Osun allocation can not pay electricity bill- Aregbesola

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, says Osun State received only N55m from the Federation Account for the month of September, 2015. He said the money could not even settle the electricity bill of the government secretariat.

The governor said the development was evidence that Nigeria was experiencing an economic meltdown. He, therefore, called on residents of the state to return to agriculture as oil could no longer sustain the nation’s economy.

The governor said this during the inauguration of the new Ife/Orile-Owu 33KV feeder line at Orile-Owu in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the state, according to a statement on Sunday.

The governor said that apart from the price issue, crude oil was no longer selling as fast as it used to, adding that Nigeria must seek other sources of revenue.

He said, “We must at this point tell ourselves the truth; there is no money coming from the Federation Account, 34 million barrels of Nigeria’s crude oil are on the sea without buyers.

“Money coming from the Federation Account has reduced seriously and our hope of survival is in our hands, what our forefathers lived on was agriculture.

“We must now go back to the farms and work. We also need to pay our taxes so that the government can meet its responsibilities. For September, our state got N55.8 million. The money we received cannot pay for the power supply by IBEDC that we use at the state secretariat monthly.

“I want to use this opportunity to admonish us to return to the farms, what we used to rely on as a country and state is no longer there. Oil prices have now dropped seriously, even at about $41 per barrel from a price of over$ 100; Nigeria still cannot sell her oil in the international market.”

The governor said his administration recently gave hectares of land to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture for farming and with the electrification of Orile-Owu and other farm settlements, there would be a boost in agriculture around these areas.

He urged the people of the state to pay their taxes to the government to discharge its duties.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party said the receipt of a paltry N55m by Osun State as the allocation from the Federation Account for the month of September was a confirmation that the state was highly indebted.

The spokesperson for the PDP in Osun State, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, who said this in a statement on Sunday, stated that the allocation remained N55m after deductions of over N1bn to service its debts were made from the source.

The PDP stated that the   people of the state should know why Osun State got a paltry N55m while those in the same category with it got about N2bn.

The statement read, “We have been saying it long before now that Osun State has been slaughtered and eaten up by a gluttonous administration that has been in power in the last five years. The gimmick early this year was ‘Jonathan didn’t give Osun money’ but now, that cannot sell again, hence the confession.

“Before the confession by Ogbeni Aregbesola, three Nigerian newspapers on Friday, November 20, published an allocation table and Osun got N55m, after all deductions, and came last. The next state to Osun among the least earners got N1.5bn.

“What other signs do we need to see that Osun has completely fallen into a recession? But the people of Osun deserve to know from their leader how the state got into this quagmire. This leads us to the question of how much Osun owes. Mr. Governor said the state owes N88bn. But we insist the amount is far more than this.”

The party warned the governor against slamming high taxes on the people of the state, adding that the administration had already impoverished the people with its policies.

In a separate statement, the Civil Society Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State also said that Aregbesola’s administration had no right to collect any taxes from the people of the state because of its failure to comply with the sections of the constitution which stipulates conditions for the collection of taxes.

The chairman of the group, Mr. Sulaiman Adeniyi, said this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

He said the policies of the government had led to the total collapse of the economy of the state and accused the administration of massive corruption and failure to perform its duties to the people.

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Four LGAs yet to receive PVCs –INEC

There are strong indications that this Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State may suffer some hitches.

It was learnt that four out of the eight local government areas of the state had yet to receive their Permanent Voter Cards following the continuous voters registration conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission in September.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, said on Saturday in Yenagoa that efforts so far made to get the PVCs from the INEC headquarters had failed.

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He explained that it took the head of the Information and Computer Technology of the commission in Yenagoa days in Abuja before he was able to get the PVCs for four local government areas.

He mentioned the areas, where PVCs had been supplied as Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Nembe.

He said the outstanding LGAs were Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa, adding that they were released in alphabetical order.

According to the voter register made available by INEC to the political parties participating in the election, a total of 663, 639 persons are eligible to vote in the governorship election.

The breakdown by local government areas shows that Brass has 56,634, Ekeremor, 83,774, Kolokuma/Opokuma, 39,748 and Nembe, 66,384.

The breakdown for the remaining four LGAs, whose PVCs have yet to be collected, shows that Ogbia has 69,253, Sagbama, 79,242, Southern Ijaw, 120,827 and Yenagoa, 139,777.

The REC said over 50,000 PVCs were being expected after the continuous voters registration, but only about 14,000 had been collected.

He said he had informed the political parties participating in the election of the development, asking them to go back and articulate their position for onward presentation to INEC headquarters.

“I asked them to even involve their lawyers and whatever they come up with, if they say the election should be postponed, I will let the headquarters know,” the REC stated.

Some analysts had alleged that the four LGAs, where the PVCs had been received, were the strongholds of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Sylva hails from Brass, which they said, had everything in common with Nembe.

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Lagos drafts VIO, LASTMA, FRSC to tackle gridlock

The Lagos State Government says the Vehicle Inspection Services and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will work with the Federal Road Safety Corps to rid the state of gridlock.

It added that the three government agencies would explore areas of partnership that included joint patrol teams.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Anofiu Elegushi, stated this during a visit to his office in Alausa, Ikeja, by the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC.

He said, “Managing traffic in Lagos requires all agencies with related responsibility to act in unison rather than at cross purpose.

“Synergy among traffic and security agencies will boost enforcement against traffic offences. A significant number of motorists and vehicles do not have the necessary papers to be on the road.”

Elegushi added that the government was receptive to ideas that would help to eradicate gridlock.

The special adviser urged drivers and commuters to exercise patience when driving in the state.

The sector commander noted that joint patrol teams would address both the quality of vehicles on the roads as well as ensure prompt adherence to the demands of the state’s traffic law and other extant laws.

He also called for the establishment of a mobile court to try traffic offenders arrested by the team.

Omeje added that efforts were on to dislodge touts and cartels that frustrated the processing of licences, saying citizens were entitled to such services at appropriate fees.

He further urged action in the area of abandoned vehicles, stating that they were a veritable source of security concern.

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Soyinka rejects faith-based uniforms in schools

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on Monday frowned on the situation where pupils wear uniforms depicting their religious affiliations to schools across the country.

Soyinka spoke during the inauguration of a N750m school built by the Osun State Government in Ejigbo. The school was named after him.

Though Soyinka expressed happiness at the honour done him by Governor Rauf Aregesola, he warned against diving the pupils along religious lines by allowing them to wear uniforms that typified their religious affiliations.

Soyinka said there should be nothing to divide pupils along religious lines, adding that the feeling of holier than thou was one of the factors that brought about the abduction of the Chibok girls by Boko Haram insurgents.

He said, “One of the ways we can reduce this fatalistic sense of holiness is to reduce the element of difference. I wish to implore that we do not distinguish our children by their religions.”

Soyinka, however, commended the governor for what he had done to improve the standard of education in the state.

Aregbesola inaugurated the school established by his administration in Ejigbo.

The governor described Soyinka as the greatest scholar in Africa.

The Wole Soyinka Government High School, Ejigbo is a 3,000-capacity complex with 72 classrooms of 49 square-metres, each capable of sitting 49 students and has six offices for study groups.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said no amount of money spent on education was too much, saying it deserved the utmost attention.

He said that in the first quarter of next year, his government would also inaugurate another set of schools in the same category.

Aregbesola said, “We can construct a good road that will last for 50 years and we are doing that, but this can never compare to the enlightenment an educated person receives in terms of its value to the society and humanity.

“The state of education prior to our coming was appalling and frighteningly so. Zoos were better than the places where the pupils were receiving education. Many of them were dilapidated and falling down.

“These schools were, therefore, not encouraging any serious learning or character building. The result was that the pupils themselves were behaving like animals. They were forming cult groups, fighting regularly with dangerous weapons and engaged in all immoral acts.

“These are children, aged seven and above. My heart bleeds to see the public education system disintegrate and become dysfunctional.”

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New Ooni crowned, makes first public appearance

The new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Monday received the ‘Ade Are’ (Oduduwa’s crown) and made his first public appearance after spending 21 days in seclusion.

Ogunwusi, who was dressed in a white apparel, was said to have been earlier crowned with a white crown at around 5am by the traditional chiefs.

The traditional coronation followed the end of Ogunwusi’s stay at Ilofi, where he spent 21 days to learn certain things and to perform some installation rites.

With this, Ogunwusi, who is from Giesi Ruling House, became the 51st Ooni of Ife and the monarch has taken up the title of Ojaja II.

Ogunwusi, together with members of the Isoro cult, proceeded to a place known as Oke Ora, located between Ile-Ife and Osu, along Ilesa-Ife Expressway, where he received the Oduduwa crown at around 1pm.

Members of the Isoro cult barred journalists from witnessing how the Oduduwa crown was invoked from the hills at ‘Oke Ora.’ The crown was said to have been invoked through some spiritual powers by one of the traditional rulers present there.

The Oduduwa crown, which has red and white colours, was seen hanging on the fist of the new monarch but nobody was allowed to take photograph of it.

Ogunwusi did not place the Oduduwa’s crown on his head, as some of the chiefs said Ooni could only wear the Oduduwa crown once in a year. They said the new Ooni would wear the crown later this year during the Olojo Festival.

Ogunwusi greeted the traditional rulers present at the site where the crown was said to have been invoked and he continued with other rites lined up for him there.

Separate groups in the town were said to have started different rites in the town since morning.

The monarch visited many strategic places in the town to continue the installation rites. He visited his family compound and Obalufe compound where he also performed some rites.

Gunshots were fired into the air by hunters to celebrate with him and to welcome the new monarch whose appointment has received wide acceptability across the town.

It was gathered that several mats had already been spread from Enuwa Square to the Ile Oodua (Ooni’s palace). The new Ooni would enter the palace through the back door, which had been locked since the demise of Oba Okunade Sjuwade.

A source said that immediately the new Ooni entered the palace, all the doors which had been shut would be opened. This, the source said, was a sign that the new Ooni had come to the palace.

Meanwhile, residents of the town trooped out to join the procession as the Ooni moved from place to place in continuation of the rites.

The inauguration of the new Ooni and the presentation of the staff of office to the monarch will hold on December 7.

The elaborate ceremony is expected to have in attendance dignitaries from all over the country and outside.

Ogunwusi, who is into real estate, was selected by the kingmakers as the new Ooni and his appointment was approved by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who announced him in a letter written on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government.

