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  • Court okays GTbank’s CEO, others’ trial for blocking customer’s account with doubtful order

    Court okays GTbank’s CEO, others’ trial for blocking customer’s account with doubtful order

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Abuja:  The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust (GT) Bank, Miriam Olusanya will, from next week, be subjected to trial for blocking a customer’s account domicile in the bank’s Apata, Ibadan branch with an order purportedly obtained from a magistrates’ court in Kano State.

    Justice A.L. Akintola of the High Court of Oyo State ordered the trial for contempt of court, following an ex-parte motion brought by Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, lawyer to the bank’s aggrieved customer, Mrs. Omolara Abosede Ogunkoya.

    A copy of the order, issued on September 18, was sighted in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Justice Akintola directed that court documents relating to the contempt proceedings to be served on the bank’s MD and its Apata branch’s Manager, Ms. Funmi Olutayo.

    Part of the order reads: “Furthermore, by this order, the applicant herein, is hereby allowed to serve Form 48 (notice of consequences of disobedience to order of this honourable court made on the 7th day of September, 2023 and Form 49 (notice to show cause why order of attachment should not be made and other subsequence processes in this contempt proceedings on the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Pic, Miriam Olusanya by substituted means.to wit; by pasting the said processes on the wall of, Guaranty Trust Bank Pic, Apata branch/business office, Ibadan Oyo State.”

    The contempt case was informed by the banks alleged refusal to obey the court’s orders contained in a judgment delivered on September 7 directing it to, among others, immediately lift the restriction it placed on Mrs. Ogunkoya’s account.

    Mrs. Ogunkoya had sued the bank following its alleged refusal to lift the restriction it placed on her account without allegedly offering any reason for its action

     

    In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, marked: M/696/2023, Mrs. Ogunkoya said she had operated the account without hindrance until the bank suddenly placed a lien on it earlier this year.

    She added that her efforts to make the bank have a rethink or provide reason for its action proved abortive, prompting her to sue.

    Delivering judgment on the suit on September 7, Justice Akintola found among others, that the bank’s action was unjustified, noting that the order on which the bank relied to act was doubtful.

    The judge said: “It is doubtful if the enrolled order of the Kano Chief Magistrate Court, attached as Exhibit B to the respondent’s (the bank’s) counter affidavit is a certified true copy of such an order.

    “To the extent that it purports to be a public document, but which is not certified as a true copy of the original, this court cannot take cognizance of same.

    “In the end result, the basis upon which the respondent (GTBank) has placed the lien or embargo on the applicant’s account maintained with the respondent is of doubtful validity and same cannot be recognized or given any effect to by this court.

    “It is on this premise that this court finds merit in the applicant’s application, the same accordingly succeeds. It is consequently, hereby ordered as prayed,” Justice Akintola said.

    The judge proceeded to declare that GTBank’s placement of lien or seizure of Mrs. Ogunkoya’s account amounted to a violation of her right to own property guaranteed under Sections 43 and 44 of the Constitution.

    Justice Akintola then ordered the bank to immediately lift the restriction on the account.

    However, the bank allegedly failed to comply with the order, prompting Mrs. Ogunkoya’s resort to the contempt proceedings to compel GTBank to obey the subsisting orders of court. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Enugu Govt partners ATASP-1 for extensive dry season rice farming – Commissioner

    Enugu Govt partners ATASP-1 for extensive dry season rice farming – Commissioner

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: The Enugu State Government has declared its readiness to partner with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-One (ATASP-1) to actualise dry season rice farming at Ada Rice Irrigation Project Scheme at Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr Patrick Ubru, made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing Ada Rice farmers at Uwelu-Akpa Hall in Adani community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.

     

    Ubru addressed the farmers during his sites inspection tour of ongoing economic projects under ATASP-1 in the area.

    The commissioner, who was impressed by what he saw during the sites’ tour, described ATASP-1 as an important partner in the efforts of Gov. Peter Mbah to reposition Enugu state as a major food producer.

    He stressed that Mbah’s administration was committed to take-off of dry season rice farming next season in a grand style.

    “On behalf of my people, we say thank you to ATASP-1 for their intervention projects and programmes in innovative agriculture in Enugu State.

    “What we are telling you is that we are ready for dry season (rice) farming at Uzo-Uwani LGA.

     

    “We are ready to attract investors like Alhaji Sani who came all the way from the North to invest here. We want more investors to come into agriculture in Enugu State,” he said.

     

    Earlier, the commissioner’s led team visited Adani Rice Market where ATASP-1 built an ultra modern market and interacted with some traders on how to make good use of the faculty.

    During the interaction, the traders had identified lack of access ramps as part of their reasons for not relocating into the newly constructed market and making effective use of it for more than two years after it was commissioned for use.

     

    The commissioner had assured that he was ready to discuss further with ATASP-1 zonal management to address the issues they raised so they can begin to make effective use of the market.

     

    Some other landmark ATASP –1 project sites visited by the commissioner and other stakeholders included: the Two-Span Obinna Bridge which provides a link to the Ada Rice Irrigation Farm area.

    The team also visited canal lining site and farm roads being constructed under ATASP-1 to facilitate dry season farming and free movement of farm produce in the area.

     

    The commissioner was accompanied on the sites visit by ATASP-1 national and zonal officials led by the Zonal Programme Coordinator, Dr Romanus Egba, as well as Chairman Enugu State House Committee on Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Hon. Ejike Eze.

    Others in the commissioner’s team are: Mr Dubem Onyia, SPA to Enugu Government on Donor Relations as well as top officials of Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and a seasoned rice farmer and investor, Alhaji Sani Nnamani, among others. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Military coups are wrong, Tinubu tells UN Assembly

    Military coups are wrong, Tinubu tells UN Assembly

     

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York:  Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called on world leaders to affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people, saying military coups are wrong.

    Tinubu said this in his inaugural statement to the 78th session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.

    The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu, who delivered his address to the world leaders at 8p.m. local tine, spoke on behalf of Nigeria and Africa.

    “Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice. The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups.

    “It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems. Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders.

    ”As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region.

    “I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission,’’ he said.

    Tinubu, however. told the leaders of Nigeria’s accord with the objectives and guiding principles of the world body: peace, security, human rights and development.

    “ In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people.

    “Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.

    “To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end.

    ”The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected,’’ he said.

    According to him, as for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron and  we do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.

    Instead, the Nigerian leader said: “we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.

    “To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.’’

    The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar,  the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Other Nigerian officials on the delegation are: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate and Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anita.

    Also on the delegation are: Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake; Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

    Others are: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno; Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna; Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe; and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others. (NAN)  (www.nannew.ng) / Flowerbudnews

    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • President Bola Tinubu’s Speech at 78th UN General Assembly

    President Bola Tinubu’s Speech at 78th UN General Assembly

     

    1 STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023.

    Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Mr. President, 1. On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    1. We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi (Cha-ba Kor-o-chi) for his able stewardship of the Assembly.
    2. We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges.
    3. This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme.
    4. Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress.
    5. Given this long history, if this year’s theme is to mean anything at all, it must mean something special and particular to Africa.
    6. In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their wartorn societies. A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind.
    7. Nations saw that it was in their own interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war. Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies.
    8. The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony.
    9. Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resource that described the Marshall Plan.
    10. We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe.
    11. We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
    12. There are five important points I want to highlight.
    13. First, if this year’s theme is to have any impact at all, global institutions, other nations and their private sector actors must see African development as a priority, not just for Africa but in their interests as well.
    14. Due to both longstanding internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures have been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation, and the equitable distribution of wealth.
    15. If Nigeria is to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, we must create jobs and the belief in a better future for our people.
    16. We must also lead by example.
    17. To foster economic growth and investor confidence in Nigeria, I removed the costly and corrupt fuel subsidy while also discarding a noxious exchange rate system in my first days in office. Other growth and job oriented reforms are in the wings.
    18. I am mindful of the transient hardship that reform can cause. However, it is necessary to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy our people deserve.
    19. We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.
    20. The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.
    21. Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we seek.
    22. Second, we must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.
    23. The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.
    24. Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.
    25. This brings me to my third crucial point. Our entire region is locked in protracted battle against 10 violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women and children are seen as chattel.
    26. Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.
    27. This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region. African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.
    28. Yet, to fully corral this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.
    29. The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.
    30. The mayhem visited on resource rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.
    31. The problems also knocks Nigeria’s door. Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.
    32. Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.
    33. Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.
    34. Fifth, climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa. Northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once arable land. Our south is pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion. In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes.
    35. As I lament deaths at home, I also lament the grave loss of life in Morocco and Libya. The Nigerian people are with you.
    36. African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.
    37. In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote 14 economic good. Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.
    38. Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.
    39. Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working.

    CONCLUSION 41. As I close, let me emphasize that Nigeria’s objectives accord with the guiding principles of this world body: peace, security, human rights and development.

    1. In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.
    2. To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.
    3. As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.
    4. Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.
    5. To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future. (Flowerbudnews)
  • Boy with missing intestine: We’ll punish anyone found culpable — Lagos assembly

    Boy with missing intestine: We’ll punish anyone found culpable — Lagos assembly

     

    By Adekunle Williams
    Ikeja:  The Lagos State House of Assembly has said that anyone that is found culpable in the case of the missing intestine of Adebola Akin-Bright would be prosecuted in due course.

    The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Mr Noheem Adams, made this disclosure to newsmen at the visit of members of the committee to the boy at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos assembly, on Sept. 4, inagurated a five-man ad hoc committee to investigate the case of a 12-year-old boy, Adebola Akin-Bright, whose small intestine allegedly went missing during his treatment.

    NAN recalls that on Sept. 1, the mother of the boy, Abiodun Deborah, had cried out over the disappearance of her child’s small intestine during his treatment at the hospital.

    Adams said the report of the committee would soon be made public, adding that some shocking discoveries were made in the course of its investigations.

    “We came to LASUTH on the directives of the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, to see the health status of Adebola Akin-Bright.

    “We want to thank Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu because we heard that he has been calling to know the status of the boy, apart from providing money for his care.

    “A committee was setup by the assembly to investigate the incident and the mother alleged that the intestine was missing.

    “We made some shocking discoveries in the course of our investigation but we will not make these known until we complete investigations.
    “We discovered also some unusual things in the process, we will make them public for the whole world to see when we complete our investigations.

    “The incident is very unusual but we want the boy to survive and the speaker is very interested in his survival too,” he said.

    Adams stressed that the assembly wanted the boy to have a brighter future as his name was bright, and thanked the speaker for showing interest in the matter.

    The lawmaker also thanked the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH.

    The chairman added that he also appreciated the certified surgeon that had been taking care of the boy, whom he said told the committee that there was a little improvement in his condition.

    He, however, expressed worry over the condition of the boy, and said that “anybody that is found culpable will be prosecuted.”

    Also commenting, Abayomi, thanked Obasa for setting up the committee, saying that they have had a series of interactions on the boy and were gathering the necessary information on the incident.

    “I want to also thank the Chief Medical Director of the hospital because if not for their efforts, the boy would not have survived till today, which is why we can still talk about him.
    “He is stable but he cannot absorb his own food and that is why he is being fed with artificial food, ” he said.

    The Surgeon in-charge of the boy’s treatment, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabanwo, told journalists that all hands have been on deck to save him.

    Fabanwo stressed that as a tertiary hospital, they have a lot of experts, including pediatricians, who looked after children, those that look after the heart, kidney and others, adding that everybody is involved in Akin-Bright’s case.

    He said; “As we speak, the condition of the boy is stable, though we are spending a lot of money to keep him alive. The governor has been very magnanimous to provide the funding.

    “The committee’s chairman has told you that there are things to be done in definitive terms but that will be discussed at a higher level,” he said.

    Adebola’s mother, expressed appreciation to Sanwo-Olu, the speaker of the house, as well as all the doctors that had been treating the boy.
    She said: “Everything about the health conditions of my child has changed since the visit of the governor and all hands have been on deck to ensure that Adebola survives.

