Agbekoya Endorses Atiku For Presidential Seat

The leadership of  a pan-Yoruba pressure group: the Agbekoya Farmers' Society has pledged support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the coming presidential election.

In a meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council (South), Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the group expressed their interest in the presidency of Atiku as a result of his developmental policies especially the issue of restructuring which they said will allow every zone of the country to develop at its own pace.

In the words of the National Secretary of the group, Dr. Moses Ogunsanya, "the hardship facing the farmers are enormous and these can only be surmounted if there is a responsive government who will be alive to the yearnings of the people especially the farmers whose contributions to a nation's well being is not negotiable.

"The Buhari led administration has been the worst period for Farmers across the Southern and Middle Belt of Nigeria. Forget all they are saying about making gains with the Agricultural sector, the present administration supervised an assault on us with the Herdsmen attacks. While we were crying, the government looked the other way.

"We have read Atiku's plan on tackling this disease and we are satisfied with it. We also read his plan on restructuring and once he implements that, the fortune of this country will skyrocket," he said. 

Praising the leadership qualities of Otunba Daniel, the farmers expressed their hope that things will change for the better under a government headed by a competent and visionary leader who can guarantee security of lives and property of the citizenry unlike the current situation where the people live in palpable fear and uncertainty.

In his response, Otunba Daniel thanked the group for the solidarity and endorsement of the PDP flag bearer in the presidential race. Their choice of a candidate in Atiku, he said, was timely and of necessity because the Yoruba race must be repositioned to take its rightful place in the comity of States in the nation likewise other zones who will benefit from the restructuring agenda.

"The issue of clashes between Herdsmen and Farmers is one that should be of concern to a government that was elected to protect the people. Having tried a government for a period of four years without any meaningful change but rather, apathy and insecurity, it is high time we did the needful by electing a president who will change the fortunes of the people for the better and ensure equitable distribution of dividends of democracy among Nigerians. And that can only be the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, he concluded.

Present at the meeting were officers of the body which included Chief Titus Olaoye, Sufianu Asuwaju, Baruwa Yusuf, Taofeek Yusuf, Moses Enojiasun, Adewale Jimoh, Alufa Adebanke, Chief Bamidele Olatunji, Olaseni Egbeyemi, Raimi Tunde, Dr. Moses Ogunlana, Chief M. Saludeen and Wasiu Shitu.

PDP-TGM Holds Summit In Lagos As PDP Suspends Campaign For 72 Hours

 One of the Peoples Democratic Party’s support groups, The Grassroots Mobilizers (TGM) held their Southern region summit yesterday, Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Lagos.

The summit which took place at the conference hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos was observed without fanfare. The event which was already schedule to take place before the announcement of a 72 hours campaign suspension could not be postponed as participants from across the country were already arriving at the venue for the summit.

Despite the absence of most of the special guests and PDP candidates, the summit recorded huge success with all the group national executive members present educating the audience one after the other on the realization of the Atiku plan and its benefits to Nigerians.

The national coordinator of PDP-TGM explained to the listening audience how an initiative by the organization to boost the SME aspect of the Atiku plan has been approved by both the party and presidential campaign council. 

While presenting his keynote address, one of the guest speakers, Bar. Idris Alabi, Chairman Masses Movement of Nigeria explained reasons why Atiku was endorsed by CUPP as a consensus candidate.  

TGM Lagos State Executive Members (Chief Hosts) at the summit 

 Welcoming participants to the occasion, the deputy national coordinator, South, High Chief Olanrewaju Aregbesola gave countless reasons why Buhari deserves a red card come 16th February, 2019. He admonished participants not to be discouraged by the absence of invited guests stating the campaign suspension by PDP is in protest of the unlawful suspension of CJN Walter Onoghen by President Buhari.

Aregbesola informed participants of the management’s plan visit to Abuja on Monday, January 28 to meet with major stakeholders in the party and the presidential campaign council to deliberate on matters of importance to the organization. 

Other speakers present include Mrs Pert Chelsea, TGM national women leader, Comrade Joseph Walk, Bayalsa state coordinator and Igba Gordonz, TGM national publicity secretary.

Questions and contributions were also entertained from participants while the highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of PDP-TGM SME initiative and the distribution of PDP-TGM Campaign souvenirs to participants. 

