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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed plans to probe the complaints filed against members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State.
Recall that the electoral commission declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election on September 21, 2014, in Edo State.
However, during a recent conversation with journalists, the spokesperson for the anti-corruption body, Demola Bakare, revealed that several complaints have been received against some INEC officials.
Reports had emerged earlier speculating how election observers who were present during the state’s recent election stormed the ICPC’s headquarters to lodge complaints against the INEC.
These observers, primarily legal professionals, had gathered under the umbrella of Tap Initiative, specifically calling for the arrest and prosecution of the commission’s officials for allegedly producing two sets of result sheets (EC8A).
The Executive Director of Tap Initiative, Martin Obono, had indicated that the commission’s actions had escalated to a point where they should be reported to USAID, EU, UK, and other international organizations.
However, the ICPC spokesman told Daily Trust yesterday, “When we are addressing a petition, we do not disclose the details.
“You can be sure that the petition was received, it was acknowledged. Definitely, if there is substance in it, we will do something about it.
“But it is not our tradition to tell anybody about what we are doing. We received the petition and it was acknowledged. Be sure that something will be done.”
Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced that state employees will receive double salary payments in December.
According to Eno, the introduction of the 13th month salary, referred to as ‘Eno-Mber,’ is intended to enhance the festive season for civil servants, particularly in light of the delays surrounding the implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage.
According to Vanguard, the harmonization committee, led by the Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, may not meet the one-month deadline set by the State government for the submission of its report, with the completion of the task now projected for the first quarter of 2025.
In an effort to allay the concerns of the workforce, the Governor announced the double salary payment during a church service at the Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo on Sunday, serving as a temporary relief prior to the rollout of the new minimum wage.
“I am aware that quite a number of our civil servants have relocated within Nigeria while others have gone abroad. We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real civil servants. My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables and we have to ensure that we carry this through this verification exercise, which would soon be completed,” he noted.
The Akwa Ibom governor also warned those constantly working to disrupt the smooth relationship between the state government and the organized labour to have a rethink.
“Since we came in, we have paid critical attention to the needs and the welfare of civil servants in this state. To date, we have paid N35 billion in gratuities to retired state, local government workers and primary school teachers in the state,” he recalled.
Other interventions which the Governor said should encourage the workers to imbibe good work ethics included the institution and payment of a bonus regime of N1.1billion naira to all public servants, prompt payment of salary, pension and gratuities.
The governor had also released funds, and ensured prompt payment of wage award to the State workers for three months to cushion the effect of high cost of living occasioned by the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal as well as free 150 homes at the Grace Estate for civil servants of grade levels one to eight.
Popular Nigerian actress, Sarah Martins has revealed that she became a gold digger after her past relationship with her ex-lover.
In an Instagram post, she revealed that she gave 50% of her salary to her ex-boyfriend for six months, only to discover he was using the funds to support another woman’s business.
According to Sarah Martins, this betrayal has left emotional scars, making her cautious about loving deeply.
She emphasized that her support for her partner is now contingent upon reciprocal support.
''There was a time I gave my ex 50% of my monthly salary for 6 months and the werey was giving the money to another woman??♀️”.
“He even funded her business from my sweat and the lady married someone else months after he finished setting up her business ?”.
“I’m a lover girl and I go hard for people I love but ever since them show me shege on top my kind heart, I no dey give man shishi!”
“With my full chest, I AM CURRENTLY A GOLD DIGGER.I will support my man the best way I can but my man must have supported me to a level that will warrant me to reciprocate his support in his own time of need”.
FCT Police Investigate Alleged Shooting Of 21-year-old Varsity Student By 'Bribe-seeking Officers'
AFOLABI
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the shooting of a 21-year-old student, David Ilechukwu in Kubwa area of the territory.
