Unknown Gunmen Gun Down Traditional Ruler In Imo

July 18, 2023

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot and killed the Traditional Ruler of Ezuhu na Amadi Autonomous Community in Abor Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo Stat, Eze Nnamdi Mmirioma.

The incident occurred at about 3pm, with the gunmen shooting him several times.

The reason for the dastardly act on the deceased could not be easily ascertained at the time report.

The incident has thrown the community into palpable fear and panic.

The Commissioner, Imo State Police Command, Mohammed Barde, confirmed the incident, describing it as gruesome.

In a statement by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, the state police boss said that Mmirioma died while receiving medical attention at Ndubuisi Hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police has set up a high powered investigation into the incident to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

First Anthrax Case In Nigeria Reported In Suleja, Niger State

Editorial staff

July 18, 2023

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has officially confirmed the first case of anthrax in Nigeria.

Anthrax is a disease that is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus, though mostly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats but can also infect people who come into contact with infected people or contaminated animal products like meat, wool, or skins. Anthrax that spreads via the skin might result through open wounds or contact with contaminated objects, while anthrax that spreads through the air can happen when spores are inhaled.

A statement today July 16, by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba T. Vakuru, said that animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

The statement reads in part: “The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

“A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”

Recall that the federal government had issued a warning to Nigerians weeks ago after a report of anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

The statement advised Nigerians to immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.

“The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state.”

Nigerian Customs Intercepts 31 Arms, Ammunition From US

Editorial staff

July 18, 2023

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it had intercepted 31 rifles within the first two weeks of the month, which were shipped in from United States.

The acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, at a news conference in Lagos today, July 16, said that the operation was carried out by some dedicated and diligent officers.

“On July 5, a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security, the National Drug Law Enforcement and Administration, and the Customs Intelligence Unit at the Ports Terminal and Multi Services Limited Command was conducted.

“A thorough physical examination of a 40 ft container was conducted. The examination revealed the concealment of 10 dangerous arms and various rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums.

“The details are: three new Pump Action rifles and one new unit of an armed rifle, six new different makes of pistols, one new millennium G2 pistol, one new sarsilmaz SAR-9X pistol.

“Others are one new Lugger Security-9 pistol, one new Taurus Banbridge G3C pistol, one new SCCY CPX-2 pistol, and one new Taurus (63 pistol), 14 empty magazines and 442 rounds of live ammunition.”

Adeniyi said that the clearing agent, Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Ltd., and one Joseph Nwadiodor, expected to take delivery of the container, are currently detained as suspects in connection with the seizure.

Similarly, he said that within the same period, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service, while acting on credible intelligence; a 1x40ft container was subjected to 100 per cent physical examination with the relevant security agencies at the ports.

He said that the physical examination uncovered 18 arms, packets of cartridges and rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums.

Adeniyi listed the details as: six different makes of pistols, two Sar9 Sarsilmarz Pistols, one Ruger American Pistol and three Taurus G3c – Bainbridge Pistols.

“Others are 12 different makes of riffles, five Rz17hd Rifles, one Gamo Rifle, five Pump Action Rifles and one (1) Rz17 Tactical Rifle.

“Also included are 10 packets of cartridges, two packets of 9mm ammunition, 100 rounds of 9mm Winchester ammunition, one carton of Frontier cartridges, two packets of Buckshot ammunition.”

Adeniyi said that during a routine patrol along Owode/Ajilete Axis of Ogun State by officers of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, on July 12, intercepted an unregistered Toyota Camry loaded with six sacks of charcoal, used to conceal three pump action riffles with 174 live cartridges.

He said that the driver of the vehicle, who knew the content he was conveying vis-a-vis the attendant consequences of his action before the law; jumped into the bush and escaped arrest.

“Investigation into the seizures is inconclusive. The outcome of our investigations together with the seizures will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

“Illicit arms obtained by non-state actors have boosted the proliferation of small arms and ammunition across the country. This accounts for the increase in violent kidnappings, robberies, and mass killings in society.

