Court Sentences Pastor To Death For Killing Choir Mistress He Impregnated

June 6, 2023

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has sentenced the General Overseer, Alter of Solution and Healing Assembly in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state, Pastor Chidiebere Okoroafor, to death for killing three persons, including his choir mistress, who he impregnated.
Trial judge, Justice S. Benson, in his ruling in the murder trial, said that the evidence and confessional statement by Pastor Okoroafor proved he murdered his church’s choir mistress after getting her pregnant and also killed her friend, Chigozie Ezenwa, with her daughter, Christabel Ezenwa.
Justice Benson said that the prosecution proved the case of murder against Pastor Okoroafor, ordering that he be killed by hanging his neck until he is dead or be injected with lethal injection, which also kills faster.
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command had, on December 17, 2018 arrested Okoroafor following the alarm raised by the husband to the late Chigozie Ezenwa over the killing of the three victims on December 11, 2018 in two different locations in a community in Oyigbo.
Prosecution counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, and Antonia Osademe, representing the International Federation of Female Lawyers in the murder trial, expressed happiness over the judgment they described as justice well served.
Counsel to the convicted pastor, Innocent Ekwu, said there were reasonable grounds to appeal the judgment against his client.
Source: Vanguard News.

Subsidy: NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike After Meeting With FG

Greenbarge Reporters

June 6, 2023

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) last night, June 5, suspended their strike scheduled for Wednesday, June 7.
The decision followed a meeting by the representatives of the Federal Government and the Organised Labour at the Presidential Villa on Monday night over fuel subsidy removal, CHANNELS TV reports.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives and newly appointed Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who disclosed the outcome of the meeting to State House correspondents, read a communique stating that the agreement struck between the NLC, TUC and the team set up by President Bola Tinubu to discuss the issues arising from the subsidy removal.
According to him, the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.
“All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.
“Consequently, the parties agreed follows:
“The NLC to suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations
“The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above
“The Labour Centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”
Earlier on Monday, the National Industrial Court restrained the Organised Labour from embarking on any form of strike.
Ruling on an exparte application filed before the court, Justice O.Y. Anuwe restrained the defendants (the TUC and the NLC) from embarking on the planned nationwide strike Wednesday pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice dated June 5, 2023.
The judge also ordered that the defendants be immediately served with the originating processes, the motion on notice and the order of the court.
The Motion of Notice is hereby fixed for hearing for 19th June 2023, the court document showed.
The Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation are applicant in the matter.

Atiku Is Not Corrupt, Court Rules

Greenbarge Reporters

June 5, 2023

A Federal High Court has declared that the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, is not corrupt.
The court, today, June 5, dismissed the suit seeking to compel anti-graft agencies in the country to arrest and prosecute Atiku.
Justice James Omotosho held that the suit, filed by the immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, lacked merit.
Justice Omotosho said that the plaintiff was unable to disclose any reasonable cause of action in the suit to warrant the court to exercise its discretion in his favour.
The judge said that the suit was premature as he, Keyamo, failed to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations against Atiku before taking the matter to court.
Consequently, it dismissed the suit for want of competence.
In a swift reaction, Keyamo, through a statement that was signed by the Assistant Head of his Chambers in Abuja, John Ainetor, vowed to appeal against the judgement.
Keyamo, who was the spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the last Presidential campaign, said that he disagreed with the decision of the court to dismiss his suit against Atiku, insisting that “the law-enforcement agencies did not indicate their willingness to commence investigations, even if they were given more time.
“We want to establish a legal principle that the society cannot wait as infinitum for law-enforcement agencies to do their statutory duties.
“The suit was designed to prompt the agencies to show their readiness to investigate.
“We are immediately filing an appeal against the said decision to the Court of Appeal as the struggle on this issue continues.”

Court Stops NLC From Nationwide Strike

Greenbarge Reporters

June 5, 2023

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has stopped the planned strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on the removal of fuel subsidy.
Justice Olufunke Anuwe, today, June 5, issued a restraining order against the NLC and all its affiliates, prohibiting them from proceeding with the strike, scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The court directed the service of the originating summons and motion on notice to be served on the NLC before the next adjourned date, set for June 19, 2023.
Details shortly…

Counter-Terrorism Can Only Succeed If Intelligence Is Backed By Knowledge – Tinubu

Editorial staff

June 5, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear that Counter-Terrorism can only succeed when intelligence is backed by knowledge.

He insisted that counter terrorism that is not backed by knowledge and intelligence “is not going to be of any service to any nation. We are going to work on that together.”

