Nigeria Will Work, Reps Speaker Swears

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July 13, 2021

Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that with the efforts being put in place by both the federal executive and the legislature, Nigeria will work as a growing nation.

Speaking today, July 13 when he submitted the report of the National Security Summit held on May 26, 2021, to President Muhammadu Buhari, Gbajabiamila acknowledged the efforts of the President in dousing tension and making Nigeria to remain one.

“It’s about all of us, not just the Executive, the legislature or the judiciary. And Nigeria will work, by the grace of God.”

Gbajabiamila said that the report was a product of inputs by traditional rulers, scholars, independent thinkers, and security chiefs, and that it contains seven recommendations that require legislative action, and about 19 that will be implemented by the Executive.

The Speaker said that the summit became imperative after lawmakers were bombarded daily by their constituents on the security challenges facing the country, “and motions after motions were moved by the lawmakers.”

“A committee of 50 lawmakers, across party, religious and ethnic lines, he said, was set up to plan the summit, “and Mr President was very eager and enthusiastic about it, showing the importance you place on security.”

Speaker Gbajabiamila thanked the President for endorsing the security summit conducted by the House, adding: “You were part of it from the very beginning, and you were to have declared it open, if not for the exigencies of duty.”

This was even as President Buhari considered Nigeria a lucky country “and we should congratulate ourselves, despite challenges that could have torn us apart.”

The President commended the 9th National Assembly for its cooperation with the Executive, adding that he tried very hard to get the 8th Assembly to do same for the sake of the country, “but I didn’t succeed much. But time has proved me right.”

The President restated his determination to serve the country to the best of his ability, recalling his visits to the 36 States during the campaign for 2019 elections.

“The number of people that turned out to see me, some waiting for 10 hours in the sun, was more than anyone could buy, or force. They just wanted to see who this Buhari was. People wonder why Nigerians accept me, despite not being rich. I wonder, too. I felt I just have to serve Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of my ability.”

International Human Rights Clears Nigeria, Kenya Of Wrong Doing In Arrest Of Nnamdi Kanu

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Editorial staff

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July 13, 2021

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), based in Geneva has cleared Nigerian and Kenyan authorities of diplomatic breaches in the arrest and repatriation of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria.

The human right body admitted receiving no fewer than 25 petitions from individuals and groups worldwide in respect of the IPoB leader, who is to stand trial over an alleged treasonable felony.

The international human rights body said in a statement dated July 7, 2021, that majority of the petitions, which came from Nigeria, asked it to conduct an independent inquiry into human rights violations and possible breaches to established international and regional diplomatic protocols.

The statement which was signed by the IHRC’s Special Envoy for Africa Region, Evans M. Mutavi, and International President for Kenya, said that it accordingly, conducted an independent investigation into the matter and found out that there was no violation of Nnamdi Kanu’s human rights in the events leading to his re-arrest and repatriation to Nigeria.

“The IHRC is committed to safeguarding the rights of citizens across the globe in line with the organization’s core mandate.

“The commission upon investigation is unable to establish a case of human rights violation of Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya by the special Police Forces.

“The Commission is convinced that the Kenyan Government played no official role in the event that led to Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest.

“The Commission expects the Nigerian Government to follow up the trial of Nnamdi Kanu in line with the country’s laws and respect to human rights.

“The commission has resolved to monitor the trial of Nnamdi Kanu to ensure his human rights are not violated by the Nigerian Government,” the IHRC stated.

INEC Job: Petitions Shoot Down Lauretta Onochie, As Senate Confirms 5

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July 13, 2021

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of five nominees as Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (IMEC), just as it rejected the nomination of Lauretta Onochie (Delta) and stepped down that of Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam (North Central) for further investigation.

The confirmation and rejection of the nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano South), in his presentation, said the Committee received several petitions against the nominations of Ms. Lauretta Onochie and Professor Sani Muhammad Adam.

He said that the petitions against Onochie were against the backdrop of her involvement in politics and alleged membership of a political party.

