Month: January 2024

  • President Tinubu’s Anti-Graft War is Hope Renewal – Okechukwu

    President Tinubu’s Anti-Graft War is Hope Renewal – Okechukwu

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu:  Former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, has christened President Bola Tinubu’s anti-graft war as Hope Renewal and identification with Nigerian masses nationwide.

     

    Okechukwu, a founding member of All Progressives Congress (APC), said this at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu on Sunday while reacting to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recent interrogation of utilisation of Foreign Exchange allocated for industrialisation.

     

    He urged President Tinubu to “bail-us-out” from the economic stranglehold of one per cent Class of deep pockets who over the years mangled the petro-dollars allocated to them for industrial development, hence failed to lift millions out of poverty.

     

    Okechukwu, who agreed that the nation was in dire need of bailing the citizens out from the stranglehold of the one per cent Class, noted that the one per cent Class had been feeding fat on the sordid-forex market.

     

    According to him, it is courageous for President Tinubu whom I rank among the rich class, to evoke the ageless Amilcar Cabral thesis of Class Suicide, albeit being a member. The President is well heeled to wage this Herculean Anti-Graft-War.

     

    This, he said, would amount to identification with the collective interest of masses nationwide; as most of us hold the earnest view that we need to recover more monies, as is not only Gen. Sani Abacha that stashed our monies abroad.

     

    “When one learnt that the Ola Olukoyede-led EFCC raided the Dangote Headquarters and other big wig firms, it is with nostalgia that one recalled the famous pledge at Independence Thanksgiving Service, National Ecumenical Christian Center Abuja, made by our dear First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu.

     

    “Sen. Remi Tinubu clearly said that – Nigeria’s wealth is the Commonwealth of all, it belongs to everyone.

     

    “God has blessed my family, we don’t need the wealth of Nigeria to survive but to do the right thing and I promise you on this Alta, that with your help (and) with the help of God, we will set this nation on the right path,” he said.

     

    The APC Chieftain said that one prays that President Tinubu combs all corners in consortia with Femi Falana’s red dossier, so as to reduce our debt burden and revamp our economy.

     

    “This renewed anti-graft-war is the surest way and means of avoiding more gruesome economic recession, exodus of our doctors and nurses and erasing the paradox that Nigeria, the country that produced the Richest African is the World Poverty Capital,” he said.

     

    Okechukwu noted emphatically that if President Tinubu maintains this anti-graft-war momentum, it would be pure Hope Renewal and Nigeria will be one of those histories will record as nations where change emanated from unexpected quarters.

    He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to give the President the much needed support to pull through the anti-graft-war and implement Section 16(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He noted that this section cautioned that, “The economic system is not operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of groups.”(Flowerbudnews)

  • Police arrest pastor, 43, for alleged defilement of 16-yr-old girl

    Police arrest pastor, 43, for alleged defilement of 16-yr-old girl

    The Ogun Police Command says it has arrested a 43-year-old pastor, Clinton John, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl (name withheld) at Agbado area of the state.

    The command’s Spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Ota on Saturday.

    Odutola explained that a family at Giwa Agbado reported a case of alleged defilement of their 16-year-old girl by John at the Agbado Divisional Police Station.

    “The family reported that their daughter had been repeatedly treated for recurring infections and exhibited frightful tendencies that made them suspect that she might have been involved in sexual intercourse.

    “But she was concealing the identity of the person as the parents needed to persuade her and she later confessed that one John, a pastor of Mega Healing Ministry, had fiercely been having carnal knowledge of her, since November 2022.

    “Their daughter further stated that the pastor threatened to kill her, if she ever revealed the cagey affair to anyone,” the PPRO added.

    She further stated that the suspect on interrogation confessed to the crime and admitted that he severally had unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl.

    According to Odutola, the rape survivor has been issued with medical forms for treatment and examination, while the suspect will be transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation. (NAN

  • FCT: Tension among residents as kidnappers besiege Bwari, Ushafa, other communities

    FCT: Tension among residents as kidnappers besiege Bwari, Ushafa, other communities

    Palpable tension has gripped residents of Bwari, Ushafa and other villages in Bwari Area Council, Abuja over the activities of the daredevil bandits, causing havoc in the territory.

     

    reports that the assailants have been on a rampage in the last few days, killing and kidnapping residents across communities in the council.

     

    Seven family members were abducted on Wednesday last week when the gunmen invaded Zuma 1 in the Bwari central ward of the council.

     

    A man identified as Alhaji was reportedly shot dead during a gun duel between the bandits and officers of the Nigeria Police.

     

    At least two officers were also seriously injured during the incident. The terrorists reportedly overpowered the security operatives and whisked away several residents to unknown destinations.

