Category: News

Twitter and the whole social media atmosphere has been left a-buzzing after a personal message / letter was directed to the former president Olusegun Obasanjo, listing a major part of his history during and after his time in power. This was in response to a tweet by @premiumtimesng.

Quite explosive and interesting we believe! See full message below.

The End of Obasanjo’s Catalogue below:

Dr @fimiletoks takes Obasanjo to the cleaners, says “teacher don’t teach me nonsense”:

1. Last kick of a dying horse. A toad doesn’t run in the afternoon..You are afraid, fear has overwhelmed you.
   You should have written this letter to yourself in 2003 and 2006 when we witnessed the worst elections in our history.
   🎵🎵Teacher don’t teach me nonsense🎵🎵 https://twitter.com/fimiletoks/status/1087113177446391811?s=19
2. I am old enough to know who you are..
   2003 / 2007 was massively rigged, you were planning to turn Nigeria into a one-party state with Iwu. Let me remind you that you removed 3 sitting senate presidents, chased away 2 PDP chairmen, state of emergency in Plateau and Ekiti state.
3. Through your cohorts you removed Ngige, Rasheed Ladoja, Fayose, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha..

You forcefully withheld Lagos state funds just because you couldn’t break Tinubu.

Murder of political opponents including a sitting Attorney General, Bola Ige, Harry Marshal, Chief Dikibo

1. Chief Dikibo, Chief Ogbonaya Uche all of ANPP. The great Chuba Okadigbo, was attacked with teargasses, he died from the attack.

Should we talk about Zaki Biam? You wiped out 300 families, deployed amoured tanks with helicopter gunship against harmless civilians..

1. You refused to apologise or acknowledge the evil perpetrated against the community, ignored the federal high court ruling to pay compensation to the victims of Zaki Biam..

Should we talk about Odi in Bayelsa? …

The governorship election which was held in Osun state on the 22nd of September 2018, was declared as Inconclusive by INEC, despite PDP leading in the counted votes.

Read an updated statement by INEC via their official Twitter handle.

…

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) made the announcement and stated that the strike is as a result of the failure of the state government  to honour an agreement signed recently at the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC)  meeting of Sept. 4. And the strike will be indefinite until contentious issues are addressed.

A statement signed by the state’s President, Olubunmi Ajimoko, and  Secretary, Suleiman Alero was alarmed that salaries and pensions have remained unpaid

Fayose has also been warned by NULGE against fresh employments until workers salary arrears have been paid.

”We again wish to stress that additional burden should not be put on JAAC until our various arrears are cleared.

“The case of those termed “hurriedly employed’’ in 2003 should serve as a lesson to all who remember history.

“In view of the insensitivity of this present administration, even at the point of winding up, when we feel that corrections of past errors should be made, it has become painfully obvious that no concrete agreement can be respected by this administration.

“The union is therefore calling all its members in the 16 local governments, the related commission, boards and departments to proceed on an indefinite strike action from Friday.

“We humbly wish to stress that this position will only be reviewed when we see a physical evidence of the political will to alleviate our members’ predicament, especially payment of all arrears of our salaries,’’ the communique said.

All workers have been told to join the strike or face the consequences.…

Three lecturers at the Lagos State University may be sacked anytime from now over cases of alleged sexual harassment of their students.
The News Agency of Nigeria learnt in Lagos on Thursday that the governing council of the institution has concluded investigations into the matter.

NAN learnt that the sacking of the randy teachers would be announced after the next meeting of the council, slated for next month.
An authoritative source familiar with the development, revealed the identities of the lecturers in an interview with the NAN education correspondent.
The lecturers are from the Departments of Chemistry and Economics, while the third is from the LASU College of Medicine at Ikeja.

The source told NAN that two of the teachers allegedly told two female students, who they had been `eyeing’ to come and re-sit papers on a Saturday with intent to take sexual advantage of the students.
The source said that the students, however, reported the issue to the university’s security department, which reportedly advised them to play along with the teachers in a bid to catch them red-handed.

According to the source, the LASUCOM lecturer, similarly, directed two female medical students to buy an injection, which he allegedly ended up using on the students “to sedate them and take advantage of them sexually”.
Reacting to the allegation, the LASUCOM lecturer, (name withheld), told NAN that the accusation of sexual harassment against him was the handiwork of mischief makers.
He, however, did not elaborate but confirmed that the LASU panel invited him to answer questions on unethical conduct, arising from a medical prescription he gave to students.

On their part, the two other accused lecturers, declined to make comments when NAN correspondent took them up on the matter.
NAN source also revealed that council would similarly, decide the fate of three executive members of the LASU Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, accused of stealing a confidential document and committing other offences.

When contacted, the Chairman of the LASU Governing Council, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, declined to comment on …

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved with effect from September 14, 2018 the appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services.
The appointee is a core Secret Service operative.

Bichi attended Danbatta Secondary School, Kano State College of Advanced Studies and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.
The new Director-General began his career in the security division of the Cabinet Office in Kano State, from where he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organization, the precursor of the present DSS.

Bichi has undergone training in intelligence processing analysis, agent handling recruitment and intelligence processing in the UK, as well as strategic training at the National Defence College.
The new DSS boss comes to the job with skills in intelligence gathering, research analysis, conflict management, general investigation, risk and vulnerability operations, counter intelligence and protective operation and human resources management.

In the course of his career, Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia States.
Bichi was at various times the Director, National Assembly Liaison, (National War College), Director at National Headquarters in the Directorate of Security Enforcement, Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Inspection and Directorate of Administration and Finance.

He also served as Director at State Service Academy.
Bichi is married and with children.…

Massive flooding has destroyed more than 175 houses, rendered at least 3,000 people homeless in Cross River, according to John Inaku, Director-General of State Emergency Management Agency.
Inaku gave the update on flood situation in the state on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar.

Inaku, who said that the flood had seriously affected the victims, also told NAN that most of them had since relocated to upper lands for safety.
He, however, said that no life had been lost in the menace but disclosed that the flood started in the state in July.
According to him, most of the victims are living along the water channels while others in swampy areas.
He said that the agency had embarked on aggressive campaign, to sensitise residents in the state on the need to stop dumping refuse on drainage and building along water channels.

He explained that the flood had affected residents in Boki, Ogoja, Yala, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and other local government areas in the state.

He said: “Cross River has always been affected by flood during the raining season. Currently, we have over 175 houses destroyed and as a result, over 3,000 persons have been displaced.
“This menace has greatly affected farming activities, especially in Boki, Yala and a few others areas.
“We are looking at NEMA and other corporate organisations to come in and assist the victims.’’

He listed the flooded areas in Calabar to include, Muritala Mohammed Highway, Ebito, Murray, Target and Nelson Mandela, Atu, Yellow Duke, Parliamentary, Efiote roundabout and Mayne Avenue streets.
He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the state with relief materials for the victims.…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday said he would open Nigeria’s economy to foreign investments to generate income and employment if given the mandate to rule in 2019.
Abubakar, who is one of the presidential aspirants on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, disclosed this while addressing the Kogi State leadership of the party and delegates at the party’s secretariat in Lokoja.
The former Vice President said he would open up the economy to attract foreign investors and turn the nation’s economy around to generate incomes and employment.
He said: “I will diversify the economy, open it up to provide safety for local and foreign investors.”
The presidential aspirant urged the National Assembly to act fast and ensure the use of card reader in the 2019 General Elections to ensure free and fair election.
He expressed confidence that the National Assembly would do the right thing by including it in the electoral law.
On insinuations of frosty relationship between him and his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abubakar said there was no serious rift between them.
He said people magnified little things to suite their interest.…

The Nigerian workers on Thursday thrown their weight behind the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress to the Federal Government over delay regarding new minimum wage.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Labour leaders had on Wednesday cautioned the Federal Government against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage and allow the tripartite committee to conclude its job to avoid action.
The labour leaders, who are members of the Minimum Wage Committee at a joint news conference addressed in Lagos, gave the Federal Government 14 days to ensure that the committee conclude its work or be ready to face action.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, had said that the committee was not pleased with the comments allegedly made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.
Ngige had last week said that the committee should adjourn indefinitely to give room for further consultations with the government.
He said: “We view his supposed pronouncement with great concern, suspicion and outrage.
“This new antic certainly is not acceptable to Nigerian workers, who had expected a New National Minimum Wage since 2016.’’
However, some of the workers, who spoke with NAN on Thursday in Abuja expressed disappointment over the way and manner government was handling the issue.
Salisu Umar, a civil servant, berated the Federal Government for obvious lack of concern to the plight of workers.
He said it would be outright lack of feelings for Nigerian workers not to heed the call for increased wage in the face of harsh economy.
Umar called on the NLC not to rest on its oars in the pursuit of a new minimum wage, adding that whatever action the union resolved to take to press home their demand would receive the support of workers.
Another worker, Dorcas Abulu, called on the NLC to put the Federal Government on its toe until the national new minimum wage was approved.
She noted that prices of goods and services had skyrocketed, adding that workers could hardly afford the basic needs of life …

Sowore, a presidential aspirant of African Action Congress (AAC), says he will ensure civil servants in the country receive N100,000 as minimum wage from 2019 if he is elected Nigeria’s president.

Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the party in Badagry, Sowore said Nigerians were indirectly going into slavery by traveling to different countries in search of jobs.

He noted that over 43 million black Africans were sold into slavery in the coastal city about 400 years ago, a development he said was still happening indirectly because of lack of job.

“I am in politics to stop this by providing 500,000 jobs yearly.

“The minimum wage for civil servant will be N100,000 from 2019,” he said.

Sowore regretted the poor state of roads in the country and describing the Lagos-Badagry expressway as the worst in Nigeria.

The presidential aspirants said the historic town had been cut off from the rest of the country due to deplorable state of the expressway.

“I have traveled all over Nigeria, but I have not seen any international expressway like Lagos-Badagry.

“We spent almost five hours coming here instead of one and half hours.

“Badagry town has been cut-off from Nigeria due to deplorable state of the road.

“This is very shameful,” the presidential aspirant said.

He promised to construct two expressways from Badagry to Lagos, and another one linking Badagry and Ogun State if elected into power in the 2019 general elections.

Sowore urged the residents of Badagry to vote wisely for candidates of their choice.

“I heard now that politicians are buying Permanent Voters Card (PVC) for N10,000. Please don’t sell your PVC; the PVC is your future.

“Can you do any business with N10,000? They will buy your card; your future is your PVC; keep it,” he said.…

A Ryanair pilot fainted while a plane was being diverted and had to be rushed to hospital upon landing.

The plane was flying from London Stansted to Palermo in Italy on Thursday evening but had to land 67 miles away in Trapani due to thunderstorms in the area.

The co-pilot then passed out near the airport and the captain was forced to land the plane himself.

A source told The Sun Online the first officer was “not able to function” and was taken to hospital after being examined by medical staff.

Ryanair confirmed the staff member “briefly fainted” as the plane was landing and was released from hospital after being assessed by doctors.

They added that the reason the flight was diverted was due to thunderstorms over Palermo not any issues with the crew.

Ryanair said in a statement: “The first officer on this flight briefly fainted while the aircraft was being landed by the captain at Trapani.

“He was examined by local medical staff and taken to hospital, where he was examined and released shortly thereafter without suffering any ill effects whatsoever.”

Other Stories

Funke Akindele Becomes Ambassador For Keystone Bank…

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of another Boeing B777-300 aircraft in preparation for its commencement of international operations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 320 capacity aircraft, christened “Ojochide”, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 1.45 p.m. on Saturday.
The aircraft, which was flown in from Dublin by Capt. Victor Efionu and Senior Flight Officer Emmanuel Iwhiwhu, was received by Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide and other top aviation personnel.

Olajide told newsmen that Air Peace had taken delivery of its first B777-200 aircraft in February, stressing that two more aircraft were being expected before year end to boost its international operations.
She noted that the Federal Government had granted approval to Air Peace to begin flights to six international destinations which are London, Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.
She said: “We are very happy with taken delivery of another of our B777 aircraft in preparation for our international operations and we are looking at commencing operations on one of the routes before the last quarter of the year.

“We believe that this will enable us to create more employment opportunities for Nigerians because that is the reason why we exist. We want to help curb the unemployment situation in the country.”
According to her, the move will also impact the Nigerian economy positively because it will give Nigerians the opportunity to travel in comfort and safety at affordable fares across the world.
She thanked the present administration for the support given to Nigerian airlines through removal of Value Added Tax and waivers on aircraft spares.
NAN reports that the B777-300 aircraft has 12 First Class, 48 Business Class and 260 Economy Class and it is usually used for long-haul flights.…

The Lagos State Government says work is in progress to integrate the rail, road and water transport systems to address the persistent gridlocks in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Ladi Lawanson, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday.

