Wale Oshun, Okurounmu Are Envious Of My Achievements –Osoba

Aremo Olusegun Osoba, veteran journalist and two-time governor of Ogun State, in this interview with select journalists speaks on the allegations of treachery leveled against him by two chieftains of Afenifere, Senator Femi Okurounmu and Wale Oshun. TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI brings the excerpts:

Senator Femi Okurounmu,a chieftain of Afenifere recently granted an interview where he said some of the things you wrote in your book ‘Battlelines’ were lies and an attempt to distort history. How will you respond to that?

I will not descend into using uncouth, insulting and gutter languages like Senator Okurounmu did by referring to me as a traitor, a security agent and a double dealer. In spite of his sustained attacks on me in the last two weeks, I was unruffled and unmoved as a tested fighter and warrior. On the day I launched my book, I showed series of pictures and one was me as boxer at the age of 10. I also titled my book ‘Battlelines’ to show a lot of the blackmail that I suffered in both my professional and political life.

As for Okurounmu, I will describe him as a frustrated, unfulfilled politician as well as a failure in his chosen profession. His recent attack on me was borne out of jealousy and the major factor is envy and wickedness.

Yoruba language is highly proverbial and Yoruba will describe Okurounmu’s situation as somebody suffering from proverb that says ‘Ija ilara kii tan boro, Anjuwon ko see wi l’ejo’ which means ‘ when you are envious you carry that burden almost forever and an envious character cannot easily say the reason why he is envious particularly God has been too kind and generous to the person he is envious of ’. That is the situation between me and Okurounmu.

My answer to that is I pray to God in heaven and our heroes, many who died in the cause of the struggle, particularly those unsung, too many people that suffered that are unsung; but I will be specific with our leaders that wherever they are in heaven, I appeal to them to forgive Okurounmu at 80 because insinuation that the military government was after me because I was an agent is false.

He claimed that you were detained by the military because you were spying for NADECO. How will you respond to that?

Sergeant Rogers was categorical when he was cross-examined by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, a renowned authority in the Law of Evidence who was then the Attorney-General of Lagos State. He mentioned names of those of us who were marked down and they were instructed to assassinate. I appeal to the spirit of Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, the spirit of Bola Ige who died in the hands of assassins, the spirit of Olu Onagoruwa , the spirit of those who were hit and a lot of them died in the cause which include Papa Abraham Adesanya, my brother, good friend and soul mate Alex Ibru. I can go and mention names of those who were marked down by the evidence given in court.

I am still alive. If they were after me as a security collaborator and agent, then Okurounmu destroyed the spirit of these people who died in the cause that all of us who were marked down as stated in the evidence recorded in court that we are all agents. May the spirit of those who died in the cause forgive Okurounmu. May their souls continue to rest in peace but what he has done is making all of them turn in their graves.

What about the allegation that your governorship election in 1992 was funded by former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida?

I’m shocked and disappointed at the lack of knowledge and intellectualism displayed by Okurounmu who claimed to be a PhD holder. If you are a student of history, the two party systems, a little to the right and a little to the left in my time were well and openly funded by President Babangida’s government. We haven’t arrived at the garrison command politics of Obasanjo, the politics of do-or –die of today. At that time, voting system was open ballot. You queue openly behind the photograph of your candidate at all levels.

Votes at that time were not monetised. In our time, we didn’t need much money to run our campaign because the parties were funded, we didn’t need to fund the party or buy votes because voting was by open ballot. You queue in the open behind the photographs. What evidence has he that I collected money when the party has already been funded? What do I need the money for when voting was by open ballot? We have a situation where the wife will queue on one side and the husband will queue on the other side. On the day of the election in Ijebu- Igbo, Papa Adesanya at that time, who was a junior brother to my father-in-law directed people in his voting centre that they were supporting Afolabi Olabimtan and people were telling him ‘ Papa, you have a right to say you are supporting Olabimtan but we are for Osoba’ and they queued openly behind my picture.

The same thing with Papa Ayo Adebanjo in Isanya Ogbo. His closest political foot soldier in Isanya- Ogbo, late CP Odunsi was my supporter. He openly queued behind my picture contrary to the directive of Papa Ayo Adebanjo. So, what money did I need from Babangida then? What will I spend the money on? You don’t even need an agent because the result is recorded. An example is Lagos. In Lagos, the late Wahab Dosunmu and Towry Coker were candidates for the Senate seat in Lagos. Somehow, they disagreed that they were not happy with the way the primary was being conducted and so they decided to boycott it. However, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele said she was not boycotting.

Two of the people queued behind her. At the end of the day, Babagana Kingibe upheld the result and said there is no provision in the constitution for boycott. The party members still went ahead and voted for Bucknor- Akerele who was not their candidate despite the fact that she was not the original candidate they wanted. There was party discipline then. I can give you several examples to show you that there was discipline in the two-party systems. There was never one carpet-crossing. Towry-Coker or Dosunmu did not cross because they felt that they were not fairly treated in the party. It was in the same Lagos that when they conducted the primary and they were not happy with the way it was conducted, they voted for House of Assembly in the open and also decided to queue behind the late Michael Otedola who was governorship candidate of NRC. The system then was open. So, what do I need the Babangida’s money for? That is why I said Okurounmu is lacking in sense of history, intellectualism and political knowledge.

Wale Oshun, the Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) also claimed that you donated 5,000 Pounds to the project of Mrs Maryam Abacha but when NADECO approached you for financial assistance, you gave them a paltry 250 Pounds. What really transpired then?

I have answered Wale Oshun in my book. I titled that chapter ‘Unkindest Cut’. His was the unkindest cut I can ever think of because both of them claimed to be Secretary-General of NADECO but it was a lie. Neither of the two were part of the 49 people that founded NADECO. NADECO was formed in General Adeyinka Adebayo’s house in Ikeja and it was a coalition of so many forces. Neither of them was present and so they cannot tell the story of their forefathers. The closest person to me in exile in London was Wale Oshun. He was a regular visitor to my house. He should tell you first what transpired between me as individuals.

When he was briefly detained in Ikoyi Prisons before he ran away to the United Kingdom (UK), I was regularly going to his house with Segun Adesegun, former Deputy Governor of Ogun state and Alhaji Sule Onabiyi to help the wife. My passport was seized and I was to attend an operation in 1993 when MKO Abiola asked me to come and return as the foremost governor behind him to come and face Babangida which I did. Then, I had nerve root problem and my nerve was almost cutting off by the time efforts were made to get my passport released. My wife’s passport was also seized so she couldn’t travel with me. I had a three-hour operation at Princess Grace Hospital. If my relationship with Wale Oshun was that sour, how come he was the first person I saw by the time I came out of anesthesia? He was the first person by my bedside when I came back to life and opened my eyes. But I know his problem.

