Etanabene Benedict, a member of the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the house of representatives, says many of his colleagues are considering defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Benedict spoke on Friday when he was featured on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

On Thursday, four members of the LP in the lower legislative chamber joined the APC.

The lawmakers attributed their defections to the crisis within the party.

The LP had expressed discontent over the defections, saying it would take legal action against the lawmakers.

The party said it would ask Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, to declare the seat of the lawmakers vacant.

Benedict, who represents the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency of Delta, said the legislators defected to the APC as a strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said the lawmakers were not confident of winning reelection in 2027 under the LP platform.

“Nobody believes that if you are elected to office, there is a time limit, and when that time comes, if the people want you again, you’re reelected; if they don’t want you, you go,” he said.

“It is about 2027. The trend of Edo and Ondo is frightening to them, and they do not believe that they are strategically positioned to seek reelection under the umbrella of the Labour Party. That is the main reason.

“There are still many others in the Labour Party that are thinking along that line too. So, if it happens tomorrow, I won’t be surprised.”

Benedict dismissed the lawmakers’ claims of an internal crisis in the LP, saying it was an excuse to justify their exit from the party.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into the alleged abuse of office and diversion of funds in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In a letter written to the National Sports Commission (NSC) dated November 28, 2024 and seen by TheCable, the anti-graft agency has asked the commission to furnish it with the list of all sponsors of the NFF and the Professional Football League (companies and individuals) from 2022 to date.

The letter, signed by Farouk Dogondaji, on behalf of the EFCC chairman, was addressed to the director general of the commission.

“This commission is investigating an alleged case of abuse of office and diversion of public funds in which the need to obtain information from your office becomes imperative,” the letter reads.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly furnish this office with the details of the following information to enable us conclude our investigation.

“Details of the amount donated and the account/ banks into which those funds were lodged.

“Details of the releases made to NFF for the prosecution of the three major football tournaments aside budgetary allocations.

“Details of the amount donated by FIFA for the preparation of Super Falcons for the 2023 Women World Cup and the account /banks into which those funds were lodge.

“Details of the amount donated by CAF for the participating in the final of the 2023 AFCON and the accounts/banks into which those funds were lodged.

“Details of companies appointed as consultants for the Nigeria Football Federation and Professional Football League and any other information that may assist this office in this investigation.”

The agency said the request is made pursuant to section 38 (1) and (2) of the EFCC establishment Act, 2004.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared the federal house of representatives seat of Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of James Ibori, vacant.

Ibori-Suenu, a daughter of Ibori, a former governor of Delta state, announced her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the PDP on Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP national spokesperson, asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an election to fill her position.

Ologunagba said by her defection, Ibori-Suenu “willfully” vacated the Ethiope east/Ethiope west federal constituency seat which she represents in Delta state.

“Hon. Ibori-Suenu should therefore stop parading herself as a member of the House of Representatives as such would amount to impersonation with likely criminal consequences,” he said.

“The PDP calls on the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms to note that Hon. Ibori-Suenu has ceased to be a member of the House of Representatives.

“The PDP is communicating to INEC to, within the Constitutionally stipulated time, conduct fresh election to fill the vacancy which now exists in Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency of Delta State as a result of the defection of Hon. Ibori-Suenu to the APC.

Ologunagba said the party has directed the national legal adviser of the PDP to ensure that the “votes and mandate of the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency of Delta State, which they freely gave to the PDP are protected.”

Ademola Lookman scored a late winner for Atalanta FC in their 2-1 victory over AC Milan in Serie A on Friday.

Lookman’s goal came in the 87th minute as the host saw off the visiting Rossoneri at the Gewiss stadium.

Atalanta had scored the opener in the 12th minute. Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to meet a well-swung freekick from Martin De Roon and sent the header past Mike Maignan.

However, less than 10 minutes later, AC Milan levelled from a blistering counter-attack play. Rafael Leao was afforded the space to run down left, and he beat his marker before finding Alvaro Morata in the middle of Atalanta’s goal area, and the Spaniard swiped the ball home.

The game was on a knife’s edge from then on, with both sides failing to make their numerous chances count.

But Lookman remedied all efforts late in the game. The winger raced towards the far post, where he met the errant ball off a corner-kick. He poked his head into the wild ball, and Maignan was caught on aware.

The goal was Lookman’s 10th goal of the season in 16 appearances.

The victory takes Atalanta to the summit of the Serie A table, two points above Napoli, who play Lazio on Sunday.

The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola has said that Dele Farotimi, the human rights activist recently remanded by Ekiti Magistrate Court, will be free if he proves the allegations levelled against him.

