By Biola Lawal
Flowerbudnews: Senegalese female presenter/Owner of 7TV Maimouna Ndour Faye, was stabbed Thursday night by an assailant at her home.
A news post on the Incident by Global Analyst, Paul Ejime disclosed though she lost a lot of blood she is alive.
Ejime said, ”the good news is that she is responding to treatment at the hospital.’: (Flowerbudnews)
Flowerbudnews
Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Power and Steel under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has filed a N1 billion suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that it published his name on its website’s wanted list.
Agunloye, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/167/2024 and filed by his team of lawyers led by Mr Adeola Adedipe, SAN, also joined the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF) as 2nd defendant.
The case, presently before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court, Abuja, has now been fixed for April 18 for hearing.
The originating summons, dated and filed Feb. 8, was sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.
The ex-minister sought six reliefs, including a declaration that the EFCC cannot lawfully exercise its discretion, powers and or functions under Sections 1(2\(c\, 6, 7, 13 of the EFCC Act, 2004, ditto Section 4 of the Police Act 2020, by declaring him wanted on its official website or any other related platform.
Agunloye said this was without recourse to any safeguard in Sections 34({1)(a), 35, 37, 39, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including a judicial intervention, order or leave of court pursuant to Sections 1(1), 8(1) & 42(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
He, therefore, sought an order for the EFCC, its agents, privies, representatives and other related affiliates to forthwith remove his picture, name, references, details and or particulars from the wanted list published on its official website or any other related platform.
He also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC and the AGF, “both jointly or severally, whether by themselves or their staff, from further declaring the plaintiff wanted in relation to the particulars and subject matter of this suit, either on the EFCC official website, newspaper publication or any other related platform, except by a judicial intervention and recourse to all constitutional safeguards available to him in law and equity.
“General damages of one billion baira (N1, 000, 000, 000 00) against the defendants, especially the 1st defendant
“Cost of this action.”
In the affidavit which he personally deposed to, Agunloye said he sought a redress and judicial intervention from court having regard to some very disturbing actions of the anti-graft agency, which he said, ought not to occur under the watch of the AGF, who is the chief law officer of the federation.
He said he sought a judicial determination on the propriety or otherwise, of the exercise of the EFCC’s discretion or power to declare him wanted without recourse to any judicial intervention or relevant constitutional safeguards.
“As at the time of filing this suit, my picture, name, particulars and othe details are currently uploaded on the official website of the 1st defendant,” he said.
The plaintiff said he was declared wanted for corruption and forgery.
According to him, as a result of this action by the 1st defendant, I have become a subject of ridicule, stripped of my dignity, freedom of movement and even presumption of innocence, with respect to a criminal trial which I am currently boing prosecuted of, by the 1st defendant.
He alleged that the deliberate act of the EFCC was orchestrated to negatively project him in the international community.
Agunloye said this was so because sometime in November 2002 to May 2003, while he served as Minister of Power and Steel, he awarded contract to Messrs Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited for the construction of the Mambila Power Project by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).
“The award of the said contracts followed all the necessary administrative and authoritative due process, obtaining the necessary approval.
“Moreover, since the award of the contract, successive administrations have continued to interface with the company, Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited, so much so that the government entered into a settlement agreement with it over a dispute.
“On an allegation of breach of contract by the company, Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited resorted to take out an arbitral proceeding before the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France – in Case No: 26260/SPN/AB/CPB between Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited Vs. FGN
“It is in connection to this arbitral proceeding that the 1st defendant invited me for interrogation on 3rd of May, 2023 and I did honour same on 16th May, 2023, despite my frailties and hailing health conditions.
“Upon my release on administrativ bail, the 1st defendant persisted in hounding me to return for further grilling which I frowned at because I was undergoing serious medical treatment related to heart.
“When the threat and disturbances became alarming, in June 2023, I filed a suit in court to challenge the unnecessary harassment because I was not running away, but only attending to my health with notice to the 1st defendant.
“It was however traumatising on the night of Tuesday, 12th December, 2023, when I started receiving calls from all around the globe that I had been declared wanted by the 1st defendant.
“Knowing fully well that I was not on the run, I reported at the EFCC headquarters here in Abuja the next day, 13th December, 2023 where I was served with a criminal charge and was detained till 18th December, 2023.
“On 10th January, 2024, I was arraigned in court and admitted to bail on 11th January, 2024, because I am presumed innocent of all the criminal allegations,” he averred.
Agunloye said despite the fact that the law presumes him innocent of the criminal charge, EFCC continued with the unlawful publication on its website
He described the action of the anti-graft agency as “arbitrariness, oppression, violation of its statutory powers and functions and unlawful.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Flowerbudnews
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday, set aside the inspection order granted Murtala Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by the Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had, on Nov. 25, 2023, granted an ex-parte order, allowing the SDP and its candidate in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship poll to carry out forensic examination of all the Bimordal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) used in the election, among other reliefs.
The three-member panel of justices led by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, in a unanimous ruling, vacated the inspection order on the grounds that it went outside the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The appellate court held that while inspection is allowed under the Electoral Act, it must be jointly carried out with the respondents and the scope of the inspection should be within the strict limit allowed under the Electoral Act.
“The ex parte order made by the trial tribunal on the 25th November, 2023 at the instance of the 1st and 2nd respondents are within the jurisdictional competence of the said tribunal.
“However, paragraphs ‘g’, ‘k’ and ‘n’ thereof are beyond the scope of Section 146 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The said paragraphs ‘g’, ‘k’ and ‘n’ are hereby expunged.
“The inspection purportedly done pursuant to the said orders of the trial tribunal without the presence of the appellant violates paragraph ‘h’ of the said orders and it is hereby set aside,” the panel ruled
NAN reports that while the SDP was represented at the Court of Appeal by Pius Akubo, SAN; Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, appeared for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was represented by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.
Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi was represented by J.B. Daudu, SAN, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) was represented by Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN.
Other members of the Appeal Court panel include Justices A. I. Banjoko and A.B. Mohammed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
By Flowerbudnews
Mr Cyprian Otoibhi, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, has urged Nigerians to get committed in promoting safety and security in neighbourhoods and communities.
“The citizens can do this by giving confidential and actionable intelligence information about criminals, criminal activities and unpatriotic engagements to security agencies especially NSCDC officials, “Otoibhi said on Friday.
The Commandant made the call in Enugu while addressing citizens at the International Civil Defence Day Celebration 2024 and the Passing Out Parade of the NSCDC Set 2023 New Intakes.
He said that the International Civil Defence Day was meant to pay tribute to unsung heroes, who are the guardians of safety and resilience in our communities.
According to him, today, we salute the brave men and women who stand at the forefront of disaster response and civil security; thus, risking their lives to protect and serve others.
“I really appreciate the theme for this year’s celebration – honouring our heroes and promoting safety skills – and it is a blessing that on this remarkable day we celebrate the passing out ceremony of our 20 new recruits.
“Indeed as we celebrate and honor the unsung heroes, we urge the young ones (new recruits) to emulate the victories and achievements of our heroes past as they strive to surpass them in the course of their service to motherland.
“These heroes we celebrate today exemplify courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. They are the embodiment of resilience, facing adversity head-on and rising to the occasion with strength and compassion.
“Whether battling natural disasters, responding to emergencies, or providing vital assistance during times of need,” he said.
Otoibhi also noted that safety is not solely the responsibility of our heroes in uniform, adding that “it is a collective endeavor that requires the active participation and commitment of every citizen.”
The commandant urged Nigerians to reaffirm their pledge to promoting safety skills and preparedness within communities; noting it is a skill that must be cultivated and practiced.
He said that the skills included: basic first aid techniques and disaster preparedness drills; stressing that citizen must have a role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of ourselves and those around us.
According to him, by empowering ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in times of crisis, we can contribute to building a safer and more resilient society for all.
“Finally, I also congratulate the new recruits who are passing out today from a very rigorous training to prove themselves worthy to be called ambassadors of the corps.
“I also urge them to live up to the demands of the Corps as we uphold the security mandate of the nation.