Lawanson said: “In order to get everything right, the state government implementing a master plan to integrate the major transportation systems to ensure free flow of traffic and curb incessant gridlocks.
“The transportation master plan involves the three major modes of transportation: the rail, road and water.
“For the road transport, work is going on to ensure the transportation sector is transformed to the modern system which is practised globally.

“The road system has the Bus Rapid Transit which we have been using for a while and the state served as the operator.
“We were running it like that until we found out that the method was not suitable because government, to be frank, has no business to be in a business.
“Rather, the government has decided to opt out and now be a regulator.”
Lawanson also said the state government was committed to ensuring the safety of the people using the waterways as their means of transportation within the state.
According to him, to tackle emergencies on the waterways more efficiently, the Lagos State government is to procure life-saving, quick response boats.

He said: “The state government is working on bringing ideals and best practices on water transportation as the sub-sector requires millions dollars of investment, if we are to do it right.
“We are going to procure life-saving boats, top speed boats and quick response boats such that, anytime there is an emergency, we will rescue promptly without recording any casualty.
“The government also distributes free life jackets to jetties periodically to save lives on waterways.
“There is at least a guard in every jetty in the state to properly kit passengers with life jackets before any journey because safety of life and property is very important.”

The commissioner said the government …

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have begun investigation into the alleged sale of a six-week-old baby by her a 23-year-old mother, Miracle Johnson.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, who confirmed the incident, described it as a serious offence.

PUNCH Metro gathered that Miracle sold the baby, Greatness, to an orphanage in Onitsha, Anambra State, for N200,000.

It was learnt that the nursing mother, who hails from Agenebode, in the Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, was paid in cash.

She was said to have used part of the proceeds to buy a mobile phone.

Miracle, a mother of two, blamed her action on frustration and the inability of her husband to take care of her and her other children.

She said she was persuaded by one Mama Joy, said to be at large, to sell the infant and give the money to her husband to start a business.

She said, “My baby was born on July 2. I sold her due to frustration. My husband was just struggling (to provide for us).

“My friend (Mama Joy) said that since my husband was not taking care of me, if I did it (sold the baby), I could give the money to my husband to start a business or buy a motorcycle.

“Two weeks later, she came back. I did not know what happened to me. So, I carried a bag, picked some things and left.

“I sold her to an orphanage in Onitsha. The orphanage bought the child for N200,000. I just bought only a phone; I did not want to buy it, but she (Mama Joy) forced me to do so,” she added.

Miracle stated that she regretted her action and later confessed to her pastor.

She said, “I told my pastor what I did and that it was a mistake for which I would never forgive myself. So, my husband and I went to a police station to report. I know what I did was not good. I pray that my child will …

The Lagos State Government has said that the 3rd Mainland Bridge will be temporarily shut down for four days starting from midnight of August 23 to midnight of August 26, 2018 for Investigative Maintenance Test to be carried out.

The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya, who disclosed this in a statement, said the decision was taken after due consultation with the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

The four-day closure, according to Akinsanya, will enable the contractors assess the true state of the bridge after which works would commence by the end of the year or early in 2019.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government had earlier announced plans to shut the bridge in July, but had to be shelved after due consultation with the State Government and wide deliberations with other stakeholders, who expressed concern about the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles on other alternative routes which would have adversely affected traffic.

Subsequently, a Joint Task Force set up to remove the articulated vehicles from the highway was able to achieve tremendous success.

Justifying the need for the closure, Akinsanya said: “The 3rd Mainland Bridge which was opened about 30 years ago by the then military government has had haphazard maintenance and repairs in the past which the present Federal Government is committed to correct by carrying out proper and continuous maintenance and repairs on it.”

Consequently, the State Government appealed for the cooperation, support and understanding of all motorists and residents, advising them to minimize non-essential travel and movements during the four-day closure.

Besides, Akinsanya said all traffic management agencies including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Police, among others, have been mandated to ensure smooth flow of traffic on all the other alternative roads and traffic corridor.

Alternative routes

Akinsanya urged motorists from Lagos Abeokuta, Agege, Ogba and Ikeja to make use of Oshodi via Mushin Ojuelegba to connect Carter Bridge into Island, while those from Ikorodu, Maryland are to make use …