    “I am hopeful that he will survive. I want to thank the governor, and the speaker. I am so grateful that they rose to attend to Adebola’s case.”

    Adeola’s mother said she was losing hope at the initial stage but now she wanted to thank them for their support. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma

  • NASS won’t review social media regulation Bill- Akpabio

    NASS won’t review social media regulation Bill- Akpabio

    By Jessica Dogo

    The Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio says the 10th National Assembly will not review the social media regulation bill since there are laws already guiding the use of the media.

    Akpabio was represented by the Senate Committee Chairman on ICT, Sen. Shuiab Salisu, at the Parliamentarian Symposium of Africa Internet Governance Forum (AIGF), hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The theme of the programme is: “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation”.

    He said that the theme was a reflection of the deepest yearnings of all Africans for concerted efforts to keep in step with the rest of the world in the ICT race.

    Akpabio said: “I am not sure that there is going to be a specific bill on social media regulation. However, there are emailing laws in various areas, social media is just one space.

    “So, rather than having a specific legislation on social media. I will rather say social media is just one platform. The same way people have used regular media platform, to commit libel.”

    Speaking on the youthful age of the African population, he said: “Africa may have missed out in the first, second, and third Industrial Revolutions but on the fourth is based on digital competence and knowledge system.

    “Africa is placed in position to lead this digital revolution.

    “I think a lot of things are happening that we need to also create awareness among the citizens.

    “I will work together with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to drive an agenda that will ensure our country, Nigeria begins the trajectory to greatness using technology as an enabler to regulate social future.”

    Akpabio said that this reality had compelled convocation to seek ways to develop, apply and arrive at shared norms, rules, decision-making procedures and other activities that would impact on the evolvement and utilisation of the internet.

    The Secretary General (AIGF), Hon. Samuel George, member Ghanaian Parliament, who spoke on internet Governance in Africa said that Governments on the African continent were doing a fantastic job when it comes to the processes of digitalisation.

    George said that people would like politicians to focus more on bricks and physical infrastructure than putting in more resources into digital rights.

    He added: “We are seeing a lot more government services becoming digitalised; social services, government services, health care, justice, are becoming digital platforms.

    “West African sub region Nigeria, is a big leader in that so we believe that governments are doing well

    “As a politician, I know that we have challenges and that is one of the things we reach out to the media that citizens need to understand the value of digital infrastructure.

    “If politicians come in and say that they have passed a digital rights bill to the citizens, they have not done anything but when they build a hospital they have done something.

    “So those are the things that influence the decisions that politicians make.”

    According to George,  instead of putting in more resources into digital rights, which affect everything  done online now, focus is rather placed on bricks and physical infrastructure.

    He said: “So, you help us to raise the issues of digital rights and digital frameworks.

    “You are talking about legislation and creating safe spaces on the internet and making sure that governments have the right framework for internet problems and the safety of citizens digital rights.”

    NAN

  • Boy with missing intentine: We’ll punish anyone found culpable — Lagos assembly

    Boy with missing intentine: We’ll punish anyone found culpable — Lagos assembly

    By Adekunle Williams

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has said that anyone that is found culpable in the case of the missing intestine of Adebola Akin-Bright would be prosecuted in due course.
    The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Mr Noheem Adams, made this disclosure to newsmen at the visit of members of the committee to the boy at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos assembly, on Sept. 4, inagurated a five-man ad hoc committee to investigate the case of a 12-year-old boy, Adebola Akin-Bright, whose small intestine allegedly went missing during his treatment.

    NAN recalls that on Sept. 1, the mother of the boy, Abiodun Deborah, had cried out over the disappearance of her child’s small intestine during his treatment at the hospital.

    Adams said  the report of the committee would soon be made public, adding that some shocking discoveries were made in the course of its investigations.
    “We came to LASUTH on the directives of the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, to see the health status of Adebola Akin-Bright.
    “We want to thank Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu because we heard that he has been calling to know the status of the boy, apart from providing money for his care.
    “A committee was setup by the assembly to investigate the incident and the mother alleged that the intestine was missing.
    “We made some shocking discoveries in the course of our investigation but we will not make these known until we complete investigations.
    “We discovered also some unusual things in the process, we will make them public for the whole world to see when we complete our investigations.
    “The incident is very unusual but we want the boy to survive and the speaker is very interested in his survival too,” he said.
    Adams stressed that the assembly wanted  the boy to have a brighter future as his name was bright, and thanked the speaker  for showing interest in the matter.
    The lawmaker also thanked the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH.
    The chairman added that he also appreciated the certified surgeon that had been taking care of the boy, whom he said told the committee that there was a little improvement in his condition.
    He, however, expressed worry over the  condition of the boy, and said that “anybody that is found culpable will be prosecuted.”
    Also commenting,  Abayomi, thanked Obasa for setting up the committee, saying that they have had a series of interactions on the boy and were gathering the necessary information on the incident.
    “I want to also thank the Chief Medical Director of the hospital because if not  for their efforts,  the boy would not have survived till today, which is why we can still talk about him.
    “He is stable but he cannot absorb his own food and that is why he is being fed with artificial food, ” he said.
    The Surgeon in-charge of the boy’s treatment, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabanwo, told journalists that all hands have been on deck to save him.
    Fabanwo stressed that as a tertiary hospital, they have a lot of experts, including pediatricians, who  looked after children, those that look after the heart, kidney and others, adding that everybody is involved in Akin-Bright’s case.
    He said; “As we speak, the condition of the boy is stable, though we are spending a lot of money to keep him alive. The  governor has been very magnanimous to provide the funding.
    “The committee’s chairman has told you that there are things to be done in definitive terms  but that will be discussed at a higher level,” he said.
    Adebola’s mother, expressed  appreciation to Sanwo-Olu, the speaker of the house, as well as all the doctors that had been treating the boy.
    She said: “Everything about the health conditions of my child has changed since the visit of the governor and all hands have been on deck to ensure that Adebola survives.
    “I am hopeful that he will survive. I want to thank the governor, and the speaker. I am so grateful that they rose to attend to Adebola’s case.”
    Adeola’s mother said she was losing hope at the initial stage but now she wanted to thank them for their support.
    NAN
  • Oyebanji urges police to unravel mysteries surrounding Mohbad’s death

    Oyebanji urges police to unravel mysteries surrounding Mohbad’s death

    By Opeyemi Aremu-Gbemiro

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, has urged the  police to unravel the mysteries surrounding the death of a singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.
    This is contained in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday and
    signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.
    According to the governor, the minimum the country owes the deceased and his family is justice.
    “This can only come through a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to his death as well as various revelations that came out thereafter.”
    “Our condolences go to the family and fans of the late singer, Mohbad.
    “We feel their pains at this crucial moment and join other well- meaning Nigerians to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his death”, he said.
    Oyebanji said this became necessary as some Ekiti youths planed to hold a procession in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital to mourn the late singer and demand justice for him.
    He described a 27-year-old musician as a talented singer, who had already carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world with several hit songs to his credit.
    The governor said the death of the singer at the peak of his career and the circumstances surrounding it were highly regrettable.
    While extending condolences to   members of the late singer’s families as well as his fans worldwide, the governor urged the police to investigate the death and ensure that justice was done.
    NAN
  • India expels senior Canadian diplomat

    India expels senior Canadian diplomat

     

    New Delhi:  (Xinhua/NAN) / Flowerbudnews): The Indian Government on Tuesday expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, asking him to leave the country within the next five days.

    The move came after Ottawa expelled an Indian diplomat for his alleged involvement in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier this year.

    Nijjar was killed in Surrey, Canada’s British Columbia, on June 18.

    However, an official statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that the decision reflected the Indian government’s growing concern.

    The concern was over the interference of Canadian diplomats in India’s internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.

    “The High Commissioner of Canada to India was summoned earlier and informed of the decision of the Government of India to expel the senior Canadian diplomat based in India.

    “`The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days,’’ said the ministry’s statement. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews