Ogun PDP crisis: Judge declines hearing, returns case files to Abuja over petition of $250,000 bribe

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja Justice Tsoho John Terhemba has granted the request by the Peoples Democratic Party National Deputy Chairman, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi to change Justice Abubakar Shittu of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta in charge of suits number FHC/AB/CS/24/2020  and FHC/AB/CS/44/2020 due to lack of confidence in the judge and alleged bribery.
 The cases are now moved to Abuja to be reassigned to another Judge.
PDP had  on June 3, 2020 wrote a petition to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Abuja for the reassignment of the cases to another Judge due to lack of trust and confidence in Justice Abubarka Shittu.
The petition reads in part “We have no confidence in Hon Justice Shittu presiding over FHC/AB/CS/24/2020 and FHC/AB/CS/44/2020 as we are certain we will not get justice before him. We ask that the case be assigned to another Judge of the Federal High Court.”
It was gathered that Justice Abubakar Shittu of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta also declined the hearing of the suits and agreed that the cases are transferred to Abuja.

Ogun Governor’s Wife Leads Walk Against Gender Based Violence

The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun called on the three arms of overnment in Ogun state to give unflinching support to matters concerning rape and gender based violence.
   
She made this call during a peaceful walk and awareness to the Executive and the Legislative arms of the state to solicit support for action against gender based violence and rape in the state.
   
She decried the gruesome rape and killings of Tina Ezekwe, Uwavera Omozua, Barakat Bello and Jennifer that occurred recently among others, stating that such crimes had been on the rise in the community demanded drastic and urgent steps to nip them in the bud.
   
She informed that the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun recently inaugurated a committee that would ensure the development of an effective, comprehensive and coordinated response to cases of sexual and gender based violence in Ogun state urging the committee to develop strategies to prevent and combat such acts.
   
Mrs. Abiodun emphasized her readiness and commitment to ensuring that survivors of the acts were not stigmatized or discriminated against in the society acknowledged the role of men in the struggle.
“We need to do more and ensure our survivors are not stigmatized; justice served; and the emotional and mental well-being of survivors is prioritized. I also humbly request that we continue to involve men in national conversation on violence against women. To men already supporting this cause, thank you for speaking up.”
   
She further stressed the need to educate and sensitize young boys and men who according to her were the perpetrators of the acts, to be protectors instead of being perpetrators.
“You are our fathers, our brothers and sons. Yet most of the violent sexual crimes committed against women are being perpetrated by boys and men. We need to educate our young boys and encourage them to be protectors and not perpetrators”.
   In his response, the Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun commended and thanked the First Lady and her team on the initiative and for being a voice to women folk who according to him formed about 50% of the world population.  
   
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that cases which bordered on women and girl child violence were expedited to bring the offenders to book assuring  that men in the Executive would lend their voices to the campaign and give women and girl child equal opportunities as well as empower them economically.
   
Earlier in his own response, the Speaker of the Ogun state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kunle Oluomo  commended the First Lady and her team for their concern for the women folk and promised on behalf of the Legislature to give accelerated hearing and passage to any bill that affect women and children in the state.

Churches and Mosques cannot open for now – Dapo Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun suprises  Ogun Residents, Says He Can Not Reopen  Churches,  Mosques now.
The Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that he can not reopen churches and mosques  now until the guidelines is fine tuned with the religious leaders.
He also said that he has had a meeting  with the religious  leaders, saying  that he has given them till June 12 for them to submit their recommendations.
Abiodun made this  known  during  a press  conference held at the governor’s office, Okemosan,  Abeokuta,  Ogun State.
He however said that  the lock down still  remain eased from Monday  to Friday, saying  that no movement  Saturday  and Sunday.

46 detained in Turkey over failed coup

Turkish Police on Friday detained at least 46 people, including soldiers, over their alleged links to a group accused of a coup attempt in 2016.

Turkish Police: File photo,

Turkish Police on Friday detained at least 46 people, including soldiers, over their alleged links to a group accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016, local media reported.
Police conducted two separate operations in Turkey’s western province of Izmir and the south-eastern province of Diyarbakir to capture the suspects, according to press reports.
The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Izmir ordered the detention of 31 people for allegedly using an encrypted mobile application to contact the members of the network led by U.S.-based Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, the state-run Anadolu agency said.
The Police also seized 54 laptops and several mobile phones with special software that allows them to transfer data and communicate secretly.
In Diyarbakir, the Police detained 15 soldiers for allegedly having links to the Gulen network, the NTV broadcaster said.
It noted that the operations are continuing throughout the city to catch three others at large.
The Turkish government blames Gulen and his network for being behind the failed coup in July 2016, in which 250 people were killed.

BREAKING: FG relaxes restriction on Churches and Mosques, Curfew Now 10 pm to 4 am

COVID-19: PTF submits recommendations on reopening of schools, places of worships

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has  submitted parts of its recommendations on partial reopening of schools, places of worships and some additional businesses for possible consideration by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The chairman of the PTF, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this known to State House correspondents at the end of a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the PTF has no problem with state governments that ordered reopening of places of worships in view of the power given to the states to do so by the constitution, adding that the states are sub-nationals.