Recalled that Farotimi had acussed Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary in his book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”. He was remanded on Wednesday after he was arrested at his chambers by the Ekiti State Police Command.

Addressing journalists on Friday at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Owoseni Ajayi, the lead counsel to Babalola, said Farotimi’s defamatory remarks in his book were targeted to injure the hard-earned reputation of the legal icon, which cannot be remedied by any award of damages.

A case

The former Justice Commissioner in Ekiti, joined by the duo of state’s ex-chairmen of NBA, Olasunkanmi Falade and Lawrence Fasanmi, explained that Farotimi has been inconvenient with Babalola, who won a land dispute case in 2014, where the human rights activist was neither a party nor a counsel in the case.

Babalola had filed a motion for the variation of the judgment of the Supreme Court to correct clerical errors on a certain land portion, which further affected some estates where Farotimi happened to be a lawyer to one of them.

Owoseni emphasised that Farotimi wrote the book not because any injustice was done to him, but because he could not get judgement for his client in court.

The lead counsel wondered why Afe Babalola, who was accused of corrupting the judiciary would lose cases in court and still be fined with over 30 million naira by the same Supreme Court accused of corruption.

He added that Farotimi’s action is an offence punishable under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, which emphasises the publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm in the public.

His words, “Before I tell you my deductions from all that have happened, allow me to first share with you the events that transpired.

… in 2013

“SUIT NO: SC/146/2005: MAJOR MURITALA GBADAMOSI ELETU & ORS V. H.R.H OBA TIJANI AKINLOYE & ORS (2013) 15 NWLR PART 1378

“The Ojomu family sold 254 hectares of land at Osapa Eti-Osa Local Government Lagos to the late Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu in 1977. The said parcel of land was subsequently acquired by Lagos State Government in 1989.

“The Ojomu family contested the acquisition against Lagos State Government in Suit No: ID/1883/89 wherein the court set aside the acquisition by the Lagos State Government. The Ojomu family then instituted the suit at the High Court of Lagos State, claiming that title to the land had reverted to the Ojomu family despite the earlier sale of the land to late Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu.

“The Gbadamosi Eletu family lost the case at the High Court and the Court of Appeal before briefing Aare Afe’s Chambers to represent them at the Supreme Court.

“Judgement was delivered by the Supreme Court on 13/7/2013 in favour of the Eletu family wherein the Supreme Court held that:

“Where a party has fully divested himself of all interest in land, no right vests in him to deal with the same property by way of further alienation anymore. He is caught by the maxim, nemo dat quod non habet; that is, he cannot give that which he no longer has.

“In the instant case, it was unfortunate that the respondents claimed title to the whole of their family land compulsorily acquired by the Lagos State Government including the portion earlier sold to the father of the appellants and in which they were in effective possession.

“The claim so made without disclosing the truth and excluding the said portion so sold was clearly made in bad faith and smacked of insincerity. It was very unconscionable and consequently against the principles of equity and good conscience.

“A court of law should not allow itself to be used as an engine for the perpetration of fraud, in whatever guise.

“By this judgement, the Supreme Court recognised the sale of land to the Gbadamosi Eletu family.

‘Error in hectares of land’

“You will recall that 254 hectares were sold to the Gbadamosi Eletu family.

“However, instead of the 254 hectares, Honourable Justice Kumai Bayang AKA’ AHS JSC, who wrote the lead judgement, recorded 10 hectares in error.

“Upon the delivery of the judgement, the Gbadamosi Eletu family surreptitiously employed the services of SB Joseph & Co to enforce the judgement before Afe Babalola Chambers applied for variation of the judgement. This was presumed to be because the Gbadamosi Eletu family wanted avoid paying Aare Afe Babalola’s chambers its professional fees.

“However, in 2014, the Gbadamosi Eletu family came back to Aare Afe Babalola’s Chambers. Immediately, lawyers from Aare Afe Babalola’s chambers filed a motion for variation of the judgement of the Supreme Court pursuant to Order 8 Rule 16 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, which allows application to be brought to correct clerical errors.

“The said motion was heard and ruling delivered on 18/3/2014 granting statutory right of occupancy to the Gbadamosi Eletu family in respect to the entire 254 hectares sold to late Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu by the Ojomu family.

Enter Farotimi …

“Several residential estates were affected by the judgement of the Supreme Court among which were Pinnock Estate, Beach Resort, NICON Estate, Friends’ Colony Estate and Victory Park Estate etc. Mr. Dele Farotimi was a lawyer to one of these estates.