     

    Prior to the Wednesday incident, the blood-thirsty bandits had invaded Barangoni, still in the Bwari central ward and abducted several persons while a vigilante member sustained a life-threatening injury.

     

    gathered on Saturday that Garam, Kuduru and Azu communities in the council were invaded a few days before Christmas when gunmen shot indiscriminately to scare residents.

     

    It was learnt that the gunmen abducted no fewer than five persons in the process without any resistance from the security agents despite the presence of a police post in the area.

     

    Findings also revealed that some residents, especially in Bwari, Ushafa and other border communities, have started fleeing their homes as a result of incessant killings and abductions.

    The armed men had recently attacked communities near a private university in the Bwari area of the FCT, Veritas University and kidnapped some residents.

     

    DAILY POST recalls that the university was shut down on July 8, 2022, following a series of attacks in the area.

     

    Management of the institution announced the closure after about eight soldiers were killed and three wounded in an ambush following a distress call from the Nigerian Law School in Bwari where the attack was earlier launched.

     

    gathered on Saturday that the General Hospital in Bwari was partially shut down within the week following the intensified attacks being carried out by the bandits.

     

    A source who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said some workers in the hospital including doctors are forced to sit at home over fear of being kidnapped.

     

    “Since Wednesday, the hospital has not been functioning properly. Bandits have been attacking many places within Bwari here.

     

    “One thing about them (bandits) is that they study their victims, know where he or she works, his or her financial status before they strike.

     

    “The medical doctors are afraid that they may be targeted, so the hospital did not function like before on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

     

    Although we initially heard that it was shut down but when we visited, we discovered that some activities were going on”, he said.

     

    Meanwhile, Ushafa village also known as the Clinton Village under Bwari Area Council has also witnessed several heinous attacks by the terrorists recently.

     

    The gunmen reportedly struck behind the Jordan FM on Wednesday leading to the abduction of unspecified residents.

     

    A disturbing report also emerged on Saturday night that some residents returning from the farm allegedly sighted some bandits positioned near the rocks, behind the LEA Primary School.

     

    The report which is yet to be confirmed by the FCT Police Command has stimulated fear and anxiety in the Clinton Village.

     

     

  • Akeredolu: Aiyedatiwa under fire for not receiving late gov’s body

    Akeredolu: Aiyedatiwa under fire for not receiving late gov’s body

    Two groups, the Conscience of Progressive Change (CPC) and Ondo Elites Assembly (OEA), have slammed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State for not joining the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s family to receive his body after arriving at the country on Friday.

     

    They condemned the governor’s absence at the airport where the late Akeredolu’s body was received, describing it as cruel

     

     

    The Coordinator of CPC, Remi Ogunmola, and OEA General Secretary, Chief Yemi Oladiran, expressed their disapproval in separate press statements.

     

    Ogunmola stated:”It is sheer wickedness to refuse to receive the body of your former principal, a man who died while in active service to the state, and whose tenure you are completing.”

     

    “Since the demise of Governor Akeredolu, we have continued to hear and verify various stories that initially started as rumours.

     

    “Governor Aiyedatiwa’s refusal to receive the late Akeredolu’s body has substantiated many of these insinuations and rumours.

     

    “What could Hon. Aiyedatiwa be doing that is so important? Was it too much to lead all members of the state executive council in receiving the body of the late governor?.

    If other state governors in the Southwest could send eminent representatives, was it too much to ask Aiyedatiwa, the direct beneficiary of Akeredolu’s death, to be present?”

     

    On its part, the Ondo Elites Assembly said Aiyedatiwa’s actions since the demise of the late Akeredolu clearly indicate that he was only shedding crocodile tears.

     

    The group found it even more shocking that Aiyedatiwa exclaimed ‘A ku orire’ (congratulations to us) during his inauguration, which occurred the day the late governor passed away.

     

    With this development, we don’t need to be told that Aiyedatiwa didn’t hold his late boss in high regard,” it said.

     

    “Even in death, Aiyedatiwa has continued to display a lack of respect and love for the deceased. It’s a sad and unfortunate situation.”

     

    “We are deeply concerned by the way Governor Aiyedatiwa has been handling the death of his late principal. His behavior has been apathetic and unsympathetic.

     

    “ It is evident that this is not the appropriate way to treat someone’s benefactor.