What is his problem?

Under SDP, he failed in Lagos. He was playing his politics in Lagos but lost out. So he came to Ogun state and because both of us were in the Constituent Assembly in 1998 where I met him over 30 years ago, he pleaded with me that he wanted to be my running mate. I now told him that Papa Awolowo was a democrat who practiced democracy to the core and as one of his staunch followers; I am not going to handpick my deputy. The field is open and he is free to come in, I will throw it open to contest. In his local government, he defeated my deputy in Ogun East (Waterside) local government and he emerged through the Option A4 at the first level.

At the second level, he lost out to Rafiu Ogunleye. At the state level, he lost out in Ijebu, so he was not one of the candidates who were considered at the state level where Ogunleye won by narrow margin. So, that is the genesis of his attacks on me because he could not forgive me for not handpicking him as my deputy in 1991. He is still carrying that burden till today. At that time there was party discipline. The party then decided that let us compensate this young man who failed in Lagos, who also failed to become Deputy Governor in Ogun and we gave him House of Reps ticket.

After he won the election, I supported him to become Chief Whip as the governor of Ogun state then. We are that close. Senator Jubril Martins Kuye was in the Senate then and he became embittered because he wanted to become principal officer in the Senate but since I supported Wale Oshun, there was no way an Ijebu man can get principal officer in Ogun. So, this is the genesis of the bitterness of Wale Oshun. He and Okurounmu have not gone beyond that level ever. My God is great. I have gone beyond the level of a one-term governor. I became governor the second time under a different political dispensation.

Okurounmu said he wants a public debate but I will not descend to the level of dancing naked in the market at the age of 80. There is a saying that when you see a mad person who picked your cloth at the riverside while you were swimming , instead of you to cover your nakedness with leaves, you now decided to run naked after the mad man to retrieve your cloth, everybody will say they saw two mad people running on the road. Okurounmu is not a mad man but I will not join him in dancing naked on the street.

The post Wale Oshun, Okurounmu Are Envious Of My Achievements –Osoba appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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Anambra PDP, APGA Strategise For 2021

AWKA – Strategies for 2021 governorship election in Anambra state is gathering momentum as political parties gear up for the election. Last week Saturday the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its 8th stakeholders meeting in Awka with a call for aspirants to begin subtle campaign so as not to allow a dull moment in the party.

People’s expectations are high and those who are familiar with politicking in Anambra state are watching with keen interest to see what comes from the 2021 governorship election.This is because the two major political parties: the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which is the ruling party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are in somewhat role reversal. While the PDP has all along been known as a party that was almost impossible to manage, APGA on the contrary managed to control its internal squabbles successfully. But these roles seem to be on the reverse this time. Since the assumption of office of Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, former Awka South Council chairman as well as former state chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) the PDP fortunes seem to be on the upward swing. This was attested to last Saturday.

Party members who attended the meeting testified that for the first time, candidates emerged from the party’s primary election without any ambuguity. Former aspirants in the party had lamented how they were excluded in the past and yet in the end they never got party nomination. Former Senatorial candidate of the party in the 2015 election, High Chief Dr. Obiora Okonkwo lamented how he and his colleagues were fleeced during the party primaries. To make the matter worse, Okonkwo continued, when he thought that the matter was over, he was asked to cough out N35 million before he would be given the ticket. Another party stalwart, Chief Okey Muo-Aroh said that “the our tragedy had been that some people sit in their house and extort money from others at a very high cost. If we have made a resolution to go to Government House which we are original occupants, we must not sit down and let others feed us”. On the role of Abuja politicians in such cases, Muo-Aroh urged the party “to look them in the face and tell them that we are not a trading ground”.

Former Governorship candidate of the party who also attended the meeting said the party must give Nwobu credit for holding PDP together. He said: “When I joined PDP many years ago, there were factions.”. Addressing Nwobu directly, he said:”You promised free and fair primary election and you did it. Local government chairmen held forth when it was necessary. We wont take members who stuck to PDP for granted”.

Chief Nwobu in his address titled: “Repositioning For Power and Good Governance”, praised the party for doing well in the state in the 2019 elections . According to him, the party won two Senate seats, six House of Representatives seats and six state assembly seats with the hope of geting more from the election petition tribunals. He acknowledged that shortly after assuming power as chair of the party, there was a storm before the party primaries but the party was able to weather it. Most importantly, Nwobu continued, “There was no incidence of an aspirant being defrauded or fleeced of his or her hard earned resources. Although there were certain instances of manipulation, outside the state, I am certain that those who engaged in same must come to terms with the fact that fraudulent practices shall never be rewarded with success”.

Nwobu took the party leaders down memory lane on the strength of PDP in Anambra state before now. According to him, at least the starting point of the current democratic process in 1998/1999, the party won the five states in the South East. In Anambra state, he recalled, the party won massively with 18 chairmen in the 21 local councils of the state,10 House of Representatives seats, three senatorial seats and 29 out of the 30 seats in the House of Assembly. That feat was repeated in 2003 until Mr. Peter Obi who he described as -Game Changer’ who contested the governorship election on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) unseated the Governor who was elected on the platform of the party. Nwobu said the task of the party now is to come together, united as a body to reposition the party. “With the galaxy of eminent and distinguished personalities in the party, this shall surely be accomplished”, he dreamt.

Virtually, all the attendees of the meeting hammered on unity and praised Nwobu for a job well done and seemed ready to go. They vowed to reclaim Anambra and make the state a PDP state.

However, the contrast is that while PDP is dropping its old habit of crises and fleecing of aspirants during party primaries, APGA seemed eager to inherit that. The party’s primary election in 2018 prior to the election drew a lot of criticisms from aspirants. The party’s primary election and the numerous allegations of sleaze by the party leaders seemed to be putting the party on edge. Some members of the party from Imo state described the party “as the ATM with which Anambra people duped their brothers in Igbo land”. Apart from Imo state, Anambra witnessed its own rumble in the primary elections. A notable case was the senatorial primary of Anambra South Senatorial district in which Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah and Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu slugged it out. That primary election was so turbulent that many days after, it was not clear who actually clinched the ticket. The outcome, when the result was announced further divided the party and created enemies within. For instance, since then, stalwarts like Ambassador Ojukwu became a major critic of the party and in a back page of a national newspaper some months ago, she launched a tirade on the national chairman in which she prayed the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Governor Willie Obiano to ensure that the national officers, especially Oye did not return when the party held its national convention on May 31, 2019.

Initially, allegations that the party leadership fleeced aspirants to various elective positions were denied.

Special Adviser to Governor Obiano, Chief Ifeatu Obi- Okoye claimed that during reconciliation committee meetings called to suite frayed nerves, that nobody came up with any allegation against the chairman, Chief Victor Ike Oye. He told Independent in an interview: “I remember we called on people to come up with evidence of certain allegation but nobody did. But people prefer to sponsor blackmail in the social media. Nobody, not one person can say authoritatively, or came up with any proof of those things your hear in the social media. I am not holding brief for the national chairman but with all that noise I expect people to come up with clear proof but it didn’t happen and think it is time that the big stick of the party be wielded to put the party in check”.

Oye himself also defended his role in the party’s primaries saying: “I have not deliberately offended anybody in the course of my duty as the national chairman of this great party. During our our primaries in 2019, I didn’t send anybody out to do untoward things for me. I sent them to go and do good jobs for our party and bring me result. If anybody went there to do any dirty thing, it was his integrity that he destroyed not mine nor of the party”.

However, when the dust appear to be settling, former national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh unleashed a barrage of criticism on Oye and suggested the he steps down because if he remains in power till the next election nobody will trust his leadership. Unlike him, Umeh made his position known through social media links. He wrote: “I, Senator Victor Umeh, I am the oldest member of APGA in Nigeria today, from 2002 till today, I’ve been in this party. I have a very huge stake in the party, in the sense that “I with my colleagues in leadership nurtured this party out of the turbulent times and established it firmly in Nigeria as a very popular political party.

The post Anambra PDP, APGA Strategise For 2021 appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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North Korea's economy shrinks most in 21 years in 2018

North Korea's economy shrank in 2018 for a second straight year, and by the most in 21 years, hit by international sanctions to stop its nuclear program and by severe drought, according to South Korea's central bank.
Source: CNBC World News

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Japan could strike South Korea off its trade preferential list on Aug. 2

South Korea has protested the Japanese plan, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.
Source: CNBC World News

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‘Ending Fuel Importation Requires Collective Responsibility’

LAGOS – The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, yesterday said setting up refineries to end the deluge of petroleum importation into the country require the support of its joint venture partners.

He also called for collaboration with Chevron Nigeria Limited to establish a condensate splinter refinery.

Kyari, who spoke when the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) led by its Managing Director, Jeff Ewing, on a business visit to the NNPC Towers, Abuja, also urged CNL to work closely with the corporation to evolve modalities for a downward review of the cost structure of crude oil production in Nigeria in order to boost profit and revenue for the country.

“We hold Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in a high esteem for efficiency and cost optimization. We look more up to the company to increase production and reserve, reduce cost and increase local refining capacity”, Mallam Kyari stated.

Speaking on cash call, he says NNPC had done very well in meeting its financial obligations to the company in the last three years, noting that the move was expected to boost the confidence of Joint Venture partners to commit to further investment in the upstream.

He urged the company to further collaborate with NNPC to increase crude oil production and grow reserves in the country, stressing that NNPC was ready to work with Chevron to ensure that the Final Investment Decision (FID) on NLNG Train 7 was taken soonest for the benefits of all the investors.

He said efforts were on top gear by the government and security agencies to secure all the oil and gas pipelines across the country, assuring that the reinvigorated security architecture would provide safe working environment for all operators.

Speaking earlier, Managing Director of CNL, Mr. Jeff Ewing, said his company was prepared to work with the new management of NNPC to grow production.

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Source: Independent

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Without Terminal Connectivity, Nigerian Airports Can’t Be Hub – NANTA President

LAGOS – Until the Federal Government ensures connectivity between international and domestic terminals in the country, the dream of any Nigerian airport especially the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), becoming a hub will continue to be unrealistic.

The Nigerian Government also needs to take its leadership position in the West African sub-region to address the airfare imbalance in the region.

These were the views of Mr. bankole Bernard, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos yesterday.

Bankole observed that none of Nigerian international airports had connectivity to the local terminals, saying that the absence of this alone would make it difficult for any foreign carrier to partner with indigenous airlines in the country.

He called on the Federal Government to develop the nation’s aviation industry to international status for more participation by investors, maintaining that this would enable the airports to fulfill their potential.

Bankole also said that the consistent neglect of the aviation downstream sector by the government and free passage to foreigners to participate in the sub-sector had contributed immensely to the huge capital flight annually and called on the government to plug the loopholes.

He canvassed for strict monitoring of activities in the sub-sector to prevent capital flight, insisting that foreign investors could participate in aircraft leasing, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and training institutions for intending professionals in the sector.

He said: “The next thing that has been hugely neglected is the downstream sector of the aviation industry. This was equally mentioned to the former Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika. When you look at the pyramid, it is very thin at the top and very broad at the base. That is the way business is structured in every industry, which means it is at the base that you are going to find the so called commoners, the downstream of every industry.

“So, it means that if the policies that are being implemented don’t support the downstream sector, the desire growth and development will not be achieved. It means we really need to pay attention to the downstream sector by ensuring there is proper regulation and structure sector so that every tom, dick and harry don’t just go into the business.

“If the downstream sector of the aviation industry is properly regulated and monitored, and restricting it only for the citizens of the country because that is how it is done everywhere of the world, then, you will find out that the desired growth will happen and the impact will be felt by the citizens and issues of capital flight will not happen.”

Bernard also declared that fare imbalance within the region would continue until there was competition on the region especially the francophone states.

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Source: Independent

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Global Economy Loses $2.87m To Cybercrime Every Minute

LAGOS – With the rising trend of online crime, cybercrime cost the global economy$.87 million every minute and had a toll of $1.5 billion last year, new research has claimed.

According to RiskIQ’s latest annual “Evil Internet Minute” report, this is equivalent to around $2.87 million lost every minute last year across the world, with individual organisations paying out roughly $25 every minute due to security breaches.

Other malicious activity includes hacks on cryptocurrency exchanges ($1,900 per minute), phishing attacks ($17,700 per minute), ransomware ($22,200 per minute).

Hackers often steal personally identifiable information (PII), and businesses spend more than $10,000 a minute to compensate on such breaches

“As the scale of the internet continues to proliferate, so does the threat landscape,” said Lou Manousos, CEO of RiskIQ.

“By compiling the vast numbers associated with cybercrime in the past year, we made the research more accessible by framing it in the context of an ‘internet minute.’ We are entering our third year defining the sheer scale of attacks that take place across the internet using the latest third-party research and our own global threat intelligence so that businesses can better understand what they’re up against on the open web.”

Hackers employ various tactics, the report says, which range from malvertising to phishing, to attacks against the supply chain in e-commerce businesses. Magecart attacks have gone up 20 per cent year-on-year. As usual, hackers are motivated by money, the idea that they can ruin someone’s reputation or political agenda.

The post Global Economy Loses $2.87m To Cybercrime Every Minute appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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Abia Government To Assist In Completing Dry Port In The State

UMUAHIA – As Abians yearn for commencement of the Dry Port Project sited in Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa LGA of the state by the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2007, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has restated the commitment of his administration to assist in completing the project on record time.

According to the governor, laudable projects like Dry Port is one of the ventures, a state like Abia whose citizens are renowned businessmen and women needs to assist in developing, stressing that his government would be totally committed to the provision of enabling economic environment that would turn Abia State into a choice investment destination in Nigeria.

Ikpeazu spoke in a function at the weekend while receiving in audience the Federal Government Concessionaire for the Dry Port Project at Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State, Eastgate Dry Port Projects Limited.

The CEO of Eastgate, Bill Nkemdirim came to the governor to formally introduce to him the company that will handle the actual construction of the project, Messers China Tianchen Engineering Corporation.

And to further inform him that every arrangement for the construction works have been concluded and that they are ready to start work at the site.

Governor Ikpeazu expressed deep delight at this development, and assured them that his government will provide every necessary support to ensure that their work is seamless; pointing out that the Dry Port Project will be a powerful catalyst to the economic development of the state and indeed, the entire South East region.

He noted that upon completion, businessmen who engage in import and export will not have to go beyond the state to enjoy port services as containers coming in and out of the region will now be discharged at the port, for onward movement to their final destinations.

Apart from the direct impact on businesses, Ikpeazu added that the location of the Dry Port will catalyse the growth and development of indirect businesses around the area in addition to the provision of jobs.

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Source: Independent

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Plateau IRS Generates N9.2bn In Six Months – Dasogot

JOS – The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generated the sum of N 9.1 billion naira within the first six months of 2019, and still working round the clock to make sure it meet the years target.

Mr Arlat Dashe Dasogot, Executive Chairman, Internal Revenue service of the state, disclosed this on yesterday in Jos while speaking with newsmen.

He said when the present administration came on Board in 2015, the state generated 6.9 billion, and rising to 9.1 billion in 2016, N10.7 billion in 2017 and N 12.7 billion in 2018, adding that they are not yet there because there are lots of potentials yet to be tapped.

Dasogot noted that this year, the service has reinvigorated and re-strategise themselves to achieving more results as there are more areas and businesses that are to be captured into the service tax net in the state.

We have schools, hospitals, business concerns in local governments areas that have not been paying anything to the state government over the years and with over 200 adhoc staffs recruited and trained that are already assisting the service in this task “More revenue would be generated this year as they are striving to meet the target that the service was given for this year”, he said.

He added that he has created three districts in the senatorial zones in addition to the already zonal offices that are already in existence before now, saying they are already seeing the impact of the decision we took to boost the revenue base of the state.

‘’ From January to June this year half year, we have generated N9.2 billion compared to what we made half year in the previous years when the present government came on board in 2015 and we hope to meet and even surpass the target budget before the year runs out.

According to him, the state Revenue service is striving towards generating more money to enable the state government meet up with payment of new minimum wage to the state workforce.

He added that for them to be able to meet up with their revenue target, the service is carrying along Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state because of their great potentials, especially the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Tourism in the state.

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Source: Independent

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Billionaire James Dyson to buy second lavish Singapore property

Inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner James Dyson is poised to purchase his second luxury property in Singapore, complete with an infinity pool and indoor waterfall.
Source: CNBC World News

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Broda Shaggi – Nor Nor

EFCC Is Responsible, Should Obey Court Order – Okorocha

LEADERSHIP :

Senator representing Imo West and immediate past governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has reacted to the takeover of some of his properties by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Owerri, saying the anti-graft agency is responsible and ought to obey a subsisting court order on the matter. In an exclusive interview […]

The post EFCC Is Responsible, Should Obey Court Order – Okorocha appeared first on Leadership Newspaper and NNN.

Source: Leadership News

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FG Threatens Relocation Of Govt Institutions Over Encroachment Problem

LEADERSHIP :

The federal government has threatened to relocate government institutions located in states who would not accept them due to crisis of land encroachment. The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Arch Sonny Echono, disclosed this yesterday when  the Governing Council, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) paid a courtesy visit to the ministry. […]

The post FG Threatens Relocation Of Govt Institutions Over Encroachment Problem appeared first on Leadership Newspaper and NNN.

Source: Leadership News

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China wants to track and grade each citizen's actions — it's in the testing phase

China is forging ahead with efforts to create a national social credit system. Some analysts doubt authorities can reach their goal.
Source: CNBC World News

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OML 54: CLO, Host Communities Drag Group To PMB

LEADERSHIP :

The Civil Liberties Organisations (CLO) and host communities of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 54, have petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged false allegations against an indigenous oil firm, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR) by a group, the Niger Delta Human Rights Coalition (NDHRC). NDHRC had, in a statement accused NDPR, which operates the OML 54, […]

The post OML 54: CLO, Host Communities Drag Group To PMB appeared first on Leadership Newspaper and NNN.

Source: Leadership News

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W/Bank Assisted Project Enhances Capacity Of 10,000 Farmers

LEADERSHIP :

The Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS) a World Bank assisted project has disclosed plans to build the capacity and agricultural productivity of no fewer than 10, 000 maize, ginger and dairy farmers in Kaduna State. The state project coordinator, Dr. Yahaya Aminu stated this in Kaduna yesterday at a one-day awareness […]

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Source: Leadership News

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Protest At Uniosun As EFCC Arrests 35 Students For Alleged Internet Fraud

Osogbo – Students of Osun State University, Osogbo on Thursday staged protest over the arrest of 35 colleagues by officials of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for alleged internet fraud.

Officials of EFCC stormed their various hostels off-campus in the early hours of Thursday to effect the arrest of the suspected yahoo boys.
Meanwhile, sources close to EFCC told Independent Newspaper that the commission has commenced sorting out those arrested to ascertained the real culprits.
But the student population later mobilized themselves and blocks all roads leading to the campus making burn fire to resist further arrest of more students.
The protesting students armed with stones, sticks, clubs, knives, cutlasses condemned the incessant arrests of students of the university by operatives of EFCC, SARS, and DSS.
While the protest lasted, there was no vehicular movement to and out of the campus and shunned all entreaties by the armed policemen, men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps who were drafted to maintain law and order.
It was gathered that the arrested students were taken to the Ibadan office of EFCC for further investigations.
Worried by the hard stance of protesting students, the police open tear gas to disperse the protesting students and in the process, some were wounded while attempting to escape the teargas fired by policemen.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Abiodun Ige confirmed the arrest by the EFCC and effort made by police to prevent the protest from degenerating into violent protests.
She explained that the police were forced to open teargas after all persuasive have failed.

Reacting to the protest, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor. Labo Popoola, said the protest by students of the university was unnecessary adding that only those involved in internet fraud were picked up.
He, however, warned the protesting students to desist from their action adding that any protest by the students over the arrest of those allegedly involved in internet crime, would be a misadventure.

According to him, “the management of Osun State University, Osogbo, has made it clear to our students that it will be a misadventure to protest the arrest of individuals suspected to be involved in crime. No one can stop investigations.

“The outcome of investigations will determine the next steps of the University. Significantly, the arrested students were not in our hostels. They were in private hostels outside the campus.

It would be recalled that the operatives of EFCC had in July arrested 27 ‘yahoo boys’ in Osogbo, Osun state out of which 13 of the suspects were arraigned before Justice Ayoola Emmanuel of Osogbo Federal High Court but were granted bail. Their trial was adjourned to October 2.

As at the time of filing this report, no official reaction from EFCC spokesperson, Tony Orilade as several calls put across to him there was no response.

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Meanwhile, Information reaching Independent Newspapers in Osogbo in the course of filing this report has revealed that some of the arrested students of Osun State University have been left off-hook.

A reliable source told Independent Newspaper that the students were released and allow to go after the officials of the EFCC have established the fact that they know nothing about the offence they were actually arrested for. The source said the affected students were asked to go after sorting of those actually arrested and those on the wanted list of the crime commission. Meanwhile, 35 students of the university were arrested this morning over internet fraud. Those arrested were immediately driven to the commission’s office in Ibadan. Students of the university however protested against the arrest saying it is becoming frequent by men of EFCC, DSS, SARS, and others.

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Source: Independent

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NSCDC’s Agro Rangers Initiative Can End Banditry, Others – CSO

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A civil society organisation, Centre for Media Advocacy (CMA) has called on relevant stakeholders and security agencies to adopt the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Agro-Rangers Initiative to help combat the incessant banditry and kidnappings across the country. The CSO maintained that as a result of the initiative by the Commandant-General, NSCDC, Abdullahi […]

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Source: Leadership News

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Fireboy DML – You

Chinese state media says Beijing suspects FedEx broke law with failed Huawei shipments

Chinese authorities suspect U.S. package delivery company FedEx violated the law by not making shipments of goods from the tech company Huawei to their recipients, the Xinhua state news agency reported on Friday.
Source: CNBC World News

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No Regret Playing For Nigeria – Ighalo

LAGOS – Odion Ighalo, Shanghai Shenhua of China striker, has vowed to overcome his injury woes , saying that he has no regrets playing for the Super Eagles at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The 2019 AFCON top scorer stressed that he always wanted to give his best to the team, from which he retired last week.

Although, he cited threats to his life and family among reasons for his early international retirement, Ighalo added that the injury he copped in the third place match against Tunisia had nothing to do with his decision, as he acknowledged that it was also part of the game.

He took to social media to reveal his worries over the injury, but said that it does not mean he regreted playing at AFCON 2019, noting that he was determined to get back into action very soon, in order to make his club’s fans happy once again.

“This is the most difficult season in my club career but playing for my country has always been a dream and this is the last big tournament in my international career.

“I’m so unlucky to have got the same injury and especially this period that my team needs me.

“I feel so sorry for the fans that I will be missing some games but I will work hard to be back ASAP to end the season very well,” Ighalo posted.

It would be recalled that Ighalo was injured late in the first half of the third place match after scoring the only goal that earned the Super Eagles the third place position at the AFCON 2019 and made him the top scorer with five goals.

According to medical reports, the injury will see Ighalo stay out on the sidelines for eight weeks, but the 30-year-old attacker insists he has no regrets.

Instead of blaming the Super Eagles for the hamstring injury on the national team, Ighalo admitted he has been unlucky with such setbacks in recent months, but vowed to fight back and get over his latest blight as he had notched a total 16 goals in 35 matches for Nigeria.

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Source: Independent

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Where Are The Midwest Elders?

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The above question has become imperative because having observed events since President Muhammadu Buhari took office on May 29, 2015 and the drift of the Nigerian state into chaos and anarchy, other regions have come out with position statements by their leaders. It must be emphasized that the Midwest remains the only legal entity since […]

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Source: Leadership News

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Research Key To Nigeria’s Devt Aspirations –

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Ibrahim Katampe, a Professor of chemistry and Director for Innovation & Technology Incubation, Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies (CEET), Central State University, U.S.A, is the vice chair of research fund screening and monitoring committee set up by TETFUND. He speaks on the committee and other salient issues What does the new project initiated by […]

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Source: Leadership News

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Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello resigns amid mass protests

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello says he is resigning effective Aug. 2.
Source: CNBC World News

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Osinbajo, Tinubu, Ooni To Attend Olulade’s Book Launch

LAGOS – Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other statesmen across Nigeria are set to unveil a book titled ‘ Eleniyan Perspectives: Thoughts Of Hon. Segun Olulade at D’ Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday July 31 2018.

The 23-chapter book, written by Segun Olulade, a former two-time member of the Lagos State House of Assembly addressed wide-ranging issues such as insecurity challenges, the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly, role of women and youths in national developments and other issues.

Speaking in a chat with Daily Independent, Olulade said “Nigerians should expect a lot from the book and I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to put my thoughts together. It has 23 chapters and in it, I addressed the issue of insecurity in the country in the book”.

“I also spoke about the role of youths and women in the society. Recently, I apologised to former President Goodluck Jonathan. If you know me, I am one of his vocal critics when he was President. So why did I apologise to him? You will find out in my book”.

“I also wrote about the National Assembly, and the leadership of Bukola Saraki, former Senate President. I also wrote about the Presidential election in the United States and what Nigeria can learn from it”.

“The book also addressed the anti-corruption war of the federal government and what is expected from public service holders. I also wrote about many thought- provoking issues that I believe will be of interest to Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political divide. The book is very historical and lucid and I believe it is a book every Nigerian must read”.

In Page 64 of the book, I wrote “If you do not tie the loose end of your sack, pouring grains continously will do no good. Yes Mr President can be slow and nothing is bad in being slow, as long as it is Steady and Productive”.

In his foreword, Tinubu “The book is rich collection of ideas and thoughts. I therefore recommend it for those genuinely seeking more Knowledge and education on our recent history and on the comparative studies of the management of public affairs” .

Other eminent Nigerians expected at the book launch are Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun state among others.