“Let me state at this point that the service has re-strategized its operations, while our officers have raised their levels of professionalism, and have keyed into the mantra of renewed hope aimed at facilitating legitimate trade.

“In doing this, we are assuring all compliant traders and importers that they have nothing to fear,” Adeniyi said.

He said that they had re-injected new tactics to tackle the economic and security menace caused by recalcitrant importers and their agents.

Adeniyi implored importers and agents to be patriotic by making sincere declarations, and to be properly guided by the import and export prohibition lists.

He urged the public to see security as a collective responsibility.

Adeniyi noted that information on illegal importation and cross border movement of dangerous weapons, used to create mayhem in the country, would be appreciated.

Source: NAN.

2 Teenage Girls Fake Kidnap, Demand N100,000 Ransom From Their Mother

Editorial staff

July 17, 2023

Two teenage girls (names withheld) have been arrested by the operatives of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo for allegedly pretending to have been kidnapped and demanding the sum of N100,000 from their mother.

The state commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said today, July 16, while parading over 20 suspects before newsmen in Akure, that the girls ages 13 and 15, hid from their mother after faking self-abduction.

“The two (girls) hid themselves inside and began to call that they were kidnapped while demanding a ransom of N100,000 from their parents,” the Amotekun boss said.

The commander said that the girls also threatened the town’s monarch to pay the ransom within 24 hours or they would kill the abductees in their custody.

According to him, the teenage girls were nabbed through a joint operation with the State Security Service (SSS) operatives after tracking the telephone line being used to make calls for their demand.

Upon interrogation, one of the girls said that they spent a night in their grandmother’s place and left there around 6:00 a.m. after they had left the house.

She also confessed that they faked their kidnap following their mother’s attitude towards them.

“We left the house because my mother used to behave to us as if she’s not the one that gave birth to me, and we decided to collect money from her,” she added.

Source: NAN

60 Lawyers Drag DSS To Court, Want Suspended CBN Gov, Emefiele, Released And DSS Boss Jailed

Editorial staff

July 17, 2023

No fewer than 60 lawyers have dragged Department of State Services (DSS) to a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, wanting the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele released from detention and the DSS boss, Yusuf Bichi jailed for contempt of court.

The lawyers said that the suit was hinged on what they described as violation of multiple judgments and orders of court directing the agency to release Emefiele.

The lawyers, led by Maxwell Opara and Ahmed Tijani, prayed the court to commit the DSS boss to prison until the department clears itself of contempt.

The lawyers filed a motion before the court for the issuance of Form 48 and Form 49, which are the forms used to commence proceedings to commit a contemnor to prison.

The lawyers said that by the judgments and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan, Justice Hamza Muazu and Justice Bello Kawu, the DSS Director -General ought to have released Emefiele from detention.

In an affidavit in support of the application, the lawyers deposed to the fact that Justice Hassan had restrained the respondents, particularly, the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interrogating Emefiele.

This was with regards to offences connected to terrorism financing, money laundering, round tripping and financial crimes of national security dimension.

They also deposed that despite the clear and positive orders of the court, the DSS went ahead to arrest and detain Emefiele and had detained him for over a month while shopping for evidence, which did not exist.

Addressing newsmen after filing their processes, Opara said that the group would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure that the DSS boss, Yusuf Bichi is sent to prison.

He said that it will serve as a deterrent to other heads of security agencies that disobey court orders, to show that such would no longer be tolerated.

Opara said that it is preposterous that the DSS had accused Emefiele of having committed heinous crimes against the state only for it to now file a charge of possession of a validly registered pump action rifle against him.

“Is it not clear enough to Nigerians that the DSS is persecuting Emefiele if after holding him for five weeks they can only file a ridiculous charge of possessing a validly registered pump action gun?

“This clearly shows that the travail of Emefiele is more for political reasons than for any other.”

Source: NAN.

Embattled APC National Chairman, Adamu, Quits

Greenbarge Reporters

July 17, 2023

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has resigned his position as leader of the ruling party.

Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore may also resign soon.

Senator Adamu has been facing many battles since the party won the February 25, 2023 presidential election, the outcome of which is now being contested by major opposition parties and their candidates, led by Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Before now, some influential members of the party have been calling for the resignation of Adamu and the national secretary.

Impeccable sources within the ruling party and the Presidency who would not want to be named confirmed today, July 16, that Adamu “resigned a few minutes ago on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The embattled former chairman had fixed a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting for Monday July 17 preparatory to the Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of July 18 and 19 respectively.

What becomes of the meeting originally planned for Monday is now a matter of conjecture.

The APC had scheduled the same NWC, Caucus and NEC meetings for last week but had to move it to July 17, 18 and 19 owing to internal disagreements and intra-party politics.

It was also gathered authoritatively that all members of the NWC are on the same page regarding the compulsory resignation of the National Chairman and his Secretary, Omisore.

The NWC members are also said to be miffed by alleged lack of transparency in the party’s 2022 Account audit, which they said was surreptitiously secured and submitted without any of the members sighting it.

Source: Prime Business Africa.

Stop Move To Increase Electricity Tariffs Before It Discredit Your Govt. OPC Tells Tinubu

Editorial staff

July 16, 2023

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the plan by the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), to increase electricity tariffs, describing the move as anti-people, oppressive, unjustified and aimed at discrediting his government.

The OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, in a statement today, July 16, signed by its General-Secretary,Comrade Bunmi Fasehun, OPC advised the President to quickly Kill the dangerous move by the DISCO.

It noted that the move had similarly been rejected by workers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and industrialists under the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

Afolabi said that Nigerians are still grappling with the scrapping of fuel subsidy, and that increasing the cost of electricity would be adding to citizens’ burden and paint the Tinubu administration as uncaring.

It is observed that DISCOs have already served notice to consumers to expect to pay higher electricity tariffs from July 1, which was deferred, following the failure to secure the required permission of the government.

OPC pointed out that the power distributors would increase their earnings if they stopped incessant power cuts with their poor attitude to rendering services.

“Today, citizens are the ones buying their own poles, transformers, cables and prepaid meters. DISCOs have turned themselves into rent-takers and blackout distributors,” Afolabi lamented. “We cannot continue this way.

“Especially, DISCOs should be told to supply prepaid meter meters free-of-charge, something they have refused to do so far because they enjoy sending crazy bills to customers who suffer darkness and power failure all the time.”

OPC advised the DISCOs to borrow the example of the telecommunications companies (TESCOS) that had reduced the cost that consumers paid for calls and data.

Reminding the companies that they had inherited the backbone and infrastructure of the old NEPA and PHCN for a small amount, Afolabi said that in comparison, TESCOS independently made colossal investments in laying underground, underwater and fibre-optic cables, antenna and electricity generators, and they are reaping the profits today.

OPC asked DISCOs to justify the hundreds of billions in public funds that past regimes had pumped into the sector, even when the distribution segment of the electricity value chain had been privatised.

According to the organisation, it had become clear that the DISCOs wanted to reap where they did not plant, because the generation and transmission companies were largely discharging their responsibilities while distribution remained problematic.

“President Tinubu should tell distribution companies that if they cannot deliver with the current tariff, they should submit their licences and close shop.

“Moreover, the government should scrap this territorial monopoly, where only one DISCO has commandeered a service area and allows no competition. Consumers in any area should be able to choose and transfer to other DISCOs as currently obtains in telecommunications and in other countries. That will create competition and push DISCOs to render quality service in order not to lose customers to competing suppliers.”

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We’ll Revisit Bill On Constitutional Roles For Traditional Rulers – Reps Speaker

Editorial staff

July 16, 2023

The Speaker House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, has promised that the 10th National Assembly will revisit the bill seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

The speaker, who spoke on a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, said: “I want to intimate you that we will revisit the recommendations of the bill submitted by the traditional rulers seeking for a constitutional roles and ensure that the bill is passed.”

He said that the visit was a homecoming to seek royal blessings, guidance and prayers from the royal father.

Tajuddeen, who was accompanied by some members and leadership of the house, told the emir that the visit was to also appreciate the support and prayers received from his constituency and Nigerians.

“We are here to also seek for advises from you the traditional rulers.

In his response, the emir noted that the traditional rulers had played several developmental roles at the pre-independent and post independent Nigeria, as such their roles could not be over emphasised.

He also noted with dismay that some politicians were initially against the bill seeking constitutional roles for the rulers on the premise that such roles would amount to creating another tier of government.

The emir said that it is not true that assigning constitutional roles to the traditional rulers would amount to creating another tier of government.

The royal father said that an extensive deliberation on the issue was held in Kaduna under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto.

He added that a committee headed by Emir of Lafia, Nasarawa State, who was a former Justice of Supreme Court, drafted the bill which was eventually not passed by the NASS.

“We are therefore appealing to the 10th assembly to revisit the bill and ensure its speedy passage to enhance security, growth and national development.”

Source: NAN.

African Leaders Resolve To Pursue Implementation Of E-visa For Free Movements

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2023

African Heads of State and Government have declared their commitment to pursue the implementation of E-visa to facilitate free movements of the citizens of the continent.
It also expressed determination to advance integration, development and cooperation within the continent.
The leaders, representing the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) and Chairpersons of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as Regional Mechanisms (RMs), made the resolutions with the adoption of a draft, at the end of the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of AU in Nairobi, Kenya today, July 26.
The meeting, chaired by President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and the Chairperson of the African Union, was attended by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria who doubles as Chairperson of ECOWAS. In attendance too were the Presidents of Kenya, Egypt, Gabon, Djibouti, Libya, Senegal and DR Congo.
The leaders expressed the support for initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity and tourism within Africa, including the implementation of E-visa facilitation.
They pledged to champion the ratification of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to effectively support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.
The leaders vowed to support the operationalization and expansion of key initiatives such as the AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, Payment and Settlement System, and Guided Trade Initiative, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and economic cooperation.
Earlier at the meeting, President Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairperson of ECOWAS, presented a comprehensive report on the progress and challenges faced in regional integration.
He emphasized ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting stability, democracy and economic growth in Africa, underscoring the sub-regional organization’s dedication to good governance, rule of law and democratic values.
President Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to actively combat security challenges, working towards the integration and prosperity of the region.

We Cannot Afford To Create 2 Africa; One Moving, The Other Stagnating – Tinubu

Editorial staff

July 16, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned against creating two Africa from one continent.

He said: ”we must advance as one continent toward peace and prosperity.

”Otherwise, we risk the creation of two or more Africa, one a select group of nations moving steadily while the rest remain trapped in the age-old mire of poverty, conflict and lack of hope.

”It is very clear that in the area of peace, security, and stability, our region is confronted with the twin challenges of terrorism and reversal of democratic gains through undemocratic changes of Government.

”To address these challenges, the ECOWAS Authority, which I have the honour to chair, has given directive regarding the enhancement of the role of the ECOWAS Standby Force for deployment to fight terrorism and undemocratic changes in government.

”The Authority has also resolved to raise our own funding internally to finance the peace support operations in our community.”

President Tinubu spoke today, July 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the African Union Member-States.

President Tinubu warned that past plundering and exploitation of the continent should remain in the past and never be repeated.

The Nigerian leader, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, highlighted the progress made by ECOWAS in various sectors of its integration process, including trade, free movement of persons, investment promotion, infrastructure development, and security.

In the statement entitled “Address on Status of Regional Integration in ECOWAS,” he emphasized the need for Africa to overcome its challenges and work towards a prosperous future, focusing on inclusive growth, good governance, and leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Calling for good governance to ensure a prosperous future for Africa, free from the exploitations of the past, President Tinubu said: “As Africans, we forge ahead no matter the barriers thrust before us.

“The world we inhabit is often unkind and uncertain. Past history and current global difficulties argue against our future success.

”Lessons of the past few years teach us that the world economy can be disrupted in ways that halt progress and invite downturn. Our nations can suddenly find themselves in dire situations if we choose to be passive observers of our fate.

”Such passivity does not commend itself to me. I will not listen to it. Neither should any African. The challenges we face mean that governance will be difficult.

”They also mean that visionary good governance is necessary. Some observers assert a new scramble for Africa is afoot and it is much like the old scramble that plundered our continent.

”But, here and now, let it be said to whomever the new scramblers might be that our continent may be old but our spirit is new. And it is strong. The bad that took place in the past must stay there. It shall never be repeated.”

On peace, security, and stability, the Nigerian leader acknowledged the challenges faced by the sub-region, including terrorism and anti-constitutional changes in government.

”We sit here in meaningful discussion of vital economic matters. Yet, it will be impossible to bring full meaning to what we attempt unless we give due consideration to the instability and conflict that now scar many of our nations.

”The fullness of the integration we seek will elude us as long as several of our nations stand in the mist on violence and war.

”The trade and commerce we talk of today refers to valued goods and services that improve life. The trade and commerce these nations suffer is of destruction and disorder that takes lives and steals opportunity.

”We cannot integrate Africa and attain the prosperity we seek while our nearby brothers and sisters suffer in pain and anguish, they should not suffer.

“Meanwhile, we have continued to monitor the transition programmes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.”

President Tinubu said that during the recently concluded ECOWAS Summit in Bissau, West African leaders resolved to maintain engagement with Mali, Burkina Faso, to assiduously work towards the implementation of the 24-month transition calendars agreed with ECOWAS.

According to him, to assist Burkina Faso and Mali in defending their territories from occupation by terrorists, ECOWAS has decided to provide support for their security agencies.

He appealed to international partners to assist to provide necessary support that will ensure the restoration of democratic order in these Member-States.

On trade, President Tinubu said that ECOWAS has achieved the Free Trade Area and is working on establishing the Customs Union and Common Market.

He expressed concern about the low level of intra-community trade among member-states, noting that the European Union remains the major trading partner for the region, followed by Asia, North America, and the rest of Africa.

Highlighting efforts made by ECOWAS to consolidate the gains of its trade liberalization scheme and support the implementation of the AfCFTA, the Nigerian leader said the ECOWAS Commission had been assisting member-states in the negotiations, ratification, and implementation of the AfCFTA.

He noted that 13 out of the 15 ECOWAS member states have ratified the agreement.

On free movement of persons, President Tinubu said that ECOWAS has commenced action towards the implementation of the Harmonized Visa-Regime (ECOVISA) to facilitate the free movement of non-ECOWAS citizens.

On regional infrastructure development, President Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ focus on building regional infrastructure, including the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway, to promote economic activities and integration.

”The Feasibility and Preliminary Design and Studies show a significant investment cost of nearly US$15 billion for the whole highway with an average economic rate of return of 15% per annum. In the same vein, preparations are under way for the development of the other corridors, namely the Abidjan-Praia-Dakar.”

On intra-regional cooperation, the President said that a joint border post between Nigeria and Cameroon was recently commissioned and handed over in November 2022 to the authorities of the two countries.

He described the project as a bridge between ECOWAS and ECCAS and a solid foundation for future cooperation and integration between the regions and ultimately the African continent.

President Tinubu also provided an update on the energy sector, expressing delight that several generation and inter-connection projects had been implemented within the region.

According to him, with the completion of the electric interconnection between Cote d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone- Guinee (1,300 km) and between Senegal-The Gambia-Guinee Bissau and Guinee (1,700 km), all the 15 countries in West Africa have now been interconnected.

”The completion of the Information and Coordination Centre of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) will enable member-states to buy and sell electricity in the region as this centre will act as a regional system operator within the framework of the regional electricity market,” he said.

The ECOWAS chairperson also provided updates on investment promotion, the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Agenda to combat cybercrime and improve cybersecurity capabilities in member states.

As the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu expressed his honour to participate, for the first time, in the Mid-Year Meeting of AU.

While commending AU for their efforts in strengthening collaboration and coordination between the continental and regional bodies, President Tinubu thanked the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya for hosting the meeting and providing excellent facilities for the participants.

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