“I cannot end this speech without expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, who has in this time injected new zeal to the Corps in terms of training and re-training.
“The Commandant-General has ensured synergy with other agencies in order to foster security, safety of lives and properties of the citizens of our dear nation, Nigeria,” he added.
The event featured parade drills, weapon handling and dismantling exercise, drama, certificate presentation to the new recruits and award presentation to the Commandant; Assistant Commandant-General and Commandant-General of NSCDC among others. (Flowerbudnews)
I joined PDP because of Makinde’s leadership qualities – Peller
By Adewale Owoade
A former House of Representatives member, Hon. Shina Peller, says his decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was based on Gov. Seyi Makinde’s performance in Oyo State.
Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju /Kajola Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the Ninth National Assembly, said this when he led many members of Accord Party in Oyo North Senatorial District to PDP.
The event took place at Ojude Oba in Iseyin, Oyo State.
Gov. Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, formally received Peller and other Accord Party members, and assured them of equal treatment and a level playing field in the party.
While handing over the flag of PDP to Peller, Gov. Makinde said that PDP would give the defectors the chance to blend with the party, so they can join hands to move it forward.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Peller said the decision of the members of the Accord Party in the senatorial district to defect to the ruling PDP was based on the good works of Makinde in the state.
“I have learnt my lessons; life is divided into three parts, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
“There is nothing you can do about the past, just to learn your lessons, but we need to move forward.
“We see the PDP in Oyo State, especially Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration. Gov. Makinde has made PDP a bride to behold because of the great work he is doing.
“I believe there is no leadership when there is no vision.
“Gov. Makinde is a visionary leader, he has a vision and this is the reason we have decided that it is time to collaborate with him and make Oyo State move forward.
“I’m a progressive but have come to realise that you need power to progress; I’m in PDP to find power,” Peller said.
Also, the Special Adviser to Gov. Makinde on Federal Consistency Matters, Dare Adeleke, said Peller was not a stranger and is very much welcome to the party.
The dignitaries at the event were PDP South-West Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Kunmi Mustafa and Co-Chairman of the state’s Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun.
Others were the current member of the House of Representatives, representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Abayomi Oyedeji; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi, and Oyo State Deputy Chairman of the party, Hon. James Olukunle.
Senator Gbenga Babalola, Elder Wole Oyelese and Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate in 2023, Olajide Adediran (Jandor) also graced the occasion among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced plans to launch a Police Veterans Foundation to alleviate the post-service conditions of retired police officers.
The Chairman of PSC, former IG Solomon Arase said that the Police Veterans Foundation was being established to comprehensively support and uplift Police veterans who have dutifully served their country and are transitioning out of active duty
The foundation would be launched on Tuesday March 5, 2024 in Abuja at the Auditorium of the Police Service Commission Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Ikechukwu Ani,
Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC disclosed in a statement.
The Foundation, a brainchild of like-minded retired Police Officers ”is set up to address the growing concerns and pressures faced by retired Police Officers.”
The son of a former Police Officer and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno will be the Chairman of the occasion while his other Governor – colleagues, Ministers, National Assembly Members, captains of Industries are expected to grace the Occasion.
Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, said that the Foundation ”will create a nurturing environment that offers guidance, resources and avenues for Police Veterans to successfully navigate post-service challenges.”
According to him, the Foundation ”will provide holistic assistance and support to Police Veterans during their transition to civilian life, ensuring their well-being, dignity and seamless integration into the society.”
Dr. Arase noted that ”one of its aims is to seek for resources and provide succour to children of Police Officers, in terms of employment opportunities, skill acquisitions and other things”
Arase, himself a former Inspector General of Police added that ”another objective of the Foundation is to engage competent and capable retired Officers as valuable resources for training and retraining programmes for both the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.”
He promised that the Police Veterans Foundation ”will strive to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of Police veterans and their communities.”
Already the Chairman of the Body of retired Inspectors General of Police, Alhaji Aliyu Attah, GCON, will be leading a strong delegation of retired Inspectors General and several other retired senior Police Officers to the Launch.(Flowerbudnews)