Amotekun: "You Can’t Run Away From Shadows Of Your Errors" – Osun PDP Tells Oyetola

The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has advised Governor Gboyega Oyetola to surrender to fate of his goof over the appointment of Mr Amitolu Shittu as Director General of Amotekun security outfit in the State and stop making mockery of staff of authority he laboured so fraudulently to procure for himself.

The PDP through its State Publicity Secretary, Honorable Sunday Bisi on Saturday wondered why the governor would choose to descend so low to succumbing to the pressure of afterthought change of Mr Amitolu’s appointment as Amotekun DG in the state to that of Amotekun Field Commander, the 6th in the chain of Amotekun Command Management Team as provided by the Amotekun Law passed by the State House of Assembly, ostensibly after being caught napping by the PDP in the shame of the school boy, arrogant error of Mr Governor.

Osun PDP spokesperson said “the governor’s sudden change on the nomenclature of the appointment of the APC chieftain as Amotekun Director General after all the arrogant stance of his men as if the governor was operating on an express license of willful violation of the laws of the land without repercussions. The party vowed to assist the governor with all legal means, to restore normalcy to his acrimonious ways of doing things in the state.”

“It is to be noted that the Osun PDP has approached the Federal High Court seeking a nullification of the appointment of Amitolu Shittu as the DG of Amotekun, on the ground that Amitolu is not a person who is trained, skilled or knowledgeable in security matters. It is also the contention of the PDP that the purported appointment of Amitolu did not go through the confirmation of the House of Assembly coupled with the fact that the office of DG is strange to the Amotekun Law.

In a clandestine attempt to escape the hammer of the law, Governor Oyetola changed the nomenclature of Amitolu’s appointment from the widely reported DG as contained in the press release signed by his CPS on 24th April, 2020, to Field Commander of Amotekun with a purported letter of appointment post dated to 30th April, 2020, incidentally, the very day the Osun PDP served a pre-action notice on the government for the wrong appointment.”

The PDP expressed surprise as why the Governor would want to toy and play dirty politics with the security of lives and citizens of Osun State. The PDP is therefore calling the attention of the good people of Osun State to be alert as the Governor is not serious and cannot be trusted with the highly sensitive security affairs of the citizens and residents of Osun State. Hon. Bisi stressed that It is disheartening that the Governor can decline to the base instead of doing the needful under the Amotekun law by twisting the nomenclature of Shittu’s appointment from DG to Field Commander, the 6th in the cadre of the Amotekun Command Management Team which Team has not been put in place and the Governing Board yet to be appointed as required by the law.

The PDP also called the attention of the populace to the fact of the illegal recruitment into the Amotekun Agency as there is no yet in place the Governing Board that is vested with the powesr of recruitment into the agency.

Adebutu Commiserates With the People of Imasayi as Olu of Imasayi Joins Ancestors

The former member of the 8th National Assembly who represented Remo Federal Constituency, Honourable (Dr) Oladipupo Adebutu expresses his condolence to the people of Imasayi on the glorious exit of His Royal Highness Oba Gbadebo Olusola Oni, Onibo II, Olu of Imasayi.

“The demise of Oba Gbadebo Olusola Oni, no doubt, is a painful one but since God is the giver of life, we cannot query Him. We are, however, grateful for the leadership and exemplary life lived by the great king”, he said.

While praising him as a traditional ruler who upheld religiously the culture and values of Yorubaland, Adebutu posited that the reverred kabiyesi was highly particular about the development of Imasayi Kingdom and Ogun State generally. “During his life time, he was known as a man who was passionate about the development of Imasayi and Ogun State as a whole. He never pretended about his desire for a prosperous Ogun State”.

According to the Ogun State born philanthropist, the Monarch will be greatly missed for his wisdom and words of advise.

Adebutu prayed God to continue to be with the family, Imasayi Kingdom, Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

Rest in peace Alayeluwa.

Signed:

Afolabi Orekoya

Media Consultant, Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation

WAEC releases guidelines for 2020 WASSCE

The West African Examination Council, on Tuesday, released guidelines for the conduct of the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, had on Monday at a briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja announced that the 2020 WASSCE would hold between August 4 and September 5, 2020.

The Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Mr Patrick Areghan, appealed to state governments and corporate organisations for funds to provide personal protective equipment for officials who would conduct the examination.

He said, “In conducting the examination, we have taken due cognisance of the various measures/protocols rolled out by the federal and state governments of Nigeria aimed at checking the spread of the pandemic. Schools must provide wash-hand buckets with running water, soaps, hand sanitizers and thermometer hand-gun to check the temperature of all concerned.

“All examination functionaries, including the council’s staff on distribution; supervisors, invigilators, inspectors, candidates and school officials will be required to wear face masks, wash and sanitize their hands daily and throughout the duration of the examination.”

“Let me assure you and the general public that we shall adhere strictly to social/physical distancing in the examination halls by making sure that candidates sit two metres apart. This means that many more classrooms will be used and many more supervisors and invigilators will be required to conduct the examinations.

“This has certainly raised the supervision fee to be paid to supervisors as well as the provision of Personal Protective Equipment to staff, supervisors and other examination officials. No doubt, all these measures have financial implications, which were not contemplated at the time of drawing up the budget for the conduct of the examination.”

Areghan added that the final international timetable had been sent to all the WAEC zonal and branch offices for onward dispatch to schools, federal and state ministries of education.

Flooding: Ogun Vows To Demolish Structures Obstructing Waterways

Ogun State government has said it will not hesitate to demolish houses and structures obstructing waterways in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, who spoke on Sunday during the inspection of areas affected by flooding in Abeokuta, urged people living along river channels to relocate to safer places.

A torrential downpour, which lasted about 16 hours on Saturday, wreaked havoc and submerged houses, shops, vehicles and goods, among others, in Abeokuta, leaving many residents to count their losses.

Some of the areas affected within the Abeokuta metropolis include Kuto, Isale-Igbein, Lanfewa, Amolaso, Ijeun-Titun, Ago-Ijesa, Abiola Way, Isale Abetu, Sokori, Igbore, Oke-Mosan, Isale Ake and Adigbe.

Speaking after assessing the places ravaged by the flood, Abudu-Balogun identified human activities such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways, as a major factor responsible for the flooding.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by his counterpart in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami, said the state government would take decisive steps to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

He restated the commitment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to dredging of rivers to give way for free flow of water so as to prevent recurrence of flooding in parts of the state.

Abudu-Balogun said: “As a government, we are going to take a decisive steps to ensure that residents comply with environmental laws. We are happy that no life was lost yesterday (Saturday). We will ensure that corrections are made to forestall annual recurrence of this natural disaster.

“We have seen the extent of the damage done by the flooding. We will continue to dredge canals in the state to allow for free passage of water.

“The effect of human activities, that is building on water ways and indiscriminate dumping of refuse inside stream and rivers are factors responsible for what we are seeing here. We can all see the devastating effect that these have caused.”

Schools Reopening : Ogun ASUSS Bodd Lists Conditions – Newjaunts

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools ASUSS has asked the state government to ensure a conducive learning environment for the resumption of schools in the state.

The state ASUSS chairman Mr Lasisi Akeem speaking with Rock City FM News says the union is not against the reopening of schools for graduating students but want some precautionary measures to be put in place by the government.

Lasisi list the conditions as including:

The provision of infra red thermometer, hand sanitizers and safety guards for the teaching and non teaching staffs as well as enforcement of the use of facemasks by students.

According to the ASUSS chairman teachers must also be trained on the procedures for handling Covid-19 crisis and to identify students who have Covid-19 problem due to lack of isolation centers in all the schools in the state.

Lasisi stated that ASUSS, NUT and ANCOPSS are still awaiting the Governor to announce the modalities and protocols that would be observed in schools and the date for real opening of schools.

Source: ASUSS PRESS CREW

CAS lauds troops on progress in fight against insurgency

The Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, has lauded troops of the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole on progress in fight against insurgency.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, addressing NAF troops in Maiduguri on Saturday

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, has lauded troops of the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole for making substantial progress in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.

