Security Agencies Arrest Governorship Candidate, Recover N11 Million From Vote Buyers

November 12, 2023

Security operatives have arrested a high-profile politician and governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in yesterday’s governorship elections in Kogi State, Olayinka Braimoh.
This was even as the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said they have recovered the sum of over N11 Million from vote buyers across the three States: Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo where the Off-season Governship election was held yesterday, November 11.
Reports reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the AA Governship candidate was arrested along with seven of his security details after campaign materials were allegedly found in his car.
His media aide, Musa Yakubu, who confirmed the arrest to journalists, said that his principal and those with him were arrested in Kabba.
Yakubu had earlier raised the alarm over the AA candidate’s whereabouts before he could confirm his arrest.
“The last time I heard from him was in the morning when he called from Kabba town, but all attempts to get through to him since that time proved abortive.
“His mobile lines have been switched off, including his entourage,” he told newsmen.
It was learnt that a local government chairman and a senior Kogi State Government official were also nabbed during the election with ammunition and other dangerous weapons.
This was even as the the EFCC, in a statement, announced the arrest of 14 people for alleged vote buying, saying that the suspects were arrested during operations across voting centres in the three states.
The anti-graft agency said a total of N11.04 million cash was recovered from the apprehended vote buyers and sellers.
This includes N9.31 million intercepted in Bayelsa State and N1.73 million seized in Imo State.
Two vehicles were also impounded from the suspects, who were mostly arrested around polling units and playgrounds being used as vote trading centers.
The EFCC said that the 14 detainees will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
The commission said that the arrests were part of efforts to tackle electoral malpractices, including vote buying that could undermine the integrity of the off-cycle governorship elections.
The statement reads: “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 suspected vote buyers in Otuoke, Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State and at various polling units in Imo and Kogi States.
“They were arrested on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in intelligence – driven operations that commenced several days before the ongoing governorship elections in the three states.
“Also, a total sum of N11,040,000 comprising N9,310,000 intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa and N1,730,000 intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State, were also recovered from them.
“Also, two vehicles were intercepted from the suspects. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Arsenal Wallop Burnley 3 – 1, As Man U Crawl To Beat Luton Town 1 – 0

Editorial staff

November 11, 2023

Arsenal fought hard to beat Burnley 3-1, while wasteful Manchester United laboured to a 1-0 win against Luton Town.

At the Emirates Stadium today , November 11, 10-man Arsenal were made to work hard for their win against a resilient Burnley side.

Leandro Trossard made the breakthrough for the Gunners on the dot of 45 minutes.

Burnley got back into the game after the break through Josh Brownhill.

William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko scored a goal each to help Arsenal secure maximum points in the game.

Substitute Fabio Vieira saw red late on for Arsenal.

At the Old Trafford, Manchester United laboured to a 1-0 win for the second consecutive game.

Victor Lindelof grabbed the winner on 59 minutes.

Source: Prompt News online.

Ex President Jonathan Fears The Day Nigeria Will Hold Off-Season Presidential Election If…

Greenbarge Reporters

November 11, 2023

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed the fear that if Off-Season Governship and other elections are not stopped, time may come when the country will be confronted with the Off-Season Presidential election
“If we continue with this, there will be a time the Nigerian presidential election will be off-season…
“When I say Nigeria presidential election maybe off-season, they may say how and why, but it almost happened in 2007 when I was the running mate to late Umaru Musa Yaradua.
“In that election, seven Justices presided over the case, and three of them said the process be annulled while four of them sustained it.
“If one had crossed over by now the Nigerian election would have been off-season.”
Jonathan, who spoke to newsmen shortly after casting his vote in the ongoing governorship election in Bayelsa State, called on the National Assembly to take appropriate legislative measures to stop off-cycle elections in the country.
He stressed the importance of finding ways and means to unify Nigeria’s electoral calendar.
The former President, who voted at polling unit 39 in Otazi Ward 13, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, advised the National Assembly to block the off-season election, because it is neither the best for the country nor a globally acceptable practice.
“Basically this is an off-season election; I get worried about off-season elections and will use this opportunity to plead with the National Assembly to block it.
“This is not the best practice. The country can elect their people at the same time like the Americans that elect everybody at the same time.”
Source: NAN

Kogi Guber Poll: INEC Suspends Election In 9 Wards

Editorial staff

November 11, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of election in nine wards in the just concluded Governship election in Kogi State.

The Commission gave the list of the wards un Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area as Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu.

The National Commissioner and Member of the

Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, in a statement today, November 11, said that the suspension of the election came following reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.

“Reports indicate that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas.

“The most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.

“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted.

“The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour.

The Haruna said that the incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and that the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours.

“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process.

“We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them.

“Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.

“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.”

Africana Presents “Art Of Life” Collection At Fashion Show: “Africana Experience Live”

Greenbarge Reporters

November 11, 2023

Africana, a vanguard in the luxury African fashion industry for a decade, is set to reveal its latest venture, “THE ART OF LIFE,” a comprehensive collection showcasing at the brand’s inaugural fashion show, the “AFRICANA EXPERIENCE LIVE.”
Celebrated for its unique blend of traditional African attire with contemporary luxury, Africana has become a beacon of prosperity and style. Its latest collection broadens this narrative, introducing an array of sophisticated urban clothing and accessories, catering to both men and women.
The range extends from meticulously crafted leather goods to elegant stationery, embodying urbanity with an African soul.
Africana, under the stewardship of its Chief Executive Officer, Charles Oronsaye and Guest Creative Director Ifidon Oisamoje, transcends its heritage-rich beginnings of kaftans and agbadas.
Today, it stands as a global emblem of Nigerian opulence, resonating with discerning individuals connected to African legacy worldwide. The brand’s evolution is a testament to its enduring ethos of amplifying culture through the power of fashion.
“Our design process has four foundational pillars that shape this collection – Nostalgia, Optimism, Creativity, and Culture,” Guest Creative Director Ifidon Oisamoje said.
He added: “Nostalgia reminds us to reflect on those who came before us; Optimism conveys our belief that we can create a more interesting future; Creativity, which is the anchor for everything we do; and Culture, encompassing everything from traditional values to all subcultures.

“We designed The Art of Life collection to cut across every facet of living—from the boardroom to the bar, gym, and house—giving you the essentials for existence.”
The “AFRICANA EXPERIENCE LIVE,” scheduled for December 10th, 2023, at Abuja’s Harrow Park, will not only showcase the new collection but also treat guests to “The Art of Taste,” an exquisite selection of beverages and cuisine that encapsulate the Africana ethos. Attendees will also enjoy the exclusive opportunity to purchase items from the showcased collection.
Join Africana for an immersive experience that connects the threads of heritage with the pulse of contemporary fashion.
Africana is a Pan-African lifestyle brand headquartered in Abuja with experience stores in Abuja, Dakar, and Abidjan under the banner of AFRICANA X. Committed to elevating style and confidence, the brand has expanded across African countries with plans for further regional and international expansion in the near
future.

Allow Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo People To Choose Their Governors, INEC Boss Tells Officials

Editorial staff

November 11, 2023

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has cautioned officials that will conduct the Governship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States tomorrow not to participate in choosing the governors for the people of the States.

He asked them to allow the 5,169,692 Nigerians who collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to vote in the off-cycle Governorship elections in the three States.

“As we approach the Election Day, I wish to call on our officials (both regular and ad-hoc) to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism.

‘As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three States, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election. “Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

“The choice of who becomes the Governor of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States is entirely in the hands of voters.”

Professor Yakubu, who gave the final pep talks to the officials today, November 10, ahead of the election in the three States tomorrow, said that this is the first time in history that these elections are held on the same day and across three geo-political zones of the country: North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo) and South South (Bayelsa).”

He said that already, INEC had delivered all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections.

“The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have been configured for deployment to Polling Units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters.

“Polling Unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained.

“Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us commence voting on schedule.

“In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival.

“For these off-cycle elections, the Commission is deploying two (2) National Commissioners, nine (9) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) as well as additional staff from different States to each of the three States to support the process. “They will be deployed across the senatorial zones in the States.

“Election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. As with every election, lessons have been learnt from recent elections.

“We will continue to ensure free, fair and credible and inclusive elections but INEC cannot do it alone.

“We have received assurances from the security agencies that the environment will be secure for electoral activities and all participants: voters, electoral officials, accredited observers, the media and polling/collation agents.

“Political parties and candidates have signed the peace accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC).

“Let us maintain the peace and play our roles conscientiously. By doing so, we shall continue to consolidate our democracy.”

Court Restrains Labour From Going On Strike On November 14

Editorial staff

November 10, 2023

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has issued an order of interim injunction restraining members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates from proceeding with their planned strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday, November 14.

The President of the Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, who gave the order today, November 10, ruled on an ex-parte application brought by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government.

Justice Kanyip said that the order shall subsist until the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions equally filed by the AGF.

According to the judge, the court is empowered under Sections 7(1) and 19(a) of the NICN Establishment Act to hear such ex-parte application and grant such ex-parte order where a strike is threatened, but yet to be commenced as in this case.

Both labour unions had on Tuesday, November 7, declared a nationwide strike which will commence on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, in protest against the brutalization of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The unions also started to mobilize their members for a protest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The protesters, who gathered at the airport as early as 9.00 a.m. to enforce their directive to members working in the aviation sector to stop all flights to Owerri.

They were, however, prevented from gaining access to the airport by some military personnel at the checkpoint.

The protesters then blocked the entry and exit points of the airport, causing heavy vehicular traffic on both sides and thereby forcing travelers to trek to the airport.

Source: Persecondnews.

How Imo Police Handed Me Over To Thugs Who Beat Me, Dragged Me On Ground – NLC President

Editorial staff

November 10, 2023

The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero has narrated how police operatives in Imo State police command handed him over to some suspected thugs who beat him black and blue and dragged him on the ground.

Ajaero, who spoke today, November 10 at a world press conference in Abuja, lamented that the kind of beating he received after security agents handed him over to the thugs was better imagined than explained.

The NLC, who wore a dark shade to cover his swollen eyes, said that contrary to report, the NLC wrote to all the security agencies about the protest before the fateful day.

“I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal. I am not even a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged.”

The Imo State Police Command had said that the NLC President was taken into protective custody to save him from a mob attack.

The police statement which was issued on the official X handle of the Nigerian Police by Imo Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry read: “the Imo State Police Command wishes to clarify some sketchy reports alleging the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Owerri.

“It is pertinent to state that the NLC President was in Owerri as part of arrangements of the Congress to mobilise workers for a mega protest rally in the state. In the course of their planning, it was reported that suggestions arose for the lockdown of some essential facilities particularly the airport which led to some workers and other individuals resisting the picketing process leading to scuffles heated arguments, and an eventual attack on the person of the president by a mob.

“Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion by taking the NLC President into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and that he was not lynched in the scuffle that followed.

“The Commissioner of Police thereafter directed that he should be taken to the Police Medical Services, Owerri, where he would be accorded medical attention as a result of the attack. He has therefore been accorded adequate security cover to proceed on his other legitimate engagements for the day.”

