News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Adamu The newly elected National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Sen Abdullahi Adamu alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have been sworn-in in Abuja.  President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, leaders and members of the party attended the auspicious event.  The Chairman of the Convention Election Committee, Governor Abubakar Badaru said that out of the 36 offices in the NWC, only five were contested while the rest were through consensus.  The former Governor of Nasarawa and Senator representing the Western Senatorial District of the State, Adamu was earlier today declared the winner of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) election at the just concluded National Convention of the party. He was returned elected by Badaru-led Convention Election Committee following voice affirmation by delegates at the convention. Badaru had explained that six National Chairmanship asp...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed about 1,500 of its personnel to enforce hitch-free vehicular movement during All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention holding in Abuja today. In addition to the personnel, the commission is expected to deploy 35 vehicles, tow trucks, bikes, and ambulances to strengthen enforcement of restrictions in the cordoned areas during the convention. A statement made available to newsmen by the FRSC Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem yesterday, ordered the personnel to effectively collaborate with other security agencies in the discharge of the crucial national assignment. He quoted the Corps Marshall of FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi as saying that the operatives drafted to cover the national convention were also mandated to clear obstructions from all roads leading to Abuja as well as those within the Federal Capital City (FCC).  Oyeyemi also mandated the operatives to carry out rescue operatio...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, with Agency Report      Governor   El-Rufai Kaduna State Government on Monday declared 24-hour curfew in Jema’a and Kaura local government areas. This followed attacks on the two Southern Kaduna communities by bandits on Sunday night, which resulted to the death of over 15 persons. A source who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that over 15 persons were killed at Agban Kagoro in Kaura local government area, adding that several houses were burnt down when gunmen attacked the community.  However, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan said the curfew was declared in Jema’a and Kaura local government areas with immediate effect. following advice from security agencies.  In a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna, he stated that the curfew  would assist the security agencies to stablise peace, save lives and properties, while maintaining law and order in the locality.  He st...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Obiano The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Dr Willie Obiano administrative bail, having spent four nights in its custody. Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Abuja, stated that Obiano is cooperating with the commission to perfect the bail conditions. He debunked reports that Obiano’s arrest and investigation was politically motivated, adding that the commission is committed to investigating crimes and its related offences.  According to him, “There is nothing political about the investigation. You know what the EFCC stands for. We investigate crimes, we look at people that have committed crimes and we link it up together and then we go to court. That is all we have been doing and that is what we will continue to do." He stated that though EFCC had been accused of media trial, that it would not deter them from carrying out inves...

Ojukwu Widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca, has revealed what led to the altercation between her and the immediate past first lady of Anambra State, Ebelechukwu Obiano, at the inauguration of Anambra state Governor, Charles Soludo. The unfortunate spectacle drew the attention of security agents and some personalities, who pulled Mrs Obiano off the hold of Bianca, who was visibly shocked at the action. But giving insight on what transpired yesterday, Bianca said Mrs Obiano taunted her and asked “me what I was there (at the inauguration) to do and using unprintable vile language.” The late Ojukwu’s widow, in a statement on Friday, said that, “As the inaugural ceremonies for Prof Charles Soludo and his deputy began and all guests were seated, the Former First Lady of Anambra State, Mrs Ebele Obiano, was noticeably absent." “She then arrived some one-and-a-half hours later while the ceremony was on. I didn’t pay any particular attention to her arrival. Su...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Dr Willie Obiano.  This is coming barely 24-hours after the governor was arrested by the commission  on Thursday night in Lagos, hours after his handover to the new Anambra governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. In a chat with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren said that the former governor is currently in its custody undergoing interrogation after his arrest yesterday. He stated that Obiano was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagosa and was brought to Abuja on Friday morning. The EFCC spokesman said the former governor had not been released as being speculated in some sections of the media. “The former governor is currently in our custody undergoing interrogation and I can not say exactly when he will be released. I don’t know how long the exercise wil...

     Bianca Ojukwu and Ebelechukwu Obiano  Ebelechukwu, wife of former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and wife of late Ikemba Nnewi, Bianca Ojukwu engaged in a free-for- all at the inauguration of Prof Chukwuma Soludo as Anambra Governor yesterday. The drama ensued when Obiano’s wife arrived the inauguration after Soludo and his Deputy, Onyekachi Ibezim had been sworn in by Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu at exactly 10.55am. Obiano’s wife, who sat close to Senator Uche Ekwunife and Anambra Speaker, Uche Okafor, stood up to stay with her husband when the fracas happened. On her way to where Obiano was sitting, she saw Ojukwu’s wife gorgeously dressed and seated. Facing her, Obiano’s wife said: “You said we’re not going to be Governor, you ‘bitch.” An enraged Bianca responded with a slap. In retaliation, Obiano’s wife held Bianca’s hair and dress before security operatives and other dignitaries barricaded the arena, warning reporters to di...

Soludo during his swearing-in ceremony in Awka yesterday. Charles Soludo has been sworn-in as the fifth governor of Anambra State in a modest event that took place at the Government House Awka. He took over from Dr Willie Obiano. The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor took the oath of office alongside his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim yesterday.  In his inaugural speech, Soludo promised to hit the ground running, saying that some key members of his government would be announced in a few hours. “Today is my first day at work. I just reported for duty at 8:55 am to be precise and will work for at least eight hours today,”  the newly-sworn in governor said. “We had more than a month since the election to celebrate our historic victory. Now is the time to work and there is no minute or kobo to waste in funfair. In a few minutes, I will announce some of the principal officers of my administration and commence with serious meetings of the Anambra Security Council foll...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The United Kingdom has refuted claims that it suspended students, work and family visas for Nigerian applicants.  This is coming on the heels of a statement issued by the British High Commission in Nigeria yesterday, announcing a temporary suspension of priority visas for student, work and family applications.  However, the Press & Public Affairs Officer, Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, British High Commission in Nigeria, Ndidiamaka Eze debunked the claims through a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja today.  Accordingly to her, "We are aware of the reports circulating in the Nigerian media and online that the UK has suspended student, work and family visas for Nigerian applicants, this is not true." She said that its possible for Nigerians to apply for any category of UK visa in the usual way on gov.uk and via their Visa Applications Centres (VAC) in Nigeria...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                                           Lawal The federal government has encouraged Course-15 participants of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) to develop and implement policies that would assist in addressing climate-related conflicts across Africa.  Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr Habiba Lawal stated this in Abuja recently when the management and participants of NISS programme were on a courtesy visit to her office.  She charged the participants to be more scientific in their studies especially on challenges associated with climate change, saying that Africa is deeply committed to global scientific evidence that would bring a lasting solution to the climate crisis.  The permanent secretary challenged the participants on t...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  R-L : Chairman of Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) Comrade Chuks Oyema presenting EMCAN's Action Plan to the Spokesperson of the United States Embassy, Mrs Jeanne Clark in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE.  The Spokesperson of the United States Embassy, Mrs Jeanne Clark has expressed concern over poor air quality in Nigeria caused by harmful substances in the environment especially the PortHarcourt soot.  She stated this in Abuja yesterday when she received a 6-man delegation from  Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) led by its Chairman, Comrade Chuks Oyema, who were on a courtsey visit to the Embassy.   To this end, she promised to collaborate with the association in addressing critical environmental issues in Nigeria, just as she urged EMCAN to focus on five priority areas in the environment such as deforestation, flooding, plastic and air pollution, was...

Murder Suspect, Chidinma Ojukwu Crowned Miss Cell 2022 Chidinma Ojukwu, the alleged murder suspect of Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Michael Usifo Ataga has been crowned Miss Cell 2022. She won a beauty pageant at the Kirikiri female prison, as they marked the International Women’s Day, with the theme  “BreakingTheBias”. Ojukwu, a 300-level, Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who is facing trial alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu and one Adedapo Quadri for Ataga’s murder, competed with other inmates of the prison and won the coveted crown of Miss Cell 2022. On the last adjourned date on February 21, Ojukwu’s trial was stalled due to the absence of prosecution witness. Ojukwu is standing trial before a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafa Balewa Square TBS. The defendant is charged alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri for alleged murder, stealing and forgery. When the case was called on the last adjourned date the ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  About twenty eight years after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Tunis, Tunisia in 1994, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of houses to the 22 members of the Super Eagles in their various states.  This is in fulfillment of a pledge made to the squad 28 years ago by the then federal government led by late Gen Sani Abacha.  The players are: Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased). Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun. Buhari stated this in Lafia, Nasarawa State on Monday during the commissioning of completed homes under the National Housing Programme (NHP) initiative.   The com...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                        Dumbari     President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday approved the appointment of Dr Giadom Ferdinand Dumbari as the new Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), supervised by the Federal Ministry of Environment. The appointment, which takes immediate effect is expected to last for four years.  Until his appointment, Dumbari was a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.  He holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Environmental Geology and Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, both from the University of Port Harcourt, and Master of Philosophy Degree in Environmental Management from Rivers State University.  A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja Tuesday by the Diretcor of Press  Federal Ministry of Environment, Saghir El-Mohammed revealed that the coordinator  has over twenty years...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja             Ikeazor About eight hundred and forty thousand Nigerians would be empowered through the country’s energy transition plan as part of efforts to green the economy against  climate change.  A breakdown of the empowerment scheme showed that 170, 000 news jobs would be created in off-grid solar deployment in the power sector; 200, 000 jobs across the supply chain for clean cooking solutions and additional 470, 000 jobs through electric vehicles and off-grid solar.  The Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor stated this in Abuja yesterday at a High-level Meeting of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Climate Change. She was worried over the country’s vulnerability to climate change and the huge social, economic and security costs associated with the impact of global warming. The minister said that economic and developmental aspirations would be compromised if the transition pathways fails...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos has endorsed the protest by women across the country over the rejection of gender bills at the ongoing constitutional amendment in the National Assembly.  Lawmakers had last week Tuesday voted against a bill seeking to provide special seats for women in the national and state houses of assembly, just as a bill seeking to “provide reserve quota” for women on appointments was also rejected.  The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade stated that it was unfortunate that the 9th National Assembly (NASS) would contravene the country’s international legal obligations by denying Nigeria women the opportunity of better inclusion and greater representation in governance by voting against the pro-gender bills. He said that the rejection puts the country in bad light as it negates the campaign theme of this year's International Women’s Day, #BreakTheBias, with the sub-theme, “Gender equality today for a sus...

Commuters were stranded on Tuesday morning at the various Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals across Lagos State. There are speculations that BRT suspended operations for fear of attack following the death of 22-year-old Bamise Ayanwole, who was allegedly abducted and killed after boarding a BRT vehicle on Friday. Our correspondent, who visited the Ikorodu BRT terminal, confirmed that there were no buses at the terminal to convey stranded passengers to their various destinations. An official of Primero, who preferred anonymous, confirmed that the operations of the BRT had been temporarily suspended across the state owing to the unfortunate incident that led to the killing of Bamise. He, however assured the commuters that the issue is handled by the state government and that services will be restored as soon as possible. Asked what was being done about it, the official said he could not say.  All efforts to reach the Primero head office proved abortive as at the time of fi...

The BRT Driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron when he was paraded by the police yesterday.  Police authorities in Lagos State have taken into custody the driver of the BRT Bus involved in the murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole. The driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, and another accomplice were arrested by DSS operatives in Ososa, Odogbolu area of Ogun State on Monday night. They were eventually handed over to the police. The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi while parading the suspect yesterday explained that following the arrest, the investigation would be expanded to bring everyone who is part of the crime to justice. The CP assured the public and the family of the bereaved victim that justice would be served in the case. Alabi told Channels Television that the preliminary response from the suspect has not been satisfactory, but it has been established that he is a prime suspect in the incident that led to the death of the victim. Speaking on t...

Igboho Benin Republic Government has released Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho The 49-year-old agitator spent over 231 days in Benin Republic prison after he was arrested on July 19, 2021. Many supporters had lamented the continuous detention of Igboho ‘without trial’. The legal battle to either extradite Igboho to Nigeria or free him has witnessed a series of dramatic twists and turns. A terse statement yesterday by the Umbrella body of Yoruba Self-determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, confirmed Igboho’s release. The Communications Secretary to Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Maxwell Adeleye, explained that Igboho was released to Professor Banji Akintoye and a French Language Expert/ Deputy Alana of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Wale Adeniran. Akintoye described the release of Ighoho as a “Triumph of truth over darkness in Yoruba land.” Additional Report From The NATION 

Bamise The 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who went missing after she boarded a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) service on February 26 has been found dead. Oluwabamise boarded the state-owned transport service at Chevron Bus Stop, Lekki, enroute Oshodi around 7pm but never got to her destination. Her disappearance raised concerns especially as her friend made public their communication when Bamise entered the bus and expressed fears over the conduct of the driver. When the news of her disappearance became public, the police immediately arrested the guarantors of the BRT driver who has since been at large. It was gathered that detectives had gone to the last known address of the suspect said to be from Ekiti State but were told that he moved out about a year ago. But the whereabouts of Bamise was finally unravelled by residents around Ebute Ero in Lagos Island, who disclosed that she was tossed out of a BRT bus half naked with her private parts missing. Accordi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  L-R: Director-General of World Wide Fund (WWF), Dr Marco Lambertini brainstorming with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor at the just concluded Fifth Resumed United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA- 5.2) in Nairobi, Kenya recently.  The federal government has expressed its readiness to strengthen bilateral ties with the Egyptian government on environmental issues ahead of the upcoming 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Egypt this year. Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor stated this in Nairobi, Kenya during her parley with the Egyptian Foreign Minister and the COP 27 President-designate, Sameh Shoukry at the just concluded Fifth Resumed United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA- 5.2). Ikeazor led Nigeria’s delegation to the high level plenary which took place from 28th February to 2nd March, with the theme...