The summit came to a close with the Lagos state TGM coordinator, Comrade Mrs. Adedayo Aregbesola given the vote of thanks. She also pleaded with all PDP members to stand by their votes on Election Day.

Participants from all over the country, including but not limited to Bayalsa state, Rivers state, Ondo state, Ogun state, Oyo state, Ekiti state, Osun state and FCT attended the summit. 

Some of the TGM Women Leaders Present at the summit

Security: Brigade Commander Pledges To Partner With Lagos Police Commissioner

The Brigadier General of the 9 Brigade lkeja Cantonment, Brigadier General Abiodun Lagbaja on Thursday, January 24, 2019 paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal to familiarize with the Command.

Addressing the Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi with his entourage at the Lagos State Police Command Conference room, the Commandant 9th Brigade, lkeja who took over the office of the Brigade on the January 12,2019 said it was important other security agencies in the state for familiarization purposes.

“Having resumed command as the Commander 9th Brigade, I feel it is important to visit military establishments and other headquarters of other security agencies in Lagos in order to familiarize and introduce myself to the head of these establishment and organisations.

Brigadier General Lagbaja also based his visit on recognition of the fact that the two security organisations work together to secure lives and properties within the metropolis.

The Commander who based his visit as very necessary and important also said the familiarity visit is to synergies ahead of the 2019 general election.

 Lagos State Police Commissioner, Edgal Imohimi received his sister agency with pleasure along his men, appreciated the visit and promised to work with the military.

“I sincerely and wholeheartedly welcome you to the Lagos State Police Command. Your deployment to Lagos has come at a better time when the State is in need of service commanders.

Imohimi said the Commandant is conversant with the State having served in other formation in Lagos and that he has actually been deployed to the State when his expatriate and wealth of experience on security is needed for the 2019 general elections.

He also informed the Brigadier General of the security committee which consists of other security agencies and has already started security operations which include joint raid of black spots, sharing of intelligence and other activities and to secure the State not only on land but also the water. He promised to work with him as he worked closely with his predecessor.

Breaking: Buhari Suspends CJN Onnoghen, Swears-in Justice Tanko Mohammed

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, had refuted report that he has resigned his office, describing it as fake news.

In a statement that was signed by his Senior Special Assistant on media, Mr. Awassam Bassey, the embattled CJN, said he would as part of his duties, swear in members of the 2019 National Assembly, Governorship & State Assembly Election Petition Tribunals on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

The suspension of the CJN was revealed in a tweet by Bashir Ahmad, Personal Assistant to the President on New Media.

Mr Ahmad said the suspension was based on the order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Meanwhile, Justice Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi State has been sworn-in today at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Abuja, 

Governor Ahmed Dedicates Vanguard Award To Kwara Women And Children

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed says his administration has placed Kwara State on a strong and sustainable platform through targeted reforms and people-centered policies.

Speaking while receiving the award of the Governor of the Year 2018 by Vanguard Newspaper from Gen Ike Nwachukwu, former Foreign Affairs Minister at the event which held in Lagos over the weekend, Governor Ahmed who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr. Muyideen Akorede said his administration has always prioritized women and children having recognized them as a major component of the population

Reacting to his emergence as Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year 2018, Alhaji Ahmed dedicated the award to the women and children of Kwara State.

 According to him, his administration has achieved the feat through revenue reforms at the Kwara State Internal Revenue (KWIRS) that have not only enabled funding of major infrastructure but have also placed the state in a position to meet basic obligations from internal revenue on a sustainable basis.

He stated further that his administration has also strengthened public confidence in governance by completing inherited projects, ground-breaking and completing new ones, including several that are also currently ongoing across the state and are funded through the innovative Kwara State Infrastructure Development Fund.

He pointed to KWIRS’ emergence as the only state revenue agency in Nigeria to achieve ISO certification while growing the state’s internal revenue as further evidence that the administration was on the right path in overhauling its internal revenue process. 

Furthermore, Ahmed said his administration's policies in health, SME funding and functional education have provided Kwarans with the opportunity to economically empower themselves and their families while ensuring their well-being.

 “Our programmes emphasis on health and education and has translated into Kwara State having the lowest infant mortality rate in Nigeria, among other strides.’ He said.

Stoppage Of Governance Negatively Affecting Lagosians - Agbaje

The Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje has described Lagos as a state on standstill.

Agbaje said the stoppage of governance and related activities which are negatively affecting the people of the state are noticeable in almost every sector. And this, he believes, is direct fallout from the acrimony and bad blood that trailed the selection of a governorship candidate by the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The PDP candidate who spoke on a radio programme in Lagos yesterday therefore called on Lagosians to ensure that they come out on Election Day, not only to vote for PDP but to also defend their votes as this is the only way to take back their state. He reminded the electorates that the needed change can only come when the people are ready to effect it.

According to him, no serious state can afford to leave governance in the hands of a few who are only interested in furthering their selfish and narrow-minded ambitions at the expense of the people. He believes that he represents the change Lagosians long for and is also of the opinion that his candidacy provides a credible alternative as an agent destined to reverse these long years of exploitation and oppression.

Trade Union,ULC Rejects #27,000 Minimum Wage

The Trade Union Congress, TUC and United Labour Congress, ULC in different statements has rejected the minimum wage of N27, 000 as recommended by the National Council of State, describing the decision as unfortunate and shocking.

TUC in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said the decision must not be allowed to stand because it will set wrong precedence for the future, adding that after statutory bodies have done their jobs, Council of State should do the job of reviewing it.

“Let it be known that N30, 000 minimum wage is a product of negotiation, not legislation, not an advice and not a decree. Minimum wage issue therefore, is moving to a new theatre, the National Assembly. We expect the representative of the people if really they are to do the needful during the public hearing,” Kaigama said.

ULC in her own statement said the emerging news of the unfortunate decision of the Federal Government through the National Council of State to unilaterally propose N27,000 as the new National Minimum Wage is shocking and goes against the grain of all known traditions and practices of industrial relations especially as it concerns National Minimum Wage setting framework.

 “ULC rising from its just-concluded Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting today in Lagos rejects in its entirety the proposed N27,000 which is contrary to the N30,000 agreed by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee and which has since been submitted to the President.

“We state that the National Council of State in a National Minimum Wage setting mechanism is an aberration. It is also important that we make it clear that the National Council of State does not have powers to approve, confirm, affirm or accept any figure as the new National Minimum Wage. What they have pretended to have done is therefore without any force of Law, standards or other known practices of Industrial Relations the world over”. The Union said.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, ULC President said that it is a mockery of the essence and principle behind the setting of a National Minimum Wage to attempt to segregate it between Federal Workers and State Workers.

“We want to state that workers are workers everywhere whether at the federal level or at the state level. They all have the same challenges; go to the same market, same schools and much more they suffer the same fate. You cannot, therefore, pay them differently.

“Government’s attempt at this dichotomy is an effort at segregation and apartheid in nature. It is an attempt to put a sword within the trade union movement and to further the marginalization of Private sector workers in Nigeria thus seek to weaken the trade union movement in the country.

“ULC saw this coming earlier in January and that was why we distanced ourselves. We will however in the next few days in consultation with other labor centers if they are still in the struggle for a just national minimum wage take steps to ensure that the interests of Nigerian workers as it concerns the National Minimum Wage are protected,’ he said.

The union urged the President to disregard the pronouncement of the National Council of State as it ridicules the statutes and principles governing the nation, saying that the only honorable path he should tread is to transmit the N30,000 figure as agreed by the tripartite committee and even the President on the day of submission of the committee’s report.

“We will not accept the use of any cover of state to jettison the collective will of Nigerian workers and the trade union movement,” the union stated further.

Atiku Will Perform Better Than Buhari If Given The Chance - Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said his former deputy,ex-Vice-President and Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar will perform far better than the incumbent President if given the opportunity.

He stated further that the present administration led by President Mohammadu Buhari will not only go to jail but will go to hell if their corrupt acts are exposed.

“If you look at our present situation and those who are at the hems of affairs today, I believe and insist that Atiku will do better than them.

“If the deeds of those in government today are exposed, all of them will not only go to jail, they will go to hell. Whoever that God does not expose his sins to the public is the person whose secret is kept.” Obasanjo said.

However, he pointed out that he is not privy to the plans of Atiku if he became Nigeria’s next President but insists that Atiku will do twice better than the present president.

Pointing out his observation,Obasanjo said President Buhari’s performance in the area of the economy was worse than his assessment of his knowledge of the economy in 2015.