Abubakar made the commendation on Satuday while addressing Officers, Air Men and Air Women at the Maiduguri Air Force Base.

He urged them to increase the tempo so as to round up the operations by the end of the year.

“I want to say that we are satisfied and excited that you are making substantial progress in ensuring that the Boko Haram terrorists are eliminated in the North East and our people can go back to their farms and live their normal lives.

“I want to urge you to continue to ensure that everything is being done to ensure that north east and indeed the entire country is secured.

“Keep working hard. I want to assume that at least before the end of this year or latest by the end of this year we should be rounding up this operation,” Abubakar said.

While noting that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to support the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), he said the surveillance aircraft sent to Germany for maintenance was back and would be deployed to support operations in north east.

He also said that substantial progress had been made in acquiring the Super Tucano aircraft from USA and that personnel from NAF to handle the planes had been nominated to commence training.

The CAS lauded the improved synergy between the Air Force and Nigerian Army and assured that the air force would continue to work closely with the ground troops.

He added this would be by shaping the ground for the ground troops to conduct their operations as effectively as possible.

He also assured the troops of NAF commitment to their welfare at all time.

“On our part at the Air Force headquarters, I want to assure you that we will continue to support your operations not only in terms of training and equipment.

“But all the welfare requirements that you need in order to make you more effective in the discharge of your assigned tasks,” the CAS assured the troops.

Newsjaunts reports that highlight of the occasion is the inspection of some war planes at the base by the Air Chief, who interacted with the respective crews to boost their morale.

Alleged Fraud: US, UK Seek Extradition Of 10 Nigerian Businessmen

• Austria, Poland, Brazil, Ukraine, Niger also write for Mutual Legal Assistance

At least 10 Nigerian businessmen and companies have been declared wanted by no fewer than seven countries including the United States, United Kingdom and Austria following their indictment for alleged multi-million dollars fraud.

As a result, the US, UK, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Brazil and Niger Republic have between March and June written the Nigerian government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, seeking Mutual Legal Assistance, MLA for the extradition of the indicted businessmen.

Saturday Sun quoted a source at the AGF office in Abuja as saying that Malami had since directed the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to investigate the indicted Nigerians for possible prosecution and extradition to face charges in the affected countries.

According to the source, two of the requests came from the United States, seeking the arrest of Messrs Nsima Idem and Richard Legemah, accused of defrauding a New Jersey based religious organization of $200,000. The request was subsequently directed to the EFCC on March 18, 2020 in a letter referenced CAU/MLA/023/2020.

Another of such requests from the US pertains to the investigation of an individual, whose alias was given as Thompson Galbraith. It came in another letter referenced CAU/MLA/022/2020, and also dated March 18, 2020, from the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to the EFCC.

In its own MLA request, the United Kingdom is seeking the investigation and prosecution of two individuals, Anthony Omo Okoh and Sandra Okoh. The request, for their arrest was communicated to the EFCC through the AGF via a letter dated June 17, 2020 with reference number CAU/MLA/033/20.

The third country seeking MLA from Nigeria which the AGF referred to the EFCC for prompt response, in the last three months, is Austria. The Ministry source told Saturday Sun that the MLA pertains to the execution of a disclosure of information on bank accounts and other transactions and seizures. The request was communicated to the EFCC through a letter marked CAU/MLA/193/18 sent from the AGF’s office.

The Ukrainian National Anti-Corruption Bureau also made an MLA request in criminal proceedings from Nigeria on March 18, 2020. The request was routed through the AGF’s office to the EFCC in a letter referenced CAU/MLA/016/20.

The same request was made by Poland on June 8, 2020 concerning Pitbull West Company. The source gave the reference number of the letter as CAU/MLA/031/20.

The sixth request for MLA came from Brazil on March 18, 2020. It borders on information on Chijoke Andrew Okonkwo who is wanted in Brazil for some criminal matters. The request was communicated to the EFCC through the AGF in a letter referenced CAU/MLA/77/19 while another request came from Niger Republic concerning the extradition of Hima Aboubakar. The letter dated 18 June, 2020, also emanated from the AGF’s office to the EFCC and it was referenced CAU/Ext/222/18.