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Defence lawyers oppose withdrawal of charges against Biafra activist

A cross-section of people protesting the arrest of Radio Biafra’s director in Onitsha... on Friday.

Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

Lawyers to a leader of Biafra agitation and Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday opposed an application by the Department of State Service to withdraw the charges instituted against him before a Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

The lawyers, led by Mr. Jude Aboje, told the court presided over by a chief magistrate, Shuaibu Usman, that they wanted the orders of the court directing the release of the accused from DSS custody to be complied with before the withdrawal of the case.

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Aboje also accused the DSS of going behind his client to obtain order from Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court in Abuja to obtain an order to keep the accused in custody for 90 days through an ex parte application after the magistrate’s court had earlier granted him (Kanu) bail on October 19.

DSS’ lawyer, Mr. Moses Idakwo, had applied for the discontinuance of the charge in line with provisions of section 108(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 due to what he described as fresh facts in the case which could not be entertained under the court’s jurisdiction.

He said the prosecution intended to discontinue the case in order to institute fresh charges against the accused before the court with the requisite jurisdiction.

Kanu was on October 19, 2015 arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society as well as criminal intimidation, offences said to be contrary to Section 97 (a) and (b) and 397 of the Penal Code.

The DSS produced Kanu in court on Monday for the first time after three previous sessions that held in his absence.

Kanu who was led into the courtroom at about 10.25am was cheered by some of his supporters who were already seated.

Outside the court premises were a large number of his loyalists who hailed him as the vehicle in which he was driven in, arrived the court at about 10.21am.

There was heavy presence of riot and regular policemen numbering over 100 around and along the inroads to the court.

The supporters chanted solidarity songs for Kanu as he was driven away after the proceedings. But he was not allowed to acknowledge cheers from his supporters as he was pushed by the DSS operatives into a waiting vehicle and was driven off immediately.

During the proceedings which finally commenced with the arrival of the magistrate at 10.42am, prosecuting counsel, Idakwo, said contrary to the impression created by the defence lawyers, the accused persons had not met the bail conditions imposed by the court as the DSS was still in the process of verifying the location and worth of the landed property presented by the surety as directed by the court.

He said, “In order not to waste the time of this honourable court, I will like to inform the court that the complainant has stumbled on some facts which take the matter out of the jurisdiction of this court.

“As a result, we are asking for the discontinuance of this case in line with section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

“Coupled with the fact that the accused person has been unable to perfect his bail condition and the fact that there is a court order remanding him in the custody of the complainant, the complainant is ready to expeditiously arraign him before the appropriate court.”

In response, Aboje said Idakwo had not fully complied with the provisions of section 108(1) of the ACJ Act which according to him requires the instruction of the Attorney-General of Federation directing the discontinuance of the case to be filed before the court and served on the defence.

Aboje also urged the magistrate not to grant the prosecution’s application until the order of the court granting bail to the accused person  and the other directing the DSS to relinquish custody of the accused person to prison authorities were complied with.

He accused the prosecution of not being diligent enough in the verification of the property presented by the surety.

“We urge your lordship not to allow the discontinuance of the matter until they comply with all the subsisting orders of the court,” Aboje said.

Replying on points of law, Idakwo debunked the allegation of secretly obtaining the order of the Federal High Court to keep Kanu in custody, arguing that the law permitted the DSS to apply for such order only through ex parte application.

He also said the DSS had applied for the order before the accused was granted bail.

The magistrate fixed December 1 for ruling on the application for discontinuance of the case.

Part of the particulars of the charges against Kanu was that he appointed himself Commander of the Loyal Forces of Biafra and was broadcasting to the whole world the dire consequences the government and people of Nigeria will surfer should they attempt hinder the actualization of the Republic of Biafra.

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Audu’s death shocking, painful – Saraki

Symphatisers signing the condolence register in Audu's country home

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Monday described as painful and shocking, the demise of the former governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu.
Audu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the  governorship election held on Saturday in the state, died moments after the poll was declared inconclusive.
But Saraki in a statement by  his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the late politician died a dogged and visionary leader.
The statement added that Saraki expressed deep sadness on receiving the news of Audu’s death.
He  condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Kogi State and the national and state executives as well as members of the APC over the irreparable loss.
He recalled the tenacity of purpose and unwavering loyalty of the deceased who he said remained committed to the course of his people and his party to the very last moment of his life.
Saraki said, “He (Audu)  was selfless, steadfast and patriotic in his services to the people of Kogi State and beyond.
“He was a visionary and patriotic party faithful. All his life time, he lived for the people.
“His death is extremely painful but we cannot question the will of the Almighty Allah in the present sorrowful circumstances.
“Audu, was a leader in all ramifications. He died when his services to the good people of Kogi State and Nigeria in general were most needed.
“We cannot but recall how committed and firm he was to his policies and pro-people ideology. His death is simply unbearable.
“As Muslims, we have taken his death in good faith because we strongly believe that only God gives life and can as well take it when He wishes,” he stated.
Saraki urged the people of the State to be calm and peaceful, saying even at death, “all Audu wanted for Kogi State is progress, peaceful coexistence and development.”
He prayed to Allah to grant ‘Aljanah Firdaus’  to the soul of the deceased, and the family, the fortitude to bear the loss.

