The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, National Youth Frontier, Usman Okai Austin, has said the former Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu has messed up his political future.
Okai spoke in reaction to the impeachment of the former deputy governor by the Edo State House of Assembly.
He stressed that Shaibu was wrongly advised into making moves to succeed Obaseki.
Speaking with DAILY POST, Okai said: “Shaibu was wrongly advised or it’s a case of one trying to overrate himself.
“The way he and Obaseki came, he should have been allowed to end his tenure successfully with the name of deputy governor.
“The way he went about it was wrong, there is an arrangement of power rotation in Edo State which he knows, Shaibu can’t say he’s ignorant of this; he was a former state assembly member, former House of Representatives member, and now former Deputy governor.
“He’s aware that from Edo North to Edo South, their power links back to Edo Central. Edo North where he (Shaibu) hails from produced a governor for eight years which was Oshiomhole, then power went to Edo South where Obaseki hails from and it’s now going back to Edo Central.
“Meanwhile, Shaibu is agitating that the rotational policy in Edo State should be abolished to favour him.
“Edo North had eight years as governor and now they have produced a deputy governor which puts them at an advantage against other regions.
“Now, he became a deputy governor from the same place; what was expected of Shaibu was for him to have complied with the zoning arrangement that existed in Edo State by ensuring that somebody from Edo Central emerges, but having gone against that to buy form, is a problem.
“You and I know that every incumbent takes the issue of their successor more seriously than their own second term.
“APC is no longer interested in Shaibu, Oshiomhole told him to go and learn reality before talking of contesting election.
“He is no longer wanted in APC, he’s suspended in his own party, and the Labour Party is filled up in Edo State.
“He should approach the court so that they can clear him as a former Deputy governor.
“Now that he has been impeached, he does not enjoy any benefits as a former Deputy governor.
“He has to go and fight that battle now, either he was rightly or wrongly impeached but coming back to be a deputy governor may be difficult, so his political future has been mortgaged, he has messed it up. Shaibu was wrongly advised.”
The Chairman of Nigerian indigenous carrier, Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, has raised the alarm that foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route are allegedly conspiring to send Air Peace out of international operations by crashing airfares on the route.
Onyema gave the revelation on Tuesday while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
He alleged that there is an “unspoken alliance” among foreign airlines to use lower pricing to eject Air Peace from the Nigeria-London route.
“If they take out Air Peace prematurely, this country will pay dearly for it, 10 times over, billions will be lost, there will be another heavy strain on the naira,” he said.
DAILY POST recalls that Air Peace reciprocated the lopsided Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom when the local airline began direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London on March 30, 2024.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo and his counterpart at the Trade and Investment Ministry, Doris Uzoka-Anita were onboard the inaugural Lagos-London flight, alongside businessmen and women.
Many industry observers have applauded the development, saying the development will encourage local airlines to commence international flights to profitable routes.
DAILY POST also reported how the price of international flight ticket on the Lagos-London route, which was as high as N3.5m for economy ticket went for N1.2m as Air Peace commenced the London route, with foreign airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways forced to slash their prices to stay competitive.
However, speaking on Tuesday, the Air Peace boss said foreign airlines operating the route “are fighting back”, adding that his airlines are being “deliberately frustrated in all ways”.
He cited ground handling and space allocation difficulties at Gatwick Airport in the last couple of days.
“It’s a very devilish conspiracy,” said a dissatisfied Onyema.
“All of a sudden, (foreign) airlines are underpricing, below the cost, it’s not up to one month, an airline was advertising $100, another one $305, $350.
“Fill up the entire aircraft and carry people on the wings, it’s not even enough to buy your fuel. So, why are they doing that? Their governments are supporting them because Nigeria has been a cash cow for everybody.
“Their governments are supporting them to do this and take Air Peace out. The idea is to take Air Peace out and the moment they succeed in taking Air Peace out, Nigerians will pay 20 times over again,” he said.
Onyema, therefore, invited other Nigerian airlines to join the Nigeria-UK route to break the monopoly hitherto enjoyed by foreign carriers operating into the four major gateway airports of Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
“I invite other Nigerian airlines to join the fray, let them come, let all of us do international operations. Yes, international aeropolitics is very dirty but somebody must pay the price,” he said.
A mass burial has been organized for seventeen victims of armed herders' attack in Mbakyor at Mbalom council ward in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were laid to rest on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in the community after an interdenominational service.
The marauding herdsmen invaded the community on March 7, 2024, killing the victims, including a retired WO2 Army Officer and a boy.
It was gathered that two out of the 17 farmers were earlier buried, as their corpses were fast decomposing due to the gruesome way they were murdered by their assailants.
Speaking during the burial, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, stated that one of the best solutions to end the incessant attacks by armed herders in Benue communities was the formation of vigilante groups.
“Today is a sad day in the history of Benue State; to line up caskets like this is unacceptable. I am so sad, and my heart is heavy to see this kind of spectacle that shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“Security is not for government alone because there is no one that can protect you like yourself; you need to have a Joint Security Taskforce or vigilante groups that would be properly profiled and handed over to the government to handle them. That is the solution to the insecurity we are facing in the state,”
The governor also pledged to construct the road that passed through the axis to ease the movement of security agencies to the area in times of emergencies, adding that the community was also ripe for a police station.
The governor, however, promised to personally meet with the families of the bereaved after the burial and prayed against a reoccurrence of the same.
Elias Audu, member of Benue House of Assembly, representing Gwer East, wondered why despite the availability of fighter planes to tackle such attacks, security did not live up to their billings
He advised that the relevant security agency should be reprimanded because they would have intervened in the crisis, using fighter helicopters in such a situation, adding that they didn’t when his people were under siege for over 3 hours.
President of the Masev Development Association, Prof. Vitalis Tarhule, noted that the primary responsibility of government was the protection of lives and property, even as he appealed to the government to endeavour to protect the people.
He added that similar attacks had occurred in 2014, 2018 and 2024, bringing to a total of about 40 lives that were lost, insisting that there was a need to establish a security post in Mbaikyor to check the unwholesome activities of armed herders.
Chairman of the Association of Mbaikyor Sons in diaspora, Simon Kofi, told the governor that his people had apprehended two herders and handed them over to the police due to their nefarious activities.
He explained that their crime was that they told the herders not to come back to the community again, a situation which prompted the attack on his kinsmen.
Nigerian singer, David Adedeji Adeleke aka Davido has announced his wife's birthday will take place soon.
The singer is planning an elaborate birthday for the mother of his twins.
He took to Twitter and wrote:
“My wifes birthday in a bit !! We’re running mad!!!!!! We must celebrate a great woman!”
See some reactions below:
@FavorGrace90: “Happy birthday in advance to mama ibeji????.”
@Dhavidote: “We need to buy her one private jet, she deserves x
@Charlesmufc_01: “Davido you’re an amazing musician and your fans love you, but I’d like to suggest that you keep your family affairs private. I know it can be tempting to share your life with your fans, but some things are better kept between you and your loved ones. Social media can be a great way to connect with your fans, but it’s also important to maintain a sense of privacy and boundaries. Don’t let the pressure of social media get in the way of your relationships.”
@jennygodswill: “She deserves everything good fr, she has stayed with you through thick and thin, I’m guessing that Bombardier is on her name.”
@Avenger20o: So you know say na Great woman before you dey cheat around dey pull belle anyhow?”
@Bidal4Life: “E no go shock me if OBO ask Tatibiji to contribute Private Jet money for chioma.”
SEE POST:
The residence of a former Governor of Benue State, Late Aper Aku, has been set ablaze by hoodlums in the Gboko area of the state.
The late Aku was the first civilian Governor of the North Central state.
It was gathered that the incident was said to have happened on Monday after the occupants were safely evacuated from the building by the Police.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Markurdi, the daughter of the late governor, Deborah Aku, said the Police rescued six of them early enough before the hoodlums burnt down the house.
She explained that trouble began in March after a man came to the house with a cutlass and threatened to deal with them if his goat died again, claiming that he was told that his goat died after drinking water from their house.
Aku said her mother reported the incident to the Police Division in Gboko and the matter was later charged to court.
She, however, revealed that the fresh attack took place between 7 am and 8 am on Monday when the hoodlums besieged the house and trapped all six occupants.
She said: “The incident started between 7am and 8am on Monday. They came around and didn’t talk to anyone numbering over 30. When we noticed that their visit was not friendly we locked all the doors and called the Police.
“Before the Police could arrive they started destroying the house, killed our dog, broke into the pig house and carted away with all the pigs. They also destroyed our mother’s car.
“The Police arrived and were able to rescued us out of the house. We left with the Police with only what we were putting on. While we were on our way with the Police the house was burnt with everything inside. The Police came in two trucks but the boys were many and even attacked them too.
“Yesterday (Monday) when the incident happened the Police were only able to rescue us out of the house before it was burnt down. If not for them we would have probably being burnt inside the house. We were six inside the house.
“We are waiting for the Police to carry out their investigations. We have also reported the matter to all the relevant authorities including the governor and Speaker because this is his constituency.”
World No 1 Novak Djokovic made an emphatic start at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 6-2 win over Russia’s Roman Safiullin to ease into the third round in a rain-delayed day three on Tuesday.
Djokovic, who pulled out of the recent Miami Open as he tries to balance his schedule, looked fresh as he broke Safiullin’s serve three times in the opening set and a further two breaks in the second was enough to seal the win.
“I think even the games that I lost I had break points in those games. It is a really great first match at the start of the clay season,” he said.
On Sunday, Djokovic overtook Roger Federer as the oldest No 1 ranked singles player in ATP rankings history, at 36 years and 321 days.
“I met (Rohan) Bopanna yesterday, who is the oldest doubles No 1 in history. He said we had a combined age of 80, but he does contribute to the 80 more than I do,” Djokovic joked.
Musetti defeated Djokovic at the third round stage last year.
“Last year as well, I started off well at this tournament and the second match I lost, so I hope to maintain this rhythm,” Djokovic added.
German fifth seed Alexander Zverev made light work of his second round match, defeating Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4.
[DailyTrust]
A man identified as Muhammed Zenabdin has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja.
He was arrested for criminal conspiracy and possession of suspected counterfeit currency amounting to one hundred thousand United States Dollars ($100,000.00).
While acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCCC conducted a raid on a suspected cybercrime hideout located in Garki II, FCT.
Despite the escape of other members of the criminal gang, Muhammed Zenabdin was successfully apprehended. Subsequent execution of a search warrant revealed compelling evidence, including One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars in one-hundred-dollar bills believed to be counterfeits, along with sophisticated counterfeit detection equipment, international passports, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle.
Confirming the arrest to newsmen, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, says the suspect has provided indicting confessional statements and also offered valuable information to aid in the apprehension of other members of the gang. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect(s) will face arraignment in court.
Adejobi stated that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the Director of the NCCC, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, and his team for their diligent efforts in combating cybercrime.
While assuring the public of their safety, the IGP issued a stern warning to all cybercrime threat actors, urging them to cease their illicit activities or face severe legal consequences.
A man, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. Baba Joshua) and his wife, Margret Austine who have been illegally producing and distributing adulterated alcoholic beverages to markets in Lagos and Ogun states for the past 6 years have been arrested by the Zone 2 command of the Police force.
According to a press statement released by the Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), SP Ayuba T. Umma, the suspects were arrested by the CSP Ngozi Braide-led Raider Section of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos.
The operatives had acted on intelligence on the illegal production, and raided the couple's Muibi Olawumi Close residence, off Ayetoro/Itẹle Road on April 4, during which fake drinks, comprising wine, liquor, champagne and other alcoholic drinks, were recovered.
These include brand label of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine drinks, both in bottles and mini packs.
Also recovered, according to a were unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks and various containers, filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.
The ZPPRO said that the equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels, sealing machines, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as filter) and corkscrew, among various other production and branding items, were all recovered.
The female suspect, Margret, apprehended at the scene, confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation, and that their adulterated finished products were sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states.
"The Zone 2 Command is actively investigating this case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available", the ZPPRO said
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, has consequently urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages, while expressing concern over the health hazard such adulterated products pose to consumers.
According to the statement, "The Zone 2 Police Command remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun states"
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Popular Kannywood actress, Saratu Gidado aka Daso is dead.
The actress died while fasting.
The sad news was confirmed by her relatives to Freedom Radio on Tuesday, revealing that the beloved actress was found deceased early in the morning.
Gidado, who was observing the Ramadan fast, had reportedly returned to bed after the pre-dawn meal, Sahur, only to be found lifeless later.
Her sudden passing at the age of 56 has sent shockwaves throughout the film community and among her fans.
Born on January 17, 1968, in Kano, Daso carved a niche for herself in Kannywood with her distinctive portrayal of comical yet aggressive and mischievous characters, earning her a place in the hearts of many movie enthusiasts.
Her career, spanning over two decades, was launched with her role in the 2000 movie “Linzami Da Wuta,” produced by Sarauniya Movies.
Daso’s remarkable performances in films such as “Nagari,” “Gidauniya,” “Mashi,” and “Sansani” cemented her status as one of the industry’s iconic figures. Her acting prowess and ability to bring characters to life made her a household name in the northern film industry.
The entertainment community and fans are awaiting the announcement of her burial arrangements as they come to terms with the loss of a talent who brought laughter and entertainment to many.
Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal to learn from their costly mistakes in Tuesday’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich if they want to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta’s side ensured their quarter-final clash remains finely balanced thanks to Leandro Trossard’s late equaliser in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s old tormentor-in-chief Harry Kane had ignored a hostile reception from Gunners fans to mark his return to north London with the ice-cool penalty that put Bayern 2-1 up in the first half.
Former Tottenham striker Kane’s sixth career goal at the Emirates came after ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry cancelled out Bukayo Saka’s early opener for the Gunners.
It was a frustrating evening for Arsenal, who looked hesitant at times in their first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.
The Premier League leaders have been in red-hot form in 2024, while Bayern have stumbled through a crisis-torn campaign.
But Arsenal’s status as favourites to advance to the last four was undone by some uncharacteristically sloppy defending.
Arteta urged his players to use the experience as a valuable tool to make amends in the second leg in Munich on April 17.
“We will go again in Munich. We are alive. The game became difficult and they understand they have to step up the level,” he said.
“We have made some mistakes today. Lets learn from it. These players have been unbelievable. It’s part of football. Lets support them.
“I sense the belief there. We are going to go to Munich and have a chance to win it. We’re going to be better in certain areas and that’s how we are going to prepare it.”
Arteta admitted Bayern’s impressive first half had rattled his team, but he was impressed with the way they regained their composure after the interval.
– ‘Crazy situation’ –
“The second goal created some insecurity in the team but after we reacted well. It’s easy to throw your toys away when things don’t go right,” he said.
“The subs, especially Leandro and Gabriel (Jesus), made a huge impact with their body language and the initiative they took to make things happen.”
Saka was convinced he should have been awarded a penalty in the final seconds when Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer appeared to make contact with the Arsenal winger.
But replays suggested Saka had initiated the contact and Arteta refused to be drawn on the controversy, saying only that he “hadn’t seen the image again” and “can’t change” the decision.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel bemoaned a separate penalty incident that didn’t go his side’s way.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes inexplicably picked up the ball following a David Raya goal-kick in the 66th minute.
Yet Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg opted against awarding a spot-kick.
“I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands,” Tuchel said.
“What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a ‘kid’s mistake’ and he won’t give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarter-final.
“It’s a horrible explanation. Kid’s mistake, adult’s mistake, whatever. We feel angry because it was a huge decision against us.”
A crucial miss by Leroy Sane — who allowed Ben White to get back to tackle him after he ran clear on goal — stopped the six-time European champions going 3-1 up in the first half.
But after a traumatic season that leaves Bayern almost certain to surrender the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, Tuchel could have few complaints about his side’s battling display.
“It wasn’t easy, especially after we conceded early. The Arsenal fans were incredible, they pushed them. We scored with our first attack and the body language and confidence changed.
“There are no away goals anymore. We are happy with what we showed and we start from 0-0 next week.
“Next week we will have the decision. It is only half-time.”
[Vanguard]
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On Monday, the federal government launched the citizens’ delivery tracker (CDT).
Speaking at the public demonstration of the tracker, Hadiza Bala-Usman, special adviser to the president on policy and coordination, and head of the central coordination delivery unit (CDCU), said the initiative will help keep every minister accountable on key deliverables of their portfolios.
But chances are, you were not at the public demonstration and are curious about how you can use this tracker to keep the government on its toes.
Below are seven things you need to know about the CDT.
WHAT IS THE TRACKER AND WHAT IS ITS GOAL?
The citizens’ tracker was first launched in 2022. It has been upgraded and relaunched by the CDCU in consultation with stakeholders, and provides citizens with information on priority projects, policies, and programmes of the federal government.
The unit said the tracker app will undergo continuous enhancements, incorporating observations to ensure user-friendliness.
HOW CAN NIGERIANS ACCESS THE APP?
The CDCU said the citizens delivery tracker application will be available for download on the Google and Apple stores within the next month. It, however, said the tracker can be accessed directly on app.cdcu.gov.ng.
HOW CAN NIGERIANS MONITOR PROGRESS WITH THE APP?
The CDCU said citizens can access detailed information on government priority projects, deliverables and programmes nationwide, in order to monitor and evaluate performance.
The aim is to help in promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
TheCable found that on the tracker website, deliverables and priority projects are listed in order of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
HOW WILL NIGERIANS SUBMIT FEEDBACK?
Users can assess the MDAs and provide feedback and observations directly.
TheCable found that in order to submit a feedback on the website, one would fill a form requiring your name, email and phone number. This aims to help in facilitating timely responsiveness from the CDCU.
Nigerians can submit feedback for each deliverable and project under each MDA.
REAL TIME FEEDBACK
The unit says with the tracker, Nigerians can provide immediate feedback on their perception of the government’s performance in implementing policies, projects, and programmes anywhere within or outside the country.
DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE CDCU
The tracker facilitates direct engagement between citizens and the CDCU, as Nigerians will be allowed to submit assessments and observations of ministries.
DIRECT ACCESS BY THE PRESIDENT
According to the coordination unit, the president would glean feedback on ministerial deliverables from a dedicated dashboard in his office.
Through this dashboard, the president would be able to see and track the implementation of his priority programmes.
[TheCable]
Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar has stormed social media following reports that she was fined N10M for defaming the popular clergyman, Apostle Suleman.
The star ignored the news and instead posted a beautiful photo of herself.
She revealed that God is good and urged her followers to enjoy the holiday.
Recall that on Monday, news surfaced that a Federal High Court had ruled against the actress’s continued publication of defamatory remarks against Apostle Johnson Suleman, as well as ordered her to pay N10 million in damages.
The judge observed that although Abubakar was given the opportunity to defend herself, she chose not to do so. She was forced to take down her criticism of the priest from her Instagram profile for this reason.
Halima posted a new picture on her Instagram profile, her first since the news broke. She said that she was grateful for life.
Sharing the photo, she wrote:
“Filled with gratitude and the gift of life.
Enjoy your holiday dearies
God is good”.
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Popular activist, Verydarkman has revealed what it took him to have Bobrisky arrested.
According to him, he intentionally called out the police in order to get them to arrest him and the crossdresser, Bobrisky.
The controversial activist stated that all that had happened, including his arrest was all part of his grand plan to get Bobrisky arrested by the police.
He said that he began calling out the police and alleging that some of the were patronizing Bobrisky’s service just so that they’d be triggered into arresting him and Bobrisky.
Verydarkman stated that what he hadn’t anticipated was when someone collaged a photo of Bobrisky and Frank Mba to make it seem as though that was the person verydarkman was referring to.
Verydarkman emphasized that this isn’t true and he had no idea who had collaged the photos.
Omobayo Godwins, the new deputy governor of Edo State has said his people asked him to leave the Labour Party (LP) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that he was on April 8 sworn-in as deputy Governor of Edo State by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, after Philip Shaibu was impeached.
Appearing on Politics Today, later on Monday, April 8, Godwins said the people of Akoko Edo have always been his priority.
He said: “To be very frank with you, the Labour Party is not just a party but a movement I hold dearly. If I have the opportunity over and over, I will continue to thank them.
“It was LP that gave me the platform, but like I told you, what informed it (defection) is Akoko Edo. It is my major project and we are predominantly APC and PDP.
“I am happy that these six months or what you called seven months are okay for me. The governor has told me in clear terms — we have discussed some critical issues and I have given him a needs assessment of our people.
“I may not be able to do so much but I will make an impact that the people of Akoko Edo and Edo north will remember me for.”