Category: Featured

In a bid to avert further crisis in the party, the National Vice-chairmen of the party had an emergency meeting in Abuja on Sunday 8th August 2021 to review the situation of the party.

In a press release signed by the Southwest National Vice-chairman of PDP Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja and made available by his Media Aide, Bamitale Ibrahim, said the national Vice-chairmen in their meeting made some resolutions and a stated below:

•That the National Chairman of the party Prince Uche Secondus, Should resign and save the party from further disintegration being witness presently in the party.

•That the resignation of it’s national officers is as a result of the inert leadership of the National Chairman, and as well the movement of Governor of the party to the failed ruling party.

•They as well resolved that all Party stakeholders and party faithful should remain calm and resolute to the party as the party is the only hope of all Nigerians.

The resolution was jointly signed by the National Vice-chairman of people Democratic party (PDP) from South West Zone Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, South South Zone Chief Dan Osi, South East Chief (Dr) Ali Odefa and North Central Dankas Shau .

Loatsad Promomedia Limited, an outdoor advertising company, owned by Seyi Tinubu, son of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday testified before the Lagos State Judicial Panel on restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and other matters.

The Panel was set up by the state government following massive reports of police brutalities necessitating the #EndSarsProtests.

Loatsad Promomedia had been in the eye of the storm following the October 2020 incident at Lekki tollgate, in which the company was accused of deliberately switching off lights to pave the way for shooting of harmless protesting youths.

The company secretary of the Loatsad Promomedia, in the testimony before the panel, stated that the company through the head of human resources directed members of staff to shut down all it’s billboards in Lagos State before 3pm and vacate sites to enable them get home before 4pm which was the commencement time of the 24 hour curfew imposed by the Lagos state government on the 20th of October 2020.

“Thus, the only staff of loatsad promomedia limited on ground at the Lekki tollgate plaza was the man in charge of the generator who turned off the billboard and left for home at 3pm according to the head of human resources directives,” the company secretary said.

According to Loatsad promomedia limited company secretary, the company is the owner of the billboard situated atop the Lekki tollgate booth at Admiralty way, Lekki and based on the directive of the head of human resources, the billboard at Lekki tollgate plaza was turned off at 3pm just like for it’s other billboards at Falomo, Isolo, Surulere and Ikoyi.

Earlier on, the witness had informed the panel that due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the company’s operations were adversely affected as most members of staff worked from home, save for some operations staff who went to locations only when their attention were needed.

The witness also stated that due to the pandemic, the company’s billboard operated for about 12 hours in a day in some locations based on an arrangement between the company and it’s client and at other places, it was shut down due to the lockdown since people who are the target of the billboard have been restricted from moving about.

Under cross examination by the LCC counsel, loatsad promomedia limited company secretary said the company is a private entity and is in no way related to Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

When asked for the source of power supply to the billboard at the Lekki tollgate plaza, the witness stated that the billboard makes use of public power supply and generator owned by the company which it detailed a personnel to be in charge of at the Lekki tollgate plaza as the only staff of the company domiciled there.

On whether it rendered any support to the protesters in any form during the protest, the company secretary said some of the protesters contacted the company to upload their messages on the billboard and the company obliged them the services free and at discounted price.

He also said the protesters approached to make use of the company generator to power the DJ and his equipment, that the company obliged but when they could not get cables to connect the generator because of the distance, the organizers sourced for their own source of power supply.

The witness stated that the company facilities were vandalized as cables and batteries were stolen of which the company lodged a complaint at the Nigeria police force Maroko division which investigated the crime and arrested some culprits.

Under cross examination by Mr A. J. Owonikoko (SAN) counsel to Lagos State government, the witness stated that the shutting down of it’s billboards all over Lagos State including the Lekki tollgate plaza was as a result of the imposition of curfew by the Lagos State government, because doing otherwise would have meant keeping some staff on ground which will have amounted to violation of the curfew with it’s attendant consequences.

When asked how it expected it facilities to be protected in view of the imposition of curfew, witness said the company expected the state to do that, but unfortunately it’s facilities were vandalized and materials stolen.

On the relationship between loatsad promomedia limited and Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the witness said the only relationship that existed between both entities was a business relationship.

The panel adjourned the matter to 17th August 2021 for further hearing.

As the new Islamic Calendar year 1443 commences across the World, the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN Oyo State Chapter has urged the people to move away from all forms of social vices, and allow the high level of religiosity and spirituality of Nigerians to manifest in their character, conduct and dealings with one another.

Oyo FOMWAN made the appeal in a New Hijrah 1443 message issued and signed by its Amirah, Alhaja (Dr) B.B Oloso in Ibadan.

The statement rejoiced with the millions of Muslims across the world and especially the Islamic faithful in Nigeria on the very auspicious occasion of the beginning of another twelve months of the Lunar calendar (Hijrah 1443).

” To Allah be the glory for yet another Islamic year, Hijrah 1443. Oyo FOMWAN is using this opportunity to appreciate Allah, the most Gracious for sparing our lives to witness the new Islamic year. Let us recall that the Islamic year began with the Migration of Prophet Muhammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This means that it has been 1443 years since Prophet Muhammad’s migration. He was commanded by Allah to leave the city of Mecca , his hometown where he and his adherents were being persecuted, victimized and oppressed for Medina. Their only sin as alleged by the idolators of Mecca at that time was their firm believe in oneness of Allah and their rejection of the worship of any deity other than Allah.

” I therefore want to appeal to us all to resolve to migrate from all sorts of social vices which have pervaded every nook and cranny of our nation and embrace good moral conduct and virtues capable of moving us closer to our Creator and earning us His love and mercy. ” Alhaja Oloso counselled.

The FOMWAN Amirah who applauded the decision of the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to return Hijrah Holiday, described the announcement of Tuesday (Muharram 1st, 1443) as public holiday for the Muslims in the State as a gesture capable of portraying the Governor as an unbiased Leader while it will also help to further enhance and promote peaceful co-existence amongst adherents of different faiths.

” Special thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde for declaring Tuesday as a public holiday. This is a good development. ” She said.

While wishing all members of FOMWAN in Nigeria and particularly Oyo State a happy new Islamic year, Alhaja Oloso also extended same to all members of other Islamic Organizations and prayed to Allah to fill the new year with His mercy, favor, peace and security for the entire nation.

The Popular radio station in Ibadan, Fresh FM has lost its Manager, David Ajiboye.

The news of the demise was made known today by one of the staff members, Samson Akinde on behalf of the founder, Yinka Ayefele as read in part.

“With heavy heart, the Management and Staff of Fresh FM Nigeria and Merry Makers Band, announce the sudden and sad demise of our Station Manager at Fresh 106.9 FM, Ado Ekiti, Mr. David Ajiboye.

“Mr. Ajiboye died this Sunday (August 8, 2021) evening at an Ibadan – based hospital after a brief illness which lasted for a few days.

“Mr. Ajiboye was a foundation member of the music arm of Yinka Ayefele Limited as the Publicist to Dr. Yinka Ayefele and the Merry Makers Band.

“He was a prominent person who assisted Dr. Yinka Ayefele as a partner and later as a management staff member of Fresh 105.9 FM, Ibadan from the ideation period to fruition in 2015.

“We are indeed devastated by this sad event which has also affected our operations. Kind bear with us at this trying time”.

The apex leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Banji Akintoye, has reacted to media reports that he has left Nigeria to escape the plots of the Nigerian Government to arrest him.

Akintoye confirmed that he is truly in the Republic of Benin, but not on the run, as widely reported.

In a statement made available to News Men on Sunday by his Communications Manager, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, the Emeritus Professor of History said he is in the Francophone country to coordinate and supervise how to legally rescue the detained Yoruba Nation Activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, fondly called “Ighoho”, from government remand as soon as possible.

Akintoye, a member of the Nigerian Senate in the Second Republic, said just like Ighoho, he has committed no offense against the Nigerian Laws to warrant being arrested, intimidated or harassed.

Like a valiant soldier, Akintoye vowed to return to Nigeria as soon as Ighoho is released by the government of Benin Republic to continue the struggle for the actualisation of Yoruba Nation, saying “it is No Retreat, No Surrender”

“Myself, the President-General and Professor Wale Adeniran (Chairman) of Ilana Omo Oodua, are currently in the Republic of Benin as reported, but not on the run.

“We are here to supervise and coordinate, by all legal and and other means, the struggle for the release of our son and patriot, Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, detained by the Government from custody.

“By demanding peaceful self-determination for the Yoruba Nation, i am not breaking any law, since self-determination is recognized by the International and Nigerian laws to be an inalienable right of every Nationality, large or small, in the world.

“I have earned a solid reputation as a highly respectable advocate of a peaceful self-determination struggle. I have even written a book on the subject which is already being used as a manual by Yoruba self-determination advocates and organizations.

“Irrespective of what the Nigerian Government may be planning against me, I want to say without any fear or intimidation that I will be returning to Nigeria immediately Ighoho is released from the custody. I can’t be intimidated because I’ve not committed any offense, just like Sunday Igboho.

“Let me tell all Yoruba People across the world that there’s no cause for alarm. I didn’t flee to anywhere. I am in Benin Republic running your errands. The struggle is no retreat, no surrender.

The renowned Scholar also debunked the media reports stating that Igboho has been abandoned, and that the Activist is personally funding the court cases against the Governments of Nigeria and Benin Republic to secure his (Ighoho) and his aides’ release, saying “socio-cultural and self-determination groups within and beyond the shores of Nigeria under my supervision paid for every dime spent in Cotonou, Lagos and Abuja respectively till date on the court cases.”

He said “the only court case not under my co-ordination and supervision, and which the Yoruba socio-cultural and self-determination Groups are not paying for is the one in Ibadan High Court, Oyo State.

“The Lawyer handling the Ibadan case, Chief Yomi Aliyu, SAN, said we should leave it to him, and that we should not bother on the funding, but the Yoruba Groups and Patriots under my supervision are completely responsible for the funding of the court cases in Abuja, Lagos and Cotonou”, the statement, says.

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.”