     

    The group added that “ it’s highly disheartening to see Akeredolu’s body moved from the airport without any insignia or sign of the state government. Akeredolu did his best for the state and the Southwest at large. He deserved better

  • Super Eagles sample Guinea’s Syli Nationale ahead two Guinean tests in Cote d’Ivoire

    Super Eagles sample Guinea’s Syli Nationale ahead two Guinean tests in Cote d’Ivoire

     

     

    The Super Eagles will play a friendly match against Guinea’s Syli Nationale in Abu Dhabi on Monday evening as they prepare for a feast of Guinean attrition in the group phase at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Head Coach José Peseiro has the opportunity to put to the crucible different patterns and tactics against quality opposition, only seven days before the three-time champions’ opening game against Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang National inside Abidjan’s Stade Alassane Ouattara

    Nigeria’s Eagles are in Group A of the four-week, 24-nation finals alongside host nation Cote d’Ivoire and Africa’s other two Guinean nations – Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

    The Syli Nationale was one of Africa’s strongest teams in the 1970 and 1980s, winning the silver medals at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, and giving the so-called big teams a good run for their money at the Africa Cup and in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

    The Eagles pipped Syli Nationale 1-0 in a group phase encounter at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Far back in 1981, Syli Nationale held the Eagles to a 1-1 draw in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Conakry, and in Lagos, Nigeria won with a long-range Henry Nwosu strike to the far corner of Abdoulaye Keita’s goal.

    Monday’s encounter has been scheduled for the Bani Yas Stadium, and is sure to slightly open a window into the mind of Coach Peseiro and how he intends to line out his army when Africa’s flagship football championship begins next weekend.

    Twenty-four of Nigeria’s 25-man squad assembled in the Gulf earlier in the week and have been training ahead of the continental houseparty, with forward Kelechi Iheanacho hampered by injury and set to join the group in Lagos on Tuesday evening, ahead of departure to the Ivorian capital on Wednesday, 10th January.

    Nigeria is seeking a fourth African title (after wins in 1980, 1994 and 2013) which will put them at par with West African arch-rivals Ghana, and leave only Egypt (seven wins) and Cameroon (five wins) ahead of them in the inverted pyramid of glory.

    After their opener against Equatorial Guinea on 14th January, the Super Eagles will confront the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on 18th January, before a final group phase clash with the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on 22nd January. Their first two matches will hold at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattara, while the date with the Wild Dogs will be at the Stade Houphouet-Boigny – where the Eagles tackled Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Ganduje receives Sen. Ewuga into APC fold

    Ganduje receives Sen. Ewuga into APC fold

     

    By Sunday John

    Lafia:   Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday in Lafia received Sen. Solomon Ewuga, former Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and others into the party.

    Ewuga, also a former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC alongside members of other political parties.

    Speaking at the reception ceremony, Ganduje described Ewuga as an asset to the state and the country.

    He said that the party under him would reconcile all aggrieved members and ensure that those who left were brought back to strengthen the party for victory in future elections.

    He also promised to promote internal democracy and give all members a level playing field to avoid needless acrimony arising from party activities.

    “We have a blueprint that would ensure that the party wins all the 36 governorship seat in future elections” he said.

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State appreciated the efforts of Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the National Chairman of APC and other leaders as well as the defectors.

    Sule said that given Ewuga’s pedigree and wealth of experience, his return would go a long way to strengthen the party in the state.

    On his part, Sen. Umaru Al-Makura, former governor of the state, lauded the national chairman of the party and attributed the increased fortunes of the party in the country his leadership style.

    He also commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration saying it has the capacity to tackle the security and economic challenges confronting the country.

    Al-Makura also promised to continue to support Gov. Sule to succeed in adding value to the lives and welbeing of the people of the state.

    The former governor said that Ewuga’s defection from the PDP to the APC was welcome development that would add value to the state and increase the fortune of the party.

    Also speaking, Alh. Aliyu Bello, Nasarawa State Chairman of APC, while welcoming Ewuga and others into the party, said they have the same rights and privileges, and could pursue whatever ambition like others in the party.

     

    Responding on behalf of others, Ewuga expressed gratitude to Ganduje, Akume, Sule and others for the reception.

    He described the occasion as home-coming, saying APC was his home and that he would contribute his best to to build it.

    He, therefore, promised to support the governor to succeed and work toward the victory of the party in future elections.

    Other defectors also received at the ceremony include, Matthew Ombugaku, 2023 Gubernatorial Candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Yusuf Alfa and Musa Iyimoga, the immediate past Assembly Member, Doma North constituency on the platform of Zenith Labour Party among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng). /Flowerbudnews

  • Gunmen kidnap another traditional ruler in Imo

    Gunmen kidnap another traditional ruler in Imo

     

     

    By Peter Okolie

    Owerri:  Gunmen on Saturday abducted the Traditional Ruler of Orodo Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo, Eze Samuel Ohiri, in his residence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the heavily-armed four-member gang stormed the residence of the former Chairman of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers in a green-colour Toyota Highlander.