He said: “That’s part of what we have considered in its totality. We will await Mr President’s on that, once I receive his approval, going forward, to certain recommendations we have put in place, we will know how that would happen.

“The issue of easing up, you know we are in the first phase, we had an extension of two weeks for the first phase, the next phase should be the second phase and along with that will come in with a lot of recommendations, which we expect Mr President to consider.

“So, the issues of places of worships; the issues of schools; the issues of some certain businesses that were not opened hitherto are part of the packages that we have looked at.

“We have made the appropriate recommendations, but you know that Mr President is the only one that can take decisions in respect of that.

“In the framework, the states are sub-nationals, they have their own responsibilities too.

“So, it is in the exercise of those responsibilities that they had meetings with those religious bodies and agreed on the guidelines and protocols on how they open up, but in the framework of the national response we are taking that into consideration.’’

On whether Nigeria is winning the fight against COVID-19, considering the rate of infections, Mustapha said:

“We are winning. As a matter of fact, you juxtapose the rate of cases with our fatality rate, which is basically about three per cent, in other countries and other climes, it’s over 10 per cent.

“But the most important thing that you will realise, when we started this exercise, we had only five testing stations, now we’ve ramped it up to 28, without the expected increase in the number of deaths.

“We have gone beyond 60,000 now, that reflects in the number of confirmed cases

“We have not reached the peak yet and I won’t want to fool Nigerians by telling them that we are out of the woods. No, we are not out of the woods.

“As we even open up and accommodate more enterprises, because we are trying to have a balance between livelihoods and life, there’s a likelihood of increase in transmission in cases,’’ he said.

Mustapha assured that essential parts of the economy would continue opening up to boost socio-economic activities across the country.

“We have started, even in the first phase and the extension that came with it.

“Essential parts of the economy was opening up by way of allowing agricultural production, people that produce fertilizers.

“The oil and gas industry was never closed for one day and some aspects of the financial sector were opened.

“After we receive Mr President’s approval tonight or tomorrow morning, we will now know which segment of the economy he has allowed to open,’’ he further revealed.

Source: (NAN)

More terrorists surrender, others arrested in N/East – DHQ


More Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrender to the Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) in the North East.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the action was sequel to the sustained offensive against the terrorists by the troops.

Enenche said that as the military was inching towards the final defeat of insurgency in the region, more Boko Haram/ISWAP elements had either being arrested or neutralised.

He added that a number of terrorists’ equipment had been captured or destroyed while others continue to surrender amid sustained artillery bombardments and offensive onslaught against their enclaves/hideouts by air and land forces of OPLD.

Enenche disclosed that a terrorist, Muhammadu Abubakar AKA Babagana surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion deployed on May 29, at Charlie Six Check Point, Mongonu in Borno.

He added that preliminary interrogation revealed that the 19-year-old repentant Boko Haram fighter joined the group about a year ago at Shaharam and participated in the attack on Tumbun Shaje.

According to him, Babagana called on his erstwhile colleagues in the forests to surrender to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

“It would be recalled that on May 24 another Boko Haram fighter Malam Adamu Yahaya AKA Saad Karami surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion in Mongonu.

“On the same day, another Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter, a 35-year-old Muhammadu Kabudumi AKA Amir Sabat also surrendered to the troops 242 Battalion in Monguno.

“Kabudumi confessed to joining the Boko Haram sect in 2015 but denied participating in any of the sect’s operations.

“He, however, revealed that he has done duties at Boko Haram criminals’ camps at Abadam, Malam Fatori and Duguri under the leadership of Muhammadu Lawan, a notorious Boko Haram Commander,” he said.

The coordinator further disclosed that troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru in Ngala Local Government Area arrested three terrorists at Isari village on May 8.

He added that the troops recovered one AK47 Rifle loaded with a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, two swords, one cutlass, one axe, a set of arrows and charms.

Enenche also disclosed that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji deployed at Forward Operation Base Marafa raided an abandoned makeshift hut in Karama village and recovered one AK 47 Rifle and 25 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition on May 28.

“Troops of 17 Brigade in conjunction with elements of the Nigeria Police on May 27, stormed a bandits’ hideout in Dumburun Forest and rescued 3 abducted victims.’’

According to him, the troops neutralised one bandit and recovered one FN Rifle mounted with magazine while others fled during the encounter.

“The rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

“On the same day, following intense pressure mounted on bandits by the resilient troops of Operation Katsina, some repentant bandits pleaded to surrender their weapons as well as jettison their criminal acts.

“Accordingly, 5 AK 47 Rifles, one Sniper Rifle, one FN Rifle, one PKT Machine Gun, one spare PKT Machine Gun barrel, one Pistol and one block engine of PKT Machine Gun were surrendered by the bandits.

“Other surrendered items include 5 AK 47 Rifle magazines, 2 FN Rifle magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted also surrendered to troops of Operation KATSINA.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, congratulated the gallant troops for their resilience, courage and dedication to the noble cause of defending our fatherland against the terrorists.

“The High Command of the Armed Forces also encourages the troops to continue to be steadfast and focused as they sustain their onslaught against the enemies of our nation,” he said.

Nigeria Navy commissions boys’ hostel, others to mark 64th Anniversary

 

The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a 200 capacity hostel in a secondary school in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State, southern Nigeria as part of its projects to celebrate its 64th anniversary.

Other projects commissioned were the remodeled Saidu girls’ hotel at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borokiri, a Protestant Church at NOP Ikuru, Rivers State and a sickbay built at the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The commissioning ceremonies were performed virtually in line with the World Health Organisation(WHO) COVID-19 health protocol.

Presiding over the virtual inauguration and commissioning of the projects, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, , remarked that the virtual meeting which was the 3rd held since the advent of COVID-19 in Nigeria was unique as it coincided with the Naval week celebrations.

“This month’s virtual meeting is unique because it coincides with the 2020 Navy week celebrations, which is the 64th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy. The celebration is usually elaborate and comprises of activities like sea trip, regimental dinner amongst others.However, it is low keyed this year because of the global pandemic,”. 

“However, a few activities such as the distribution of palliatives and Personal Protective Equipment as well as ceremonials, where ships are to dress overall and ceremonial Sunset have been lined up to mark the week celebration in the command,” Adeniran stated.

Curbing COVID-19

Explaining further on adopting the virtual technology for meetings in the command, the FOC stated that it was rewarding, since it enabled the command deliberate as one unit and actions taken for the attainment of the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

He stated “fortunately, the command has had in place infrastructure to handle the present situation, but cannot be substituted for person to person interaction. Officers and ratings are permitted to travel when it is absolutely necessary”.

“Prior to COVID-19, the FOC’s monthly meeting designed to evaluate the command’s operational successes and challenges, was rotary with each unit having hosting opportunities. The meetings afford officers first hand knowledge of issues associated with each unit”, The Naval chief stated.

Speaking further, Rear Admiral Adeniran said that besides adopting virtual meetings, the ENC had “reached out to host communities to assist them in complying with the instructions laid down to stop the spread of COVID-19”.

He therefore charged officers and ratings to leave no stone unturned in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the barracks.

He called for a one minute silence in honour of those who have died from COVID-19 in Nigeria and the world generally.

The third virtual meeting held with eighteen unit heads, which included PSOs, Cos, Commandants and MOiC in the Eastern Naval Command area of operations in attendance.

BENUE LG Polls: PDP wins all 23 Chairmanship, 276 councilorship positions

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MAKURDI – The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in Benue has recorded a clean sweep of last Saturday’s council elections held across the 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue state.

The party also cleared all the 276 available councilorship positions at the poll.

Five political parties including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Labour Party (LP), African Action Congress (AAC) All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, participated in the election.

Announcing the result of the poll, Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, Mr. Terso Loko said the election was held peacefully in 3,691 polling units across the state.

He said the election turned out a huge success without any incidents assuring that the commission would build on the success recorded in future elections.

“By the the powers conferred on me as the Chief Returning Officer of the election and given the returned results I declare the PDP victorious in the 23 chairmanship and 276 councilorship election.

“With the conclusion of the elections and declaration of results, the Chairmen-elected will on Monday morning be issued their certificates of return at the Commission’s headquaters in line with the provisions of the law,” the Chairman said.

 

From the released results the PDP recorded its highest votes in Kwande LGA where its candidate Mrs. Joyce Chianson polled 67,406 votes to emerge victorious while Mr. Clement Onah garnered 1,235 votes, being the lowest in the 23 LGAs to emerge victorious in Oju LGA.

There will be many naming ceremonies next year due to lockdown – Pastor Adeboye

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the lockdown measure that is meant to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said the lockdown occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic would produce “great things”.

Due to the lockdown, the 78-year-old cleric broadcasted his sermon live on DOVE TV to the view of the church members all over the country.

The cleric traced lockdown to the era of biblical characters like Joseph, Elijah, David, John the beloved, and many others, said one of the “great things” that would come out of the lockdown is an increase in birthrate all over the world.

He said, “A lot of great things are going to come out of this lockdown. Let me advise those of you who are Pastors – you are resting now; I am busy. Get ready because early next year, you’ll be having a lot of naming ceremonies. You’ll be going from house to house naming newborn babies as a result of the lockdown.”

The cleric added that the total number of recovered patients across the globe is amazing, adding that the percentage of discharged patients is less than one-tenth of the associated deaths recorded.

“Aren’t you amazed at the number of those released compared to people who died? Check all over the world, you’ll find out that the number is less than those who have been healed.

“If you do a scientific study, you’ll find out that the number of people who had died as a result of coronavirus is far less than those who died by accidents and other means,” he said.

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