He explained that her nomination violated the Federal Character Principle as there is already a serving National Electoral Commissioner from Delta State, Barr. Mary Agbamuche-Mbu who was screened and confirmed by the 8th Senate.

“In the case of Ms. Lauretta Onochie’s, having studied her curriculum vitae and other relevant documents, followed by exhaustive interaction around the petitions against her nomination which she responded to accordingly, including attesting that she is not a registered member of any political party.”

According to Senator Gaya, the Committee bound by the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amendment) on Federal Character Principle, refused to recommend Onochie for confirmation.

“Therefore, based on the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) on Federal Character Principle as earlier stated, and in order for the Committee and the Senate to achieve fairness to other states and political zones in the country, the committee is unable to recommend Ms. Lauretta Onochie for confirmation as a National Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

On the nomination against Professor Sani Muhammad Adam, the committee recommended that his confirmation be stepped down pending further legislative action by the committee.

Accordingly, the Senate while confirming the five nominees, adopted the recommendations of the Committee by rejecting Onochie’s nomination and stepping down that of Professor Adam for further action.

Kanu: Federal Govt Welcomes Ndigbo Legal Team, Insists On Openness, Rule Of Law

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Editorial staff

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July 12, 2021

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed willingness work with a legal team put together by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to monitor the proceedings at the trial of the self-acclaimed IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“It is hoped that the unnecessary legal monitoring group will come with open-mind and guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process so as to convey the judgment of the Court as may eventually be delivered to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo communities and the entire Nigerians.”

In a statement today, special assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in the person of Umar Jibril Gwandu, quoted the minister as saying that though the legal team is not necessary because the government is determined to treat Kanu’s case with fairness, but that it is nevertheless, in line with the doctrine of the right of fair hearing rooted in Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Inherent in the position of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo on the matter was the demonstration of their recognition of belonging to Nigeria and succumbing to the rule of law while maintaining their stance that they were not averse to the trial of Nnamdi Kanu.”

“In similar vein the group showed a mature departure from mindset of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra when Ohanaeze said they “do not support the use of any form of violence” while channeling concerns and presenting demands.”

“By urging the youths to be law-abiding and sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain voter’s card to enable them contribute to national development, the position of Ohanaeze becomes glaringly constitutional and commendable.”

“Let it be made abundantly clear that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government respects the rule of law and does not advocate for the breach of law. Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliances with the enshrined provisions of the law.”

PDP Challenges Zamfara Governor’s Defection To APC, Wants Court To Remove Him

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Editorial staff

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July 12, 2021

President Buhari presenting APC Flag to H.E. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, challenging Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, over his defection from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and wants him removed.

PDP also wants the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mahadi Aliyu Gusau removed from office too, over what it called “unlawful defection.”

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/489/202, was filed in the names of two PDP members from Zamfara State, Alhaji Sani Kaura Ahmed and Abubakar Muhammed.

The plaintiffs are contending that, in view of an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court, to the effect that the APC had no candidates in the 2019 governorship election in Zamfara state, having not conducted valid primaries, it would be unlawful for Matawalle and Gusau to retain their offices while defecting from the PDP to the APC and thereby transferring PDP’s victory to the APC.

They want the court to, among others, declare that Matawalle and Gusau must resign from their offices before their defection to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections, within three months, for the PDP to replace them.

Following an ex-parte motion argued today, July 12 by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo granted an order of substituted service of the originating processes on the Governor and Deputy Governor.

By the order, the governor and his deputy are to be served with all court papers through the National Secretariat of APC in Abuja.

Justice Ekwo thereafter fixed July 16, for the report of court papers on the two defendants.

APC Lost Many States In Last General Elections, But Did Not Complain – Buhari

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Editorial staff

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July 12, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) lost many States in the last general elections in the country, but never complained.

The President, who formally received the Governors of Cross River and Zamfara States, Professor Ben Ayade and Ballo Mutawalle, respectively, into the APC, from their former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)_ said that it is usual for a ruling party to lose elections in the Nigerian context.

“We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.

“We emphasized that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.”

Buhari described the defection by the two governors to the APC as the happiest moment.

He commended them for having the courage to leave their consistencies which he said, “speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect about it.

“I congratulate you for leaving your consistencies for our great party.”

President Buhari stressed that the coming of the two Governors to APC was very important to the party, adding: “to be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”

President Buhari handed the flags of the party to the two Governors, raised their hands aloft, and declared.

The new APC members, Governors Ben Ayade and Bello Matawalle, were accompanied to the event by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, and Governor Muhammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State.

Governor Mai Mala Buni said that the Governors joined APC in appreciation of the good works the President was doing for the country, and also announced that ward, local government and state congresses of the party would start from July 31, 2021.

He said that the congresses were shifted for one week, because the initial dates clashed with Sallah festivities.

Go Beat The Best In World And Bring Gold, Osinbajo Tells Team Nigeria To Tokyo

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July 12, 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on the Team Nigeria to the 2020 Olympics to go out there, defeat the best in the world and bring gold medals back home.

Professor Osinbajo told the contingents that they would not be the first to conquer the world, recalling the outstanding performances of Nigerians in the previous Olympics.

Osinbajo, who spoke today, July 12, at the presidential Villa, Abuja, during the sent forth ceremony for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, expressed nostalgia about the exploits of past Nigerian teams, saying: “you will also carry with you the encouragement of the great exploits of Nigerian Olympians before you.”

The event also marked the formal handover of the Nigerian contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the unveiling of the team’s official outfit and kit.

Vice President reminded members of the team of such legends as Chioma Ajunwa who won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics for the long jump and became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.

“The Super Eagles in 1996 who won the gold medal for football; that was the team that had the greats; Augustine Okocha, Celestine Babayaro, Daniel Amokachi (who was present at the event,) Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West, Kanu Nwankwo, Abiodun Obafemi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Joseph Dosu, Kingsley Obiekwu, Mobi Obaraku, Uche Okechukwu, Teslim Fatusi, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, and Wilson Oruma —that was the year we defeated the world’s best footballing nations – Brazil and Argentina and we all held our heads high.”
“In 2000, in Sydney again we beat the best in the world, we won the gold in 4×400 meter relay after the American team was disqualified for using performance-enhancing drugs. Our team then was Clement Chukwu, the late Sunday Bada, Enefiok Udo-Ubong, Jude Monye, and two other members of the team, Fidelis Gadzama and Nduka Awazie.
“And for anyone who thinks we are joking, maybe they haven’t seen our exhibition basketball game on Saturday with the USA team, especially that amazing block by Precious Achiuwa against KD – Kevin Durant, who is probably the best player in the NBA right now. So Precious, you are the real MVP!
“You stand on the shoulders of giants and with the quality and intensity of training you have received and your exploits during the qualification series for the Olympic Games, I am confident that by God’s grace, you will again make history and beat the best in the world.”
Vice President Osinbajo stressed the need for the team to promote the Olympian ideals, explaining: “Olympics is about fair play, honesty, teamwork, respect, and friendship. I trust that you will, as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, represent our nation excellently.
“Fair play clearly enjoins every athlete not to use any prohibited substances or to cheat in any way. Half of the joy and satisfaction of victory is that it was won fairly.”
“Every one of you participating in the games is opening a page in history for yourself, your families, your community, and the nation.”
Professor Osinbajo assured the team of the prayers and support of all Nigerians as they compete with athletes from other nations.
“Your performance at the games will inscribe your names in national and world sporting history. You carry the hopes and aspirations of millions as you compete in Tokyo. But you will in this endeavor, have the assurance of the prayers and best wishes of all Nigerians.”
Osinbajo commended the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare for coordinating the various sporting Federations in preparation for the Games, even as he advised the athletes to make good use of facilities at its training ground in the City of Kizarazu to put themselves in proper shape ahead of the Games.
He also advised them to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols and to strictly adhere to the IOC Playbook in order to safeguard their health and those of others around them.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said that the athletes are ready to do the country proud and presented to the Vice President, the made-in-Nigeria kits for the Nigerian contingent.