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Audu’s death devastates me, says Buhari

 
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said the news of the death of the All Progressives Congress’ candidate in the inconclusive Kogi State governorship election devastated him.
Buhari who is currently attending the third Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran, Iran said this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
The President said he received the news with shock.
“We are obviously devastated at the loss,” the President was quoted as saying.
He described the deceased as a talented politician, a loving family head and a respected community leader.
“He was immensely courageous,” the President added.
He condoled with the family of Audu, the government and people of Kogi State as well as all APC members who stood by him in his bid return as governor.
He observed that the deceased ran as the favourite in the election as the early results showed.
Buhari prayed to Allah to repose the soul of the deceased and to give his family, the people of Kogi State and the APC members all over Nigeria the fortitude to bear the loss.

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Kogi APC gov candidate, Abubakar Audu buried

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Abubakar Audu, has been buried according to Islamic rites.
He was buried in his hometown, Ogbonicha, in Ofu Local Government Area.
Audu, 68, died on Sunday, a day after voting in the governorship election, sending shock waves across the country.
Ahead of his burial on Monday, rumours that he had “woken up” led to wild jubilations in parts of the state capital, Lokoja.
This came after our correspondent observed ongoing preparations for his burial at his country home.
Associates at the burial included his running mate, Abiodun Faleke, and Senator Dino Melaye.
The state government had on Sunday declared seven days of mourning after the former governor’s death was confirmed.
Details soon…

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Court reserves ruling in Mohammed’s libel suit against Metuh

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has further adjourned till December 8, 2015 to rule in a N500m libel suit filed against the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh.
The claimant in the suit filed before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, is a former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Mohammed, who is now the Minister for Information and Culture, claimed that he was maligned through a press statement dated September 20, 2015 credited to Metuh.
On November 17, after entertaining arguments from the parties, Justice Ipaye had adjourned ruling till Monday. The ruling could, however, not be delivered as the judge did not sit on Monday.
Apart from seeking N500m as compensation for alleged reputational damage, Mohammed is also seeking a court order compelling Metuh to retract the contentious press statement and to tender a published apology to him in a national daily to run for seven consecutive days.
Mohammed’s lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, claimed that Metuh, in the said statement, painted Mohammed as a fraudster, an economic saboteur and a corrupt and dubious character who must not be entrusted with money.
He alleged that Metuh made a categorical statement to the effect that Mohammed embezzled the funds meant for the fencing of an airport in one of the APC-controlled states in the South-West and also diverted funds meant for the purchase of ambulances in an APC-controlled state.
He also claimed that Metuh went further to express shock that Mohammed could muster the courage to speak against corruption, when, according to him, Mohammed had mastered the art of corruption, having been “a personal aide to one of the most corrupt politicians to ever bestride the political space of the country.”
Mohammed, who said he was a one-time coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation, claimed that the statement credited to Metuh was carefully calculated to inflict damage on his reputation and to lessen him in the estimation of the public.
His lawyer, Shittu, said Mohammed was entitled to all his claims against Metuh.
But Metuh, through his lawyer, Chief Emeka Etiaba (SAN), had filed a preliminary objection as the court to “either strike out Mohammed’s suit for being incompetent or to dismiss it for being unmeritorious.”
Etiaba argued that Mohammed failed to comply with Order 3 Rule 9 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rule 2012 and Section 97 of the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act Cap S6, LFN, 2004 and that that failure had rendered the suit incompetent and liable to be struck out.
Among other alleged errors, Etiaba claimed that Mohammed’s application was not served on the defendant within five days and that the affidavit in support of the application was not duly signed.
Besides, he said, “The application is not specific as to the libelous materials sought to be restrained.”

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US military helicopter crash kills two in S’Korea

A U.S. military helicopter crashed in the east region of South Korea Monday, killing two pilots aboard, Yonhap news agency reported citing the police.

The AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed at around 6:20 p.m. local time (0920 GMT) on the road in Wonju, Gangwon province.

The two pilots aboard were confirmed dead. The helicopter caught fire while falling down and was entirely damaged, according to the report.

The police, military and firefighting authorities were investigating the cause of the incident.

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Probe Aregbesola regime, Osun LP tells EFCC

The Labour Party in Osun State has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to beam their searchlight on the activities of Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration.

The Chairman of the LP in the state, Mr. Tunde Olatunji, and the former governorship candidate of the party, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, said this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday, after its stakeholders’ meeting.

The opposition party said the inability of the state government to pay its workers and other problems confronting the state were caused by the maladministration of the All Progressives Congress government in the state.

The statement read, “Our dear state is in a messy situation today and the people are messed up too through the visionless administration of Aregbesola. Many things have gone awry which now make it compelling more than ever before for the EFCC and ICPC to look seriously into the activities of the Aregbesola administration.

“We can’t continue like this. The situation is hopeless. Salaries are not being paid and everything appears to be at a standstill.

“Aregbesola has ruined our state and bruised the psyche of our people. Earnestly, our people are yearning for a desired change. This, we must all work towards. Enough of this deceit which has foisted untold hardship on our people.”

Meanwhile, the APC in the state has said history will vindicate Aregbesola.

The ruling part said the governor had performed very well, contrary to the claims of his critics.

The APC said this through the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi.

The ruling party said this while responding to the award which the Nigerian Association of Primary Schools Head-Teachers presented to the governor to acknowledge his education policy.

