Thunder has struck three officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) dead in Ilese area of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the incident occurred today, June 17 at about 10 am when a prolong rain, accompanied by thunder, struck at the FRSC premises in Old Toll Gate area of Ilese town in Ijebu North East Local Government of Ogun.
It was gathered that the thunder struck while the FRSC officers were planning for the early morning parade.
When contacted, the state FRSC Sector Commander, Ahmed Umar, told NAN on the phone that he would give full details of what happened on Thursday.
He said that he had visited the unit command at Ijebu Ode but would respond accordingly on Thursday.
It was gathered that men of the state’s special security outfit code-named “OP MESA” have taken over security of the entire premises.
The National Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Jalingo Diocese, in Taraba State has blamed the Governor Darius Ishaku led administration for the escalation of killings in the State.
The Catholic body accused the state government of complacency in ending the crisis and addressing the plights of the people affected.
Addressing news men in Jalingo today, June 17, Chairman of the forum, Rev Fr. Ephraim Sani, said that the priests were saddened by the continued crisis in the state that has caused the death of many including a priest and the wanton destruction of property.
The Church noted that the administration of Darius Ishaku has not done enough to address the killings in the state, noting that human life in Taraba has become so cheap that it takes no second thought before life is wasted.
“It is unfortunate that even the rules of engagement in wars are no longer observed. Consequently, innocent children and defenceless women are today targets of murderous acts.
“The Taraba State government under Darius Ishaku, with the support of the Federal government should invest more time and resources in the security of the State.
“As the chief security officer of the state, we appeal to his good conscience and his paternal responsibility to constantly visit and ensure that adequate security personnel is deployed in the affected areas.
“In truth, we believe that not much has been done and there is a feeling of abandonment of the common people by the government.
“We must ask ourselves very pertinent questions. Is Taraba State government comfortable with the incessant and continuous crises in the State?
“Are we comfortable with the image of IDPs moving or running helter-skelter within the State during these clashes?
“Does it not disturb us that human lives are destroyed and trampled upon?” the Church queried.
The church called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to play an active role in uniting the people, stressing that CAN must not be seen to be active only during elections.
While reiterating their commitment to pray for the security of the State and the country, the Church called on the warring factions to sheath their swords and respect the sanctity of human life.
When contacted, Special Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan-Abu, said that the government has noted the appeal of the Catholic Church.
“The appeal is for all those concerned to look into the crisis and the general security of the state and I want to call on stakeholders concerned to heed to the appeal.”
Men and officers of the Delta State Anti-Robbery Squad have gunned down seven policemen in Ughelli, in the State over their alleged involvement in armed robbery operations in the area.
Report reaching us has it that another policeman, a sergeant, attached to the state police command armoury, has been arrested and transferred to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Abuja over his alleged involvement in the illegal hiring of guns to criminal elements in the state.
It was gathered that the seven policemen were shot dead during a gun battle with men of.
Though the Bayelsa State Command had refused to make any announcement on the development, sources confirmed that the incident occurred today, June 17..
Already, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Nkereuwem Akpan, is reported to have led a team of officers to the Delta State Command to retrieve the corpses of the accused policemen.
A source said: “They were reported to have been engaging in armed robbery activities when they faced the Delta Special Anti-robbery squad in a shootout. They were all killed.”
Spokesperson for the police in Bayelsa, Asinim Butswat, was unavailable for comments when contacted.
The embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has said that being a product of judiciary, he has accepted the Appeal Court ruling that upheld his suspension.
Speaking today, June 17 on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Oshiomhole said however that he would speak with his lawyers to decide what next to do.
“In our democracy, the court is an independent arm of government. When they hand out government, it is not for you to pick and choose whether to obey or not.
“I accept their judgment in good faith. I am a product of the Judiciary.
“My lawyers will now look at the judgement and advise what the next line action is.”
When he was asked whether he will head to the Supreme Court, Oshiomhole said: “What I do next will be based on the legal advice I get.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the world leaders to give strong emphasis to the sharing of knowledge in research and science as the best way to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The President, who spoke today, June 17, at a virtual Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against the COVID-19 co-hosted by the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), said: ”as we face a common pervasive and invisible enemy, it is important that we all remain united to save our shared humanity, because this virus knows no borders.
“The fight against a global pandemic that continues to take so many lives, threaten livelihoods and challenging the very fabric of societies, requires enhanced cooperation and worldwide solidarity.
“I seize this opportunity to reiterate the need for this Summit to put humanity at the centre of our vision for common prosperity.
“We must learn lessons and share knowledge from research, as we develop more creative, responsive and humane health systems, improve crisis management protocols and support each other in the battle against COVID-19.”
The Nigerian leader commended the Chinese government, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres and the World Health Organization for the respective actions and measures to help developing and middle-income countries in Africa to tackle the pandemic.
Buhari praised the UN Secretary-General for launching coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund for low and middle-income countries to tackle the health emergency, address social and economic consequences of the crisis and, strengthen the recovery efforts of most vulnerable countries.
He also commended the leadership of the global health body, WHO, for its advice that enabled Nigeria take measures and enlighten its people on steps to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.
President Buhari acknowledged that Chinese support had tremendously strengthened Nigeria’s effort in combating coronavirus, adding that President Xi’s strong support has further demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and enhanced the bond of partnership that already exist among FOCAC Member-States.
He gave an update on what his administration has done since the tragedy of the global pandemic hit the country.
“From the outset of the pandemic, we in Nigeria instituted strong surveillance and infection prevention as well as control measures and made provisions to strengthen our testing capacities.
“Several well-equipped treatment and isolation centers were set up across the country to increase bed capacity.
“In the spirit of international collaboration, medical experts in Nigeria participated by video link in learning and experience-sharing exercises organized by experts from various countries, including China.”
The Nigerian President said that his government had trained several thousand healthcare workers, provided Personal Protective Equipment to ensure the safety of frontline workers, and offered incentives for their motivation.
Buhari said that the Federal Government had created the enabling environment for farmers to safely plant and harvest during this rainy season in order to ensure that food security is not compromised during the restrictions in movements occasioned by the need to contain the spread of the virus.
“In addition, we took steps for prompt transportation of agricultural products and food items from rural production areas to the consumers and to industrial processing zones.
“We have also developed practical policies to protect lives and livelihoods at the same time and to ensure our economy continues to function as we maintain an aggressive response to the pandemic.”
In his remarks, the Chinese President said that the summit was convened to discuss joint response to coronavirus and renew fraternity with Africa.
He said that the world must mobilise resources and do whatever it takes to protect lives, adding that China will do whatever it can to support procurement of supplies, sending medical experts, and in other diverse ways.
President Xi noted that China and Africa account for nearly one-third of the global population, even as he pledged to step up support for Africa, adding that China will provide two billion USD over two years to support the work of WHO in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The summit was co-hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President and AU Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa, and Senegal President and co-chair of FOCAC Macky Sall.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was thrown into leadership confusion with the sacking, by Appeal Court, of Adams Oshiomhole as the Chairman, as three leaders emerged to take over, but the National Working Committee (NWC), ended up picking one of them.
The party had picked the former Oyo State Gov. Abiola Ajimobi as Acting National Chairman, but the Deputy National Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom, rose from nowhere to declare himself chairman, citing a court judgment even as the third, Prince Hilliard Eta, who is the party’s Vice-Chairman, South-South zone was eventually recognized to lead in acting capacity.
The emergence of Eta was as a result of the absence of Ajimobi at the meeting of the NWC today, June 17. Ajimobi is believed to be recovering from coronavirus infection which has prevented him from physically taking office as chairman. taking over the mantle of leadership, Eta quickly appointed Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma as chairman of the Edo Primary Election.
The Eta-led National Working Committee also declared as vacant, the office of the Deputy National Secretary of the party which was occupied by Giadom.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the NWC was called today to “clarify the apparent confusion’’ regarding the new leadership of the party.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party “affirmed’’ Ajimobi as the party’s authentic acting Chairman.
“Due to Ajimobi’s unavoidable absence, the NWC unanimously appointed the party’s National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Prince Hilliard Etta to act.”
He said that Eta’s replacement of Ajimobi was backed by the party’s constitution which empowers the NWC to appoint one of its members in an acting capacity and stipulates that the acting National chairman must be from the zone of the National Chairman.
Only yesterday, June 16, an Appeal Court upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole as the party’s National Chairman thereby creating a lot of confusion in the party’s hierarchy.
The Igala Kingdom in Kogi State has claimed again that Ihima in Okehi Local Government of the State used to be under Igala Kingdom.
In a statement, responding to Channels TV “misinterpretation of interview with Attah,” the President of Arise Igala Kingdom Grassroot Sensitisation Initiative, Onoja J. Okpanachi said: “Attah Igala had an Ambassador in Ihima before the arrival of Ebira from Koto after parting ways with their other brothers.
“The balkanization of the pre-colonial Igala State was designed intentionally to reduce the power of the revered Igala State. One of the negative impacts is the continuous attempt to annex Ajaokuta because it fell into the old Kabba Province, while other parts of Igala Kingdom were shared into other provinces thereby reducing the control of the Attah Igala in colonial arrangement of ‘divide and rule’.
The Igala Kingdom claimed that Ibrahim Onoruoiza, the first Paramount Chief/Attah/Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was part of an investigation during the colonial era and it was concluded that Ajaokuta was founded by an Igala.
It said that Atta Ibrahim Onoruoiza went further to propose that the traditional structure be maintained by the lineage of the founder.
“All these records are there in the archive of the Northern Nigeria. In particular, Memos with reference No. 30631/69 (16th of February, 1939) and No. 851/19A (28TH February, 1939) from Kabba Province settled this matter of founders and owners of Ajaokuta.”
The Igala Kingdom said that Igala and Ebira were never enemies, adding that Igala Kingdom has always provided leadership and protection to many ethnic groups of the great Kwararafa Kingdom including Ebira.
“Igala Kingdom was long established before the settlement of Ebira in Okene and surroundings.
“So, in setting the record straight, our mission is restoration, peace, unity and progress of the people and the state.”
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has picked Senator Abiola Ajimobi as its acting National Chairman.
The development followed Tuesday’s affirmation of the suspension of the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The party, in a late night statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said that it has received the news indicating the Appeal Court has upheld the suspension of the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by an FCT High Court pending the determination of the substantive suit.
“Guided by advice from the Party’s legal department in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the Party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.
“According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South “Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”, the NWC stated.
A Kano High Court has nullified the creation of four new Emirate Councils in the state by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The court also sacked the Emirs appointed for those Emirates, describing the appointments as illegal.
It would be recalled that the state governor created four Emirate Councils of Bichi, Karaye, Gaya and Rano.
However, in his judgment, Justice Justice Usman Naába, said that the creation of the Emirates and the appointment of the Emirs were illegal.
It would also be recalled that Governor Ganduje assented to the bill creating the new Emirates on Wednesday, May 8 the same day it was passed by a unanimous decision of members of the State Assembly.
Justice Na’aba said the law creating the emirates is not in compliance with the constitution.
The suit was instituted by the former House of Assembly member, representing Gwarzo constituency, Muhammad Nasir against Kano State Government, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Commissioner for Justice, Kano State House of Assembly and Speaker.
While speaking on the judgement, counsel to the plaintiff, Barr. Maliki Kuliya expressed happiness over the judgment.
According to him, “they were not expecting anything short of this as the law is very clear.
”However, the defendant counsel, Barr. Ibrahim Muktar said the defence team needs to ruminate over the judgement.
All is not well in the Nigerian Army, as General Hakeem Oriki’s Lawyers are set to embark on legal battle over his demotion from General to Brigadier General, following the ruling of the General Court Martial on the missing N100 Million.
The legal team of General Oriki, who is a serving senior army officer and immediate past General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Sokoto, said that they await the final decision of the Nigerian Army Council on his fate before taking the next steps after his conviction on the five count charges brought against him and demotion to the rank of Brigadier General by an army court martial in Abuja.
Head of the legal team to the accused senior army officer, Israel Olohundare (SAN) told news men after the trial that the conviction and sentencing by the General Court Martial “did not reflect the realities on ground, facts, witnesses called and evidences tendered” hence they are looking forward to a favourable response from the Army Council on the matter.
Major Gen. Otiki had been on trial following the abscondment of five soldiers attached to his office with the sum of N100 million but which had erroneously been reported in the media as N400million. The five soldiers, who absconded with the money were allegedly instructed to deliver it to a senior officer in Kaduna for the purchase of furniture meant for the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto.
The fleeing soldiers, who have since been declared wanted are: Corporal Gabriel Oluwaniyi, Corporal Mohammed Aminu, Corporal Haruna, Oluji Joshua and Hayatudeen. One of them Lance Corporal Isah later returned the sum of N15 million as well as $6,600 to army authorities voluntarily and he was detained.
Lt. General Lamidi Adeosun who is also the Army Chief of Policy and Plans led the nine month trial. Others on the jury of the court martial include Major General A Tarfa, Major General FO Agbugor, Major General FA Nadu, Major General N Mohammed, Major General CT Olukotu, Major General C C Okonkwo. He also named Major A Mohammed was the judge advocate; and Captain A Ibrahim the Liason Officer
The President of the General Court Martial General, Adeosun, in sentencing the demoted army General, had said: “many will be praying to have such an unblemished career and record of military service in the country like the accused senior army officer.”
General Adeosun said that having confirmed that Major General Otiki is a first time offender in his 34 years of “previously unblemished career in the army and to the Nigeria armed forces”, the court president however said it would “not fail in dispensing justice. We would do the very best with the humanness and kindness that the law allows.”
The President of the General Court Martial then went ahead and delivered the sentencing of Otiki and ruled as follows:
COUNT FIVE: Two (2) years loss of seniority on rank of Major General. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.
COUNT FOUR: Severe reprimand. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.
COUNT THREE: Reduction of rank to Brigadier General with two years seniority on the rank. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.
COUNT TWO: Dismissal, disgrace and dishonour. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.
COUNT ONE: Dismissal, disgrace and dishonour. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.
ORDERS:
1. All monies recovered by the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) of the Nigerian Army totaling N135,382 million and $6, 600 dollars from the convicted senior officer should be returned to the Nigeria Army coffers.
2. The N150million stolen by the accused senior officer which remained unaccounted for in Count Two should be returned to the coffers of the Nigerian Army.
The prosecution counsel, Major A. A Onumo had earlier thanked the court martial for doing justice to the case after the conviction of the army general.
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Thunder has struck three officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) dead in Ilese area of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun.
Men and officers of the Delta State Anti-Robbery Squad have gunned down seven policemen in Ughelli, in the State over their alleged involvement in armed robbery operations in the area.
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the world leaders to give strong emphasis to the sharing of knowledge in research and science as the best way to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was thrown into leadership confusion with the sacking, by Appeal Court, of Adams Oshiomhole as the Chairman, as three leaders emerged to take over, but the National Working Committee (NWC), ended up picking one of them.