“The affected estates and individuals immediately filed fresh suits against the Eletu family with the purpose of frustrating the judgement of the Supreme Court. The Eletu family was lured by the affected estates to settle some of the suits behind Afe Babalola’s chambers despite being counsel on record.

“They filed terms of settlement with court without the knowing of Afe Babalola’s chambers.

“The Lagos State Government issued a publication indicating their awareness of the Supreme Court judgement and the need for the State to intervene in order to maintain public peace and order. The Lagos State Government invited the Eletu Family and a compromise was reached so as to avoid a massive dislocation of persons and communities directly affected by the judgement.

“Once Mr. Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then he will be free. Until then, the law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another.

“All facts are verifiable. I urge Nigerians to verify and find out what the truth is first before picking a side”.

Visa fees are an important factor for anyone looking to work or migrate abroad as some countries demand much greater fees than others, making visa applications limited to serious applicants.

Understanding these fees is critical for people considering changes in global locations when planning their worldwide careers.

5. India

India comes in fifth place with the ₹45,174 ($542) Employment Visa. This visa enables foreigners to work lawfully in the country in the healthcare and information technology sectors. Even though it is the least expensive of the top five, it is still a substantial cost for anybody looking for work in India.

4. Japan

Japan’s Highly Skilled Workers Visa is ranked fourth at ¥150,000 ($1,000). This visa is intended for high-level workers in technology, research, and academics, and it provides quicker residency to approved applicants.

3. United Kingdom

The UK skilled workers visa is the number three on this list with £1,343 ($1,688). This visa, which has extra costs including a health surcharge, is intended for experts to fill job vacancies in industries.

2. United States

The United States H-1B Visa, specially designed for skilled workers in fields such as technology and engineering, comes second at $1,717. Although companies frequently share application fees, it remains one of the most expensive visas worldwide.

1. Australia

Top of the list is Australia with Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), which costs AU$3,035 ($1,973). This visa was designed to address skill shortages in the Australian labour market. The cost of this visa may be very expensive, but it provides easy entry for foreign experts in various fields and lucrative career possibilities.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to rise to their responsibilities of holding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable.

Adeyanju, during an interview with Arise News, criticised the LP and PDP leadership over their inability to provide credible opposition to APC.

Speaking on the threats of legal action by the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over his recent remarks criticising the opposition parties, Adeyanju insisted that his comments were aimed at urging the opposition to fulfil their responsibility of holding the ruling party accountable.

Adeyanju expressed his readiness to face any legal challenge, describing the threats as an attempt to stifle critical voices.

He said, “I’m happy and excited that it has gotten their attention. The idea behind these remarks, the majority of these remarks, is for people in the opposition to be alive to the responsibility of holding government accountable at all levels.

“The PDP and the Labour Party have not held government accountable, and they have not been credible oppositions to the APC government, and they must do better.

“For me, basically, I’m of the opinion that if metrical statements were made concerning people and they feel like they want to sue me, so be it. I would be glad and willing.

“I’ve said it time and again that arrest is like public relations for me, and jail is campaign for me. Those are some of the things I enjoy.

 “There is no malice against anyone. All I’m asking is for the opposition to be a credible one, to wake up to their responsibility, to be alive to opposing the government.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has resolved over 1,000 petitions in the last five years, addressing issues such as emergencies, stranded citizens, consular matters, trafficking, and deportation, according to the agency’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the achievements as part of the Commission’s reflection on its milestones since its establishment in May 2019. 

She also noted significant progress in increasing Diaspora investments in Nigeria, a key focus of the agency’s mandate.

In a statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocol unit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad.

According to the statement, “The Chairman, NiDCOM informed, also that, the anniversary celebration doubled to successfully celebrate the year, which is gradually ending. 

“She lauded the NiDCOM team, past and present, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.

“The NiDCOM Boss acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed hope for the future, envisioning a brighter path for the Commission and its staff.”

Also  Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission underlined the staff’s pivotal role in fostering diaspora engagement, attracting investment, protecting Nigerians abroad, and promoting Nigeria’s positive image, for the Commission. 

He noted the hurdles NiDCOM experienced but expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to deliver effective services.

Habibat Pat-Eluameh Esq, a former staff member, shared her pride in witnessing NiDCOM’s growth and showed optimism for a dedicated Commission building.

Mrs. Halima Ajagbe, Head of Administration, praised Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership and reaffirmed the Staff’s commitment to work hand in hand with top management to find more ways of value addition.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to deserving staff, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Commission’s success story.

The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, overseeing the South-West zone under the National Security Advisor, announced the interception of six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path near the Oyo State and Benin Republic border.

The weapons, identified by their serial numbers, were concealed inside sacks of cassava flour (garri) and loaded in a Toyota Camry Saloon car as a decoy.

Speaking in Lagos, the Team’s Coordinator, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, disclosed that since August 2019, the unit has seized goods valued at ₦36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants, reflecting its commitment to border security and anti-smuggling operations.

His words: “The former code-named “Operation Swift Response” was inaugurated on 20th August 2019 to address security challenges along the nation’s international borders caused by the proliferation of smuggled small and light weapons, illicit drugs, prohibited goods, and other cross-border crimes.

“As the principal adviser to the President on national security, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates the management of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Nigerian Customs Service as the lead agency to ensure improved security at the nation’s border.

“The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 covers the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It specifically focused on the border corridors with the neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that “the doggedness and the sacrifice of JBPT Sector 2 in fighting cross-border crimes were instrumental in achieving some significant successes. This includes the seizure of goods worth a duty-paid value of over N36.7 billion and the interception of 1,507 irregular immigrants. ” The Sector’s efforts also boosted the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales. An aggregate of N1,140,162,562 was paid into the federation account from the sales of seized petroleum products.

The recent of this kind of seizure, he said, “was on December 3, 2024, when a patrol team sighted a man running away from a stationed Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Ododo bush path of Oyo State. The fleeing man’s action raised suspicion on the abandoned vehicle, and it was intercepted.

“After conducting a search on the vehicle, it was found to contain six pump-action rifles with the following numbers: 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084. A total of 1,125 pieces of live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.

Prominent among other seizures recorded from 20 August 2019 till date, he added, ” are: I, 130,954 bags of foreign bags of rice (50 kg) equivalent to 218 truckloads; 7,200 kg of pangolin scales; 5,575,020 litres of Premium motor spirit; 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products; 4,124 bales of used clothes; 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil; 15 pump action riffles; 280 suspected cases of human trafficking; 480 units of motor vehicles; and 1,190 means of conveyance

“The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2 had encountered some operational challenges like any other establishment. However, these challenges were surmounted with the aid of collaboration with some critical stakeholders, developing innovative problem-solving skills, and commitment to effective leadership and management.

“At this juncture, I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the officers and men of JBPT Sector 2, across the component security agencies, patriotic citizens, and stakeholders for your unwavering commitment to fighting cross-border crimes.

“I am honoured to lead a courageous and determined team that is committed to the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, bravery, and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team.

“The tireless efforts you made towards securing our borders by suppressing smuggling and the interception of illegal immigrants are not unnoticed. Thank you for demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and patriotism in the face of numerous challenges.

“To the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support towards the success of the Joint Border Patrol Team.”

Their leadership styles and logistics supply, he added ” are instrumental to our success story at suppressing cross-border crimes. We are grateful for the opportunity to work under your supervision,” he said.

Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about Netflix’s funding of Nigerian original movies.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV, Afolayan clarified that his statement had been misinterpreted. 

He explained that he was not suggesting Netflix is exiting Nigeria but was emphasizing the importance of developing local distribution platforms instead of relying solely on Netflix.

The filmmaker noted that his remarks were taken out of context, stating that he was advocating for Nigerian filmmakers to explore alternative channels for distributing their content.

Afolayan also disclosed that Netflix had reassured him and other filmmakers of their continued support for Nigerian content, though with some adjustments to their operational structure.

“If Netflix parks and leaves, of course, it is going to affect all of us. I was addressing some of the government officials who were there at Zuma because Victor Okhai who is the moderator was a voice in the Nigeria film industry. I was not at the event he was talking about. I was not privy to whatever conversation must have happened there,” he said.

“I think there is a bit of a change in the structure and mode of operation. And this is open to people who supply them with films.

“The last time they were here, we had a meeting, they were still reassuring us, saying, look, we are still here. We are going to do stuff but we might not be able to do the kind of volume that we used to do.

“What I was emphasizing is that even if Netflix say they are not doing enough, or taking as many films as they should, why shouldn’t we as a country come up with other distribution platforms? Just like other people put up their films on YouTube.

“I never said Netflix is leaving Nigeria. What I said was we just shot two seasons of ‘Anikulapo’ and I heard some people who were not quick enough to make their films say they can’t shoot again because they are cutting down on numbers.

“We have a relationship that we have built over the years. I give them good content and we will continue to give them as long as they are here.”

Netflix had earlier said “we are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our audience”.