    “They arrived in a commando style and headed straight into the palace where they kidnapped the traditional ruler, but his cousin, who was with him managed to escape.

    “They dragged the traditional ruler into their vehicle and drove towards Umuaka-Orlu Road,’’ a palace source said on the condition of anonymity.

    Confirming the abduction, the Police Spokesman in Imo, ASP Henry Okoye, said the command had begun investigation into the matter.

    “Police have started intense investigation and we have taken some steps to ensure that the victim is rescued and his kidnappers arrested.

    “The suspects will be made to face the full wrath of the law, when arrested,’’ Okoye said.

    Kidnap and murder of traditional rulers have become a regular occurrence in Imo.

    Gunmen kidnapped the Traditional Ruler of Otulu Autonomous Community in Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA, Eze Joe Achulor, in similar manner on Nov. 25, 2023.

    They killed him the same day and dumped his lifeless body on Mbutu Road, a neighbouring community in Aboh-Mbaise LGA.

    On July 17, 2023, the Traditional Ruler of Ezuhu Umuamadi Nguru Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise LGA, Eze James Nnamdi (Mirioma), was gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

    The traditional ruler was shot multiple times when the gunmen invaded his palace.

    On May 25, 2023, gunmen killed Victor Ijioma, the Traditional Ruler of Eziorsu Autonomous Community in Oguta LGA.

    Ijioma was shot inside his car as he was driving through Umuamaka Junction on the fateful day.

    The assailants set him ablaze in his car before fleeing the scene.

    In October 2021, three traditional rulers were killed when gunmen attacked Nnenasa Community in Njaba LGA.

    The traditional rulers were holding a meeting when the assailants struck. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • NAPTIP rescued 470 human trafficking victims in Katsina – Commander

    NAPTIP rescued 470 human trafficking victims in Katsina – Commander

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina:  The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it rescued 470 victims of human trafficking in Katsina in 2023.

    The NAPTIP Commander in the state, Mr Musa Aliyu, revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Katsina.

    According to him, within the year under review, the command arrested and convicted four human traffickers.

    “We received 25 cases of human trafficking and two cases of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP).

    “In 2023, the command rescued 470 victims of human trafficking, and reunited them with their respective families,” the NAPTIP commander said.

    According to him, the command is expecting some rehabilitation items from the NAPTIP headquarters to enable it rehabilitate trafficked victims.

    He disclosed that NAPTIP, in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration on Policy Development (ICMPD), organised a series of sensitisation for border communities.

    “We also carried out sensitisation programmes in conjunction with the Katsina government, for Religious and Traditional leaders, and also for youths in Mai’adua, Baure and Mashi Local Government Areas,” he said.

    Aliyu explained that the command, through the ICMPD, was able to conduct free medical treatment for 80 victims of human trafficking.

    He pointed out that the medical outreach had become necessary to address issues of trauma and sexual exploitation of victims of human trafficking. (NAN)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Tinubu approves 3 airlines for 2024 hajj pilgrimage

    Tinubu approves 3 airlines for 2024 hajj pilgrimage

     

     

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja:   President Bola Tinubu has granted approval to three airlines to serve as exclusive carriers for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airlines are the Air Peace Ltd., FlyNas and Max Air.

    Mrs Fatima Sanda-Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Sanda-Usara also disclosed that the Tinubu-led Federal Government approved three other air cargo companies that will airfreight pilgrims’ excess luggage.

    According to her, the three air cargos are the Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd., Nahco Aviance and Qualla Investment L.td,.

    She said that the approval reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage experience for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

    “Consequently, the Federal Government concurrently approved allocation of pilgrims from various states to each of the approved airlines as follows:

    “​Air Peace is to transport intending pilgrims from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kwara, Ondo, Rivers states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “FlyNas will transport intending pilgrims from Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara states.

    “And Max Air with the highest allocation will be responsible for moving pilgrims from Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Oyo, Taraba, Kaduna, Armed Forces, Gombe, Jigawa and Plateau states.

    She explained that the allocation of pilgrims to the airlines was in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on the transportation of pilgrims under government quota.

    “However, state governments may choose to designate any of the approved freight companies to convey their pilgrims’ excess luggage.

    “Should any state enter such exclusive arrangement, the decision should be communicated to NAHCON accordingly.

    “The Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, congratulated the approved airlines on their selection and called on them to gear up to facilitating smooth pilgrimage in 2024 season.”

    She said that NAHCON remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards in pilgrimage organization, with a focus on the safety and satisfaction of pilgrims.

    Sanda-Usara revealed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, is set to lead a delegation from the NAHCON to partake in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2024 hajj on Jan. 7. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews