Saturday 26 May 2018

Jonathan reacts to Buhari’s ‘lazy youths’ comment

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to comment by President Muhammadu Buhari that Nigerian youths are lazy.

Jonathan spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Friday night.

His words: “Nigerians youth are not lazy, I don’t believe that, because I have worked with them closely. They are great people with great potentials who should be celebrated by any leader.

Nigeria, others renew pledge to win fight against corruption

Nigeria and other African countries at the Africa Day 2018 in New York renewed their commitment to win the fight against corruption so as to advance sustainable development on the continent.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Tijjani Bande, and other African envoys, made the pledge at the celebration of Africa Day, hosted by the AU Mission to the UN.

On Africa Day, Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora converge to recommit to the mission of the AU, and to celebrate the diversity and progress of Africa.

Mr Bande represented President Muhammadu Buhari, who was recognised in his capacity as the Champion of AU’s anti-corruption crusade.

Over 100 migrants escape from Libya trafficking camp

Migrants wait to be transferred to a dinghy of the rescue team, off Libya coast on May 12, 2018. 73 migrants of various nationalities, including women and children were rescued by MV Aquarius , a rescue vessel chartered by SOS-Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

More than 100 east African migrants escaped from a camp in the Libyan town of Bani Walid where they were being held hostage and tortured, international agencies and local sources said Saturday.

The migrants from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia fled on Wednesday night to a mosque in the town where they were taken in by local associations and residents.

The hospital in Bani Walid said around 20 of them were being treated for injuries from torture.

Herdsmen attacks: CAN reveals reason behind Benue, Taraba killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has alleged that the killings in the country were part of moves to declare Sharia across Nigeria as planned by the leader of Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau.

The President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle stated this while reacting to the killings in Benue and Taraba States.

Speaking with The Sun, Ayokunle also berated security agencies for failing to protect Nigerians against the attacks.

He insisted that security agencies were not helpless but they “didn’t do their work as they ought to do.”

Court orders Atiku’s son, estranged wife to agree on children’s upkeep allowance

Federal High Court, Lagos state.

A Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere on Friday ordered Aminu Atiku and his ex-wife, Unmi Bolori, to agree on the monthly upkeep allowance he would be paying for the two children of their severed union.
Justice Kazeem Alogba described the dispute by the estranged couple’s over the N250,000 per month as ordered by a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, to be paid by Mr Atiku as a waste of time.
Aminu, son of a former Vice-President, Abubakar Atiku, had approached the court to suspend the N250,000 child allowance, describing it as “onerous”, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
He argued that he was already satisfying all his children’s needs, a view which was disputed by Bolori.

Police recruitment candidates didn’t write Arabic language test, says JAMB

File: Police recruitment.

Authorities of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board have denied the rumour that candidates for the Police recruitment exercise wrote an examination in Arabic.

Police recruitment candidates wrote the qualifying examination nationwide on Friday, being a part of the series of tests for their enlistment into the Nigeria Police Force.

However, social media became inundated with claims that candidates wrote an examination in Arabic, in addition to three other subjects, a situation that many believed was meant to screen out candidates from other parts of the country who are unlikely to be familiar with Arabic.

Others interpreted it as one of the suspicious steps to ultimately islamise Nigeria.

Inside EFCC report on corruption allegations against Obasanjo

As President Muhammadu Buhari and a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, continue to engage in a war of words, PREMIUM TIMES has obtained a report by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding corruption allegations against Mr Obasanjo.

The fresh clash between the president and one of his predecessors was triggered when Mr Buhari, while receiving a delegation of the Buhari Support Organisation at the Presidential Villa on May 22, indirectly accused Mr Obasanjo of wasting $16 billion on power projects with nothing to show for it.

Mr Obasanjo immediately fired back at the president describing his claims as ignorant and unsubstantiated.

The report, signed by the then EFCC’s Director of Operations, Ibrahim Lamorde, addressed allegations of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds, abuse of office, foreign exchange conversion and money laundering against the former president.

The petitions

On August 22, 2005, the then governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, submitted a petition alleging corrupt practices against Mr Obasanjo to the EFCC.

Children’s Day celebration: The many challenges of Nigerian children

On November 20, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), whilst the OAU Assembly of Heads of States and Governments adopted the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRCW) in July 1990.Nigeria signed both International Instruments and had ratified them in 1991 and 2000 respectively. Both protocols reflect children as human beings and as subjects of their own rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) outlines the human rights to be respected and protected for every child under 18 years and requires that these rights be implemented.

Against this background, a draft of the Child Rights Bill aimed at principally enacting into Law in Nigeria the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the AU Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child was prepared in the early 90s. But it is only after about 10 years with several Heads of Government and heated debates by the lawmakers that the Bill was eventually passed into Law by the National Assembly in July 2003.

Two killed in fresh Nicaragua clashes after talks collapse

Demonstrators set up a barricade while resuming protests after peace talks between the government and opposition collapsed, in Leon, some 100km from Managua on May 24, 2018. Since protests began on April 18, 76 people have been killed and more than 800 wounded, according to a preliminary report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights / AFP PHOTO / INTI OCON

At least two people were killed and 50 wounded as clashes flared in Nicaragua after peace talks between the government and opposition collapsed, the Red Cross and victims’ relatives said Thursday.

Since protests began on April 18, 76 people have been killed and more than 800 wounded, according to a preliminary report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, submitted before Wednesday’s clashes.

BREAKING: Presidency confirms receipt of 2018 Budget

The Presidency on Friday evening confirmed the receipt of the 2018 Appropriation Bill from the National Assembly.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, confirmed the development to State House Correspondents at about 8.30pm on Friday.

“I have received the budget on behalf of the Presidency. I am transmitting it now,” the presidential aide simply said.

Ronaldihno Is Getting Married To His Two Girlfriends

International football star, Ronaldinho (full name: Ronaldo de Assis Moreira), is getting married to his girlfriends, Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza, in an unofficial wedding ceremony, Leo Dias of Brazil’s O Dia newspaper reports.

According to the newspaper, the 38-year-old got engaged in January to the both of them and they stay with him as live-in partners. Coincidentally, they will be 30 in August.

Zidane : Ronaldo lives for Champions League final stage

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is fit and ready to shine again in a Champions League final, believes Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane as the Spanish giants go for a third straight European Cup against Liverpool on Saturday.

Ronaldo can join an elite group of just 10 other players to win five European Cups should Madrid win in Kiev.

The Portuguese became just the second player after legendary Real forward Alfredo di Stefano to score in three different finals by netting twice in a 4-1 rout of Juventus last season to deliver Madrid’s 12th European crown.

‘Poor governance framework bane of investment in extractive sector’

Senate President, Bukola Saraki . PHOTO SENATE TWITTER

The inability of the federal government to sustainably address key issues affecting the extractive industry, especially the lapses in governance law, will continue to limit foreign direct investment into the sector, stakeholders have said.

The experts, who spoke ahead of a high level lecture series that kicks off in Abuja today, accused the federal government of deliberately slowing down reforms that would have spurred FDI into the country.

Gov. Abubakar : I didn’t frustrate my Deputy out of office

Mohammed Abubakar

Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has described as ‘false and untrue’ allegation that he frustrated his deputy, Alhaji Nuhu Gidado out of office.

Gidado had on May 23 tendered his resignation letter to the governor through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The spokesman for the former deputy governor was quoted as saying that Gidado resigned because he was not being treated as part of the government.

You’re a threat to Osinbajo, Buhari tells female lawmakers seeking VP slot

President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the Conference of Nigeria Female Parliamentarians on Friday. NAN photo

President Muhammadu Buhari has told the female members of the state Houses of Assembly nationwide that their request to have the post of the vice president reserved for women is a direct threat to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Buhari said this on Friday when members of the Conference of Nigeria Female Parliamentarians visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during which they urged him to consider picking a female running mate for the 2019 presidential election.

Obaseki releases N1. 5bn for arrears of LG pensioners

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has released the sum of N1.5billion for payment of arrears of local government pensioners in the state.Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs made the disclosure on Friday, while addressing members of the Local Government Pensioners’ Association (LGPA) in Benin.

Ijegbai said the N1. 5 billion would cover eight month’s arrears of 4, 340 local government pensioners in the state.“You will recall that on May Day, the governor made a promise to release N1. 5 billion to clear part of the state local government pensioners’ arrears.

Saidu : Sack Dogara, 9 others for dragging APC to court over congresses

Alhaji Ali Saidu, a renowned All Progressives Congress chieftain in Bauchi State has urged the party’s factional headquarters not to hesitate to sack Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, and nine others from the party.

The APC chieftain is accusing Dogara’s faction of dragging the APC before the court of law in Abuja, where he is challenging the recent Congresses in the State.

Saidu exclusively told DAILY POST in an interview in Bauchi, that their action was in haste, therefore, contravene the APC constitution.

Zamfara Assembly writes minister over incessant killings

Zamfara House of Assembly has directed its secretariat to write a letter to Minister of defence, Mansur Dan’ali, over incessant killings and security challenges in the state.

The assembly gave the directive during plenary session in Gusau on Friday.

The decision followed a complaint by Alhaji Abdullahi Dansadau (APC, Maru South) under matters of urgent public importance.

Saraki : National Assembly to transmit Budget 2018 to Buhari Friday

President MBuhari breaking the Ramadan fast with cabinet members and security chiefs [Photo credit: Presidency Twitter handle]

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the National Assembly will transmit the passed budget 2018 to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent tomorrow.

Mr Saraki stated this Thursday evening at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after Mr Buhari hosted the leadership of the Assembly to a breaking of Ramadan fast.

“I think that (sending budget to president) should have been done. We had to harmonise. It’s just a slight difference. It has been passed yesterday. It was in the rules and proceedings of today, so I am sure by tomorrow Friday, we will transmit it to the presidency,” he said.

Lagos printer abducts, rapes pupil he met on Facebook

A screen printer, Oluwaseun Badejo, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl, identified as Lateefat, in the Somolu area of the state.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the Senior Secondary School two pupil of a public school at Ifako, Gbagada, was allegedly drugged before the suspect serially raped her.

Our correspondent gathered that the duo met on a social media platform, Facebook.

Badejo, who claimed to be a pastor, was said to have started by sending prayer messages to the victim.

Buhari : Osinbajo’s VP position threatened

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said the position of his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo was under threat.

Buhari said this at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, while hosting a delegation of the Conference of Nigerian Female Parliamentarians.

Reacting to the demand of the group for a female Vice President of the country, Buhari, on a lighter note said: “It is a pity the VP is not here, but I believe the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will brief him that his position is threatened.

Court dissolves 25-year-old marriage over threat to life, lack of respect

Documents & Agreements

An Orile Agege Customary Court in Lagos on Thursday dissolved a 25-year-old marriage between Idris Balogun and his wife, Abosede over threat to life and lack of love.

The Court President, Mr P. A Williams, held that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and he had no choice but to dissolve the union.

“The marriage between Abosede and Idris Balogun is hereby dissolved, they shall cease to be husband and wife and go their separate ways,’’ he said.

Williams said the children should remain in their mother’s custody until the Ikeja Family Court says otherwise.

My foundation staff defrauded me of N3m, says Alakija

Billionaire businesswoman, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, on Thursday told an Ikeja High Court how one Vincent Ayewah, an employee of her Rose of Sharon Foundation, allegedly defrauded her of N3m.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Vincent, who was employed by Alakija as a clerk and administrative officer, is standing trial alongside his siblings, Florence and Emmanuel, as well as four others for fraud.

The other defendants are Onuwa David, Okoronkwo Chikadibia, Ehizibolo George and Chinyere Awanah.

Vincent was accused of defrauding Alakija’s foundation of the fund by forging cheques and conniving with his siblings and cohorts to pose to banks as beneficiaries of the foundation.

Alakija, while being led in evidence by Mr. M.D. Aliyu, the prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, told the court how Vincent allegedly stole the money.

Her testimony lasted from 2 pm to 3.23 pm.

She said: “On November 13, 2012, I was called by my treasurer, Gladys Efiozor, who said that she received a call from Stanbic IBTC that there was a forgery of a cheque.

“I told her to send me an email of the forged cheque and when I saw it, I told her that the signature was not mine.

“There are three signatories to that account and the forged signature did not match those of the other signatories.

“Florence (Vincent’s sister) was the one caught with the cheque; the bank called EFCC to investigate and Florence was handed over to the EFCC.

“It was discovered that the bag she was carrying had 12 different identity cards of beneficiaries of the foundation, with her photographs on the identity cards.

“The bag also contained cash collected from other banks from the foundation’s account.”

Alakija also told the court that she confronted Vincent and seized his mobile phone after he had received a suspicious call.

She also claimed that Vincent deleted an incriminating text message from his phone.

“He admitted to the fraud and begged for mercy; he had done other infractions in the past and had begged for mercy anytime he was caught,’’ Alakija added.

Alakija told the court that Vincent enjoyed a new lifestyle with proceeds from the alleged scam, claiming he bought new car which he parked far away from the office premises to avoid detection.

“A blank cheque and a survey plan of a property was in his car.

“He had committed infractions before, begged for mercy and I forgave him. I thought that with warning, he will change,” the businesswoman said.

But while being cross-examined by Mr, Obiora Umeh, the defence counsel to the Ayewahs and other defendants, Alakija gave further insight into the alleged fraud.

Lady holds on to boyfriend’s tongue during break-up kiss

A 23-year-old man in eastern China had to be rescued by Police after his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend apparently bit his tongue and refused to let go.

According to some onlookers, the bizarre incident happened when the man had proposed to break up with the 26-year-old woman, and she asked for a last kiss.

Officers in Anhui Province had to usepepper spray on the woman to free the man, according to Police.

The woman’s parents explained to Police that their daughter recently became ‘mentally unstable’ after being scammed while shopping online, and that could be the cause of her behaviour.