 powerfulguy: 1:33am On Jun 01, 2021 |
2023: I WILL RUN BECAUSE WE THE PEOPLE MATTER
1. What is the value of a Nigerian life?
2. We live daily today under the shadow of terrorists. Our economy is collapsing. Many families cannot afford the price of food. Millions of young men and women have no jobs and have no hope
3. Our university students know more about ASUU strikes and long school closures than any skills they need to be competitive in the world of the 21st century.
4. Only the rich and powerful can access quality healthcare in our country or abroad as medical tourists, because our health system, like most other systems, is broken. I lost my father, Isaac Moghalu, in December 1998 because he had a stroke but the doctors were on strike, and therefore we could not get him adequate healthcare on time.
5. Soon after we found a private clinic and moved him there, he went into a coma and ed on shortly afterwards. I was heartbroken. Today, 23 years later, not much has changed. Like many, I have suffered the effects of bad governance in our country.
6. With life in it increasingly nasty, brutish and short, the very idea of Nigeria is now almost meaningless to many Nigerians. Cries for self-determination fill the air in response to fundamental injustice.
7. Meanwhile, politics in Nigeria does not bring change, and its benefits go to only one group - the political elite. Their message is loud and clear: we the people —you and I - DO NOT matter.
8. The bodies of Nigerians are buried in cold corners of foreign cemeteries, strewn across the Sahara desert, and float in the Mediterranean Sea, as a consequence of a non-existent leadership. Our country can no longer speak confidently in the gathering of nations.
9. Life as ordained by our Creator, that we may experience His Goodness in this land of the living, has eluded us as a people.
10. Only the emergence of visionary, competent and inclusive national leadership, on the one hand, and a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria based on a new people’s constitution, on the other, can arrest Nigeria’s ongoing disorderly and violent degeneration into a completely
failed state. We were not born to be miserable and to die miserable. Enough is Enough!
11. It is now more than ever necessary that we elect in 2023 a leader who is TRULY committed and has the capacity to initiate the constitutional restructuring of Nigeria.
A leader who is competent to secure our lives and property, successfully manage our diversity, save our economy, and restore our international respect.
12. For the sake of the youth of our country — including my four children — whose future is being drowned in reckless foreign borrowing, and for the sake of all Nigerians suffering and seeking a clear alternative to the status quo, I intend — with all humility — to present myself— again — as a candidate for the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 general elections.
13. If elected, I will run a government with a dream team of highly competent Nigerians from all parts of our country. Along with strengthened, independent institutions, we will deliver results on a 4-point agenda in four years (4 by 4):
— Security for all Nigerians and Nigeria’s territory;
— War against poverty: skills, jobs for our youth, and an innovation economy;
— Accelerated education and healthcare reform;
— Good governance: inclusive, transparent, effective, and able.
14. This is my SWAG Agenda for a 21st century Nigeria. I seek the of all compatriots — of everyone who is tired of our present national situation. We also need the energy and of our youth, the middle class, entrepreneurs, and our compatriots in the diaspora.
These important segments of our population have in the past been reluctant to engage actively in our electoral process, ostensibly because of the flaws in that process.
15. The National Assembly @nassnigeria must now into law, without further delay, necessary electoral reforms that will make democracy yield real dividends for Nigerians. Our votes must count, and be counted transparently. The amendments should include a provision for Diaspora Nigerians to be able to and vote in all elections in Nigeria from abroad.
16. I am only one face of a movement. A movement of silent and suffering Nigerians fed up with the insecurity, poverty, and a seemingly hopeless future for our country. A movement that has decided that Enough is Enough.
17. That movement, soon to be present in our numbers in every voting ward in Nigeria, will announce within the next few months the political party we will en masse and seek its platform for the presidential, legislative and gubernatorial roles in governance.
18. We can do this. We can change Nigeria.
19. Together, let us walk this road to a Nigeria that, within 30 years of successive istrations, will have achieved the kind of economic and technological advancement attained by countries such as Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates within similar timeframes. It is possible. We only need to participate actively in the democratic process, and vote right when the time comes.
20. We the Nigerian people matter. We the Nigerian people deserve better. Let’s do this. Because we can and we must.
[Signed]
Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, Ph.D. OON FCIB
Ifekaego Nnewi
June 1, 2021
moghalu4nigeria.org
kingsleymoghalu.com
https://twitter.com/MoghaluKingsley/status/1399511785384906752?s=19
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| powerfulguy: 6:39pm On May 31, 2021 |
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has stated that Nigeria is becoming a failed state, insisting that the only solution is to establish state police.
According to the governor, Nigeria is sliding into anarchy due to increased insecurity in the country.
Ishaku in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo noted that the increasing spate of insecurity across Nigeria and the inability of the military and other security agencies to address the situation were indications of anarchy.
The governor said, “Nigeria is sliding into a failed state, yes of course Nigeria is sliding into anarchy. Even the blind can see that we are sliding into anarchy and the deaf can hear about that too.”
“The military should be in charge of flushing out insurgents. It is a disgrace if a country’s military cannot flush out insurgents within its territory.”
He added, “we need a state police; we need the constitution to be amended.
“I am called Executive Governor, Executive for what? If I cannot implement the decisions, I take them with the troops under my command? So, the state police are imperative and must come to stay. Without the state police, we are surcharging democracy, it won’t work.
“The sooner the state police is enacted, the better.”
https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/05/31/nigeria-is-becoming-a-failed-state-ishaku/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=nigeria-is-becoming-a-failed-state-ishaku
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Mynd44
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| powerfulguy: 11:01am On May 31, 2021 |
Sit-at-home order: Hoodlums set motorcycles, vehicles ablaze as Ebonyi records 100 percent compliance
There seems to be palpable fear in different parts of the State, following the declaration of sit at home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB in the state.
The level of compliance in Ebonyi State is 100 percent as shops, business centres, parks, stadium, recreational Centres, banks, Universities, schools both private and public among others are not opened for activities.
Vehicles and motorcycles are hardly seen on the road as the State capital is unusually in a state of quietness.
Report reaching Vanguard reveals that around Ozibo Development Centre, a group of young men were seen molesting ersby and motorcycle operators for violating the sit-at-home order.
The source said: “This sit-at-home is very strong in my place. Motorcycles are being set ablaze with motorists and ersby molested by ‘the boys’ who landed with buses and divided themselves into groups inside bushes along the road.”
Situation report within the axis of Nnodo, Ebebe junction, and Ogbaga road reveals total compliance to the sit at home order in the State.
An eyewitness observed that “What I am seeing now is not funny. Unknown mob, fierce-looking, carrying gallons of fuel, matchets, faces covered, numbering over 50 just pursued a car at a bridge close to my residence; the driver escaped and they burnt his car. Thereafter heading towards Ebebe junction. Please all should sit at home.”
An unconfirmed report has it that shooting were heard around Amikeaba Community of Ebonyi Local Government Area of the State.
“As am talking to you now, we are hearing gunshots from Amikeaba area. Is like there’s a gun battle between the Police and hoodlums in the area. We are in shock despite remaining in our houses. This is terrible.”
Meantime, a school in Abakaliki, Oak Special Schools had already sent out notices to parents advising them and their children to stay at home.
“This is to inform our parents, pupils/students, and teachers of Oak special schools that schools will not be in session tomorrow 31/5/2021. Parents are advised to stay safe with their children at home due to levels of insecurities and declaration tours. We apologise for the late notification. Thanks for ur usual understanding.”
Vanguard further gathered that all banks, Glo world, MTN shops along both Ogoja Road and waterworks are still under lock and key as streets are being deserted.
The only motorcycle and keke operators on the road were seen with leaves on their bikes and keke to show solidarity as Peace Mass Transit, Onitsha South, Romchi, and other transport companies along Afikpo Road didn’t not open for business.
The development in Ebonyi is in total compliance with the sit-at-home order as this has never happened before in the history of Biafran agitation in the state.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/05/sit-at-home-order-hoodlums-set-motorcycles-vehicles-ablaze-as-ebonyi-records-100-percent-compliance/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
Mynd44
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| powerfulguy: 10:00am On May 31, 2021 |
Cross River state governor in the early hours of Monday sacked four of his cabinet including his commissioner for information, Mr Asu Okang and 8 others.
Ayade took a step further by relieving them of their appointment after they refused to him in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Mr Christian ita and made available to Vanguard, Monday, he directed that all those affected should return government property in their possession with immediate effect.
“The state governor, His Excellency Prof Ben Ayade has approved the relieve of the following persons of their appointments as commissioners:
. Mr. Mike Usibe, Rita Ayim ,Mr. Asu Okang ,Ntufam Donatus Etim.
“Similarly, the under listed persons have also been relieved of their appointments Mr Leo Inyambe, Rt Hon. Orok Otu Duke Mr. Victor Okon (Alausa) ,Mr. John Etim Bassey, Hon. Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji.
“Consequently, they are hereby directed to return government properties and vehicles in their care with immediate effect to the Chief of Staff to the governor His Excellency thanks them for their services to the state and wishes them well in their future endeavours,” he stated .
However ,one of the Commissioner’s, Ntufam Donstus Etim had already resigned his appointment on May 21 ,2021 before his “sack” today ( Monday ).
Recall that Vanguard had reported earlier that there were moves to decimate opposition in the state, with a systematic clampdown on government appointees and associates that have refused to the All Progressive Congress, APC.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/05/breaking-defection-ayade-sacks-4-commissioners-5-other-appointees-in-cross-river/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
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| powerfulguy: 9:42am On May 29, 2021 |
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| powerfulguy: 5:25pm On May 28, 2021 |
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| powerfulguy: 2:35pm On May 28, 2021 |
WELCOME BACK HOME, MAX!
Massimiliano Allegri is the Juventus manager once more.
Allegri finds a bench that he knows very well, a club that he loves and that loves him back, as today a new journey begins together, towards new goals.
What he achieved in his first adventure at Juventus are engraved in the club’s history: five Scudetti, to the four-consecutive doubles, coupled with the Coppa Italia and to the two Super Cups, reaching two Champions League finals in just three seasons, in what were epic feats both in Italy and in Europe.
We said goodbye two years ago with the message, “History Alone”, the message on the back of the shirt given to Massimiliano Allegri by President Andrea Agnelli with an embrace and a shirt, on which in just two words encapsulated Allegri's experience at Juve.
The beauty of the story, however, is that it never stops. And in football, this means a concept that we have ingrained in our DNA: the best victory is the next one. Always.
And now we are ready to begin again with Allegri, to build our future together; with his enormous professionalism, his moral strength, with the brilliant ideas of a coach capable of shuffling the cards, both on and off the pitch. With his smile, a sort of "signature". With his way of understanding football and life with simplicity, with his desire to play things down and with the commitment to enjoy every beautiful moment that being at Juventus can give and will give.
https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/welcome-back-home-max
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| powerfulguy: 10:38am On May 28, 2021 |
GOOD LUCK, ANDREA PIRLO!
Thank you, Andrea.
These are the first words that all of us need to say at the end of this special experience together.
A few months ago, Andrea Pirlo, an icon of world football, began his new adventure, his first as a coach.
To do this, first of all, it takes courage, as well as awareness of one's own means, especially in a period marked by thousands of difficulties, with the world forced by the pandemic to reinvent its own rules day after day.
Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach. An adventure of transformation, seeking, and often managing, to bring his ideas and his experience as a champion on the pitch from the “other side” of the fence.
And since in football, what counts are the victories, let's them: in the space of a few short months Pirlo's Juve has raised two trophies: The Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. And he, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou.
For all this, for the courage, the dedication, the ion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the Maestro, the Coach and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING
https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/good-luck-andrea-pirlo
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| powerfulguy: 9:41pm On May 27, 2021 |
Lazio released a terse statement confirming Simone Inzaghi ‘changed his mind’ and is heading to Inter.
Lazio released a terse statement confirming Simone Inzaghi ‘changed his mind’ and is heading to Inter.
Inzaghi’s contract with the Aquile is due to expire on June 30 and last night he had seemingly agreed to extend it until June 2024.
However, Inter came back with a new proposal to practically double the wages on offer and lead the Serie A Champions.
It was reported President Claudio Lotito tried and failed to change his mind, even telling Il Messaggero this afternoon that they would announce the new contract later.
Lazio finally accepted they had lost Inzaghi and released a terse statement in which they never even said his name.
“We respect the change of mind of a coach and, before that, of a player who for many years tied his name to the Lazio family and the many Biancocelesti successes.”
Inter are expected to announce Inzaghi as their new coach on a two-year contract worth €4m per season plus €1m in bonuses tomorrow.
Not even mentioning Inzaghi by name is a strong statement after the 45-year-old committed most of his career to Lazio.
He played for the Aquile from 1999 to his retirement in 2010, albeit with some loan spells at Sampdoria and Atalanta, then began coaching in their youth academy in 2010.
Inzaghi took over in the final weeks of the 2015-16 season from Stefano Pioli, had been let go, but had to be recalled in July when Marcelo Bielsa changed his mind about taking the job.
Since then, he has taken Lazio to the Coppa Italia, two editions of the Italian Supercup and their first Champions League qualification in 13 years.
https://www.today.ng/sport/football/lazio-confirm-simone-inzaghis-exit-367446/amp?__twitter_impression=true
We respect the rethinking of a coach and, first of all, of a player who for many years has linked his name to the Lazio family and to the many Biancocelesti successes.
https://www.sslazio.it/it/news/press-release-2/64415-nota-della-societa-9#.YK_iXddJLys.twitter
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| powerfulguy: 5:52pm On May 26, 2021 |
PREVIOUS THREADS: https://nairaland.macsoftware.info/6482641/tribunal-affirms-obaseki-governor-dismisses#100313758
The Court of Appeal, Benin Division has upheld the judgement of the Edo State governorship election petition tribunal which affirmed the victory of Godwin Obaseki at the 2020 governorship poll in the state.
In a unanimous judgement delivered by a five-man through zoom, the judges resolved all the issues in favour of the governor against the applicants.
The appellants: Action Democratic Party (ADP), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), had approached the higher court having expressed their dissatisfaction with the judgement delivered by the Edo State governorship electoral petition tribunal filed their respective appeal before the Court of Appeal.
Justice M.A. Owoade, while reading the judgement for the petition filed by the Action Democratic Party (ADP), said that the tribunal was not in error when it ruled that Obaseki was educated up to school certificate level.
The judge said: “The appeal is devoid of merits and is accordingly dismissed. Judgement by the tribunal is hereby affirmed”.
ADP had filed an appeal to nullify the declaration of Obaseki as the winner of the election based on controversial degree result alongside nomination and express of interest forms submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the governor for the purpose of the election.
Also, the court dismissed petitions filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) for lack of merits and awarded the sum of N600,000 against the appellants.
In the same vein, petitions filed by the Allied Peoples Movement was also resolved in favour of Governor Godwin Obaseki and other respondents.
Recall that five political parties filed petitions at the tribunal contesting the declaration of Godwin Obaseki by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) as the winner of the Edo State governorship election that was conducted on September 19, 2021.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/appeal-court-affirms-obasekis-victory/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
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| powerfulguy: 11:06am On May 25, 2021 |
After terrorism suspicion, visa ban, Eko Hotel owner Gilbert Chagoury pays $1.8 million fines to U.S. The Lebanese-Nigerian’s dealings have seen little changes since his days as a top Abacha money mule in the 1990s.
Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Eko Hotel and key financier of Eko Atlantic project, paid $1.8 million in fines to the United States after he was suspected of funding terrorism, banned from entering U.S. and indicted on charges of violating the country’s election laws.
Mr Chagoury, 75, was fined $1.8 million by the U.S. Department of Justice after conniving with some associates to make illegal campaign contributions to at least four political candidates between June 2012 and March 2016, the department and court documents seen by Peoples Gazette said.
According to a deferred prosecution agreement with the government, the Nigerian-Lebanese businessman itted making the illegal contributions to interfere in an election and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation into the scandal.
He was said to have entered into the agreement on October 19, 2019, and settled the fines in December 2019.
“Federal prosecutors entered into the deferred prosecution agreement considering, among other factors, Chagoury’s unique assistance to the U.S. government, his payment of a fine, Chagoury’s acceptance of responsibility for his actions, and his residence outside the United States,” the country’s Department of Justice said in a release late March.
Similarly, his associates identified as Joseph Arsan and Toufic Joseph Baaklini agreed to resolve allegations that they violated campaign contribution laws by assisting Mr Chagoury in his illegal contributions.
The businessman has for decades been friends with Hillary and Bill Clinton and known to have contributed millions of dollars to the Clinton Foundation. The relationship, according to the Los Angeles Times, was strong enough for Mr Clinton’s closest aide to push for Mr. Chagoury to get access to top diplomats.
The Clintons have also helped Mr Chagoury promote his bankable Eko Atlantic project, presumably as payback for his generous donations to their political and social interests.
While talks were underway, government agencies were said to be examining accusations that he had unsavory affiliations based on his activities and friendships in Lebanon.
In 2015, when Ms Clinton ran for president, Mr Chagoury was denied a visa amidst raging allegations of his ties with Hezbollah, an Islamist militant group long blacklisted by the U.S.
The claims were made based on a 2013 intelligence report from the FBI which claimed that the billionaire sent funds to Michel Aoun, a Lebanese Christian politician who served as army commander and prime minister during the country’s civil war, LA Times reported.
Mr Aoun was said to have transferred the funds to Hezbollah. He was “facilitating fundraising for Hezbollah,” a source told the newspaper at the time.
The U.S. put Mr Chagoury in its database used to screen travelers for possible links to terrorism, the outlet said citing an internal government memo on the watchlist.
Mr Chagoury did not return an email seeking comments from The Gazette about his indictment in the U.S. and the heavy fines slammed on him. But he had strongly denied any ties to terrorist groups, and has long been known to make generous donations to Christian organisations in Nigeria, Lebanon and elsewhere.
Seeking to clear his name in September 2016, Mr Chagoury sued the FBI and other U.S. agencies to claim damages to his reputation.
Mr Chagoury was born in Lagos to a Lebanese couple. He has long been reported as top inside in the regime of brutal and corrupt dictator Sani Abacha. A large chunk of Mr Abacha’s loot was traced to Mr Chagoury’s businesses and bank s.
Whereas Mr Chagoury insisted he didn’t know he was laundering stolen public funds for Mr Abacha when former President Olusegun Obasanjo went after him and other conduits used by the late dictator, he nonetheless returned about $65 million to Nigeria and paid roughly $600,000 in fines over the plunder.
https://gazettengr.com/after-terrorism-suspicion-visa-ban-eko-hotel-owner-gilbert-chagoury-pays-1-8-million-fines-to-u-s/?utm_source=ReviveOldPost&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost
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| powerfulguy: 8:10am On May 25, 2021 |
The European Union agreed Monday to impose sanctions on Belarus, including banning its airlines from using the airspace and airports of the 27-nation bloc, amid fury over the forced diversion of a enger jet to arrest an opposition journalist.
Reacting to what EU leaders called a brazen “hijacking” of the Ryanair jetliner flying from Greece to Lithuania on Sunday, they also demanded the immediate release of the journalist, Raman Pratasevich, a key foe of authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
“We won’t tolerate that one can try to play Russian roulette with the lives of innocent civilians,” said EU Council chief Charles Michel, who presided over the EU meeting.
A brief video clip of Pratasevich, who ran a popular messaging app that played a key role in helping organize huge protests against Lukashenko, was shown on Belarusian state television Monday night, a day after he was removed from the Ryanair flight.
Sitting at a table with his hands folded in front of him and speaking rapidly, Pratasevich said he was in satisfactory health and said his treatment in custody was “maximally correct and according to law.” He added that he was giving evidence to investigators about organizing mass disturbances.
In their unusually swift action in Brussels, the EU leaders also urged all EU-based carriers to avoid flying over Belarus, decided to impose sanctions on officials linked to Sunday’s flight diversion, and urged the International Civil Aviation Organization to start an investigation into what they viewed as an unprecedented move and what some said amounted to state terrorism or piracy.
The leaders called on their council “to adopt the necessary measures to ban overflight of EU airspace by Belarusian airlines and prevent access to EU airports of flights operated by such airlines.” In addition calling for the release of Pratasevich, they also urged authorities in Minsk to free his Russian girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, who was taken off the plane with him.
The text was endorsed quickly by the leaders who were determined to respond with a “strong reaction” to the incident because of the “serious endangering of aviation safety and engers on board by Belarussian authorities,” said an EU official with direct knowledge of the discussions who was not authorized to speak publicly about the private talks.
At least one European airline already diverted a flight around Belarus. British Airways flight 3599, which on Saturday and Sunday crossed over Belarus, byed the country Monday by using Russian airspace instead, according to the website Flightradar24.
Ryanair said Belarusian flight controllers told the crew there was a bomb threat against the plane as it was crossing through Belarus airspace Sunday and ordered it to land. A Belarusian MiG-29 fighter jet was scrambled to escort the plane in a brazen show of force by Lukashenko, who has ruled the country with an iron fist for over a quarter-century.
Belarus authorities then arrested the 26-year-old activist, journalist and prominent Lukashenko critic. Pratasevich and his Russian girlfriend were taken off the plane shortly after it landed, and authorities haven’t said where they’re being held. Ryanair Flight FR4978, which began in Athens, Greece, was eventually allowed to continue on to Vilnius, Lithuania.
“This is an attack on democracy,” said Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the executive European Commission. “This is an attack on freedom of expression. And this is an attack on European sovereignty. And this outrageous behavior needs a strong answer.”
Von der Leyen added that a €3 billion EU investment and economic package for Belarus will remain on hold until Belarus “turns democratic.”
U.S. President Joe Biden said late Monday that he asked his team to develop appropriate options to hold able those responsible, in close coordination with the European Union, other allies and partners, and international organizations.
“This outrageous incident and the video Mr. Pratasevich appears to have made under duress are shameful assaults on both political dissent and the freedom of the press. The United States s countries around the world in calling for his release, as well as for the release of the hundreds of political prisoners who are being unjustly detained by the Lukashenka regime,” Biden’s statement said.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier that National Security adviser Jake Sullivan raised the issue in a call with the secretary of the Russian Security Council.
Two U.S. senators urged the Biden istration to prohibit U.S. airlines from entering Belarus airspace because of the incident. “We must protect innocent engers from despotic regimes and stand in solidarity with dissidents who are being targeted,” Sens. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, and Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, said in a t statement.
EU leaders were particularly forceful in their condemnation of the arrest and the move against the plane, which was flying between two of the bloc’s member nations and was being operated by an airline based in Ireland, also a member.
EU leaders have tried to bring Belarus closer to the bloc — to encourage democratic reforms and reduce the influence of Russia — but have failed so far.
British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he instructed the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority “to request airlines avoid Belarusian airspace in order to keep engers safe.” He added he was suspending the permit allowing Belavia to operate in the U.K.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered officials to move to cut the air link with Belarus and ban Ukrainian flights via the neighbor’s airspace.
The U.S. and the EU have imposed sanctions on top Belarusian officials amid months of protests, which were triggered by Lukashenko’s reelection to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that the opposition rejected as rigged. More than 34,000 people have been arrested in Belarus since then, and thousands beaten.
The Belarusian Foreign Ministry bristled at what it described as “belligerent” EU statements, insisting Minsk acted “in full conformity with international rules.”
It ordered all Latvian diplomats out of the country after the Belarusian flag was replaced Monday with the white-and-red one used by the opposition at the world ice hockey championship in Riga, Latvia. The event was moved from Minsk amid the international outcry over the crackdown.
Lufthansa said a flight from Minsk to Frankfurt with 51 people aboard was delayed Monday following a “security warning.” It was allowed to depart after the plane, engers and cargo were searched.
On Sunday, flight tracker sites indicated the Ryanair flight was about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Lithuanian border when it was diverted. There were conflicting reports on what exactly happened.
Belarusian transport ministry official Artem Sikorsky said the Minsk airport had received an email about the bomb threat from the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
But Ryanair said in a statement that Belarusian air traffic control instructed the plane to divert to the capital. The plane was searched, and no bomb was found. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary described the move as “a case of state-sponsored hijacking … state-sponsored piracy.”
engers described Pratasevich’s shock when he realized the plane was going to Minsk.
“He freaked out when the pilot said the plane is diverted to Minsk. He said there’s death penalty awaiting him there,” enger Marius Rutkauskas said after the plane finally arrived in Vilnius.
Pratasevich was a co-founder of the Telegram messaging app’s Nexta channel, which played a prominent role in helping organize the anti-Lukashenko protests. Nearly 2 million Belarusians in the nation of 9.3 million people have followed the channel. Belarus authorities have labeled the channel “extremist” and charged Pratasevich in absentia of inciting mass riots and fanning social hatred. He could face 15 years in prison.
Amid the international outrage, Moscow quickly offered a helping hand to its ally.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the episode needs to be investigated — but that it couldn’t be rushed. Moscow and Minsk have close political, economic and military ties, and Lukashenko has relied on Russian amid Western sanctions.
https://apnews.com/article/belarus-plane-pratasevich-lukashenko-a9d32d02caea49c880ed1b7a5872e5f7?utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=SocialFlow
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Mynd44
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| powerfulguy: 10:27pm On May 24, 2021 |
NO POLICE STATION WAS BURNT IN LAGOS AS POLICE RESTORE NORMALCY TO ILE EPO, ELEMORO-LAGOS
*12 Suspects Arrested*
The Lagos State Police Command has tactically repelled some hoodlums who attempted to set ablaze the Oke Odo Division of the command today 24th May, 2021 and twelve (12) of them were arrested. The command wishes to state clearly that no live was lost and the Police Station was never burnt.
Similarly, the command has restored normalcy to Elemoro where another set of hoodlums attempted to set ablaze the newly built police station which accommodates the Area J Command, Ajah and Elemoro Division of the command, in connection with a case of fatal accident recorded in the area, on Monday 24th May, 2021.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, has deployed adequate personnel to the areas He has also ordered that the incidences at Oke Odo, Ile Epo and Elemoro be thoroughly investigated. The details of the incidences will be revealed as soon as possible.
The Commissioner of Police therefore appealed to the general public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses as all hands are on deck to suppress any act of lawlessness and criminality in the state.
CSP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI(mnip)
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
LAGOS STATE COMMAND
IKEJA-LAGOS
DATED 24TH MAY, 2021.
https://twitter.com/LagosPoliceng/status/1396912537736781825?s=19
UPDATE: Elemoro Division (Area J) not set ablaze. But the hoodlums burnt 3 exhibit vehicles and vandalised 2 patrol vans. The command has deployed additional men to the area to restore normalcy.
#SecureLagos
https://twitter.com/mr_jags/status/1396889018571313159?s=21
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| powerfulguy: 5:54pm On May 24, 2021 |
PRESIDENT BUHARI OKAYS DEEP ROOTED SOLUTIONS TO HERDSMEN ATTACKS, CLEARS WAY FOR RANCHING AND REVIVAL OF FOREST RESERVES
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed a strong resolve to address the conflicts of herders and farmers in a sustained and lasting manner that should lead to the emergence of a permanent solution to the frequent clashes between them, as well as the associated problem of the gun-wielding “killer herdsmen.”
The President had approved a number of specific measures to bring a permanent end to the frequent skirmishes as recommended by Alhaji Sabo Nanono, the Minister of Agriculture in a report he submitted and the President signed off on it back in April, well before the actions of the Southern Governors Forum which attempts to place a ban on open grazing and other acts of politicking intended by its signatories to demonstrate their power.
It is very clear that there was no solution offered from their resolutions to the herder-farmer clashes that have been continuing in our country for generations.
But the citizens of the southern states – indeed citizens of all states of Nigeria - have a right to expect their elected leaders and representatives to find answers to challenges of governance and rights, and not to wash their hands off hard choices by, instead, issuing bans that say: “not in my state.”
It is equally true that their announcement is of questionable legality, given the Constitutional right of all Nigerians to enjoy the same rights and freedoms within every one of our 36 states (and FCT) -regardless of the state of their birth or residence.
Fortunately, this declaration has been preempted, for whatever it is intended to achieve and Mr. President, who has rightly been worried about these problems more than any other citizen in consultation with farmers and herders alike, commissioned and approved an actionable plan of rehabilitating grazing reserves in the states, starting with those that are truly committed to the solution and compliant with stated requirements.
With veterinary clinics, water points for animals, and facilities for herders and their families including schooling - through these rehabilitated reserves, the Federal Government is making far-reaching and practical changes allowing for different communities to co-exist side-by-side: ing farmers to till their fields, herders to rear their livestock and Nigerians everywhere to be safe.
The entire country is acutely aware of the strain the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on public finances, for both Federal and States. Still, given the pressing urgency of addressing the perennial challenges, the federal funding for the project that has been delayed is now being partly unlocked. Actual work for the full actualization of the modern reserve system in a few of the consenting states should take off in June.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 24, 2021
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3971250509633926&id=100002470489894
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| powerfulguy: 3:46pm On May 24, 2021 |
As shared by Afiriki Freedom Mieseifa
24/05/2021
MAN STEALS PLANTAIN, BLAMES IT ON BEAUTIFUL GIRLFRIEND.
Girls With money ����
Peres Double: "Mr Steal in Angiama Community ��... WHY did you come and steal in Ebedebiri plantain farm?"
Mr Steal: "I'm stealing Because of My Beautiful Girlfriend
���
My Girlfriend ask me for 10k for her make-up things ���"
Me: Truthfully, is this an excuse for one to go steal another person's properties?
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=277658627425020&id=100055426543886
3 Likes 3 Shares 
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| powerfulguy: 12:34am On May 24, 2021 |
Napoli's head Coach, Aurelio De Laurentiis announced it via twitter;
Dear Rino, I am happy to have spent almost two seasons with you. Thanking you for your work, I wish you success wherever you go. A hug to your wife and children too. Aurelio De Laurentiis.
https://twitter.com/ADeLaurentiis/status/1396578724791922689?s=19
Thank you, boss!
https://twitter.com/en_sscnapoli/status/1396584388645769223?s=19
Napoli needed all 3 points to leapfrog Juventus into the Champions League spots but fell short after Davide Faraoni's 69th minute equaliser for Hellas Verona cancelled Napoli's Amir Rrahmani's 60th minute strike.
Napoli heads to the Europa League as Champions Internazionale, AC Milan, Atalanta and Juventus head into the Champions League for next season.
23 Likes 1 Share 
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| powerfulguy: 11:14pm On May 23, 2021 |
Flt. Lt. T. O. Asaniyi was the pilot of the Ill-fated Aircraft that crashed in Kaduna.
(He was preparing for his wedding)
Femi I have not regrets walking this journey with you, you asked me to he your wife last year in August and I gave you a resounding yes. One of the last things to said to me was to keep on being humble and continue to give. You were a giver, oh you were such a giver.
Femi mi, Femi mi, Olowo ori mi, who will hype me now when I make a new hair, who will call me fine girl, who will call me the most beautiful woman in the world.
I have cried and cried and cried. People have spoken to me, James and Kamal have told me you wouldn't want me to be sad and I know that for sure because whenever I am sad and I cry, you will be like "what's the meaning of this now" .
The world deserves to know how great you are. To Nigerians and the world at large, my fiance FLIGHT LIEUTENANT TO ASANIYI was a great man who dedicated his life to serving this country. Pls pray for him , pray for his family and pray for me.
Adigun miiiiii, Femi miiiiii, Hot choco miiii sun re o!!!!
I want your blue diary so bad because you had lots of intelligent things written in there. You treated me already like we were married.
You treated me already like we were married. You would always say "babe don't worry, everything will be fine, don't worry"
Hot choco miii, jo ma fimisile OLUFEMI TAIWO ASANIYI I love you now and forever.
https://twitter.com/bunmioladuntoye/status/1396559823291002880?s=19
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| powerfulguy: 12:36am On May 17, 2021 |
The lawmaker representing Imo West in the National Assembly, Senator Rochas Okorocha has said that Nigeria loses billions of dollars from cattle business, urging the Federal Government to invest in the business.
He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, noting if cattle business is being tapped well, it could create one million jobs for Nigerians.
“Do you know how many billions of dollars this nation is missing by doing not this business of cattle in the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” he asked.
“This business of cattle can create one million jobs for Nigerians if well managed. I wish Nigerians can call me or the governor will call me and say ‘look Rochas, the N76billion we want to give to youths and share, take it and fix the cattle business.’”
“If I don’t create one million jobs within the shortest possible time, then know I am not Rochas. This is business. Poor people will say ‘see money and people are just joking with it.’”
When asked if President Muhammadu Buhari istration has failed Nigerians in addressing the worsening insecurity, the economy and other sectors, Okorocha did not reply in the affirmative or negative.
While stressing that if President Buhari has failed, then the failure is collective, Okorocha advised that the nation’s challenges should not be politicised.
He also commended the 17 southern governors for meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital to discuss sensitive issues that concern their region, describing the meeting as the first in the nation’s history.
Okorocha, who is the former governor of Imo State, said the call for a dialogue by the regional governors is a call for peace rather than war.
“What I understand from this whole meeting is that things are not well and I like the term they used – National Dialogue.
“Dialogue means there is something you are doing that I don’t like and there is something you are doing I don’t like, can we come under a round table and discuss it?
“That is a call for peace and not a call for war. So that should not be taken out of context and does not look like polarisation. I don’t think that is the intention.”
Okorocha’s remarks come five days after the southern governors agreed on restructuring, open grazing ban, among other issues.
The governors also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to convoke a national dialogue to address widespread agitations amongst various groups in the region.
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/05/16/nigeria-losing-billions-of-dollars-from-cattle-business-says-okorocha/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
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| powerfulguy: 6:56pm On May 16, 2021 |
2023 Presidential Campaign Posters of Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello, has flooded parts of Bauchi particularly the State capital, Misau, Katagum towns on Sunday.
The Posters of Bello also carry greetings for Eid-el-fitr celebration. The posters had inscriptions that Bello was a fitting personality to be Nigeria’s next president.
The posters had the slogan “Yahaya Bello for President 2023 Barka da Sallah”.
The sponsors of the posters, the Nigerian Youth Awareness Group, ensured that they flooded very part of the three major emirates.
They were posted on electricity and street light polls, billboards, etc.
https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-yahaya-bellos-2023-presidential-posters-flood-bauchi-photo/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
Lalasticlala
Mynd44 
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| powerfulguy: 11:23pm On May 12, 2021 |
President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Nigeria on Saturday for an official trip to Paris, the capital.
SaharaReporters learnt from top sources that the President would be in Paris for at least four days, where he has also been scheduled to meet his doctor.
"Buhari will be heading to Paris for four days. He was planning to go to Kampala (Uganda) and travel to London, the United Kingdom, to see his doctors but they opted to meet him in Paris. He will be travelling on Saturday," a top source disclosed.
SaharaReporters had earlier today reported how Buhari planned to attend the inauguration of Uganda's tight-fist dictator, Yoweri Museveni, and from there let him visit the UK for treatment.
But the plan was later shelved and the decision to send Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Uganda to represent Buhari was made at the last minute when it appeared that the UK trip was not feasible.
Top presidency sources had told this newspaper that Buhari's health, particularly his dementia, had deteriorated recently, and he was incoherent at the security chiefs' meetings in the last two weeks.
"Buhari had wanted to travel to go for Museveni's inauguration in Uganda and now use the opportunity to go to London but they changed the plans last minute and sent Osinbajo," a top source had revealed.
According to a release from the State House, Osinbajo would be ing several other Heads of State and Government for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, the nation's capital city.
The Vice President, who also participated at the resumed National Security Council meeting presided over by the President at the Presidential Villa, later travelled to Lagos State, where he attended another function.
"He departs Lagos this evening for Kampala and would be accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, and the Special Adviser on Economic Matters to the President, Ambassador Adeyemi Dipeolu. He is expected back in the country later on Wednesday," the state House release reads.
Since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, Buhari has embarked on medical trips abroad at least five times, covering a period of no fewer than 170 days of the five years he had been in power.
The following is a timeline of the President's trips for medical treatment; on February 5 to 10, 2016, the President took a six-day vacation in the United Kingdom, saying that his doctors lived in England.
Between June 6 and 19, 2016, Buhari went on a 10-day medical trip to England for an ear infection surgery. He extended his trip by three days to rest.
On January 19, 2017, the President was back in London again on a medical vacation.
On February 5, 2017, he wrote to the National Assembly, seeking an extension of his London medical leave. Later on March 10, 2017, Buhari returned to Nigeria but didn't resume work immediately at Aso Villa.
The Presidency had claimed that "he was working from home." On May 7, 2017, Buhari embarked on a trip to London for another medical vacation. He returned after 104 days – the longest he had stayed outside the country.
On August 19, 2017, Buhari returned to Nigeria, and it took him a while to resume work because rats had reportedly damaged furniture in his office.
The Presidency had announced that he would be working from home. On May 8, 2018, Buhari went to London for a four-day "medical review."
On April 26, 2019, Buhari again left for the UK on a 10-day private visit to seek medical care. He came back to the country on May 5.
In 2020, Buhari had not minimised his foreign medical trips to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global lockdown and strain on medical facilities.
Also, from March 30 to April 6 2021, the President embarked on another trip for a routine medical check-up in London.
http://saharareporters.com/2021/05/12/buhari-meet-his-doctor-during-official-trip-paris-saturday
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| powerfulguy: 6:00pm On May 12, 2021 |
https://nairaland.macsoftware.info/6549645/senate-inaugurates-zonal-public-hearing#101607812
The Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution headed by Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has provided the public with an email address through which they can make their inquiries. There’s only one problem, though: the email address is invalid.
The email and one of the phone numbers, which was switched off, was in a circular shared on Tuesday evening that invited the public to a public hearing on “The Proposed Alteration to the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999”, starting on Wednesday, May 26.
Sada Malumfashi, a journalist and digital security expert who discovered this, tweeted: “The email provided in this circular is a non-existent email address for an issue and a document this sensitive. It’s about the review of the Nigerian constitution but the email address provided for inquiry is invalid.”
The GMail address ([email protected]) is not an official Nigerian Senate email and has made Nigerians question the seriousness of the lawmakers. FIJ equally checked the website of the Nigerian Senate but the website could not be found.
The zonal public hearing will be held at two centres across each of the six geo-political zones from 10am to 5pm and will address issues around gender equity and increased participation of women and vulnerable groups in governance, power devolution, local government autonomy, the establishment of state police and electoral reforms amongst others.
Malumfashi further explained the implication of the Nigerian Senate using a Gmail : “Google is a US-based organization with their cybers situated in the US, which means they are legally bound to provide data to the United States Government when necessary, and basically this means all conversations on the Nigerian constitution via that channel can be monitored or used by Google based on the and conditions of opening a Gmail . Moreover, it’s very unprofessional if you look at it, when the government, especially the Federal Ministry of Communication, is championing a digital revolution of using .gov.ng s.”
FIJ reached out to the Clerk to the Committee, Dr Innocent Mebiri for comments, but calls to his phone went unanswered and he did not reply to the message sent to his number on the circular.
The public hearing will hold in Jos, Minna, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Sokoto, Owerri, Enugu, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Akure centres. The hearing will end on Thursday, May 27.
https://fij.ng/article/constitution-review-senate-provides-invalid-email-address-unavailable-phone-number-for-inquiries/
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| powerfulguy: 5:14pm On May 12, 2021 |
...Says Buhari has taken charge of security
Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, on Wednesday, accused the Southern Governors Forum of engaging in blame game by calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to address security lapses in the country.
He faulted the ban on open grazing by the Governors, saying they deviated from the real issues.
Ndume, who made these assertions while speaking to reporters in Abuja, said Governors as Chief Security Officers of their respective states ought to know what to do to stem the growing tide of insecurity across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He said: “As far as I am concerned, this blame game will not solve the problem. Governors are the Chief Security Officers of their states, so, why are they talking about the President without talking about themselves?
“The governors are deviating from the matter. The problem is not about open grazing. The problem is security. Most of the security problems confronting Nigeria are not in the bush.
“We have four different types of security challenges. We have the insurgency in the North East, IPOB, through the Eastern Security Network, is creating insecurity in the South East. There is banditry in the North-West.
“It is only in the North Central that we have issues of farmers-herders clashes. There are fewer problems in the South-West except for the clashes between the herdsmen and the farmers, and the agitators for the Yoruba nation.
“Similarly, in the South-South, they are trying to instigate the Avengers but so far the area is peaceful.
“The issue of insecurity is unique to each zone. President Buhari has taken charge of the security personally now.
“It used to be the Chief of Staff or the Minister of Defence who was having meetings with the Service Chiefs but today, the President has taken charge of the problem.
“That is a good development and I hope we would start seeing results but the most important thing is for them to be provided with necessary equipment to prosecute the war and their allowances should be paid in time.”
The Borno South lawmaker also commended the military for stopping Boko Haram insurgents from infiltrating Maiduguri on Tuesday night.
He said: “I commend the armed forces operating in Maiduguri for their gallant response to the attack by the Boko Haram.
“On Tuesday evening, around 6pm, a group of Boko Haram insurgents wanted to infiltrate Maiduguri but the armed forces responded swiftly and repelled the insurgents.
“I understand that most of the insurgents were killed. The Army, Airforce, Police and the Civilian JTF, played a very significant role in repelling the insurgents.
“If such reaction from the armed forces is sustained, the insurgents would be repelled whenever they surface anywhere in the North -East. We pray that this month of Ramadan will bring peace to our country.”
https://thenationonlineng.net/insecurity-ndume-accuses-southern-governors-of-engaging-in-blame-game/
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| powerfulguy: 12:22pm On May 12, 2021 |
Renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi, held Eid prayers with his followers in Bauchi State on Wednesday.
This is against the directive of Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, who asked Muslims in the country to continue with fasting on Wednesday.
Sultan had declared Thursday, May 13, 2021, as the day of Salat and the first day of Shawwal.
But Sheik Bauchi led the Eid prayers at his residence on Wednesday.
One of the cleric’s children, Tijjani Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, was in attendance.
https://dailytrust.com/breaking-sheik-dahiru-bauchi-defies-sultan-holds-eid-on-wednesday
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| powerfulguy: 7:22pm On May 11, 2021 |
Six Kidnap kingpins responsible for abductions and kidnappings both in Gwagwalada and Kwali Council areas have been arrested in a major breakthrough by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
PRNigeria gathered that the police arrested the suspects at different locations after intelligence gathering.
A senior operative involved in the anti-kidnapping operation told PRNigeria that the dens for keeping hostages pending payment of ransom were also discovered.
He said: “After undertaking surveillance and intelligence gathering, the special anti-kidnapping squad of the police command successfully arrested six suspects who were behind major kidnapping and abduction at Tungan Maji in Gwagwalada and Kwaita in Kwalli axis.
“They were arrested at different locations after tracing the hideouts where they normally kept their hostages. We are still trailing other suspects.”
https://prnigeria.com/2021/05/11/fct-police-kidnap-kingpins/?amp&__twitter_impression=true
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| powerfulguy: 5:30pm On May 11, 2021 |
Gov Abiodun, southern govs to outlaw open grazing
...call for national conference, review of national appointments
Worried about the spate of killings, kidnappings, arson and robbery, Ogun State Governor, Prince @dabiodunMFR and all Southern Nigerian governors, except Osun State governor, @GboyegaOyetola and his Cross Rivers state counterpart, @ben_ayade converged on Asaba, the Delta State capital on Tuesday.
Under the aegis of the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum (SNGF) they addressed the growing issues of insecurity and other matters affecting their different regions with the composite framework of the Nigerian federation.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, Ondo State governor, @RotimiAkeredolu said after reviewing the situation in the country, southern governors roundly condemned open grazing and ordered movement of cattle from the Northern part of the country to the South.
They also called for a National conference to determine National questions bothering on the nature of Nigeria's federalism and federal character in national appointments, among other issues.
The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum is the umbrella body for all the seventeen governors in South-West, South-South and South-East geo-political zones of Nigeria.
A statement issued by Governor Dapo Abiodun's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. @KunleSomorin, said the meeting was an intervention mechanism to stem the worrisome tide of insecurity in the country that has defied ethnic and regional lines.
While the South West has Amotekun, Ebubeagu is the name of the security outfit of the South East region to address region-specific challenges.
The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum meeting critically evaluated the security challenges in the country, the implications for southern Nigeria and proffered an immediate and long term solutions so as to keep the regions safe and secured for the citizens.
It would be recalled that the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum held a virtual meeting last Tuesday at the instance of Governors @RotimiAkeredolu (Ondo), @IAOkowa (Delta) and @DaveUmahi (Ebonyi) who are chairmen of the South-West, South-South and South-East Governors Forum respectively.
https://twitter.com/OGSG_Official/status/1392154036154085382?s=19
Lalasticlala
Mynd44
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| powerfulguy: 10:15pm On May 10, 2021 |
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| powerfulguy: 10:14pm On May 10, 2021 |
EFCC Arrests 6 Suspected Fraudsters in Abuja
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters. The suspects are Edesiri Epete, Roland Francis, Kelvin Eyeno, Adebayo Oloye, Edwin Ochuko and Jonson Godwin. Five of them were arrested between May 5 and 7, 2021 at a hideout in Shimex Estate, Pyakasa, Abuja, while the other was arrested at Queens Estate, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
https://www.facebook.com/509762239046271/posts/4078392218849904/
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| powerfulguy: 9:16pm On May 10, 2021 |
The bandits who abducted some students of Greenfield University, Kaduna State, have reached out to their parents to make fresh demands.
They had initially demanded a ransom of N800 million which the parents could not afford.
Following the failure of the parents to pay N800 million, five of the students were killed within the first week of their abduction.
But last week Monday, the mastermind of the attack, Sani Idris Jalingo, aka Baleri, demanded N100 million and 10 motorcycles, threatening to kill the remaining students the following day if their parents or government failed to meet his demands.
Although the deadline issued by Baleri has since expired, Daily Trust gathered that they reached to the parents individually on Monday and demanded that they each pay N10million.
“They called us today (Monday) and told me that if I pay N10 million today, my sister will be released today,” said a family member of one of the victims.
Daily Trust gathered after the bandits threatened to kill the remaining students, one of the parents negotiated and paid N20 million for her son to regain freedom.
Sources told our correspondent that the mother had resisted any attempts by security agents to debrief her son after he was released by the bandits.
The Kaduna State Police Command through the Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, however, said the police was not resting on its oars as all efforts to see to the release of the remaining students are being considered.
https://dailytrust.com/abductors-of-greenfield-students-make-fresh-demands-from-their-parents
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| powerfulguy: 7:00pm On May 10, 2021 |
https://nairaland.macsoftware.info/6542452/supreme-court-nullifies-makindes-sack
The Oyo State Government stated on Monday that it was on the same page with the Justices of the Supreme Court in its May 7, 2021 ruling, which ordered the payment of salaries and allowances of the dissolved chairmen and councillors of local government councils in the state.
The state government in a statement made public in Ibadan said that as a believer in the rule of law and as a government with the utmost respect for the Supreme Court, it will comply with the ruling of the apex court.
In the statement endorsed by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the government declared that it had showcased its commitment to paying off the dissolved chairmen and councillors as far back as February 2020, when its negotiation team, pursuant to the out-of-court order of the Oyo State High Court, offered the council chairmen and councillors the same condition which the Supreme Court just affirmed.
According to the statement, the Government of Oyo State will comply with the order of the apex court once the details of the ruling are made available.
The statement read: “We are on the same page with the Supreme Court of the land on the ruling which ordered the payment of salaries and allowances of the dissolved local governments.
“The apex court in its decision rejected the dissolution, affirmed that the tenure of the council chairmen had lapsed, while also asking that the state pay salaries and allowances due to them till the end of their tenure.
“The Court also awarded a cost of N20 million and asked the Attorney General of Oyo State to file an affidavit of compliance latest August 7, 2021.
“A similar decision was given against the Government of Katsina State, with the same cost of N20 million awarded against it.
“As far as we are concerned, the Supreme Court, by that judgment, made a policy decision, being a policy court. It was apparently sending a message to states in its attempt to protect elected local governments councils.
“Recall that the state government had long before the ruling of the Supreme Court offered to pay the salaries and allowances of the dissolved local government chairmen. The said council chairmen scuttled the bid at the time because they came up with absolute , insisting that they must return to the councils with all their aides.
“The government of Oyo State has full respect for the Judiciary and the Supreme Court of the land and as a believer in the rule of law, the state will comply with the order to pay the salaries of dissolved local government chairmen.”
https://www.insideoyo.com/we-will-comply-we-are-on-same-page-oyo-govt-reacts-to-supreme-court-judgement/
Explainer: What Supreme Court orders Makinde to pay sacked council officials
When the Supreme Court invalidated the sacking of elected council officials by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, it has monetary implications.
This was because the apex court also ordered Makinde to pay the accumulated salaries and allowances of the fired officials.
The settlement estimated to be around N3.7 billion, will be shared among 68 chairmen, 68 vice-chairmen and 610 councillors.
They had two years left on their tenure before they were fired by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde as soon as he officially became governor of Oyo State.
According to data, each chairman is entitled to N3,181,611 in salaries and allowances per annum, while each vice-chairman is entitled to N2,803,392 in salaries and allowances.
The LCD Councillors are also entitled to N2.4 million per annum each.
A rough estimate of the debt, which the Supreme Court ordered the governor to pay by August, shows that the chairmen will be paid a total of N432.6 million.
Vice-chairmen will receive N381.2 million and the councillors will receive N2.9billion, bringing the total to an estimated N3.7billion.
A severance package is not included in this settlement.
https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/05/10/explainer-what-supreme-court-orders-makinde-to-pay-sacked-council-officials/
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| powerfulguy: 7:52pm On May 06, 2021 |
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| powerfulguy: 7:51pm On May 06, 2021 |
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| powerfulguy: 3:23pm On May 04, 2021 |
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