It was gathered that Ilechukwu, a Nasarawa State University student was shot dead at a checkpoint allegedly by the police on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
The father of the 200-level Computer Science student who spoke to newsmen on Sunday alleged that his son was shot after the policemen accused him of being an internet fraudster and demanded N200,000 from him.
He explained that his son fell into a nearby gutter after he was shot in the foot and was brought home by some commercial motorcyclists.
According to him, his son is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital where doctors confirmed that two of his bones were broken.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, November 10, said the perpetrators are yet to be identified.
"The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to an incident involving Mr. David Ikechukwu, who was reportedly shot by yet-to-be-identified gunmen allegedly operating from a tricycle and wearing blue and black uniforms on November 09 2024,” the statement read.
"The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to apprehend those responsible and to uncover the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
"The FCT Police Command assures the public that a dedicated team of detectives is actively investigating all aspects of the case. This investigation aims to provide clarity and hold those involved accountable for their actions.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement efforts. The FCT Command is committed to ensuring justice is served and to maintaining the safety of all residents. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
It has been revealed that Dangote Refinery is still buying crude oil from the Nigerian government in dollars.
The revelation was made by a renowned economist, Kelvin Emmanuel.
He said the Nigerian government has not effectively implemented a Naira-for-crude deal with Dangote Refinery.
Emmanuel disclosed this in an interview with Channels Television on Monday and monitored by DAILY POST.
He was analysing the policy of the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its impact on fuel prices.
Recall that in July 2024 Tinubu had directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude to Dangote Refinery in Naira.
On October 20, 2024, the Minister of Finance announced the kickoff of the Naira-for-crude deal.
However, Emmanuel claimed that the policy has not been fully implemented, noting that Dangote Refinery still buys crude feedstock in dollars instead of naira.
“The level of compliance with the Naira-for-crude deal is low.
“It doesn’t appear that the government is complying with the terms agreed with the policy. It has not been complying with by the latter.
“Under deal, Dangote Refinery is 385,000 and 400,000 barrels of crude per day. The refinery is not getting that. Let me define 11.5 million or 12 million barrels of crude on a monthly basis. The refinery is getting 40 or 50 percent of the crude. 40 percent of the 50 percent crude being sold to Dangote Refinery is being sold in dollars,” he said.
This comes as Dangote Refinery said its ex-depot prices of petrol are sold for N960 and N990 per litre for shipping and trucks.
The announcement of the Dangote Petrol price came on the back of the controversy between the company and oil marketers in the last days.
Oil marketers had disclosed that imported fuel is cheaper than Dangote Petrol.
However, Dangote accused oil marketers of importing cheap and substandard fuel into Nigeria, which was denied.
This comes as Nigerians buy petrol between N1,060 and N1,200 per litre across filling outlets.
DAILY POST recalls that fuel price increased to above N1060 per litre in November 2024 from N617 sold in August, the same year.
A 47-year-old man identified as Mr. Anthony Onyeukwu, has been remanded in a correctional centre by a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Enugu East Magisterial District over the alleged killing of his 11-year old houseboy, Goodluck John.
This, the Enugu State Government said, was in line with its sustained war against all forms of child abuse.
According to the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Mr Onyeukwu was arrested following a tip-off from one of the Ministry’s whistle-blower channels that Master Goodluck John’s death was linked to abuse at the hands of the family where he lived as a houseboy.
However, Mr. Onyeukwu was said to have quickly conveyed and had the remains of the 11-year old boy buried in the boy’s hometown in Abia State without reporting his death to the appropriate authorities.
Although he was said to have claimed that the boy had died from an ailment at the Park Lane Hospital, Enugu, there was no record to show that the boy was admitted in the hospital or that his corpse was deposited in the hospital’s morgue.
Arraigning the suspect last week , the Police Prosecutor- Inspr Calista Ifeanyi, told the presiding Chief Administrative Magistrate, Ngozi Edeh Anih that Mr. Onyeukwu had committed an offence punishable under the Criminal Code (Revised) Laws of Enugu State.
The charge sheet marked: CME/631C/2024 read, “That you, Onyeukwu Anthony ‘m’ on 15th day of October, 2024 at about 20:30 hours at No. 4, Mike Onyeka Close, Loma Linda Extension, Maryland, Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did unlawfully kill one Goodluck John ‘m’ aged 11 years and thereby commited an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, CAP 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”
The Chief Magistrate subsequently ordered the suspect’s remand in the Correctional Centre, Enugu and, adjourned the matter to 20th November, 2024 when the report from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Enugu, is expected.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has warned against any form of child abuse in the state, as no such act would go unpunished.
Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has stated that he is not too young to become a state governor.
Speaking at the annual Obasa Youth Crusade held in the Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State on Sunday, Obasa made this declaration during an event organized by the Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) to celebrate his birthday. Obasa will turn 52 on Monday, November 11.
Emphasizing the importance of party loyalty, Obasa affirmed his commitment to following the directives and progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He noted that adherence to party decisions was more critical than personal political ambitions.
“Though I am not too young to become the governor of Lagos State, I want to emphasize that our focus must remain on the progress of the party rather than individual aspirations,” Obasa said. “We will continue our work, especially concerning party mandates. This is not about personal ambition or a desire to become the governor.”
He stressed that his primary concern was the development and strengthening of the APC across Lagos State, stating, “Our main objective is to build the party, support it at the grassroots, and ensure that it flourishes across the state. For those who think our actions are driven by self-interest, we need to correct that perception.”
Obasa also urged members to prioritize the success of the party over individual political pursuits and warned against allowing the party to face setbacks in future elections.
“We all witnessed the challenges of the last election, where voting patterns were influenced by tribal, ethnic, and religious sentiments,” he noted. “It is essential that we prevent a repeat of this.
“Many reasons have been attributed to the party’s performance in the first election, particularly pointing to the Igbo community. However, this was not the first time we’ve had elections in Lagos. The Igbo have long been part of the state, so we must identify and address any underlying issues.”
Nigerian skitmaker, Kemi Ikuseedun aka Mummy Wa has opened up that she faced s3xual harassment in the film industry.
She stated this during a chat on the WithChude podcast.
Mummy Wa, also called Kemz Mama, said she received unwanted s3xual advances from filmmakers while trying to establish her career.
The content creator said she rejected the advances because she knew they wouldn’t guarantee her the role she wanted.
“What I said related more behind the scenes, not even as an actor. Behind the scenes, a lot of people are asking for things. They are asking for a whole lot of things. But me I cannot do it,” she said.
“Where do I want to start from? How do I want to even do it? Me that I am already coming from a place where they tell me ‘this thing will not work’. How many people do you want to sleep with?
“To be honest with you, you might actually sleep with somebody in the movie industry and the role they will give you, will not ‘blow! You will still be there.
“Me entering entertainment, I saw a lot of men. But guess what? Even the ones that do not have anything; that are slim, they are still asking for things from them.
“No woman is free. No woman is immune. But me, I cannot do it.”
A former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George has slammed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
He warned Sanwo-Olu to halt the harassment of traders by officials and security agents in the state.
The elder statesman, in an open letter to the governor, stated that Lagos traders are not terrorists, adding that while Lagos is known as the Centre of Excellence, the traders are not being treated excellently by some security agents and government officials daily.
Recall that, due to the state environmental law which bans street trading, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials often arrest and confiscate the wares of traders who display their goods on roadsides or sell in traffic.
“Apart from lamenting the multiple levies they pay to councils and being subjected to extortion most horrendously by some thugs and rough-necks, they are also harassed and flogged like criminals,” George said.
The PDP leader, who stated that street trading has been part of the culture and tradition of Lagos for decades, where he was born, explained that many professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants were financed educationally by what their parents made through street trading.
He added that in London, New York, and other advanced cities, there is street trading.
In the letter, George noted that some traders and hawkers stay on the roadside where they pay government officials daily due to the harsh and hostile economy in the land, as they cannot afford a shop costing as high as N1 million.
“What authorities in those climes do is to regulate street trading, not subject traders to despicable treatment.
“In the 21st century, it is an act of wickedness for government officials to treat street traders like bandits and terrorists in Lagos State.
“Where is our dignity? Why should officials subject them to harrowing experiences daily?
“They are not armed robbers, and they should not be treated as such. It is despicable to treat street traders like terrorists. They are just trying to survive, and Lagos is not the only place where we have street traders,” he said.
Nollywood actress, Doris Simeon has recounted her child custody battle with ex-husband Daniel Ademinokan.
Recall that she married Daniel in 2008 and welcomed a son David before they parted ways three years later.
In an interview on the Talk To B podcast, the film star stated that her ex-husband took their son to US without her consent.
She stated: “Daniel taking our son to the United States without my consent”.
“I might have had my faults, but he also had his faults too. That is why I said I did not feel anything when he got married, but the only painful part is that he did not let me mother my child.
“He took my son away without my consent, he was just 4 years old when he came to the US. My child was 3 when I mothered him last. He was not picking up my calls, and when he picked up, he would tell me ‘I would call back, I am busy’, and then maybe for another 3 to 4 months, I wouldn’t get through.
“Finally when I got through, he said it was a work related stuff and he did not even know he was going to travel. I eventually got to talk to my son and he was excited, asking me when I was coming. After that I waited for him, at least he would let me know and then we started all the court processing because of all the lies.
“I was on this court case for like four years, if not five. Sometimes I would wake up in the morning, and drive to the court on the Island. At the end of all the court cases and everything, they gave him custody, saying that because he lives in America. That is how bad our government has been.”
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2027: Come Back, Rescue Us From Hardship – Nigerians Beg Jonathan After Congratulating Trump
AFOLABI
Following severe hardship and hunger as a result of policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, some Nigerians have begged former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to come to their rescue.
Some Nigerians urged him to emulate the US President-elect, Donald Trump and make a political comeback in 2027.
Recall that Trump, who lost his re-election bid in 2020, is set to return to the White House after winning the just concluded presidential election in the US.
Trump of the Republican Party, who was the US President from 2016 to 2020, beat the incumbent vice president, Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, to emerge as the 47th president of the US.
The development was termed one of the biggest political comebacks in the history of America.
Goodluck Jonathan took to his X handle on Sunday to congratulate the US President-elect, describing the victory as impressive.
He wrote, “Dear President Trump, I extend my warmest felicitations to you on your election as the 47th President of the United States.
“Your impressive victory is a testament to the American people’s faith in your leadership and vision for the future.
“I am optimistic that your presidency will not only advance the American dream but also promote the cause for global peace, stability and progress. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations once again.”
However, Nigerians stormed the comment section of the post to demand his return to the Aso Rock, apparently in the 2027 election.
Some of the commenters urged Jonathan, who also lost his re-election bid in 2015, to return to power and savage the nation from the economic hardship currently bedeviling the citizens.
Here are some of the comments as compiled by DAILY POST.
@AdamuHa93221616: “OGA Nigerians are sorry for not listening to you at that time. You know that time we don’t know what you saw. Oga life is hard now very well oh.
“We don’t know whether you go gree to finish your tenure in 2027 or you mentor Peter Obi and Atiku to come recuse us.”
“@Mrklassiq_: “Look at the way Donald Trump fought with Elon to retrieve America from those wolves , but you will be doing “if you can beat them, join them.” Put your house in order and retrieve Nigeria. You owe”.
@Knightsurge211: “Sir, you still have one more term to serve Nigeria. Nigerians will massively vote you back in. It will be too big for Inec and Mahmood to rig. God bless you, and God bless Nigeria.”