“I am happy to announce today that the complete kit for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Games was produced with a heavy dose of local content. We thank AFA Sports, Africa For Africa, a local sports equipment manufacturing company for delivering on the production of uniforms for Team Nigeria. This is a veritable testament and commitment of the Buhari administration to support and grow local content and industry in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.”
On his part, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel thanked the President and the Vice President for honoring Team Nigeria and assured that the contingent will not disappoint the country.
“I am happy to inform Mr. President that all the 15 athletes on Olympic Scholarships qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which slowed down the training momentum for the Games, we are still optimistic that the crop of Nigerian qualified athletes will do our nation proud at the Tokyo Olympic Games.”

Afenifere To Buhari: Restructure Nigeria Before End Of 2021

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Editorial staff

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July 11, 2021

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the national and state assemblies and all other concerned authorities to ensure that restructuring of Nigeria is carried out within the remaining part of this year.

“Its implementation in terms of true federalism in finance, security, social welfare etc. must begin before the middle of next year.”

In a communiqué signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, after the meeting held at the residence of its leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere said that the intractable security challenges in the country are due largely to the restraint put in the way of state governors.

“The governors are described as chief security officers of their respective states, yet they have no security agency that can be deployed to where crimes are being committed with arms.

“A security agency that can arrest, investigate and prosecute. Those of them who came up with some security apparatus like Amotekun are disempowered because they could not bear arms.

“And when they arrest suspected criminals, such suspects must be handed over to the police. As experiences have shown, once this is done, hardly do such cases go beyond the police.

“And the state security body has no control anymore since the Police is a federal agency who does not take orders from the governor. This must change.

“State police, down to the level of local government, must become operational immediately” the communiqué asserts.”

Yes, I Am Fake Priest, Man Owns Up; Court Jails Him 6 Months

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Editorial staff

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July 11, 2021

A young man named Jacob Samuel has admitted before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja that he is a fake pastor and got jailed six months or with an option of N50, 000.

Jacob Samuel, who pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him, was charged to court by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Office.

Samuel admitted that he falsely presented himself as a genuine priest or spiritualist and induced one Rebecca into delivering to him the sum of N103, 000 (One Hundred and Three Thousand Naira).

Based on his plea, the prosecution asked the court to convict him accordingly. But his counsel, M.K Agbontien urged the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendant was a first-time offender and had returned the proceeds of crime.

The court, presided over by Justice J.O. Onwuegbuzie, convicted the defendant and sentenced him to six months imprisonment (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.

You Can’t Arrest Suspects In Holy Place Like Church, Bishop Lectures Security Agents

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July 11, 2021

The General Overseer of Sufficient Grace Truth Christian Church, Rehoboth Arena, Okinni, Osun State, Bishop Seun Adeoye has made it clear to officers of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) that they cannot enter holy place like church to arrest suspects.

The cleric who is also the Lead Bishop, Worldwide Anglican Church (WAC) in West Africa said that Churches are dedicated places for serving God and for anyone to invade such holy places and make arrest is the most condemnable act.

The spokesman of World Bishops Council, Africa Chapter in a statement today, July 11 in Osogbo, Osun State, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the DSS to order to stop invading churches for arrest.

“Invading such sacred places and carried out such arrest is sacrilegious. It is satanic. It is disturbing because it is against the Bible precept for such arrest to be made inside the Temple.

“Once a man catch hold of the horns of the altar, he becomes a free man. Only the deep understands the deep.

“What has our country turned to? Are we really in a democratic setting or in an authoritarian regime?

“A Church is expected to be a holy and respectful place. Why can’t the so called security agents look for those they wanted elsewhere?

“It is worrisome at how we suddenly woke up and find this country becoming a police state.

“Is it not sad that in a country where security agents cannot fight bandits and terrorists are going after journalists and activists in Churches?

“Who are the infidels leading those security agents? May the fire of the Holy Ghost consume them. May they face the wrath of God.”