The source disclosed that the EFCC has since begun tracing the indicted Nigerian businessmen with a view to bringing them before the court for prosecution and extradition orders. The official further stated that the AGF memos on the MLA requests to the EFCC may not represent recent insinuations of possible rift between Malami and Magu. Dismissing media reports of deep animosity between the two top officials driving the Buhari administration’s anti-corruption war, the source further claimed that the AGF has often commended Magu’s strides at the EFCC.

Source: Saturday Sun

Obaseki wasn’t on APC’s ballot at primary poll, comparison with Nwosu’s case is a show of ignorance – PDP

Obaseki wasn’t on APC’s ballot at primary poll, comparison with Nwosu’s case is a show of ignorance – PDP

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flayed the unfounded insinuation that Governor Godwin Obaseki risks the Supreme Court verdict delivered on Mr. Uche Nwosu, the factional candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election in Imo State, who was disqualified for standing for election on the platforms of two political parties.

In a statement, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Osa Nehikare, said those who are making the claims to muddle the waters are being smart by half and are at best ignorant of the law and the circumstances surrounding the governor’s emergence as the candidate of the PDP.

According to him, “We want to put it on record that the governor contested for the primary election of only the PDP. He was unjustly disqualified from the APC primary and wasn’t even on the ballot during the poll.

“While on the converse, Uche Nwosu in Imo State was the factional candidate of the APC after the primary election. He was returned elected and only ran to Action Alliance after he was edged out of the contest. The Supreme Court, in fact, ruled that he had a valid ticket with the APC, which invalidated his candidacy in AA.

“Hence, whoever draws a parallel between these two cases is either incapable of rational thoughts or is outrightly out to deceive his paymasters, who apparently do not know better.

“We call on members of the public to disregard the resort to such lazy and defective thinking. Governor Obaseki is going to the polls with an unblemished ticket as against the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who has a multiplicity of legal booby traps planted by his party at the state and national levels”.

PDP Dissolves S/West Zonal Caretaker Committee, Names New Members

In a statement on Thursday night by Kola Ologbondiyan, Publicity Secretary of the party, the newly-constituted committee has Mr Dayo Ogungbenro as its chairman while Mr Daisi Akintan will serve as secretary.

Other members of the committee are Chief Taiwo Abayomi Kuye, Chief Adeola Ogunrinde, Mrs Oyebola Fadeyi Awolowo, Prince Nekan Olagbegi, Mrs Funmi Ogun and Honourable Owokoniran Olabisi Wahab.

“The action of the NWC is pursuant to Sections 29 (2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

“The new Caretaker Committee is to pilot the affairs of the party in the South West Zone for a period not exceeding three months (90) days as prescribed by section 32(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution pending the conduct of elective zonal congress.

“The NWC enjoins all leaders and members of our great party in the South West zone to continue to work together in harmony especially as the party join forces with the people of Ondo state for a successful governorship election in September,” the statement read.

Edo 2020: Court deems Ize-Iyamu’s Ambition

The Federal High Court sitting in Benin, on Thursday adjourned the trial of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Sept. 19, Edo governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and four others, till July 7.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and four others were supposed to appear on Thursday before Justice M.G. Umar over charges bordering on alleged N700 million money laundering case filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Court had in its last sitting in Benin on June 18, 2020 validated the corruption charges against the defendants and adjourned the case to July 02, 2020 for further hearing.

The four other defendants in the suit include former Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Dan Orbih; the state chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi; former Deputy Governor of Edo State Lucky Imasuen, and Efe Erimuoghae-Anthony.

The anti-graft agency in Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 had filed eight count charges against the accused persons bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general elections.

The EFCC further accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award.

However, on Thursday, there was no court sitting, but it was observed that some of the defendants and counsels were around the premises.

Speaking to journalists, counsel to Tony Aziegbemi, Mr Pascal Ugbomhe said the case had been adjourned till July 7.

Although he did not specify the reason why it was adjourned, he said,”it is a normal occurrence in court duties. It’s nothing unusual to adjourn matters.

“The defendants and counsels have been in court since about 8am and the court officials informed us that the matter has been adjourned to July 7.”