The President, who spoke today , June 5, after undertaking a tour of the new Office of National Security Adviser and facilities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in Abuja, commended the officers for the efforts demonstrated in countering terrorism and the state-of-the-art facilities at the two facilities.

“What I have seen here is a demonstration of intelligence efforts to counter-terrorism. This must be backed by knowledge.

“Terrorism is not unique to Nigeria alone. It is across the world and we have to fight it. We have to eliminate it completely.

“If we as Nigerians are looking for economic revival, prosperity and development, then we have to give priority to security.”What I have seen here is a demonstration of intelligence efforts to counter-terrorism. This must be backed by knowledge

“The effort of the entire armed forces of this country must be put together in a way that there will be one single focus on securing the country.

“You can’t have disharmony in an orchestra. We must focus on one tunnel; coordinate, share information, share intelligence and work harder.

“You cannot hoard information. You cannot hoard intelligence. I am glad that Nigeria is on the path to succeed. We will, I assure you.

“We will make it a priority and that is why I am here this morning.”

President Tinubu, who described the tour of facilities at the new ONSA building as very important, expressed his willingness to do whatever necessary to support the nation’s security architecture.

In his remarks, the NSA, Major-General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), thanked the President for making the visit his first engagement outside the Villa, saying that “it reinforces his commitment, dedication and inflexible rigidity to ensuring that the security misfortunes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and by extension the sub-region are overcome within the shortest possible time.”

Monguno pledged the total commitment and dedication of ONSA to ensuring that President Tinubu realizes the promises he made to the Nigerian people on securing the country

Subsidy: Presidency Meets TUC Again: NLC Absent

Editorial staff

June 4, 2023

The Presidency, again, held a meeting with representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, June 4, even as no one from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was present.

The meeting was convened by the federal government, at the Presidential villa, Abuja to discuss the consequences of fuel subsidy removal.

Similar meeting was held on Wednesday, May 31, with the NLC and TUC leadership in attendance.

The federal government’s team in today’s meeting was led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefie the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari and former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, in attendance.

Also in the meeting were the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Zacch Adedeji; Executive Vice President, Downstream, of the NNPCL, Yemi Adetunji; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake; James Faleke, amon others.

On the TUC side were seven members, led by the President, Festus Osifo.

It would be recalled that the NLC President, Joe Ajaero had in a statement on May 31st titled: “That NNPC Pricing Template is Vexatious and An Ambush: The Dialogue is in Danger,” said that they will not continue the dialogue unless the new price regime is withdrawn.

The NLC Statement read: “We are worried that the Government through the NNPC despite the ongoing meeting of Stakeholders in the oil and Gas sector to manage the unilateral but unfortunate announcement by the President to withdraw subsidy on petroleum products, went ahead this morning to announce a new regime of prices under a new pricing template.

“This is an ambush and runs against the spirit and principles of Social Dialogue which remains the best platform available for the resolution of all the issues arising out of the petroleum Down-stream sector. Government cannot in one breathe be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of Petroleum products. This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has as usual usurped, captured or become Market forces.

“It is therefore unacceptable and we seriously condemn it. Good faith negotiation is key to reaching agreement. What the government has done is like holding a gun to the head of Nigerian people and bring undue pressure on the leaders thus undermine the dialogue.

“We call on the federal government to immediately instruct the NNPC to withdraw this vexatious Pricing template to allow free flow of discussions by the parties.

“Nigerians would not accept any manipulations of any kind from any of the parties especially from the representatives of the Government.

“Our commitment to this process is buoyed on the fact that all the parties would be committed to ensuring that it is carried out within the ambits of liberty without undue pressure.

“The release of that Template may not allow us to continue if nothing is done to withdraw it so that the dialogue can continue unhindered. It is clear that Government is actually trying to scuttle the process.

“As it stands, the federal government has become fixated on their chosen course of action. Would this help this dialogue? It clearly will not. There must be flexibility to allow concessions and reasonable accommodation that will produce the best result for Nigerian people. This is what we all seek at this time.”

The organised Labour had demanded that the government return to status quo or face industrial action.

The meeting today was not conclusive as it is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, June 6, a day to the day the labour unions plan to embark on strike over the rise in fuel price following the withdrawal of oil subsidy.

As Fuel Price Skyrocketed, Abuja Residents May Turn To Bicycles

Greenbarge Reporters

June 4, 2023

With the astronomical rise in the price of fuel following the withdrawal of oil subsidy by the Federal Government, the Abuja Residents May be encouraged to return to the fueless bicycle for communiting to and from offices and businesses.