NNPC Foundation Trains Youths Corps On Financial Literacy, Targets Over 200,000 Graduates

Greenbarge Reporters

November 10, 2023

The NNPC Foundation, in partnership with Kudimata Nigeria Limited, a financial education outfit, have trained the Batch C members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in basic financial literacy skills.
A statement today, November 10 by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Limited, Femi Soneye said that the training scheme has been designed to build the capacity of youth towards making them employers of labour.
He said that the training, which aligned with the objectives of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) scheme of NYSC, had its maiden edition featuring Batch B stream in the past months.
“So far over 118,000 youth corps members have been trained in financial literacy, while about 70,000 are being trained across the 37 NYSC orientation camps in the country.
Soneye quoted the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, as describing financial literacy as not only the bedrock of all successes in the ever-competitive labour market, but a journey towards attaining self-actualization, thereby heralding the trajectory to sustainable prosperity of the nation.
Arukwe implored the corps members to leverage on the knowledge garnered from the training to avert white collar job syndrome, adding that the NNPC Foundation is committed to impacting the youth corps members to become employers of labour.
“We are partnering with both NYSC and Kudimata to bring financial literacy to the corps members, as this will help them make better-informed decisions. We are very passionate about young people and NYSC is a veritable ground as it cuts across 20 to 30 years old youth, thus, making it the right demography.
“This programme cuts across the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This is the first step towards a series of programmes that will culminate in instilling entrepreneurship in the Corps members. After this training, those who pass the examination by 70 percent will move to the next stage. The next stage will keep them better informed on how to run businesses to ensure success in their businesses.
“Thereafter, we will do a pitching where those who are properly trained will be selected and be given start-up kits to go ahead and be on their own.”
The MD noted that unemployment has remained the greatest problem of young graduates, saying: “We are aware of unemployment as a challenge plaguing young graduates and we recognize the need to empower the youths through capacity building of this magnitude for them to empower the whole nation.
“This training will help reduce unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, thereby making the corps members employers of labour.”
Speaking also, the FCT Coordinator, NYSC, Shokpeka Winifred expressed profound gratitude to both NNPC Foundation and Kudimata Nigeria Ltd for their unwavering support to empower the corps members to enable them to become self-reliant individuals and wealth creators.
Winifred described the training as a platform for young people to learn the best ways of managing their finances, while also grooming them to become good managers of resources.
“Going forward, I’m confident that they will put what they have learnt to use by utilizing their funds well as they are now aware of how to earn, maintain and multiply their finances. “We are striving to see them becoming business owners tomorrow through further mentorship.”
One of the corps members at the NYSC orientation camp in Abuja, Prudence Enema said: “I’m thrilled that the NNPC Foundation took their time to train us on financial literacy, we are aware that financial literacy is very important, and we have learnt a lot on how to multiply our money in order not to suffer in the future.”
Another corps member, Okeke Ugochukwu said that the training is worthwhile as the importance of saving and categorization of finances were taught effectively.

Nigeria Just Strikes Oil And Gas Partnership Deal With Saudi Arabia

Editorial staff

November 9, 2023

Nigeria has entered into a preliminary partnership agreement with the kingdom of Saudi on energy-related cooperation.

The Saudi Energy Minister, Abdulaziz bin Salman, at the Saudi-Arab-African economic conference in Riyadh today, November 9, said that the agreement with Nigeria and other African countries is to have a joint action in the field of energy.

This was even as the

Saudi Finance Minister, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, also said at the conference that the Saudi Fund for Development will sign agreements worth two billion riyals (USD 533 million) with African countries.

“We are working with partners to support Ghana and other countries regarding their debt.”

With the recent global pandemic COVID-19, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Saudi-Africa Summit is seeking to fill the gaps and increase economic growth within the Arab-African trade zone.

The Arab-African trade is believed to possess the potential to shoot to over $37.6 billion by 2027, a 31 percent increase over the 2021 value.

By resolving trade barriers and channelling investment into sectors with growth potential, such as plastics, machinery and energy, by 2027 the Arab State could increase annual export to Africa by $26.4bn and Africa by $11bn to the Arab States.

While African exports to Arab States have been on the ascendency over the past decades, exports of Arab States to Africa have not increased in recent years.

Source: Persecond News

1...175176177...2,446 Page 176 of 2,446