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The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on Wednesday received a request from President Muhammadu Buhari for the replacement and confirmation of two non-career Ambassadors-designate.

The President set to replace the earlier nomination of Mr. Oboro Effiong Akpabio and Brigadier General Bwala Yusuf Bukar from Akwa-Ibom and Borno State, respectively.

A statement of Ahmad’s spokesperson, Ezrel Tabiowo quoted the letter as saying: “In accordance with Section 171(1)(2)(c) and subsection (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Mr. John J. Usanga and Air Commodore Peter Anda Bakiya Gana (rtd) from Akwa-Ibom and Niger State respectively, as non-career Ambassadors-designate.

“The Senate is kindly requested to recall my earlier submission of Mr. Oboro Effiong Akpabio and Brigadier General Bwala Yusuf Bukar from Akwa-Ibom and Borno State respectively, vide letter dated 17th June 2020, I substitute Mr. Oboro Effiong Akpabio with Mr. John J. Usanga (Akwa-Ibom State). I replace Brigadier General Bwala Yusuf Bukar (Borno State) with Air Commodore Peter Anda Bakiya Gana (Niger State).”

But coming under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, the lawmaker representing FCT in the upper chamber, Senator Philip Aduda, protested the exclusion of a non-career Ambassador from the FCT.

According to him, the only FCT indigene presently serving as a non-career Ambassador in Sierra Leone, Hafiz Obada, was not re-appointed.
“For the ambassadorial nomination for the non-career, nothing has been said about the one for FCT. It has been silent and we have an Ambassador who is already sitting in Sierra Leone, his name is Ambassador Hafiz Obada. We don’t know what becomes of his fate because other states have been told to remain in their stations or they have been re-appointed.

“My issue is that at this time FCT will now lose an Ambassador. It is worrisome to me and the people of the FCT. Sitting here, names have been called for all other states except FCT and we have one.

“Now that particular non-career Ambassadorial slot for the FCT is being taken away from us and is being killed, otherwise we are also entitled to have, and that is what I have consistently said since this list came out.

“So, Mr. President, I hope something can be done to this to help the people of the FCT. We don’t get Ministerial nomination, we don’t get so many of these things, but the small ones that we have are about to be taken away which should not be so”, Aduda said.

Lawan, in his remark, described the lawmaker’s complaint as valid, saying it is constitutional for an indigene of the FCT to be appointed as a non-career Ambassador by the President.

“I sympathize with the FCT but I know there were twelve non-career Ambassadors who were retained. I don’t know if you have an FCT indigene among those twelve, probably you should check that to see if you would see any FCT indigene, but your complaint is very valid.

Lawan said: “What I’m going to advise is maybe we need to take more political action, so that it doesn’t always come like it is an after-thought. The FCT is to be treated like a state, that’s what the Constitution states, so you deserve one like any other state deserves”,.

     The Federal Government has advised Nigerians against repeating the mistakes of 1918 when people let down their guards following the ease of the lockdown that was imposed during the Spanish Flu. Let us continue to learn from the history of pandemics by avoiding the mistakes of 1918 when the lockdown was eased and people came out jubilating and romancing the Spanish Flu. “Of recent, we have witnessed a high rate of positive cases especially among people in authority. This has a direct impact on the governance and security of our nation.

It warned that the attitude of Nigerians in the coming days would determine whether there should be a need for another round of lockdown to be imposed in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce PTF on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha stated this Monday in Abuja during the daily briefing of the Taskforce.

The PTF also issued COVID-19 guidelines for the conduct of off-season elections in Edo and Ondo as well as by-elections in some states of the Federation. While it warned against complacency, the government added that case fatality has now reduced to 2.2 per cent.

It warned highly-placed individuals against thinking that the virus is a respecter of status, urging them to take responsibility and provide leadership at this time.

The federal government reminded Nigerians that the nation’s airspace would be reopened for domestic flights as from Wednesday, assuring that the filtration mechanism inside the aircraft is topnotch but that passengers would at all time have to be on their facemasks.

Second Lockdown

Boss Mustapha said the Taskforce will not shy away from recommending another lockdown to be imposed on the country. He said; “As to whether we would advise Mr President to consider another lockdown, I have said it here that lockdowns might not be popular but what will happen in the preceding weeks will determine. Madagascar has imposed a lockdown in spite of its herbal cure.

About 39 states in the US because of the Thanksgiving Holiday and their National Day celebration on the 4th of June have begun to see spikes in their figures and the speed with which they were considering the ease of lockdown, a lot of states have slowed down. “We have now isolated 11 local governments. We started with 20 but the with the figures that keep jumping every week, there are now about 11 local governments that we have advised the sub-nationalities to consider precision lockdowns in these areas.

I believe as the days and weeks ahead would present, “I will not be speculative as to what would happen in the future, but we will do everything within our mandate to ensure the safety and the protection of the well-being of the people of Nigeria. If that would require a recommendation of a lockdown, this Taskforce will not shy away from its responsibilities. “We will take that decision.

We will make our recommendations to Mr President who will finally decide but we would first take a decision on our side as members of this Taskforce within the context of the mandate that has been given to us and make that recommendation. But such a decision or advice being taken now would be speculative.

What would happen in the next two to three weeks would determine what would eventually be our recommendation.”

Mustapha told Nigerians that the easing of the lockdown must not be misunderstood to mean that the pandemic was over, explaining that the decision to ease restrictions was necessitated by the need to strike a delicate balance between the safety of lives and livelihoods.

The SGF added that capacity and opportunities for testing have been expanded, with the opening of 40 laboratories and the creation of more testing centres including some certified private sector medical facilities.

He said: “The national response continues to escalate its level of vigilance and monitoring, especially as we ease restrictions in more sectors, including those with potentials for large gatherings and/or interactions between groups of people. We are conscious of the fact that this could be misinterpreted to mean that the war against COVID-19 is over. “Let me emphasise that the decision for further relaxation was cautiously taken by the government to balance lives and livelihood.

Rising global and domestic statistics of cases and fatalities have shown that COVID-19 has not given any relaxation. “Therefore, we cannot afford to slow down and we should never compromise.

We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians irrespective of status. This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitization messaging”. According to the SGF, the PTF would on Thursday and Friday, be carrying out its mid-term review having crossed the three months or half time threshold of its life span. “This will involve a comprehensive examination of the steps taken, the challenges and charting the way forward”.
Reduced fatality

 Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in his remarks noted that case fatality has now reduced to 2.2 per cent. Before now, case fatality was about three per cent. With 28, 711 confirmed cases and 11, 665 discharged, Nigeria’s case-fatality stands at 645 deaths. “Taking the statistics of the month of June alone, a total of 15, 532 cases were confirmed from 74,580 tests, with 303 deaths on record.

This means that just under half of the total fatalities so far recorded, occurred in the single month of June; while we more than doubled the tests done and the number of cases detected. “The reduction in case fatality rate is down to about 2.2 per cent, in line with our plan, going forward. But it also draws our attention to the speed with which COVID-19 is growing, the time it took to double itself, and the reminder that we need to improve on our responses, to continue to strive for the best and prepare for the worse,” Ehanire stated.

According to him, the ministry is working to establish an emergency ambulance system to take patients to relevant isolation and treatment centres.

Military, Politicians greatest violators of aviation protocols

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika urged Nigerians to respect all COVID-19 safety protocols when the airports are reopened, lamenting that those who are likely to breach the protocols are senior government officials.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved, and this is a very serious matter for us, and hitherto, big men, especially military men and ministers, members of the National Assembly and the Judiciary are culprits. They have all these their Personal Assistants and retinue of people who are not travelling and they insist that they must take them inside and up to the aircraft. By protocol, this will not be allowed.

They will not be permitted, they will be stopped. “I believe that not because I am the highest guy in the protocol, but within the purview of civil aviation, I should be first to enjoy those services and protocols, but for the last five years, everybody that has seen me at the airports has seen me alone. I do not travel with Personal Assistants, Special Assistants or anybody. “I travel by myself.

I carry my box by myself because when I go out of the country I carry it by myself. So, I do it here as well. For those who are challenged physically, they can go to a certain limit but they will have to cede it and allow portals to assist them and services would also be rendered to diplomats. “The culprits, I insist are ministers, military men, National Assembly and the Judiciary. We have only one encounter in recent history with the police and almost none with the DSS let alone the NIA.

So, these are the culprits. Big men and governors. So, governors please, we will not allow your aides to be in our airports talk more of being in our aircraft.”

Social-Economic Right Accountability Project (SERAP)
We've asked President Buhari to direct the AGF Mr Malami and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently probe allegations that over N300bn of public funds are missing, mismanaged, diverted or stolen, SERAP also urged Abubakar Malami and anti-corruption agencies to  the N300bn said to have been stolen and mismanaged as contained in 2017 reports.

SERAP said: “Any failure to promptly investigate the allegations and prosecute suspected perpetrators would breach Nigeria’s anti-corruption legislation, including the Public Procurement Act, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the country’s obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

The letter, read in part: “It would also mean that Nigeria is failing to fulfil the obligations under the covenant to use its “maximum of available resources” to progressively realize and achieve basic economic and social rights, including access of Nigerians to public services and goods like quality education, healthcare, clean water and regular electricity supply, as well as the right to honest public services.”

“SERAP has carefully analysed the 2017 audited report by the AGF and our analysis reveals the following grim allegations of mismanagement, diversion and stealing of public funds, as well as unaccounted-for spending.”

