Author: oduduwanews

The Senate committee on constitution review has recommended that 20 new states be created. The committee reached this decision after it considered various factors including the ability of civilian administration to create states.

Sources told The Nation that referendum may be conducted for no fewer than 20 states. The Senate is determined to respect what it termed “the genuine desire of Nigerians.”

The committee has recommended state status for the FCT. The list of requests for new states includes:

ITAI State from Akwa Ibom

Katagum state from Bauchi

Okura state from Kogi

East Adada state from Enugu

Gurara state from Kaduna South

Ijebu State from Ogun

Ibadan state from Oyo

Tiga state from Kano

Ghari state from Kano

Amana state from Adamawa

Gongola state from Adamawa

Mambilla state from Taraba

Savannah state from Borno

Okun state from Kogi

Etiti state from the southeast zone

Orashi state from Imo and Anambra

Njaba from the present Imo state or the excision of Aba state from Abia

Anioma state from Delta

Torogbene and Oil River states from Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states

Bayajida state from parts of Katsina, Jigawa and Zamfara.

On south east according to The PUNCH report, Governor Uzodinma says Igbo people want 6th state. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state is one of the people advocating for an additional state for the southeast region.

According to him, the creation of a sixth state for the region will make the Igbo people very proud. While geopolitical zones have at least six states, the southeast has five, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra.

The last time states were created in Nigeria was on October 1, 1996, by the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha. The states created were Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara. Northeast stakeholders demand creation of Savannah state With the ongoing 1999 constitution review, stakeholders from the northeast region have called for the creation of a new state.

The stakeholders said the creation of the new state would help curtail the various crisis and unrest bedevilling the nation. According to the group, the call for the creation of Savannah state was made in 1991 alongside Yobe but was denied.

Senator Dino Melaye, said there was never a time he told anyone not to post the photographs he took with suspected international scammer, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.

He is standing trial for conspiracy to launder money allegedly obtained from business email compromise frauds and other scams, including schemes that defrauded a U.S. law firm of about $40m, illegally transferred $14.7m from a foreign financial institution and targeted to steal $124m from an English football club until his arrest by the Dubai Police in June 2020 and his extradition to the United States.

Hushpuppi had a global following of over 2.5 million on Instagram where he posted pictures and videos of his lavish spending on exotic cars, watches, designer clothes, bags from luxury brands like Gucci, Fendi and Louis Vuitton; and of himself boarding helicopters, with celebrity, footballers and Nigerian politicians or while on charter

However, ex-Senator Melaye said there was no reason for him to tell anyone not to publish photos of him and Hushpuppi.

“There was never a time I asked people not to post my pictures with Hushpuppi or anyone for that matter because there is no reason to. Am a political celebrity, please continue posting jare. Wetin bird chop na im e go carry fly. SDM,” the ex-senator said on his verified Instagram page @dinomelaye.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ngozi Onadeko, has issued a strong warning to any person(s) or group with the intent to scuttle the relative tranquility enjoyed in the State, to shelve such plans as the Command would not sit and watch, while hoodlums have a field day.

This is coming on the heels of credible reports by the Police Command’s intelligence apparatus that some hoodlums/ Cultists have finalized preparations to adopt and celebrate the 8th of August, 2021, popularly known as “8/8” with retribution among rival gangs and large-scale violence in the State.

A Press release signed by the Command’s PRO, ‘Wale Osifeso, noted that the Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies is set to clamp down heavily on organizers, leaders and progenitors of such sinister plans whose aims are targeted at triggering needless episodes of bloodletting and destruction of innocent lives and properties.

“The Commissioner of Police has assured residents of the State of a comprehensive security coverage which includes an increase in its inteligence ,operational and tactical apparatus through visible patrols and intelligence driven stop and search across the length and breadth of the State”, it read in part.

She therefore urged Parents, guardians and persons of influence to caution their wards and proteges to refrain from any unlawful gathering or assembly with intent to breach the peace of the land as the State Police Command will arrest and prosecute violators.

The CP also appealed to Hoteliers, Proprietors of lounges and other recreational facilities not to consent to the use of their facilities/properties to aid cult related activities, adding that owners of such facilities are liable for prosecution as well.

While expressing confidence in the measure of proactivity already in play, the Commissioner of Police urged all and sundry to remain law abiding and vigilant enough to report any suspicious activity to the Police command or nearest Police formation, and to go about their businesses without the fear of harassment or molestation from anyone .

The Command therefore said members of the public can reach it through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (toll free) (OYO STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND), and Oyo State Police Command emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614.

The NPF rescue me app is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and I-phone users respectively.

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, at the weekend killed a man in Ekiti State and abducted his wife and daughter.

The abductors on Saturday demanded for N50 million ransom to free the victims.

