“I wasn’t thinking I was going to do it for a very long time. Initially, it was just a marketing strategy but people were complimenting me that I look better as a woman than a man. That’s how I ended up being Bobrisky.”
He said that he faced resistance from his parents initially but they eventually allowed him to be himself.

Idris

FG Complains Of Committing 10 Percent Of Nation’s Budget To Subsidize Electricity To Nigerians

Nigeria’s Federal Government has complained that the subsidy regime in which the country has found itself has caused it to commit 67 percent of the total cost of power production, transmission and distribution to the citizens.
“The subsidy is consuming more than 10 percent of the National budget. This is a burden on the country’s meagre revenue.”
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made these points on Friday, April 5, in Abuja, when he featured on the Ministerial press briefing, anchored by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
The Power Minister said that the recent increase in electricity tariff was for only consumers in the Band A category, “which is only 15% of consumers, while other customers will continue to enjoy the government subsidy.”
According to the Minister, the ministry is thinking of providing a cost-reflective tariff and to gradually migrate other consumers to the band A grade over three years.
“These consumers will enjoy 20 to 24 hours of electricity per day, and it is realistically cheaper at N225 per kilowatt than diesel and generating sets.”
Chief Adelabu said that the power sector currently needs to be more attractive to investors, complaining that there is an infrastructure deficit, which includes the availability of gas and the generation, transmission, and distribution of power. “These must be addressed for the sector to grow and benefit Nigerians.”
He said that a metering gap needs to be bridged and that all the issues stated can only be addressed by generating funds.
The minister said that the sector had been decentralized and that consumer protection is vital and that 20 hours must be achieved as promised.
“Anything else would attract consequences for the distribution company.”
He cautioned Nigerians to learn energy consumption management by getting value for money spent.
He said that the Ministry is rounding up generation, such as renewable energy and the Zungeru projects, and as well working hard to find creative ways to cut vandalism while installing new lines and injecting lines and investing in advocacy to educate consumers.
This was even as the minister of information promised to make relevant information about the government to Nigerians all the time.
He assured the media that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to provide credible and timely information on government policies.
The Minister stressed the urgent need for the Ministry of Power to brief Nigerians on the recent review of the tariff regime in the power sector due to the citizens’ concerns.
He appreciated the media’s continued support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasised the Power Sector’s relevance to the activities of every other sector in society.
According to Idris, with the removal of subsidies on petrol, the floating of the Naira and the inflation rate in the country, the government would not want to aggravate the sufferings of Nigerians.
He emphasized, however, the need for the government to overhaul the power sector and that the the government has taken the bold step to start the journey.
He pleaded for patience and understanding as the government is addressing the root cause of the problems of the Power Sector to provide consumers with the desired service.

FG Unveils New National Identity Card With Payment Features

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a new national identity card with payment and social service features, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) revealed that the innovative card will integrate payment functionality for various social and financial services, powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.

According to a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, highlighted that the new ID card, mandated by the NIMC Act, will serve as proof of identity, grant access to government and private services, promote financial inclusion, and encourage citizen engagement in nation-building.

He stressed that the card will be available only to registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN), adhering to international standards on data security protocols to protect users’ information.

Over 51,000 Nigerian Muslims Scale Through For 2024 Hajj – NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that a total of 51,447 Nigerian Muslims have successfully paid all the required fees to register for the 2024 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the commission, the number reflects a significant turnout despite the challenges posed by this year’s preparations.

Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, the Executive Chairman of NAHCON commended the federal government for its support and policies aimed at facilitating the smooth operation of the Hajj.

Arabi emphasized the importance of long-term planning and encouraged stakeholders to embrace the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) to mitigate future challenges related to Hajj fares.

The breakdown of registered pilgrims by state indicates Kaduna and Sokoto with the highest numbers, demonstrating widespread participation across Nigeria.

IGP Strengthens Police PR, Appoints New Spokespersons

In a bid to boost community engagement and communication, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has appointed new Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) across various commands and formations.

Additionally, a Deputy Force Public Relations Officer has been designated at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The appointments according to a statement today, April 6, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi were aimed to enhance transparency and foster better relations between the police and the public.

Among the newly appointed officers are CSP Isuku Victor Edailokun as Deputy FPRO, and ASP Hundeyin Isaac Sewanu as PPRO for Ports Authority Police (Western) Lagos.

The IGP reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the force and wished the new appointees success in their roles.

BREAKING: Earthquake Rattles New York City As Residents Report Tremors

Fear of earthquake rattled the people of the densely populated New York City metropolitan area in the United States of America today, April 5, prompting reports of rumbling sensations across the Northeast.
The U.S. Geological Survey said that a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 for the earthquake, was centred near Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia.
Report said that despite the significant tremors, there are no initial damage, according to the Fire Department of New York.
New York Mayor, Eric Adams, received a briefing on the earthquake, with his spokesperson, Fabien Levy, saying: “While we do not have any reports of major impacts at this time, we’re still assessing the impact.”
Residents in various areas reported feeling the ground shake, with some describing booming sounds and buildings shaking.
The quake was felt beyond New York City, with people in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and other East Coast areas unaccustomed to seismic activity also reporting tremors.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the earthquake was felt throughout the state and stated that her team is assessing any impacts and damages, with updates expected throughout the day.

Electricity Regulatory Body Punishes AEDC With N200 Million Fine Over Tariff Increase

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken enforcement action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) by imposing a fine of N200 Million
for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing.
AEDC is also being punished for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for AEDC.
The decision to punish AEDC, according to NERC, was taken after a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices.
The regulatory body mandated AEDC to do the following immediately:
a. Reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order.
b. Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the applicable rates and all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected customers by 11 April 2024.
c. Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order.
d. File evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by 12 April 2024.
“The action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector,” NERC said in a statement.

Bobrisky Now A Convict, After Admitting In Court He Abused Naira

Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has now become a convict after admitting before a Federal High Court in Lagos that he abused Naira.
Before his conviction, the 31-year-old Bobrisky had said that he was not aware of the law on abuse of the naira.
The cross-dresser, who refers to himself as Mummy of Lagos, said that he is a social media influencer with over five million followers.
“I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.
“I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.
“I will not repeat it again.
I regret my actions.”
But Justice Abimbola Awogboro went ahead to convict him after a review of the facts of the case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested and charged Bobrisky to court on four counts of naira abuse.

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