Also responding to his negative comments about Atiku, Obasanjo asked why people are not talking about what he said about Buhari.

“Those who talked about what I said about Atiku, what about what I said about Buhari? His performance is even worse than what I thought. I said Buhari did not know anything about economy. Have you not seen it? I said he did not know about diplomatic relations, have you not seen it?

 “Look at what is happening, the person that is leading us says he cannot appoint any other tribes into the posts he considers sensitive because he does not trust them. If he cannot trust my tribe and your tribe what is the benefit? And he still wants my tribe and your tribe to vote for him. He can ask us to vote for him but he cannot trust us to be appointed into sensitive positions. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

"If you don’t trust us, how do you want me to trust you? If you trust me and I misbehave replace me with another person. But if only your maternal and paternal relatives are the only people you can appoint because they are the only people you can trust. In Nigeria, where we have tribes numbering about 500, you now said you could not trust some people except your tribes men, that is not right at all.”Obasanjo added.

 Berating Buhari’s economic policies, Obasanjo lamented that due to the present situation in the country, foreign investors are not coming and without them coming to invest, the country cannot develop.

Nigerian Refugees Seek Safety In Chad

A new upsurge of violence in northeastern Nigeria has forced thousands of people  mostly women and children to seek safety in Chad’s Lake Chad region, spokesperson UNHCR,  Charlie Yaxley said.

Yaxley revealed further that "An estimated 6,000 refugees have fled Nigeria's restive Borno State since 26 December, when clashes erupted between Nigerian government forces and non-state armed groups in Baga town, near the Chadian border."

"Many of the refugees paddled across the lake to arrive in the Chadian village of Ngouboua, located on the shores of Lake Chad, 20 kilometres from the Nigerian border. It takes three hours for the crossing, he said.

Adding, he said, "According to testimonies gathered by our teams, refugees are fleeing in fear of their lives after threats of retaliation and intimidation following militant attacks."

"UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Chadian authorities are carrying out registration and pre-screening of new arrivals to evaluate the needs for assistance. 

"An overwhelming majority of the new arrivals are women and children, with some 55 per cent of them being minors according to our initial registration data.

"Efforts are also underway by UNHCR to move arriving refugees away from the border areas, due to security concerns and after a government request. So far, we have relocated some 4,200 refugees to the already existing Dar-es-Salam camp 45 kilometers away. The camps already hosts some 11,300 Nigerian refugees who have arrived since 2014.

"We are racing to provide timely shelter and other assistance to those arriving, including the most vulnerable. Currently, new arrivals are hosted in collective shelters. UNHCR is distributing relief items including blankets, mats and mosquito nets and refugees are getting hot meals.

"Inside Nigeria, the same clashes have also forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, with more than 30,000 people arriving in Maiduguri, stretching even further beyond their limits the capacities of existing camps already hosting internally displaced people. People are in need of humanitarian assistance, notably shelter, food, water and sanitation. UNHCR is also following up on the fate of some 9,000 Nigerian refugees who were reported as forcibly returned from Cameroon last week. Refugees had fled across the border into Cameroon when militants attacked and ransacked the small border town of Rann in Nigeria’s Borno State on 14 January 2019," he said.

Meanwhile, UNHCR is reiterating its call on the countries in the region to keep borders open for refugees fleeing insecurity in Nigeria.

National Council Of State Approves N27,000 Minimum Wage

Nigerian workers are now to earn a sum of N27,000, the National Council of State has decided in Abuja yesterday, January 22,2019

  The National Council of State on Tuesday rose from its meeting in Abuja to approved N27,000 as the minimum wage for the state workers and N30,000 for the federal workers.

A minimum wage bill is expected to be sent to the National Assembly today following the approval.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige said the Federal Government is topping the approved amount by N3,000 to 30,000 for its workers.

According to Ngige, the states are at liberty to augment the new agreement.

The amount approved by the National Council of State on Tuesday is N3,000 short of the N30,000 that the Tripartite Committee on Review of National Minimum Wage recommended.

The committee, chaired by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Ms Ama Pepple, had submitted the report, which contained the recommended figure, to President Muhammadu Buhari on November 6, 2018.

The National Council of State meeting was attended by former Heads of State/President, Senate President and state governors was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

With the new approval, state government workers are to earn $75 as minimum wage while their counterparts with the Federal Government  would go home with $83 minimum wage.

Be Neutral In Coming Elections, CP Edgal Charges Officers

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal has advised officers of the command to be neutral and discharge their duties responsibly in the forthcoming elections.

Edgal stated this during an unscheduled visit to the officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a unit of the Lagos State Police Command over the weekend at the squad's parade ground in Alausa.

The commissioner who was in company of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration and Finance, DCP Elkanah Ayuba, warned the officers not to allow themselves to be used by any politician, stressing that they must display professionalism in the discharge of their duties in the coming elections.

He also called on the officers of the Command to be courteous to members of the public and avoid engaging in acts capable of bringing bad reputation to the Command and the Force in general.

Edgal while commending the officers and men of the Rapid Response Squad for being first respondents in time of distress and emergencies in the state emphasized the need to continue to respond to distress calls speedily and give Lagosians psychological comfort at all times.

"Avoid leaving your beats, handle your arms professionally, you senior officers should supervise your subordinates and ensure total professionalism and remember their allegiance to the Force at all times", he added.

He advised the officers to continue to live up to their

responsibilities

A 23 years- old man called Abel Goodnews has been arrested for defiling a 6 years- old girl (Names withheld) at No. 10, Dendeke street, Bariga,Lagos.

The suspect was said to have taken undue advantage of the girl who had gone into his room with her younger brother to watch television.

Noticing the atmosphere was in his favor few minutes after the girl's brother had left the room, leaving his sister behind, Goodnews hurriedly took advantage of the girl, who was watching a movie with keen interest.

According to information, the suspect tactically dropped the window blinds and to avoid neighbors knowing the girl was in his room, he removed her sandals from the corridor into his room after which he defiled the poor girl.

Goodnews evil act was later exposed when the girl's mother came back and her daughter started complaining of pains in her private part and stomach.

The girl's mother,after examining her daughter and realizing that she had been defiled,asked her daughter questions and got to know that it was Goodness, her neighbor that perpetrated the evil act.

The issue was immediately reported to the Officer In Charge of Human Right/JWC at Bariga police station and the suspect was swiftly arrested.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed it was the girl that 'romanced' him. "She was the one that started romancing me so I used my penis to rub her private part but I didn't penetrate hardly so the pain couldn't have been much." The suspect claimed.

The victim's father who seem to be wallowing in poverty, after much pleading from the suspect's family, agreed to withdraw the case because he was offered some cash.

Meanwhile, the attention of the child protection coordinator of Shomolu local government, Comrade Toyin Okanlawon was called to the rape situation and he frowned at the father of the girl for making an attempt to prevent justice by collecting money as compensation for his daughter's defilement.

Okanlawon said with reference to the increase of such cases in Shomolu-Bariga, the child protection network will make sure much sensitization program is domesticated in various communities within the local government and its environs.

The case has been transferred to the gender unit in the best interest of the child and for a thorough investigation. The case will be charged to court soon.

Frank Mba Is New Force Public Relations Officer

Acting Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed has appointed Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police as the new spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force. Mba took over from Moshood Jimoh, an acting Deputy Commissioner of Police who has been redeployed for other national assignment.

Mba until his re- appointment as the Force Public Relations Officer, was working at the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi- Lagos and has since resumed duty.

An alumnus of the University of Lagos where he studied Law, and a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Dundee, Scotland- United Kingdom, the Force Public Relations Officer is a lawyer as well as a product of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, where he had his initial Police Training.

He is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Quantico- USA, also holds a Certificate in National and International Security from the Harvard University, USA. A passionate and versatile police officer who has worked in multiple police units and departments across the country

The new Inspector General of Police in a statement charged Mba to bring his wealth of experience to bear in revamping the image of the force, improving the relationship between the citizens and the police, bridging existing communication gap between the police and its stakeholders, and assisting the Inspector General of Police in realising his mission and vision for the force and the nation

Atiku Is The True Fighter Of Corruption- Deji of Akure

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom has stated that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is the true fighter of corruption in Nigeria. 

The traditional ruler disclosed this on Monday, January 14, 2019 while receiving the PDP's candidate and party Chieftains in his Palace in Akure, Ondo State. 

According to him, "I have heard a lot about Atiku as a very successful businessman. I also learnt he was the brain behind the establishment of EFCC and that shows he understands how to fight corruption. You can't be corrupt and yet create an institution that will fight corruption. 