Oyatomi said, “History will vindicate Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, regardless of what pessimists and envious critics may have to say about his tenure.

“Indeed, knowledgeable people in the country, who have seen through the quality and content of his programmes, are already giving their thumps up, especially on education.”

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Mariners ask Amaechi to visit Lagos ports

Two master mariners on Monday advised the Minister of Transport , Mr Rotimi Amaechi, to visit the Lagos Ports on an–on-the-spot assessment of them .

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They said such a visit would afford the minister the opportunity on how he could address the myriad of problems confronting them.
The master mariners: Capt. Tajudeen Alao and Capt. Adewale Ishola, gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Capt. Alao said the minister would understand the multiple factors causing congestion at the ports.
He said, “The minister should ensure that cargo is moved out of the Lagos Ports freely.”
According to him, this can be achieved by decongesting the ports, decongesting the roads and making the roads motorable.
“Of course, the minister will instruct on what should be done but sincerely, a visit to the Lagos ports is necessary, ” Alao said.
Also, Capt. Ishola called on the minister to put a new mechanism in place to ensure a free-flow of goods in and out of the ports.
He said as a maritime nation, Nigeria should understand and appreciate that the trade cycle was only complete when goods were delivered safely to their destinations.
Ishola said the minister’s visit to the Lagos ports would help the situation to improve than when he merely got reports.
He condemned the perennial gridlock along Apapa/Oshodi Expressway and along Ijora-Apapa Road.
“This is the gateway to Nigeria’s economy and nobody is happy about the stand-still situation there,” Ishola said.

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NDLEA arrests suspected drug baron, seizes 576kg narcotics

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspected drug baron, Tochukwu Ubah, alleged to be coordinating a large volume of methamphetamine and ephedrine distribution in the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, in Lagos on Sunday.
The statement said Ubah was arrested by the agency’s Special Enforcement Team at the old local section of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos upon arrival from Enugu.

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“He was apprehended after intense undercover operations in connection with illegal exportation of 576kgs of narcotics to Durban, South Africa through Apapa Port.
“The drug made up of 266kg of methamphetamine and 310kgs of ephedrine valued at N4.6 billion were hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil,” it said.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations by the NDLEA revealed that the suspect is also known as Etochukwu Alaek Weubah and Eto Ubah.
It alleged that the 42-year-old had a company, Visoch Resources Limited, which he used as a cover for his clandestine drug business.
The statement said, “Although the surveillance report indicates that he is a major player in drug smuggling, Ubah hides under the cover of floor tile business.
“Apart from the seized drugs, other items in the consignment include maize, vegetables, palm oil, malt drinks, seasoning, noodles and cereals.
The statement quoted the SET commander, Mr Sunday Zirangey, as saying that Ubah’s arrest took place simultaneously with the interception of the consignment of drugs to South Africa.

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12 on Australian terror watchlist

Australian officials said Monday they were aware of 12 men or boys in the community who they believe could commit an act of terror, as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull convened a national security meeting.

Canberra has become increasingly concerned about the prospect of lone-wolf attacks by individuals inspired by groups such as Islamic State, and a tightening of counter-terrorism laws is underway.

Six attacks in Australia have been foiled over the past year, according to the government. But several have not, including a police employee shot dead in Sydney last month by a 15-year-old reportedly shouting religious slogans.

The Australian Federal Police’s counter-terrorism chief Neil Gaughan told ABC television that a group of 12 men or boys capable of committing an act of terror were being closely watched.

“I think there can be no doubt that there’s a small group in Sydney that are engaged in activity which wants to upset the Australian way of life,” he said.

The national broadcaster said the 12 were part of a larger group of 19, seven of whom were in prison.

Some of those under surveillance were subject to orders controlling their movements and communications because police believed there was an “unacceptable, high risk they will commit a terrorist attack”, Gaughan added.

“Our first point of call in relation to these investigations is where there’s been a criminal offence committed we arrest, charge and prosecute,” he said. “If we don’t meet that threshold, the next step we look at is a control order.”

The revelations came as Turnbull met in Canberra with his national security committee to discuss further ways to deal with violent extremism. He had returned from several overseas summits dominated by terror concerns following the Paris attacks that left 130 dead.

Turnbull told parliament that tackling the financing of terrorism and the use of social media for propaganda, as well as helping build greater social cohesion, were high on his agenda.

“The terrorists want us to bend to their will, to be frightened, to change the way we go about our lives, to abandon our values,” he said.

“If we do that, they win. And they will not win, we will not let them win.”

A poll in The Australian newspaper showed 76 percent of 1,573 interviewees believe a terror event in their country is either inevitable, very likely or likely.

Authorities raised Australia’s terror threat alert to high just over a year ago. They introduced new security laws and have since conducted several raids.

The moves followed Melbourne police shooting dead a “known terror suspect” who stabbed two officers in September 2014, just one day after Islamic State militants called for Muslims to indiscriminately kill Australians.

Last December Iranian-born self-styled cleric Man Haron Monis and two hostages were killed following a 17-hour siege at a central Sydney cafe.

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Ooni-elect’s traditional coronation holds today

The Ooni of Ife-elect, Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is expected to leave Ilofi, where he has been undergoing installation rites in the past 21 days later on Sunday (yesterday)

 

Ogunwusi, who was appointed as the 51st Ooni of Ife, will on Monday (today) go to the Ile Oodua, the palace where he is expected to be crowned traditionally the same day.