The victims were said to have been in Ewu-Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti since Thursday for the burial of one Mrs Florence Tuyole Erinle, mother of Mr Olusegun Erinle, who is their family friend.

Briefing newsmen on the incident in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, Erinle, who was a member of the Ekiti House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015, confirmed the demand for ransom by the abductors. Erinle said that the victims are his family friends.

According to him, the victims were returning to their hotel room in Ayetoro-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state, when the suspected kidnappers attacked them, killing one and abducting two others.

Erinle said a motorcyclist, who was said to have been monitoring their movement wherever they went since they came, had been apprehended and handed over to the Police.

He said that the cyclist was handed over to the Police to explain his suspicious role of acting as informant to the kidnappers since their arrival in the town.

ASP. Sunday Abutu, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, however, denied knowledge of any ransom being demanded, but confirmed the arrest of the suspected informant.

Abutu said the suspect was arrested on the strength of information available to the command, adding that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with the suspected criminals wherever they might be hiding.

Read Also: Gunmen abduct Zamfara Assembly Speaker’s parents

The deceased, whose identities are yet to be ascertained, was said to be travelling in the company of his wife and daughter in a Lexus 330 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) between Ewu-Ayetoro-Ekiti road in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, when the gunmen rained bullets on his vehicle.

A source said: “The man and the family were returning to their base when they were waylaid. The victim was shot in the head and chest.

“They didn’t take the vehicle , they only left the corpse of the man. The other people in the vehicle were taken away.

“There was pool of blood inside the jeep and this made people to suspect that those who did the work were kidnappers.”

Ekiti State Police Spokesman, Sunday Abutu, had earlier confirmed the incident. He noted that the sympathizers could not do much to save the victim, as he died on the spot.

“The police have mobilised to the spot and combing the surrounding forests with other agencies like the Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local hunters and vigilance group.”

The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), on Thursday, commenced the airlift of 250 Christian Pilgrims to the kingdom of Jordan with a charge to the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State and country.

Addressing pilgrims before the commencement of the airlifting ceremony at Christ the Light Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam, stated that the pilgrimage to Jordan is not to replace that of Jerusalem but an opportunity to explore Jordan as part of the holy sites mentioned in the Bible.

Rev. Pam said, “Jordan is not a replacement for Jerusalem as it is just like going to Greece or Rome for pilgrimage. This is part of the mandate of NCPC, which states that Israel and other holy lands as contained in the bible can be visited for pilgrimage”.

While imploring the pilgrims to obey the instructions of their tour guide during the exercise, he urged them to note that the journey is not for individual benefits alone, therefore, they should pray fervently for the progress of the State and country.

The Executive Secretary also used the opportunity to charge the pilgrims to observe all COVID-19 protocols and obey spiritual authority, maintaining that arrangements for their feeding, accommodation and security have been made.

He, however, warned those with the mindset of using the pilgrimage exercise to abscond the country to reconsider their stance as adequate checks have been put in place to prevent such acts.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion, Rev. Olubukola Adeleke, also urged the pilgrims to use the opportunity of the exercise to pray for Lagos State and by extension Nigeria while in the holy land of Jordan.

He, however, enjoined them to see the pilgrimage as a spiritual exercise and not for sight-seeing alone, appealing to participants to remain good ambassadors of the State and Country.

On her part, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe, commended the State Government for providing the platform for a seamless journey, informing the 250 Pilgrims that the journey will be energy-sapping, thus they should consult medical personnel on the team pertaining to any personal health issue they might have.

A Board member of the LSCPWB, Sir Folusho Adekoya, in his remarks implored the pilgrims to be very prayerful in order to have an encounter with the Lord and solidify their faith in Christ.

Dignatries from all walks of life took their turn to indentify with the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel at the Holy Matrimony of his daughter, Kehinde Abioye Daniel and her heartthrob, Adebola Tokunbo Williams.

The ceremony held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos had in attendance, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan with his wife, Patience ; Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN and Ekiti State Governor, Dr.Kayode Fayemi.

In his homily, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu counselled the newly wedded to toe the path of God to make their union successful.

Other dignitaries at the Church Service include, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Hon Minister of State for Health, Sen.Olorunimbe and several Royalties.

The leader of Afenifere, a Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has kicked against the demand for 24 sureties by the court.

Adebanjo, in an interview with our correspondent, described the bail conditions as “impossible” and a sign of an “oppressive regime” of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

He said, “Some people who want to stand as sureties may not want the government to associate them with Igboho,” and appealed to Yoruba indigenes in Abuja to rise up to the occasion and ensure the detainees were freed from DSS custody.

Adebanjo stated, “What have they done? You locked them up and detained them, then you are asking for impossible bail? It is part of the oppression of this government. What is their charge to warrant such heavy bail? Murder? Stealing or what?