Speaking on the competency of the former vice president, the Paramount ruler acknowledged that having served as the nation's number two man it shows he has what it takes to govern.

"This is the type of people that Nigeria needs and should be put forward in these times when the economy is going down. As traditional rulers, we must be neutral. I am just saying what I heard about him. If Nigerians think deeply they should know who to vote for," he said. 

In his response, Atiku faulted the ruling All Progressive Congress for failing to deliver on their promises and made Nigeria the poverty capital of the world. 

"They are aware they have not delivered. That is why they cannot willingly come out to campaign. They won't come to you as we have come talking to you now. I can assure you that we shall focus more attention on youth development by granting them 40% participation in the cabinet when we come to power. As for the PDP, we shall continue to uphold traditional institutions and protect the people's heritage." Atiku promised.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Campaign Organization for the South and a Chieftain of Akure Kingdom, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, disclosed that Atiku will rescued the dire situation the country is in and restore all lost fortunes. 

"I know the people of Ondo State cannot be deceived. We can easily judge the APC by what the government has done in the past three and a half years and that is the best they can give you.  Atiku Abubakar will rescue the situation and restore the lost fortunes. 

"Yorubaland is faced with a lot of challenges under the current administration and we must do things differently by finding a better alternative and voting for someone who knows the challenges and has the interest of the Yoruba people at heart and that person is Atiku Abubakar." Daniel said.

Among the entourage were PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the Deputy Chairman; former Governor of Ogun State and  PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (South), Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Senator Bode Olajumoke, former Governor Lyel Imoke, Eddy Olafeso, former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Otunba Fasawe, Barrister Eyitayo Jegede.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: I Will Review Servicemen's Condition of Service - Atiku

Former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has promised to review the condition of service of servicemen if elected as president. 

He said this in a special service in remembrance  of those who lost their lives in defense of the nation held at the Ondo State PDP Secretariat in Akure on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.  

According to the PDP standard bearer, the servicemen deserve the best for dedicating their lives for peace and stability of the country. 

In his address, today (January 15), he stated, is set aside as a special day to remember our fallen heroes. "Since the First World War, Nigeria has lot many souls in defense of the country and various peacekeeping efforts". 

"We are gathered here in Akure to join others in remembrance of these fallen heroes and pray for the sustenance of their respective families. As we remember those who have laid their lives in defense of their fatherland, I commit myself to make sure our servicemen are given the best in terms of condition of service when in office by the special grace of God. " He promised.

He then prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes to rest in perfect peace.

Ogun PDP Ends Crisis As Kashamu Adopts Adebutu As PDP's Candidate

Senator Buruji Kashamu has urged his supporters to work with Ladi Adebutu, ahead of the presidential and governorship polls in Ogun state
Kashamu noted that though the case is still in court, it is better for them to work together,in the interest of the party - The senator said there should be an intensification of the ongoing unity meetings and rallies between the two groups, which would be capped with a mega unity rally Ahead of the presidential and governorship polls in Ogun state, Senator Buruji Kashamu, representing Ogun East, has urged his supporters to work with Ladi Adebutu. 

Both men had been at loggerheads over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s governorship ticket in the state and Kashamu had vowed to fight till the end, even though the PDP had recognized Adebutu as its candidate. A court of appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo state had reserved judgement in the case between both men in December 2018. 

In a statement released on Thursday, January 10, however, Kashamu directed his supporters and associates to work with members of the Adebutu group, in the interest of the party. He said: “It is true we are in court. But, we are hopeful that the issues will be resolved sooner than later.  However, in the overall interest of the party, it is better and wiser for us to work together as members of the same family, pending the resolution of the issues in court. 

“We may have had our disagreements and issues, and have submitted them to the court for adjudication; yet, we have been talking to one another. We reckon that whichever way it goes, the court cannot bring about genuine reconciliation and peace. So, we have resolved to be agents of peace and reconciliation. Let us put aside our ego, prejudices and personal interests, and work together for the party in the hope that whoever carries the day will work for the party, its members and the generality of the people.