@TheodoreBassil: “See your mate going back to save their country. Imagine you came back to save our country. But ‘mbanu’, you flee like a minor. GEJ, no matter how you avoid this, the truth remains that your fear brought us here.”
@Victorviri: “Please @GEJonathan … Learn from Donald Trump’s victory. Nigeria has had their shares of bad luck since you left and things are getting worse. If Peter Obi can’t do it, you can. We need a Saviour, this suffering is too much.”
@manueldacreator: “You owe Nigerians and the entire youths the mandate to run again for the president of Nigeria. Please, sir save us please.”
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given state governments an ultimatum of December 1, to implement the new minimum wage.
The NLC made this known on Sunday in a communique signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
Ajaero, who expressed dissatisfaction over the delay by some states to implement the new wage, said workers in affected states were finding it difficult to sustain themselves given the worsening state of the economy.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.
“The NEC therefore resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and campaign to educate citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of Nov., 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from December 1,” he said.
Nigerian investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to smuggle over 130,000kg of rice into Nigeria from the Benin Republic.
Soyombo, known for his in-depth investigative work, made the disclosure on his X platform (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Soyombo specifically accused some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of colluding with smugglers to facilitate the illegal importation of rice on Sunday night. He named Adeyemi Habeeb Abdulganiy, a prominent figure in the smuggling world, as the mastermind behind the smuggling. Abdulganiy, also known as Abuga, is reportedly orchestrating the transportation of the rice in over 2,000 cars, each carrying at least 65 bags of rice.
“Good evening, @CustomsNG. I am aware that your officers have colluded with smugglers to move well over 130,000kg of rice from Benin Republic into Nigeria tonight, Sunday, November 11, 2024,” Soyombo wrote.
He further detailed the smuggling routes, warning that the convoy of vehicles would enter Nigeria through various points, including Sango, Ifo, and the Oju-Ore-Ota route. Some of the cars were expected to drive against traffic at the toll gate near Sango, posing a risk to road users.
“Road users in Sango can expect traffic congestion early tomorrow morning unless this post prompts an about-face from the actors,” Soyombo warned.
He also alleged that soldiers from the 192 Battalion in Owode would be patrolling during the operation to prevent any resistance.
In a sharp rebuke to the Nigeria Customs Service, Soyombo suggested that the public would be skeptical of any future claims of seizures made by the authorities.
“@CustomsNG, just so you know, the people are watching; they will be hysterically laughing at you when you announce ‘seizure of one million bags of rice and 25 cartons of guns’ later this week,” he concluded.
The revelation has attracted public attention, with many awaiting a response from the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies regarding the alleged smuggling operation.
[Leadership]
Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, would be buried in Abuja on Friday.
His immediate elder brother, Moshood Lagbaja, disclosed this in Osogbo, Osun State during a condolence visit by St Charles Grammar School Osogbo Old Boys Association (SCOBA).
He said the military could not release his remains to the family, but assured them he would be given a befitting burial in Abuja on Friday.
The delegation presented a condolence letter signed by Global President of the association, Tade Adekunle and and General Secretary, Leye Odetoyinbo, to the family.
Speaking on behalf of SCOBA during the condolence visit, the leader of the delegation, who is also the 1st Vice President, Engineer Adesina Salami, described late Lagbaja as an exceptional individual, a proud Charlean, and a distinguished military leader who served the nation with unwavering dedication.
Salami said, “We mourn the loss of an exceptional individual, a proud Charlean, and a distinguished military leader who served our nation with unwavering dedication. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s remarkable life, selfless service, and enduring legacy inspire us.
“He made an inspiring and unforgettable impact on the Charlean Family Worldwide during his glorious lifetime.
“May the comforting presence of Almighty God surround you during this difficult time. May His peace, love, and strength sustain you as you navigate the darkness of grief.
“We pray that the cherished memories of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s love, wisdom, and accomplishments bring solace to your hearts and may his exemplary life continue to inspire generations to come.”
[DailyTrust]