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Source: Independent

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Nigeria’s Security Architecture Needs Total Overhaul –Shettima

Yerima Shettima, leader of the Northern Youth Coalition, in this interview with JULIET OYOYO, spoke on the Federal Government’s controversial Ruga policy, insecurity in the nation and other crucial national issues. Excerpt:

Northern youths recently met with the governors from the region following the call by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for northerners to leave South and return home. Were they able to convince the youths not to heed the call?

We must understand that one thing surely leads to another. Before the call for the herdsmen to return home, there was an initial meeting after our conference where I and the convener of the groups gave a one-month ultimatum to the government to review the security architecture whereby people can live comfortably wherever they find themselves as Nigerians, especially with the herdsmen issue. We subscribe to the fact that each time a crime is committed by one tribe, it does not generally mean that the whole tribes are involved. So, the sin of an individual or few individuals should not be translated to a particular tribe where you stigmatise the tribe and call them all sorts of names.

We feel very uncomfortable and we said no. So, we decided that government should call those people making such incisive statements so they don’t make an ignorant person take laws into his hands and unleash terror on innocent Nigerians. Immediately we made this statement, less than 24 hrs, the Northern Governors Forum, under the leadership of the Plateau State governor, Samuel Lalong, also met and appealed to us to stay action as they would want to have a meeting with us.

The Northern Elders Forum did the same via a letter restraining us from taking any further action as they would want us to sit down with them and have a consultative meeting, same with the ACF and other individuals, including tradition leaders. Few days later, Gov Lalong made some commitments and gave some clarifications.

It was after we gave our statement that the Presidency suspended the Ruga programme the same day. Some people misunderstood us, thinking that it was the governors or even the Presidency that prompted us to make the statement. That was not true. We had finished our statement before the Presidency came up with its position. During our meeting with the governors, they raised important issues and made us understand that the issue of Ruga was originally not part of the government’s policy and that it was out of mischief that some people mentioned Ruga. The truth of it all is that there was a project, the National Livestock Transformation Plan And, which was the original plan of government in its blueprint. We were thereafter assured of a larger meeting within few days to come and we also gave our word that we would stay action until after our next meeting with them.

Also, with our commitment to the NEF that we would consult with them, we realised that this same threat kept going viral as people in the South were saying all sorts of things against the North which made us very uncomfortable, as if there was a bold statement by the Federal Government. Individuals and even governors from the South kept making statements such as, ‘We have no lands to give you’, and all sorts of things. To us, we saw it as a conspiracy without waiting to hear from the Federal Government. It was then presumed that there was going to be an attack on our people.

We therefore became uncomfortable, hence our next meeting with the NEF under the leadership of Prof. Ango Abdullahi. In the presence of other leaders at the meeting in Abuja, we made our presentations and advised that we did not ask our people to come back home, but that our people should see reason if we cannot get anything from the government as guarantee to the safety of our people residing in the South. Specifically, let the herdsmen come back home, because, we love them. We do not want them to be attacked or killed because their lives are as important as any other life.

It was on that basis we gave the advice and within these statements, we do not know where they came up with talk of us having asked our people to come back home. By the way, what is wrong if we ask our people to come back home if their safety cannot be guaranteed?

However, government in its own wisdom, came up with that suspension and the NEF and Professor Ango shared some concerns. There are ongoing wider consultations that will enable them see if the government cannot make any statement or take a bold step towards that direction which will guide our next option. We have not taken any action yet as an option. We heard that we were calling for the return of our people.

Following the statement that had gone viral, we were pleased to hear the FG say that everybody has the right to stay wherever he or she wishes, without intimidation, harassment or threat by anybody or group and be treated equally as Nigerians. On that basis, an assurance was given for the protection of all Nigerians and guarantee to their lives and properties and that is all we want to hear. If otherwise, we will hold the government responsible for not protecting her citizens or our people. We accepted the government’s statement. We were glad to hear it. We are still consulting and discussions are still ongoing with our people. We are also in discussion with government for a proper solution to the issues concerning farmers and herders clashes.

However, we want the Federal Government to look into the insecurity situation and fish out the perpetrators of these evils so that we do not make the mistake of narrowing the whole issue to a particular tribe. This has been our concern. Many see the problem of stigmatisation and have put the fault directly on the doorsteps of the government as it has refused to acknowledge that a criminal is a criminal, anywhere.

Why has the government failed to fish out these criminal elements considering also that, it has acknowledged that the perpetrators are not Nigerians?

The government must have had its own clinical investigations and observations and I am not in the know as I am also not a security expert. However, what I know is that a criminal is a criminal and it cuts across every tribe. Do we now that kidnapping is being invented in the South and we therefore say any kidnapping in the North is by somebody from the South? No! Any criminal must be fished out and dealt with as a criminal, but, not at the expense of a particular tribe and you tag it so and stigmatise them in the name of Fulanis. This is wrong and unacceptable. Mind you, I am not a Fulani, but I find it totally unacceptable.

There are also, criminal activities up North, especially in states like Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina and many have equally queried the government on the security structures and those manning positions. Do you also ascribe it to the calls that the president changes his Security Chiefs?

It is important because we are even suffering more than the southern parts of the country as, people are being killed in the North in their homes, on a daily basis. We are not free. Why is it so and at what point did we become so low that those in the southern parts do not see the problem as a Nigerian problem or the northern problem as a Nigerian problem, but will only see it as just the problem of the North and as such, do not care. At what point did we descend so low that a crime being committed in the north is seen as one committed by ‘bandits’, but in the South, it is labeled as ‘killer herdsmen’? How did we get to this level? People must understand that it is not only Fulani that are herdsmen as other tribes are equally involved in this cattle rearing. Why is it now being pushed to only the Fulani as a tribe? Everybody now sees them and stigmatise them and call them all sorts of names. Our brothers in the southern part must realise that this is a country we all belong to and a problem affecting one, affects the other indirectly.

Don’t you think there is the need for reorientation for all?

Well, that is something we are doing as an organisation, ourselves and also, reaching out to our counterparts in the southern part of the country. For instance, I have been in talks with other ethnic national youth leaders. I happen to be the chairman of All Ethnic Nationalities, which include, Ijaw Youth Council, Ohanaeze Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council and so on. I am supposed to be the current chairman of this coalition. But, I gave up some time ago because after we had our meetings, they went back home. Their people told them different things and they reacted and they say a different things from what we know.

Are you saying that our security chiefs have failed us?

To an extent, yes, they did. We need a total overhaul of the security system in Nigeria to bring things to order and checkmate the excesses of this madness. We are suffering more than any other part of the country and we are worried. If Nigerians cannot help us and work together as a nation and fight against this crime, it would be terrible for another Nigerian to sit in any part of the country and stigmatise the north. That we will not accept. Before the kidnapping issue started in the country, it started from the Niger Delta. Robbery started from somewhere in the south. Are we now going to refer or say that some of these menace and social vices are things that are being organised by southern people against the North? No! We cannot do that mistake. A crime is a crime. Let us put heads together as a nation; fight against the evil in our midst as this evil comes from every part of this country.