Govt To Encourage Abuja Residents To Be Using Bicycles

Greenbarge Reporters

June 4, 2023

Government of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has indicated plans to encourage the residents to take to bicycle as an alternative form of transport towards mitigating the negative effects of climate change.
To this end, the government is looking at developing bicycle lanes in the provision of the arterial and district infrastructures across the city.
The Permanent Secretary, who is currently in charge of running the government, Olusade Adesola, spoke yesterday, June 3, while flagging-off the 2023 World Bicycle Day, with the theme: “Cycling – A Better Way To Enjoy the City.”
Adesola said that the Administration will pay attention to the development of the Bicycle lanes already designed in the Abuja Master Plan as it will go a long way to sustain the campaign for climate change by reducing emissions.
He described cycling as a very enjoyable sport, saying that residents will be encouraged to imbibe the culture of using this mode of transportation in the capital city.
“Cycling can be very intensive as a competitive sport or even for pleasure that you ride to the right and to the left in a very pleasant manner. The benefit of cycling is enormous, because it can improve heartbeat, strengthen the limbs, because of the walkout involved. It is a form of exercise that needs to be promoted.”
Adesola commended the Indian High Commission for its consistent support to Nigerians in organizing this very important event to mark World Bicycle Day as enshrined in the United Nations declaration.
At the event, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri G. Balasubramanian, said that the Indian High Commission has in the past five years, been assisting to organize the World Bicycle Day, which is celebrated on June 3 every year.
The occasion was attended by the representative of the Corps Marshall General of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC).

Benue Journalists To Tinubu: Thanks For Appointing Akume As SGF

Greenbarge Reporters

June 4, 2023

The Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his appointment of a leader from the State, Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The Journalists described the choice of Senator Akume as a demonstration of expertise in leadership recruitment.
President of CBJ, Dr. Anule Emmanuel, in a congratulatory message to Senator Akume on behalf of the group in Abuja, said that President Tinubu had made a perfect decision by picking one of Nigeria’s best for the position.
“The appointment of the former Benue State Governor and Minister, our Illustrious son, was well deserved, considering his excellent pedigree, antecedents, and knowledge in public administration.
“The choice of Akume as SGF will undoubtedly assist the President Tinubu-led administration to deliver good governance to Nigerians through its “Renew Hope Agenda.
“We therefore, commend the president for finding the Tarka-born politician worthy for this appointment. This development has revealed that this administration is prepared to uphold the democratic principles of inclusivity.
“Let me therefore, on behalf of the entire CBJ members across the country congratulate Senator George Akume on his appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Accept our best wishes,” he said.

Fuel Subsidy: Beware Of Vested Interests Out To Derail Nigeria – Vice President Shettima

Greenbarge Reporters

June 4, 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima has drawn attention of Nigerians to those with vested interests that are desperate to use the removal of oil subsidy as an excuse to derail the country.

“Let us rally around the President and not bulge. There are vested interests that may want to resist the subsidy removal. Its removal will free resources for the development of your states.”

Senator Shettima, has who spoke when the Governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had the first meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealed to the governors to rally around the President as he tackles the challenges that stagnate the economy, like the oil subsidy and multiple exchange rates.

Earlier, President Tinubu said that it is a good and encouraging sign that the APC has a majority in the National Assembly and some Houses of Assembly, which will make it easier to develop policies that will directly impact the economy and the people.

“If we work together, the Nigeria of our dreams is not far away. Rest assured that we will not have multiple exchange rates anymore. You asked for this meeting, and I had to set aside time to be here.

“We have a political party that we will need to manage, whichever way, we have inherited assets and liabilities, and we cannot complain.”

President Tinubu said that he would maintain an open-door policy, willing to entertain issues, deliberate, and collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the country, including security.

“It is in our hands, and I am ready to work and listen at any time.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, who led his colleagues to the Presidential villa, pledged the support of the Progressive Governors to the President.

He said that the initial decisions already foretell good intentions for the economy.

“We are here today as members of the APC to fraternize with you as our leader, and congratulate you on your election as President, and Commander-in-Chief.

“We are using this opportunity to express our support for you at this trying time in our history.’’

Governor Uzodinma said that the President has started well by placing the economy and welfare of the people on a priority list, with honesty of purpose.

“We are aware of your capacity and excellent track record,” the PGF Chairman stated.

The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, said that the development of the national and sub-national economies remains interwoven, assuring that President Tinubu would receive their support to succeed.

Other governors present at the meeting were Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Dikko Radda of Katsina State.

Governors Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Bago of Niger, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna of Ebonyi , Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, and Bassey Otu of Cross-River State were also present.

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