“The Federal Civil Service Commission spent ₦25,856,279.00 on behalf of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop online recruitment in April 2014 without any supporting memo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and without due process. Although the project was suspended, the Commission went ahead and paid ₦25,856,279.00 for contract not executed. The AGF recommended the full recovery of the public funds.”

“The Commission granted cash advances totalling ₦8,590,000.00 to 25 officials between February and December, 2016 but failed to retire or account for the money. Also, ₦6,850,000.00 was paid for store items that were never supplied. Another ₦2,619,210.00 was spent without receipts. The AGF expressed concern that the money may have been misappropriated or stolen, and recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The former Chairman of the Commission whose tenure of office ended in May 2017 took away with him four vehicles (One Toyota Hilux, one 407 Classic Peugeot, One Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep and One Toyota Corolla) belonging to the Commission, despite the Monetization Policy of Government clearly stating that all vehicles of MDAs belong to the pool, and are not expected to be taken away as part of severance package at the expiration of an officer’s appointment.”

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to show any receipts for the payment of ₦4,385,230,763.25 between January and December 2016. The Ministry also had no insurance cover for all its motor-vehicles, despite the budgetary allocation of ₦11,805,802.00 for insurance premium. The Ministry spent ₦105,000,000.00 to buy computer consumables, photocopy machine consumables, papers and other store items, contrary to official circular, and without any receipts. The AGF recommended the return of the money to the public treasury.”

“The Ministry also spent ₦72,000,030.00 to improve power supply to the Ministry but the contract for this was not captured in the 2017 appropriation. Despite the purported spending, power supply to the Ministry has not improved. Also, ₦7,520,000.00 was spent by 20 officials to visit 8 out-stations of the Ministry without due process and without any receipts. ₦234,622,718.00 was also spent but remained unretired or unaccounted for. The AGF recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The Ministry also paid ₦83,719,500.00 to a company for the rehabilitation and re-integration of released Chibok girls in August, 2017 without any agreement between the Ministry and the contractor, and without any evidence of purchase of the back-to-school materials, and job completion certificate. The AGF recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The Ministry also transferred a take-off grant of ₦83,317,257.00 for Consulate-General of Nigeria, Guangzhou to the personal account of the Ambassador of Nigeria in Rome in 2013 to be remitted to Guangzhou. But the money was never remitted to Guangzhou and has remained outstanding till date. The AGF expressed concern that the money may have been diverted and misappropriated, and recommended that the Ambassador of Nigeria in Rome whose account was used be asked to account for the money.”

“The Ministry of Justice disbursed ₦10,460,950,841.00 judgment debt in 2017 without due process. The committee to manage the funds was dissolved after 2013 financial year was not reconstituted as at the time of the 2016 and 2017 appropriations but funds were nonetheless disbursed. Also, ₦32,353,693.00 was spent between March and September 2017 on international travels without approval or evidence of spending. The AGF recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“At the National Assembly, the House of Representatives spent ₦95,212,250.00 without due process and without any receipts. The National Assembly Management Accounts also showed spending of N673,081,242.14 between April–October 2017 without any documents. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been misappropriated and recommended that the Clerk of the National Assembly should fully recover the money and return it to the treasury.”

“The Senate also spent ₦1,364,816,397.95 to renovate a store at the National Assembly but the AGF was denied access to the store and records, thus expressing concerns that ‘public funds may have been diverted for unappropriated purposes.’ The AGF recommended that the Clerk of the National Assembly account for the money.”

“The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies misappropriated ₦67,296,478.00, as payments were made to unknown persons. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and recommended that the Director-General should fully recover the money and return it to the treasury.”

“The Public Complaint Commission spent ₦63,826,941.30 on contract to renovate State offices in Delta, Kwara, Akwa– Ibom, Taraba, Borno, Ekiti and Niger States without due process, valuation certificates, and without receipts. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources spent ₦343,957,350.60 without due process, receipts, and without any evidence of work done or services rendered. Also, ₦14,993,950.00 granted as cash advances to staff was not accounted for. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and recommended that the Permanent Secretary is made to account for it.”

“The Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi misappropriated ₦42,277,285.50 of contract money for project management. Similarly, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria paid a contractor ₦33,425,000.00 in March 2017 for awareness training but there was no evidence that the contract was executed. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and recommended that the Executive Director should recover and return it to the treasury.”

“The Cross-River Basin Development Authority, Calabar, overpaid a contractor to the tune of ₦10,387,490.00 for construction of Link Road between Cross River and Ebonyi State without any justification. Also, ₦30,616,110.00 was spent for construction of erosion control works at Nguzu but remained unaccounted for. The AGF expressed concerns that the contractor may have received money for project not executed, and recommended that the Managing Director should recover the money and return it to the treasury.”

“The Lake Chad Research Institute, Maiduguri, Borno State failed to account for 2 Nos. Toyota Prado Jeeps which were purchased in 2013 and 2014 with registration No. 45KOIFG for one Jeep but the second Jeep was not registered, and no reason was given for this. The AGF expressed concerns that the Jeeps may have been diverted to private use, and asked the Executive Director to account for the vehicles.”

“The National Water Resources Institute, Mando Road, Kaduna paid ₦84,401,940.74 to a company on 4th May 2017, being 10% payment on the construction of a 2-story building for UNESCO without any existing contract, and without receipts. The AGF recommended the recovery of the money.”

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Abuja paid ₦24,800,000.00 into a staff private account for production/prevention of the 2016 annual flood outlook (AFO) and without evidence of services performed. Another ₦31,439,300.00 was paid in September 2016 into the account of another staff for sensitization workshops. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and asked the Director-General to recover it.”

“The Hadejia – Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Kano State paid ₦204,893,978.09 to contractors without any receipts. The Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin City, Edo State paid ₦210,921,849.66 and ₦30,010,963.65 without any receipts. Another ₦15,630,050.00 cash advances to staff in 2017 was also not accounted for, as at 2018. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been mismanaged and asked the Accounting Officer to recover it.”

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration spent ₦393,254,000.00 to support security agencies without due process and without receipts. Another ₦362,481,173.52 was paid for the procurement of stores locally without due process. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and asked the Permanent Secretary to recover it.”

“The Ecological Funds Office misappropriated ₦1,257,791,992.86 meant for contract for Canalization and Desilting of OKOKO and Ogbagba Rivers in Osogbo Township, Osun state. There was no evidence that ₦30,000,000.00 meant for compensation to owners of marked-to-demolish structures and economic trees affected by the project, received any payment. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and asked the Permanent Secretary to recover it.”

“The Office of The Head of The Civil Service of The Federation paid ₦301,984,103.00 for projects without accounting for it. ₦36,641,528.00 was also paid for seminars, conferences and workshops without any receipts. Also, ₦16,096,712.00 was spent on projects not executed. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and asked the Permanent Secretary to recover it.”

“The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun spent ₦830,267,951.23 as Special Presidential Needs Assessment Phases I and II to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Warri for the Construction of Building, Procurement of Laboratory Equipment and Capacity Building/Staff training but the funds were misapplied. ₦190,495.824.75 was approved for a project to construct and furnish workshop and laboratory but the contractor was paid ₦199,324,657.10 and without any evidence of request by the contractor.”

“The University also spent ₦990,621,753.29 to construct and furnish a 3-storey, 4-floor structure Student Residential Building Complex but the contract for the spending was awarded without due process. Also, only a 2-storey, 3-floor building was constructed. Several other infractions are documented in the report. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and asked the Vice-Chancellor to account for it.”

“The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion spent ₦2,270,000.00 for a 2-day workshop but without any receipts. The AGF asked the Director-General to recover the money. The Nigerian Railway Corporation failed to remit ₦122,242,337.63 in taxes to the authorities. The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) paid ₦20,569,398.20 for supply of Power System Simulator without evidence of supply. It gave ₦6,187,393.50 as cash advances to 17 officers which remained unaccounted for.”

“The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria paid ₦3,604,000.00 for the services of solicitors without the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Another payment of ₦13,542,822.82 for the completion of machine tools workshop was made without contract agreement or receipts. In total, ₦126,533,197.08 was paid without contract agreement or receipts. The AGF expressed concerns that the funds may have been misappropriated and asked the Managing-Director to recover the money.”

“The National Health Insurance Scheme paid ₦4,931,475,094.63 as cash advances to staff without due process. ₦72,383,000.00 was also supposedly paid for verification exercise but the AGF found no evidence that the verification took place. Another ₦31,478,400.00 was purportedly paid for accreditation of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) but again the AGF found no evidence of this.”

“The National Information Technology Development Agency paid ₦28,525,000.00 to a Security company for the production of procurement manuals for the Agency. 300 copies of the manual were produced although only 5 copies were needed and utilized, with a copy of the manual costing ₦95,083.33. The agency also paid ₦15,842,970.00 printer tonners.”

“There are several other infractions documented in the report, a copy of which can be obtained from the Auditor-General’s office.”

“We request that you take the recommended action within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel your government to act in the public interest.”

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has directed that the salaries and allowances of all political appointees in the state be slashed by 30 percent.

This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane, on Tuesday.

Matane noted the reduction takes effect immediately.

READ ALSO>>> President Buhari reveals plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty

The cut affects the governor, the deputy governor, commissioners, special advisers and every other political appointees.

“The reduction, which is temporary, was also in consideration of the economic situation imposed on the state by the coronavirus pandemic,” the statement read in part.

Matane added that payment of full salaries and allowances would resume when the economy improves.

While regretting any inconvenience, the officers affected may encounter as a result of the reduction, he “acknowledged the patriotism, patience, and cooperation of all the political appointees at all times.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken about his administration’s plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within the next 10 years.

Buhari stated this while speaking in a video message to a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Alliance for Poverty Eradication (APE) an initiative aimed at supporting actions to eradicate poverty, was launched.

Buhari expressed his government’s determination to invest more in education, especially of the girl-child.

READ ALSO>>> Niger state govt cuts salaries by 30 per cent


“Nigeria attaches great importance to poverty eradication.

“It is for this reason that in May 2019, on my inauguration for 2nd term in office, our government committed itself to starting a new programme of lifting a 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a 10-year period,” he said.

The president also spoke extensively on the health vs economy debate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidential Villa, Abuja. Web image

THE ongoing overhaul of the security architecture at the Presidential Villa continued on Tuesday with the redeployment of eight Assistant Superintendents of Police from the presidential security team.

The ASPs, who had been serving in the State House since 2015, were posted out of the Villa last Friday. However, the signal confirming their redeployment was released on Tuesday.

ACCORDING TO PUNCH learnt that the officers had been demobilised from the Mobile Police Force and posted to unidentified state commands.

A source said, “Eight Assistant Superintendents of Police have been posted out of the Presidential Villa; they were part of the Mobile Police Force in the Villa. Their redeployment was confirmed on Tuesday via a signal.”

Corroborating the development, another source added, “The officers have been ‘demoped’ and transferred; some to Imo and other states, but they have not been released yet.”

Our correspondent had in an exclusive report on Friday, broke the news of the redeployment of 20 presidential bodyguards following the shooting at the State House penultimate Thursday.

The bodyguards, who were drawn from the Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency, were removed for their alleged failure to manage the situation, which led to the firing of gunshots within the villa precincts.

• Presidential Villa shooting - Eight police officers removed from Presidential Villa

• Oyo state modifies school resumption dates

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has modified the resumption date for Primary six, Junior Secondary School III and Senior Secondary School III students in the state.

The Task Force, which rose from a two-and-a-half-hour meeting today reviewed the state of preparedness of the schools ahead of the planned resumption.

Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that the Commissioner for Education, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye and experts from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been going round the schools to determine compliance with the COVID-19 prevention protocols put in place by the schools.

 The statement added that the team has since discovered that a space of one week was needed to enable the schools test-run the facilities, especially the hand washing points and the security measures.

The statement read: “By the new arrangement, Teachers are to resume to the schools on Monday June 29, 2020, while students in critical classes including Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3 will resume a week later on July 6, 2020.

“As of Monday, June 22, no fewer than 372 Heads of Schools have been trained by the EOC on the management of the COVID-19 containment procedures, while each of the schools is to appoint an Incident Manager, who will ensure compliance with the approved COVID-19 protocol.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,( EFCC), in Lagos on Tuesday, arraigned one Rahul Pathania, an Indian, and a vessel, M.V. Bount, before Justice Rilwan. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The defendant was arrested alongside the vessel by the Nigerian Navy and subsequently handed over to to the Commission for prosecution.

One of the counts read: “That you, M.V.Bount and Rahul Pathania, on the 31st day of January 2020, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in 45 metric tons of petroleum product without appropriate licence and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and punishable under Section 1(7) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to the first count of conspiracy but not guilty to the others.

Prosecution counsel, Usman Buhari, prayed the court for a date to commence trial.

He also asked that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS).

Justice Liman adjourned the matter to October 7, 2020 for commencement of trial and also ordered the defendant to be remanded in the NCS.

BREAKING: Court stops PDP from conducting Edo primary election

PORT HARCOURT: A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has barred the Edo Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party from going on with its governorship primary election scheduled for Thursday, 25th June, 2020.

This was following a suit brought before the court on Monday by one of the governorship aspirants of the PDP, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who had vowed not to step down for Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Hon. Justice E.A Obile, who granted the experts order, allowed the defendant to serve the parties in the suit through substituted means, in two national dailies and adjourned till 24th June, for hearing of the summon.

BREAKING NEWS - SERAP drags Nigeria’s Health Ministry, NCDC to court over COVID-19 funds

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced diversion of traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, following an explosion involving four trailers on Sunday morning at Kara Bridge, NAN reports

The State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

He said, “Following the unfortunate crash that involved three fuel tankers and one other trailer that were engulfed in an inferno in the early hours of the day, FRSC operatives immediately mobilized and invited fire servicemen to extinguish the fire.


READ ALSO - Edo state: Obaseki opens up on certificates, chances after PDP screening

“The situation, expectedly, impaired traffic situation around the scene of the fire outbreak and beyond.

“This affected motorists, especially those driving out of Lagos.

There has been an explosion on Kara Bridge,

 “To cushion the effect on the road users, FRSC temporarily diverted traffic between New Garage and the end of Kara bridge to allow a counter-flow for Ibadan bound traffic to use a lane from the Lagos bound section of the expressway.

“FRSC hereby admonished motorists using the temporary lane to obey instructions from traffic officials around the scene of the crash and urged them to drive with caution.”

He further explained that while the burning fire is being extinguished and waiting to clear up the wreckages off the road, motorists who are not close to the scene are advised to explore alternative routes.



READ ALSO - PHOTO - four 4 persons escape death in Kaduna after commercial bus plunged into drainage

“Those traveling from Ibadan may turn at Sagamu interchange and use Abeokuta to Lagos through Sango Otta, Abule Egba, Iyana-Ipaja.

“People traveling out of Lagos may also use the above route and travelers from Lagos Island can explore Victoria Island, Ajah to Ijebu Ode to continue their journey.

“However, motorists around Mowe, Ibafo entering into Lagos or vice-versa using the temporary lane should please drive with extreme caution,” he added.

He also urged motorists to drive with care, adding that the FRSC wished everyone safe journey to their various destinations.

Nigeria maybe soon declared a polio-free country come August 2020.

This is as indicated by the African Regional Commission for Certification on Polio Eradication, ARCC, an organ of the World Health Organisation, WHO.

The Chairman of the commission, Professor Rose Leke, disclosed this during a meeting with the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA and partners.

Prof. Leke says Nigeria’s performance in polio eradication efforts has been quite impressive and the results encouraging.

She revealed that the commission has reviewed the documentation made by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Nigeria’s progress so far and found that it tallies with the reality on ground.

“We went with you and saw the happenings in the fields all these years,”

“The ARCC has listened to your documentation, presentation and exhaustive responses to all those questions that were put and we want to congratulate and tell you that the documentation was accepted.”

The ARCC further commended Nigeria for beating polio despite years of battling with the Wild Polio Virus.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who led the team, said it was gratifying to have the ARCC accept Nigeria’s polio eradication documentation.

According to Dr. Shuaib, the acceptance now paves the way for Nigeria’s polio-free status to officially be declared in July when Ministers of Health in Africa meet.

Dr. Shuaib commended traditional and religious leaders, partners, past presidents, ministers, ED/CEOs of NPHCDA/NPI, leaders in the public health space, the media, polio victims, parents and others for being the driving force and motivation behind the efforts of the frontline workers.

Fatima Ganduje, one of the daughters of former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has debunked rumours claiming he is dead.

She took to her Twitter page, to confirm Ajimobi is alive.

“Thank you for all the messages but our father is still alive, alhamdulillah.

“When it is our time we will all die so wait first,” Fatima wrote.

READ ALSO >>> BREAKING NEWS - Details of Buhari’s meeting with Chinese President Xi, others revealed
Two days ago, Ajimobi was appointed the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This followed the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole by an Appeal Court.

DAILY POST spoke with one of Ajimobi’s aides yesterday and he insisted the former Governor was getting better.

 A 42-year-old resident of Ngwalam, a village in Numan local government area of Adamawa State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl.

The man, Ahmadu Idris, was reported to have lured the minor who sells clothing materials by asking her to take the materials to his wives.

The father of the victim, Mallam Musa Abubakar explained that immediately his daughter entered the suspect’s house, the suspect directed her to proceed to his second wife’s apartment where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her after he allegedly threatened to kill her if she resisted his moves.

Abubakar added that the suspect’s second wife came back home and caught them in the act and that she reacted by screaming, thereby attracting the attention of neighbours.

He stressed that they reported the matter to the ward head of Ngwalam who advised them to move to the police station in Numan town.

READ ALSO>>> State Police arrest village head, Pastor, others for defilement, rape in Akwa Ibom

The Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Police Command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje has confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Numan local government area brought the matter to the police headquarters in Yola

Nguroje added that the incident occurred last week when the teenage girl was sent by her grandmother to sell some wrappers to neighbours.

Nguroje assured that the matter would be duly investigated and the culprit prosecuted.

READ ALSO>>> Akinbile-Yusuf - government has not granted approval for the hosting of any entertainment show in the State

The Akwa Ibom State police command said it has apprehended one Etteidung Okon Stephen, a 60-year-old village head of Ibesikpo Asutan local government Area for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl.

The command added that it also arrested one Victor Victor, a pastor in one of the churches in Ntak Inyang, Etim Ekpo L.G.A of the State for defiling an 8-year-old girl.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, CSP Frederic Nnudam in a Statement on Tuesday explained that the village head bought bean cake(akara) from the victim and asked her to come into his room to get her money, unfortunately, on reaching the room, the suspect grabbed the victim and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

The PPRO further explained that the pastor defiled the 8year old victim who was sent by her guardian to deliver a tin of peak milk to him.


READ ALSO >>>  Banditry: Buhari calls for calm in his home state of Katsin


Other cases of rape as contained in the Statement were, “on 1/4/2020, at about 2:00am, f one Peter Emmanuel Ekanem ‘m’ on the basis of an outcry by a victim of a case of rape which prompted a good spirited individual to place a distress call to the Police.

Investigation revealed that the suspect conspired with other suspects now at large and forcefully took the lady at gunpoint to a primary school field in Ikot Akpa Ekpuk village, Ikono LGA where she was raped. Suspect confessed to the crime. A locally made pistol was recovered from the suspect. Investigation is in progress.


READ ALSO >>>  Oshiomole should first apologize for deceiving Edo people -GOVERNOR WIKE




“On 28/5/2020 at about 9:00am, based on reliable intelligence, Detectives of Ibesikpo Asutan Division arrested one Henry Okon Henry ‘m’, aged 30yrs of Mbokpueyokan, Urue-Offong Oruko L.G.A, but resides at Ikot Ambon, Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.A. Investigation revealed that the suspect forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of his 17-yr-old niece, and also threatened to kill the victim if she attempts to escape or raise alarm.

”Following a complaint on 13/6/2020 at about 5:20pm, Operatives of ‘C’ Division arrested one Solomon Emmanuel Okon ‘m’ and Becky Umoretuk ‘f’. Suspects conspired and lured a 26-yr-old lady to their house and unlawfully assaulted her with fist blow and machete, in the process Solomon Emmanuel Okon ‘m’ forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim.”

He said all suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigations, adding that the fight against gender-based violence and other crimes will be heightened to ensure that perpetrators do not have a safe haven or escape justice in the State

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for calm in his home state of Katsina, assuring that security agencies were working to bring the current wave of banditry and killing to a halt.

The President also observed that violent reactions to the security by citizens could distract the plans already laid out by security agencies, assuring that security forces were capable of stemming both terrorism and banditry.

It would be recalled that youths in Katsina, last week, took to the streets in Katsina State, protesting escalating security situation..

However, in a statement issued Tuesday evening by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President appealed for more patience from the youths, saying the situation would soon be brought under control.

“The Presidency assures Nigerians, again, that the nation’s armed forces are fully capable of dealing with the challenges of banditry and terrorism, urging more patience as the military takes appropriate steps to block gaps being exploited to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, who has approved a joint military and police operation specifically targeted at combing Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States to rid the areas of bandits, assures that surveillance will be improved, with more night vision aircrafts already deployed under ‘Operation Accord’. The operation was launched three weeks ago”, the statement said.

Quoting the President directly, the statement said “Nigeria’s military has displayed its capabilities in the past and will show it again by dealing with the current challenges”.

“President Buhari appeals to the people of Katsina State to be patient and supportive of the ongoing military operations in the state, while sympathizing with those who are bereaved, injured and lost properties.

“President Buhari admonishes that taking to the streets for protest could distract the military operations, urging ‘Katsina indigenes not to give up on the military who over the years have a strong track record of quelling crises once given enough time.

“The major forests in North Western Nigeria have been identified as home to the bandits in the region. The operation will clear all these forests,’’ he further said.

• Disqualification of Obaseki, impunity carried too far
• Wike says the Nigeria Governors Forum has become a toothless bulldog-WIKE

Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike - CON

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the Nigeria Governors Forum has become a toothless bulldog because it has lost focus on its role in defending the rule of law in the country.

Governor Wike said the Forum used to be non-partisan and a powerful voice on national issues.

He noted that since the All Progressives Congress(APC) took over the leadership of the body in 2015, Governors have turned to beggars.

The governor made the assertion at media parley that held at Government House, Port Harcourt.

"Before 2015, the Governors Forum used to be very powerful as symbols of their respective states but APC killed it because they were protecting the interest of the ruling Party.

"During of one of the rerun elections in this state, my security aides were withdrawn thus exposing me to danger, the Forum did not say anything because the Chairman was a member of APC.

" I told them then that what they were doing was wrong. Now they have become a Beggars Forum even when there are constitutional infractions.

"You can see that APC Governors say that they are progressive. You can see how progressive they are when they keep quiet when a fellow sitting governor is disqualified from contesting elections.

" Adams Oshiomole campaigned for Governor Obaseki four years ago. The same man has turned around to say that Obaseki has a defective certificate.

"Has Oshiomole apologised to Nigerians that he supported someone with a defective certificate? Who is saying that a sitting governor has a defective certificate? Is it a man that does not have a certificate?

" Oshiomole should be told to practice what he preaches.

" APC wants to perpetrate impunity in Edo State the way they unleashed terror in Rivers State in 2019.

"They think because they have the Army, Police and INEC they can do anything and get away with it.

"They tried it in Rivers State but God gave us the will to say no. I hope Edo people will also say no to their impunity," he stated.

Speaking on Governor Obaseki's planned defection to PDP, Governor Wike said he would be happy to receive him.

He however, said that he would not guarantee automatic ticket for him because Edo people would decide.

"Edo PDP have a role to play. There is nothing like endorsement. But I must tell you that I am not happy the way he was disqualified by the APC because it will affect his integrity, "he said.

The governor debunked insinuations made by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association(NMA), Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi about the State's response towards COVID-19 and said the State Government has given the Ministry of Health all that it requires to fight the pandemic.

The governor stated that the increasing number of Covid-19 cases results from more testing conducted on persons and Obelebra who is in charge of the state treatment centre cannot politicise the fight by creating unnecessary panic to score cheap political points.

Gov. wike at the left and Gov. obaseki at the right with white shirt

Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has stated he would be a happy should his Edo counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, joins the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Obaseki has been disqualified by the All Progressives Congress(APC) from the primary that will produce a candidate for the party ahead of the September governorship race in Edo over alleged “defective qualifications.”

There had been pressure on Obaseki to cross over to the PDP and pick its governorship ticket.

Wike, who hosted Obaseki in a private meeting on Sunday, said he would gladly welcome the Edo Governor to the PDP fold.

Speaking with reporters on Monday at the Government House Port-Harcourt, the Governor also blasted the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF), alleging it has become toothless under APC.

Wike said: “Ordinary, I would not speak on it ( Obaseki’s fate) but the NGF has become a toothless bulldog that can only bark and not bite. It is quite unfortunate that I belong to such a forum. Nobody seems to respect the Governors Forum again because we have given ourselves out”

“Obaseki is a member of the APC, I campaigned against him in 2016 but how can you say a sitting governor is being disqualified because some of his certificates are defective? He was presented by the National Chairman of APC, when he was governor. I was watching a video where Adams Oshiomhole described him as a product of Nigeria’s premier university, who went to the US and came back with a masters degree.”

On the possibility of defecting to the PDP, Wike said: “Yes, he came to see me yesterday; both of us are South-south governors. We sat down and discussed issues, seek opinions and compared notes. He has not said he wants to come to PDP; he is meeting with us and holding discussions to determine, but I will be happy if he comes.”


Wike said it was “quite unfortunate” the treatment meted on Obaseki by the All Progressive Congress leadership, and lamented the perceived acquiescing silence of the NGF and the Progressive Governors Forum.

“If you ask me if I am happy about the way he was disqualified, how can I be happy? How can you disqualify a sitting governor? You asked a Commissioner fo screen a sitting governor and disqualify him.”

Wike said “Since 2015 when the APC took over leadership of the Governor’s Forum, everything died; the forum is is not what we used to have. It used to be a powerful forum. The APC has killed it and the forum is now focused on the interests of the ruling party, instead of focusing on good governance and interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

“When the IG (Ibrahim Idris) withdrew my security aides and exposed me to danger, the Governors did not say anything. Yari (Abubakar) was the (NGF) President and a member of the APC. I told them that they’re being captured, and today the forum has become a Beggars Forum because they have to beg for everything.”

He said the ongoing discussion on the Infectious Bill before the National Assembly showed show that the forum has lost its bite, relevance and failed to play its role as an integral part of the nation’s democratic process.

Wike also took a swipe at the Progressive Governors Forum, comprising state governors on the platform of the APC, stating that Obaseki’s fate was a slap on the union’s face.

The Rivers Governor warned the manner of Obaseki’s disqualification, despite the political implications for the APC, indicates that the ruling party was willing to throw caution to the wind and take the state by brute force.

Yet, he warned the ruling party not to use the Police and Security to manipulate Edo election, stressing it could unleash civil disobedience in a magnitude of what is currently happening in the United States, over the killing of an African-America.

“They cannot get away with using the security force and INEC to have their way because everybody will be involved. Edo people will be involved. See what is happening in the US with George Floyd’s death, nobody expected that just one death can lead to all that.”

The Nigerian Senate has been thrown into mourning over the sad news of the death of Senator, Adebayo Osinowo, on Monday, June 15.

According to The Nation, the 64-year-old senator representing Lagos East senatorial district died in a hospital in Lagos. Osinowo was an active federal lawmaker on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Late Senator Adebayo Osinowo Source: Twitter Before he became a senator, late Osinowo was a member of the Lagos state House of Assembly for four consecutive terms (2003-2019).


1. Osinowo had his primary education at St. Augustin Primary School in Ijebu-Ode and his Secondary Education in Issoyin Grammar School, Isoyin.

2. In 1977, he started his career as a Land Officer at the Federal Ministry of Works till 1979 before becoming Managing Director at NITAL International from 1986 to 2003.

3. He was Managing Director at NIMCO International Co. Ltd from 1990 to 2003. He also worked as Managing Director, at Extreme Piling and Construction Company Ltd and NIMCO Dredging Company from 1990 to 2003.

4. Osinowo served as a Youth Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Third Republic, which kickstarted his political career.

5. Osinowo was a four- time member of the Lagos State House of Assembly where he served from 1999-2015.

 These is another record of cases in nigeria which rises to 15181 with Lagos having the highest cases 229 total with 6840 followed by  FCT with 65 totaled 1162