Do you support the call for a national conference by a former President Olusegun Obasanjo?

For how long shall we continue to have these conferences over and over? What happened to the previous conferences we have had? We cannot begin to have conferences where people are being sponsored; selected by interest of establishment to go to Abuja where they sit down comfortably and are paid allowances for working in the best interest of the nation. They sit down and cannot come up with something better, quashing tax payers money in billions of naira and end up coming out with a document that cannot be used in the midst of hardship in this country. No, this is not a good advice. If we must do it and talk about having conference, let us all agree that the outcome of that conference will be a thing that will be implemented by that government. If we cannot look at other subsequent conferences that had been had in the past; like the ones I remember vividly, was the Obasanjo conference that only produced the ‘Third Term’ and that of Jonathan where the selection was not properly done. Some of us in the north were not contacted and as such, we were not aware and some few individuals only selected themselves and went to the conference in the name of representing the north only to get there without an agenda or clearly stating our agenda. We will not accept that. If there is going to be any conference, we should know and responsibility must be given to those who are supposed to be involved and every consultation must be done and all of us must be seen to be working in the same direction so that we can come up with a clear agenda of what we want. And then, on that basis, government must have a commitment to say, look; “whatever is the outcome of this conference, we will adopt it”. On that note, I agree but not to quash taxpayers money by going to Abuja with their girlfriends and leave their families at home all in the name of conference. No! That is what we want.

Many believe that the country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. What is the solution that can take the people back to their old ways of peaceful coexistence? Also, some people say that when a particular tribe commits an offence, nobody queries them, while others are denied fair hearing. Again, with the heightening poverty level, some have requested for poverty alleviation programmes. Do you agree with these?

Well, two issues you raised; one on the part of poverty and the other has to do with selective justice. There are other tribes that are being marginalised and are therefore, not enjoying despite the fact that our own is in charge. It is the north. We are being marginalised economically as the so-called “anchor programme” by the Federal Government was only implemented in favour of the south. We only hear of it and when our people are applying for the soft loans to push for their agricultural empowerment, they put rigid conditions that an average northerner cannot meet up with. The policy does not favour the north and they make it look like it is a national programme. That is one side of it. We have been marginalised on it.

Economy wise today, in terms of infrastructure, you will agree with me that every major project has gone back to the southern part of the country and they only work because they had a ‘Super Minister’ under the last regime under this same present administration who took tax payers’ money to do more in the south than any part of this country. That is why some of us have this intuition that the government only favours the south west. The north has nothing to show for this administration. We are more marginalised than any other tribe. In terms of fight against corruption, tell me one person that has been prosecuted as it is only the north that has suffered in this so-called fight on corruption and, in the nutshell, we suffer more. Look at the names. Selective justice was only meted against us. The money that was collected on the issue of arms or whatever, the south collected more. But today, who is suffering? It is the northwest that is suffering more. Those from the northeast, southeast and south-south are all seen as saints while, the southwest are ‘more saintly’. How can you justify all these in this fight against corruption? You can name everybody that is being persecuted and the northwest has more for reasons best known to those who are working on that script.

You talked about infrastructural development. Is that not the responsibility of governors and as such, they should be held accountable?

There are federal projects, just as there are state projects. Under the system that we have today, where power is concentrated on the centre that is why some of us are of the view that, let us try and see if we can restructure the country, holistically so that we can decentralise this central government. The power at the centre is too much. So, we need to decentralise the government and make the centre less attractive. Every state will be viable and productive than the way they presently are as the governors are lazy and cannot work on their own to raise money to do things and be creative on their own but instead, will be relying on allocation from the federal government. And, the burden is more on the Federal Government that it cannot do more than they are doing now. And, I can say that if we continue like this, we will end up not been able to pay salaries in the nearest future by this centre. Now, we have a problem and, we are not even talking about infrastructure or whatever, we must act as quickly as possible, find a way to amend our constitution so that the power will be less burdened so that states will be more viable and productive. Based on arrangement, if it is tax, let the states or the regions be paying to the federal government while most of the burden now go back to the states or the regions. Let there be competition so that every governor can be productive on his own and basically, harness the resources within their state and do better than what we have today. This cannot continue.

The post Nigeria’s Security Architecture Needs Total Overhaul –Shettima appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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Accepting Obasanjo’s Suggestion Can Divide Nigeria – Oyemade

Dr. Tunde Oyemade, a Public Policy Analyst, in this interview with EJIKEME OMENAZU, spoke on the issue of insecurity in the nation, especially on the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, among other issues. Excerpts:

The recent killing of the daughter of Afenifere leader has brought to the fore the issue of insecurity in the nation, which is spreading down South. How would you react to the development?

It is unfortunate that we do not prepare when problems are coming. The signs of insecurity have been there for a long time. If President Muhammadu Buhari administration has been arresting and prosecuting the killers, they would not have come down south. If the head of a fish is bad, the whole fish will be bad. In the past, if you are stranded at night, the police would assist you get to your destination. But now, if the police see you stranded, they will put a gun on you and frame you up and charge you for robbery. If something had been done about the killings, Fasoranti’s daughter would not have been killed. It is not an assassination, but the work of bandits who stay in and use the forest as cover. Many people have been killed by bandits and we did not hear about it. It is because the victim was the daughter of a notable personality that we heard about it. The Federal Government should send security officers into the forests to find and arrest the bandits. Let the Fulani herdsmen return to their land. Most of these people are not Nigerians. President Buhari should apologise to Nigerians on behalf of the Fulani. These will end the killings and Nigerians will forgive the Fulanis for all these things happening in the country.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently alleged that there was a Fulanisation and Islamisation agenda under the current administration. What is your take on that?

I agree with Obasanjo. But, it cannot work. Instead, Nigeria will divide. We don’t pray for that. But, instead of the Fulanisation and Islamisation plan to succeed, Nigeria will divide. What Obasanjo said is obvious. These killings that are spreading to the South are part of it. Take few other examples. In Osun, the school uniform was changed by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Sultan visited him. El-Rufai legislated against Christians in Kaduna. But, when he was campaigning, he went to the church where he was given the pulpit, to campaign. Thank God, the courts have annulled the El-Rufai’s offensive law. The Miyetti Allah has been issuing threats. Why have they not been arrested?

Do you see the possibility of President Muhammadu Buhari introducing True Federalism in the nation’s political system in his second term, having recently identified it as the best for Nigeria?

Buhari is not sincere. He cannot implement True Federalism. Nigerians are living in falsehood. Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, said that people should relinquish their land to the Fulanis, or they will be killed. Orji Kalu also wants South Easterners to release their lands. We saw Senator Omo- Agege, the Deputy Senate President, kneeling before Buhari. This is someone who led an attack on the Senate during which the Mace was removed. He is now the Deputy Senate President. Gbajabiamila was said to be a member of the House on The Rock Church. But, he was reported to have converted to Islam before he was elected Speaker. The Senate President is a Muslim. Heads of all federal institutions and Security Chiefs are Muslims. Under this situation, there cannot be True Federalism. It is when President Buhari puts Southern and Middle Beltans in all these offices that we will believe what he is saying about True Federalism. Buhari, after the election, when a petition against him was already before the tribunal, hosted judges. Most of his appointees are Fulani. How can he introduce True Federalism?

How do you see the suspension of the Ruga settlement policy of the Federal Government?

Ruga should not just be suspended. It should be canceled. This is why they ensured that Muslims are put as leaders of the National Assembly so that they can easily approve whatever is passed to them. Look at the on-going harassment of Governor Obaseki by Adams Oshiomhole, a Muslim. Watch and see, many of the APC lawmakers may be forced to defect to the PDP in Edo State because of what is happening there. I don’t believe in Ruga. They want to take over the authority of the land from the governors through the National Assembly. Then they will have power to allocate to the Fulani everywhere. That is their game plan. Buhari is doing it with the cooperation of the APC leaders in South West. It is no longer a hidden plan. If the National Assembly members want to write their names in gold, they should not pass such bills that will cause confusion in the nation.

Would you subscribe to the Miyetti Allah establishing Fulani youth vigilantes in South East communities or any part of Southern Nigeria?

It is impossible. It cannot work. It is a game plan to take over the country. Very soon, they will be crowning Sarakis and Emirs in Southern Nigeria beginning from South East. Can they have Igbo vigilantes in the North? Now police stations do not want to take cases involving the Fulanis in the South. We are now sinking to the bottom of instability in the nation. Only God can save us. Buhari should speak to the Fulanis before Nigeria is overwhelmed by instability.

Do you think the Federal Government should release El-Zakyzaky?

They should release him. The courts have ruled that he should be released on bail. But, unfortunately, this government does not obey court orders. If government continue to hold him, his followers may become very difficult to be handled and the issue will be out of hand. The Shiites may become another Boko Haram and this will become a disaster for Nigeria. Already, it is believed that Iran is backing the Shiites. This is dangerous for Nigeria if Buhari fails to release El-Zakyzacky.

Cross section of Nigerians believes that the Ninth National Assembly will be a rubber stamp to the executive. Do you agree?

From all indications, the new National Assembly will be a rubber stamp. Looking at the leadership that emerged, which of them will have the mind of their own outside that of the President? Even some of the members of opposition seem to have been bought over, hence they now defy the instructions of their parties. But, the few that refused to be bought over, they should remain focused and maintain their stand and make their opinion on any issue known. They utilise the media well to for the people to know their stand. They should remain on the side of the people.

What is your advice to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor?

I commend what Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Hamzat, are doing at the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. I also see that the list of commissioners is a little different from what obtained in the past. But, I don’t like his traffic laws. The LATSMA has become so wicked to Lagosians. They harass innocent people. I wish he will have a rethink on the traffic laws. The penalties are very high. He should review them and bring them back to where they were. The LASTMA now plant their men in mufti to help to extort money.

The post Accepting Obasanjo’s Suggestion Can Divide Nigeria – Oyemade appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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Boris Johnson Starts Work – Mordaunt, Fox, Grayling, Bradley Out

Boris Johnson has begun sacking Theresa May’s Cabinet before he builds his own senior team.

So far a clutch of senior ministers have been asked to leave the government, all of whom backed Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race and some of whom had been expected to stay regardless according to news.sky.com .

Penny Mordaunt the defence secretary, Liam Fox the trade secretary, Greg Clark the business secretary and Damian Hinds, the education secretary, have all been sacked. All supported Mr Hunt.

Chris Grayling resigned his position as transport secretary; he backed Johnson.

The departure of Maudaunt and Fox have caused the most surprise so far as both were expected to continue in government despite not supporting the new prime minister.

Sources say both were asked to leave without being offered alternative roles. Their departures show Johnson intends to govern with a fresh Cabinet of people who support him despite earlier claims he may keep some ministers in the top team to avoid rocking the boat with such a small Commons majority.

Earlier in the day David Gauke, the justice secretary, Rory Stewart the secretary of state for international development, chancellor Phillip Hammond and deputy prime minister David Lidington all handed in their resignations.

Johnson is understood to be planning to overhaul the Cabinet to include more women and ethnic minority ministers than have previously sat around the top table.

But he faces a number of difficult appointments, including the foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, who is understood to have been offered another job in government but turned it down.

Johnson must decide whether he allows Hunt to stay in the job he wants or to face him down and deal with the prospect of his leadership rival on the backbenches.

Others are vying for senior positions too.

Gavin Williamson, Priti Patel, Iain Duncan Smith, Dominic Raab, and others are all being discussed as possible cabinet appointments but reshuffling a team so small when there are so many people hoping for senior roles is difficult.

Johnson’s first task will be to hire a team which backs his aim but without prompting uproar from conservatives who do not share his vision.

The post Boris Johnson Starts Work – Mordaunt, Fox, Grayling, Bradley Out appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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Actress Nika McGuigan Dead

Actress Danika McGuigan, daughter of former boxing champion Barry McGuigan, has died aged 33, following a short illness.

In a statement, her family said they were devastated by her death “after a brief but brave battle against cancer” according to rte.ie.

Ms McGuigan, who was known as Nika to her friends and family, appeared in several films, television and theatre productions.

She recently completed filming ‘Wildfire’, directed by Cathy Brady, and starred alongside Seána Kerslake in the RTÉ series ‘Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope’.

She also played opposite Rooney Mara in the screen adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s novel, The Secret Scripture.

In the statement, issued through Dublin-based actors’ agency, The Agency, her family said: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika “Nika” McGuigan.

“After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 23rd July, surrounded by her loving family.

“As a family, we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika.”

Her brother Shane McGuigan said on social media: “She overcame it once with a two year fight when she was 11 to 13.

“Myself, my brothers and parents were privileged to have another 20 years since the first battle with our amazing Nika.

“Unfortunately Nika couldn’t beat it again but she fought so bravely until the end.

“I have memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime and you will live on forever in spirit.

“I’m so so proud of you. Love you forever my older ‘little’ sister.”

The post Actress Nika McGuigan Dead appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent

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