“They woke them up and bundled them to Abuja, killed some of them and those that are alive are given impossible bail. What further evidence of authoritarian regime do we need? It is unfair. Only God will save us from Buhari. It is an unfair position for bail but I appeal to Yoruba sons and daughters to bail them.”

The Afenifere leader also urged the Beninese Government not to cave in to the pressure of the Nigerian Government to extradite Igboho.

“There is nothing against him (Igboho) that warrants extradition. They (Beninese Government) should not dance to the dictatorship of the Federal Government because it is unfair to extradite him. Someone running away from his life should not be sent back to those who are going to kill him. He has not done anything criminal, all because he wants self-determination for his people, is that a criminal offence?” Adebanjo queried.

Also, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, in an interview has also called on Yoruba people resident in Abuja to come to the aid of the detained persons.

He said, “Anybody that stands with you as a surety while in detention will be in your history for life. I appeal to the Yoruba community in Abuja to stand as sureties for those in detention. It is very important. I learnt that our group and some other groups are working towards meeting these stringent bail conditions.

“Those detained are freedom fighters and not criminals. Every Yoruba son and daughter in Abuja should please rise up and perfect the bail conditions of the court.”

Meanwhile, Yoruba Nation agitators have started fundraising to meet the bail by the Federal High Court granted to the 12 detained aides of Sunday Igboho.

The Communications Manager of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Maxwell Adeleye, made this known in a statement titled ‘Emergency Bail Contributions for 12 Yoruba Agitators in Abuja’.

The group led by Prof Banji Akintoye said, “Accounts were prepared to temporarily raise funds needed to move our people arrested at Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho’s house out of the bondage of the Nigerian Government before the close of business on Monday, 9th August, 2021.

“Our legal adviser has promised to supervise the utilisation of the funds for the purpose which it was created for. We hereby call on all Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide to support this drive.”

The governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi has signed bill granting autonomy to State Judiciary and Legislature into law.

This was made known yesterday by the governor through a statement he released via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“I was pleased to sign into law six bills that affirm the commitment of my administration to good governance, transparency, fair and equal opportunity for development by all communities in our state.

“The Ekiti State Legislative (Fund Management) Bill and the Judiciary (Fund Management) Bill respectively provide for the self-management of funds by the State Legislature and the Judiciary.

“The Creation of Local Government Areas (Amendment) Bill will deepen the existing relationship between government and our people as well as ensure the rapid development of all our communities through the creation of additional 19 LCDAs in Ekiti State.

“The office of the Attorney General’s Bill will ensure that our interventions in the justice sector are preserved and that successive governments build on what we have achieved on improving access to justice so far.

“The Consumer Protection Bill will promote and protect the rights of consumers in Ekiti State. This law provides a framework for aggrieved citizens to seek redress against unfair trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

“The Economic Development Council Bill seeks to facilitate economic growth, development partnerships between the public, private and international sectors, and business competitiveness of Ekiti State by establishing the Economic Development Council.

“I commend members of our House of Assembly for painstakingly making tangible laws, and it is my prayer that the purpose for which these laws were enacted will be met to the glory of God and for the benefit of the people of Ekiti State”.

The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared Tuesday, 10th August 2021 as a holiday in the state to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic year.

This was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun on Friday in Ibadan, the capital city.

While declaring Tuesday as a work-free day to celebrate the 1st Muharram (Hijrah) 1443AH, Governor Makinde enjoined residents to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of Oyo state and Nigeria in general.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday 4th August, 2021, at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, ordered officers and men and tactical Commanders of the command to immediately embark on full enforcement of restriction order of the Lagos State Government on Okada operations in some areas of the State.

The Commissioner of Police gave the orders while reacting to act of lawlessness, recklessness and impunity being exhibited by some road users especially Okada riders who grossly violate traffic laws of Lagos State; and motorcyclists operating within the six (6) Local Government Areas and nine (9) Local Council Development Authorities which are restricted for their operations.

The police boss particularly ordered officers and men of the command to go after road users including Okada operators who drive against the traffic and ply BRT corridors. He emphasised that the violators should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

CP Hakeem Odumosu specifically warned security operatives who violate traffic laws in the state to desist from the unlawful act as any security personnel, be it police, military or paramilitary caught violating traffic law will be arrested and caused to face the full wrath of the law. The police boss reiterated that such gross violation with impunity must stop.

The Commissioner of Police also appealed to residents of Lagos State to desist from violating traffic laws and encouraging road users to do same as the command will implement full enforcement of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and other extant laws of Lagos State.

CP Hakeem Odumosu equally warned the police operatives and teams who are detailed for the enforcement order operation to act within the ambit of the law and discharge their duties devoid of extortion or corrupt practices in any form as such will not be tolerated by the command.