“It is in the light of the foregoing that I wish to formally and publicly urge all my leaders, elders and supporters to work with the Lado group within the Ogun state chapter of the PDP ahead of February 16 and March 2, 2019 elections. Irrespective of our differences, we are members of the same family. At the end, it is the party that wins; not any individual or group. Kashamu said there should be an intensification of the ongoing unity meetings and rallies between the two groups, which would be capped with a “mega unity rally” to be held at a later date.

IRT Arrests 2 Notorious Acid Pouring Criminals

Two notorious criminals who specializes in attacking their victims by pouring acid on them and dispossessing them of their Properties have been arrested by the Intelligence Response Team(IRT). 

Police investigation revealed that the suspects mode of operation was to seek employment as a driver or conductor in companies during which they would study the company and perfect ways to divert their employers goods and dispose the vehicles and abscond to another location to get another victim.

The duo met there Waterloo on Sunday, December 9, 2018 after attacking a driver, one Taiwo Adesanya with raw acid in Olukwu area of Benin City in Edo state and snatched the truck he was driving and loaded with 600 bags of sugar,  and dragged him out of the truck thinking he was dead.

The incidence was reported to the nearby police station but was later handed over to a more experienced Officer In Charge of IRT, DCP. Abba Kyari by the Inspector General Of Police.

Few Days after IRT took over the case,the prime suspects, Eric Aidan and Matthew Kwasha were apprehended somewhere in Nsuka, Enugu State where they were visiting an Herbalist for charms to evade arrest. 

One of the arrested Suspects, Eric admitted buying acid at Sagamu and claimed it was Matthew that lured him into the act.

"We used to steal small car batteries and other petty items before Mathew planned the Operation and begged me to join him hence we started perfecting the plans. We agreed that after killing the driver, we would divert the truck and sell all the goods and also sell only the back of the truck because the head of the truck has a tracking device. 

"When we arrived Olukwu in Edo State, I poured the acid into a cup and handed it over to Mathew who poured it on the driver who was fast asleep at that time. It was when the driver screamed in pains that I realized the gravity of what we had done. The driver was able to recognize us because I shouted Eric’s name in shock after seeing the reaction of the acid on the driver's body.

“We drove the truck to Matthew’s sisters house in Owo where someone was waiting to buy the sugar. We kept the goods in care of Matthew’s sister house and drove the truck head back to Olukwu where we abandoned it. We later sold the back of the truck to someone for N600,000. Matthew and I shared the money equally then we relocated to Nsuka where we went to see an herbalist. That was were we were arrested.”Eric confessed.

 The victim, when visited in the hospital narrated how he landed in his present condition and explained that he is in dire need of financial support as he has to go for plastic surgery and his company, who has been footing his medical bills cannot afford the bills for the plastic surgery. 

"I was assigned by my company to go and pick 600 bags of sugar to supply to a Brewery in Benin City, Edo State. I went with my conductor, Matthew a Ghanaian but I didn’t know that he was planning to kill me and divert the goods the company sent us to deliver to another company. My conductor told me that I should assist one of his friends who was travelling to Benin, that was how Eric joined us at the Command area of Shagamu and I recognized him as one of our staff who was sacked some time ago.

“My conductor’s friend narrated how he has been suffering and I pitied him and even bought food for him and my conductor. They did not portray any iota of wickedness as they were showing appreciations to me and I was so relaxed with them that I did not have any premonition that something sinister was going to happen to me.

"When we arrived Olukwu near Benin, I became tired, parked the vehicle and took a nap in the front seat. I was in very deep sleep when I suddenly woke up feeling a burning sensation all over my body. I woke up in excruciating pains and I could not see again. So, I started shouting for help. As I was shouting for help, I heard my conductor telling his friend, Eric to finish me with the wheel spanner and his friend replied that the acid was enough to kill him. That was when I realized that it was my own conductor and his friend that has poured acid on me.

"Thinking I was dead, they dragged me out of the vehicle and dumped me by the roadside. It was at that instance that I started shouting for help and some good Nigerians rushed me to the hospital. I can’t really say how I was traced to Benin by my Company but they have been taking care of my medical bills.

 

“I am begging that the government should let those who poured acid on me go through the same pains that I am going through presently. I was kind  to them and they paid me with evil." He narrated and pleaded.

The victim commended his company and The IRT Unit of the Nigerian Police Force and pleaded that government come to his aid so he can get a plastic surgery done to save the other eye as one is completely blinded.

The arrested suspects have confessed to the crime and will soon be charged to Court.