One of his close aides, Mr. Biyi Odunlade, said this while briefing journalists on Sunday.

The new monarch, who will be crowned by traditional chiefs at a ceremony for only the initiated, will later appear in public briefly. His inauguration and elaborate ceremony will hold on Monday, December 7.

He said, “The Ooni will leave Ilofi later tonight (Sunday) and he will be crowned tomorrow (Monday). The Ooni does not receive the crown in the public. Unlike other Obas, who are crowned in public, Ooni of Ife doesn’t receive the crown in public.

“The traditional crowning will be done at the palace on Monday (today) but the inauguration would hold on December 7. The Ooni will come out to see some people after the traditional coronation.”

The Obadio of Ife, Oba Olajide Faloba, when contacted, also said Ogunwusi would be crowned on Monday.

He said the traditional coronation would hold on Monday and the inauguration ceremony, which would hold later, would be an occasion for the presentation of staff of office to the new Ooni.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola approved the appointment of Ogunwusi as the Ooni of Ife in a letter by the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Moshood Adeoti.

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Explosion hits controversial Tokyo war shrine, no injuries

A suspected explosive device damaged a bathroom at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Monday, but no one at the controversial war memorial was hurt, officials and news reports said.

Police received reports of a loud bang and smoke rising near the public bathroom inside the shrine on Monday morning, a spokesman said.

Public broadcaster NHK said the small blast occurred as a larger-than-usual number of people were visiting the shrine for an annual harvest festival.

Police found the ceiling and wall of the bathroom damaged and burned, NHK said, adding that they also found a battery and wire there.

A bomb unit attended the scene and police have now launched an investigation into whether the incident was a targeted attack.

“Fortunately, no one was injured,” a shrine official said, adding that it had not received any threat in connection with the explosion.

The shrine honours millions of Japan’s war dead, but also controversially includes several senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes.

Visits to the shrine by senior Japanese politicians routinely draw an angry reaction from Beijing and Seoul, which see it as a symbol of Tokyo’s military past.

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Kogi gov: How Audu, Wada performed in LGs

Details are:
Okehi LGA:                  APC – 10,170; PDP – 8,504
Mopa-Muro:                 APC – 3,888; PDP – 4,195
Ogori-Magongo:            APC – 1,931; PDP – 2,601
Ajaokuta:                      APC – 8,581; PDP – 6,903
Adavi:                           APC – 15,636; PDP – 11,902
Koton-Karfe:                  APC – 10,426; PDP – 9,316
Okenne:                         APC – 14,786; PDP – 15,968
Yagba West:                   APC – 7,930; PDP – 7,021
Ijumu:                             APC – 9,958; PDP – 6,040
Yagba East:                      APC – 7,129; PDP – 5,368
Idah:                                APC 11,779; PDP – 6,952
Kabba-Burnu:                    APC – 9,659; PDP – 7,768
Omala:                              APC – 9,228; PDP – 10,517
Ofu:                                   APC – 16,800; PDP – 10,997
Ankpa                                 APC – 22,983; PDP – 14,731
Olamaboro                          APC -13,227; PDP – 8,202
Igalamela                            APC 9,003; PDP – 8,683
Bassa                                  APC – 11.815; PDP – 9,258
Lokoja                                 APC – 13,517; PDP 12,414
Dekina:                               APC – 20,994; PDP – 21,602
Ibaji:                                   APC – 11,427; PDP – 10.572

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(UPDATED) Audu, Kogi APC candidate is dead – Associates

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Kogi State Governorship election, Abubakar Audu, is dead, Naijatonic has confirmed.
Associates and aides of the 68-year-old politician confirmed that Audu died earlier today around 12pm, but news of his demise was concealed in the hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission would declare him winner of the election before they disclose it.
A former governor of the state and political associate of Audu, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, confirmed his death to our correspondent in Lokoja.
Bello, a former speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and current member of the assembly, said he confirmed the news from one of Audu’s wives as well as his driver.
“It is true, oga is dead. He died this afternoon at his house in his hometown,” Bello said.
Sahara Reporters had reported his death earlier, saying that the former governor died shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Saturday’s elections inconclusive.
However, one of Audu’s aides told our correspondent that he died in his sleep.
The Kogi State Government has declared seven days of mourning for the late politician.
He is to be buried on Monday morning.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State inconclusive.
The Returning Officer of the election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, had declared the election inconclusive because the number of votes cancelled was more than the number of votes with which Audu led incumbent governor, Capt. Idris Wada.
Saturday’s election was his fourth attempt to return to the Kogi State government house.

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 Audu, Kogi APC candidate rumoured dead
Unconfirmed reports reaching The Naijatonic indicate that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Kogi State Governorship election, Abubakar Audu, has died.
Sahara Reporters had reported his death earlier.
Audu is said to have died earlier today, but his death was kept secret by his family and associates according to additional reports from Kogi State.
Sahara Reporters, however, said Audu had died shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Saturday’s elections inconclusive.
The naijatonic is verifying the reports.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State inconclusive.
The Returning Officer of the election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, had declared the election inconclusive because the number of votes cancelled was more than the number of votes with which Audu led incumbent governor, Capt. Idris Wada.
Kucha said Audu polled 240,867 votes, 41,353 votes more than the 199,514 votes Wada got. However, the cancelled votes were 49,953.
The victory at the poll was meant to have allowed Audu to become the governor of the state for the third time.
A former banker, Audu, 68, had first been elected as governor of the state in 1991 – serving from 1992 till 1993, under the abortive third republic.
After five years of military rule, he was elected again under the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party and governed the state from May 1999 to May 2003 after he failed in his re-election bid.
“On a general note, the election process went well across Kogi State, with election officials turning up and carrying out their responsibilities in most polling units visited,” election monitoring group, Situation Room, said in a statement on Sunday morning.
Wada had, however, criticised the conduct of the electionon Saturday after his accreditation and again after voting, informing journalists that there was a plot to undermine the outcome and scuttle his chances.

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Police arrest suspected killer of Bayelsa APC stalwart

The police in Bayelsa have arrested one Promise Meshak for the alleged murder of a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Andrew June.

The police were also said to have invited 17 persons including a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alex Ekiotenne, in connection with the death.

June was stabbed to death with machetes last Wednesday while returning from Ekeremor town after attending the APC governorship campaign along with others who also suffered various degrees of injuries.

Confirming the arrest on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the prime suspect, Meshak, was apprehended.

He said Meshak, a 23-year-old man, allegedly inflicted the deceased APC member with machete cuts which led to his eventual death.

He, however, said others — either arrested or invited — were for investigation purpose, adding that the public would be kept abreast of the development.

“I can tell you that the prime suspect, Promise Meshak, has been apprehended. If there are other persons arrested in connection with the murder, it is for investigation purpose. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has condemned the killing of June in Oweiggbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who said he was deeply moved by the death of the man, called on security agencies in the state to urgently investigate and fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor also cautioned politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during electioneering.

Meanwhile, the APC has lauded the police for the timely arrest of the suspected murderer and interrogation of other persons in connection with the murder.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday by the Director, Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Nathan Egba.

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EFCC sets up 27-man team to probe Dasuki

 

Immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

naijatonic learnt that the anti-graft commission sent the letter of invitation to Dasuki earlier in the week to answer questions in connection with the ongoing probe into procurement of arms during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

A source said the EFCC also put a 27-man strong team of operatives on standby since Thursday for the mission to Dasuki’s residence.

The source said that the operatives had been given a directive to be on standby and were waiting for the final directive from the Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for the commencement of the assignment.

The source said, “The commission has invited the former NSA to appear before it. Already, a team of 27 operatives has been told to remain on standby.

“They are waiting for further directives. They are told not to go anywhere.”

However, a source close to the former NSA, who confirmed the invitation, said that Dasuki had not honoured the invitation because of the continuing siege on his house by operatives of the Department of State Services.

The source explained that he could not leave his house because he was under house arrest.

“It is true that the EFCC sent an invitation letter to him. The man would have honoured the invitation by now, but the DSS’s siege on his house is still in place.

“As we are talking, the DSS operatives are in the place. So, how can Dasuki come out to the EFCC?

Our correspondent could not get the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, to comment on the story as the calls to his mobile telephone line did not connect.

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Dasuki: Jonathan denies awarding $2bn arms deal

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied claims that he awarded a $2bn arms procurement contract, contrary to reports of a presidential investigations committee into arms procurement under his administration.

The committee had said that the Jonathan administration claimed to spend $2.2bn to procure arms that were never bought. It also accused the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, of supervising the contract.

Dasuki had said in response to his current indictment over the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for multi-billion naira arms deals for Nigeria’s anti-terrorism war that allegations against him were simply unfounded and that all arms contract were approved by Jonathan, who was his boss.

He said the allegations from the presidency were “nothing short of propaganda.”

“There were no fictitious contracts; contract sums were not diverted and the relevant services acknowledged delivery of equipment. There was no contract awarded or equipment bought without approval from the then President and Commander-In-Chief. I am not a thief or treasury looter as being portrayed,” Dasuki said in the statement released on Wednesday.

According to a report by online news medium, The Cable, Jonathan, who was a guest at a forum co-hosted by the National Democratic Institute and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on Thursday in Washington, the United States, said he never awarded any $2bn contract.

In the discussion moderated by a Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and member of the NDI Board of Directors, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Jonathan said there was simply nowhere such money could have come from.

Jonathan was quoted as saying, “I did not award any $2bn contract for procurement of weapons. Where did the money come from? I did not award a contract of $2bn for procurement of weapons.

“Sometimes, I feel sad when people mention these figures. The figures are staggering and untrue. Another governor said someone stole a million barrels of oil per day.”

This is the first time the former President will be speaking publicly on the issue.

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Nigerians slam Buhari, marketers over fuel scarcity

Many Nigerians, including civil society organisations, analysts and individuals have expressed anger and disappointment over the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country, blaming oil marketers and President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the Minister of Petroleum, for their plight.

Nigerians have had to endure long hours at the few fuel stations that sell Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise called petrol, for about a week, with no end in sight to the problem.

There are also reports that the scarcity is compounded by oil marketers hoarding the product to sell at prices above the official pump price of N87 per litre.

Findings by naijatonic show that the product sells for between N100 and N150 per litre in most fuel stations across the country, with the product going for as high as N400 per litre in the black market.

Unusually long queues of vehicles and customers with kegs characterise the few stations that sell the product at the official pump price.

President Buhari recently announced himself as the Minister of Petroleum and this seems to have put him at the forefront of public criticisms over the issue.

Civil society groups, among other Nigerians, said that President Buhari, whose presidential campaign had promised to bring change to the country, has failed to deal with the problem of fuel scarcity.

For instance, the Northern Elders’ Council Chairman, Tanko Yakasai, blamed Buhari for failing in his promise to Nigerians to revive the oil sector, saying his tenure as Minister of Petroleum was kicked off on a bad note.

He said, “I’m buying from the black market. The start does not show a good signal for the new minister of petroleum resources. Buhari came to power on the strength of the change slogan. He promised to change what was happening in the country, so what we expected was change and not this.

“But look at what is happening under Buhari as the minister of petroleum resources. He came to power on the platform of change but there has been no change. If the same situation we used to experience has continued, so where is the change? What has he done better? We still have queues at fuel stations all over the country. He has been in power for many months and we are still grappling with fuel scarcity in the country. Is that change? Where is the change?”

Chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, Bayelsa State, Nengi James, also said that the expectation of people in the Niger Delta was that the welfare of the people in the region would change for the better with Buhari’s government.

He said, “When we say change, we expect the security and welfare of the people to change for the better, but presently, apart from suffering from sea piracy and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta, there is environmental degradation.

“We are really suffering. The fuel situation is biting harder. The artisans who need the fuel to manage their lives are crying. No light and still no fuel. The illegal refineries have been shut down and they are the ones who cushion the effect of such crises.”

James expressed hope that the situation would improve, but warned Buhari that the wait for change should not take forever.

He said, “We are waiting to see what will happen, but we still expect that there will be changes over time but the wait for change cannot be endless. We need action; we are tired of talk with no action.”

A statement made available by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congreess, Ayuba Wabba, also urged Buhari to put an end to the suffering of Nigerians, saying the scarcity had persisted in spite of government’s assurance that it would be resolved within 72 hours.

It stated: “We note that this is happening despite assurances from government and its agencies that there is enough fuel being distributed around the country and that citizens need not go into panic buying.

“That the situation has not visibly improved after more than 72 hours of such assurance means that the marketers and other groups that have held the country hostage over the years for their unearned profiteering from the petroleum sector are still determined to continue as if it is business as usual.”

An environmental rights activist, Alagoa Morris, said he “thought the perennial fuel scarcity would have been a thing of the past,” adding that he was “surprised to learn that the Federal Government was still owing marketers and for that reason, the importers could not release fuel.”

He, however, advised the Federal Government to look inward for solutions, which he said include “encouraging the establishment of modular refineries in our creeks.”

He said, “All the refineries need is proper environmental impact assessment. Then they should be given licences to operate. It will give us enough refined products, take care of unemployment, boost local economy and reduce crime in our creeks.”

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said Nigeria was facing a huge economic crisis, describing the change mantra of the APC as deceptive.

Speaking on the fuel crisis, Odumakin said, “I will not condemn the President as a person. I would rather indict those around him who have been lying to Nigerians that there will be miracles overnight, and that every of our problems would disappear.

“They said he would do this and that, promising impossible things during electioneering in the name of the President. Anybody who was sober enough would know that there is big crisis in Nigeria because over the years, we have relied on just one product, which is oil.”

Advising government on the way out of the problem, he said, “This lazy culture of governors going to Abuja to share money every month can no longer work. Let every state start looking at its resources; that is the only way out. But we cannot do that without discarding the national constitution, which says that everything belongs to the Federal Government.”

Some citizens, who spoke to our correspondent from across the country, also shared the frustrations of motorists and other fuel users in their various states. Also, on social media platforms, Nigerians have been blaming Buhari and fuel marketers for the ongoing scarcity.

Ismael Ibrahim, a resident of Sokoto State, said a litre of petrol sells for about N140 in the state, adding that its residents have solely put the blame on President Buhari and the marketers

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Dasuki Lying To Cover Up, Here Are The Details – Presidency

The Presidency has faulted the claim by the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki that he was not invited by the presidential committee, probing the purchase and supply of arms during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

A source in the Presidency, who spoke on the issues, said the Federal Government was in possession of all the evidence to show that Dasuki was duly invited to clear his name but he blatantly ignored.

The source told PUNCH that the Department of State Services duly invited the ex-NSA, who however refused to honour the invitation. A summons served on Dasuki was duly acknowledged by his lawyer.

The former NSA had, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that he was never invited by the John Odeh-led panel to verify the findings of the committee before he was indicted.

Dasuki, who was indicted along with others, was alleged to have awarded N333bn “fictitious and phantom” arms contracts.

In fact, some former service chiefs would be invited by security agencies to answer questions relating to the interim report submitted by the panel.

The Presidency source added: “Don’t forget that the DSS is on that committee probing those arms deals. He was invited by the DSS and he refused to honour the invitation despite that his lawyer acknowledged the document.

“Instead for Dasuki to honour the invitation, he remained indoors and was whipping up sentiment. If he is taken to any court without his statement, the case will automatically be thrown out.”

The top government official added that all steps being taken by Dasuki to subvert the system and escape justice were known to security agencies and the government.

He said at the appropriate time, Nigerians would know more about the revelations against Dasuki.

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