Court Stops Okorocha from Swearing in Ekenze as Dep Gov

A High Court in Owerri on Tuesday stopped the swearing-in of Callistus Ekenze, Head of Civil Service of Imo State as Deputy Governor of the state.

The state House of Assembly on Monday sacked the former Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, at the end of an impeachment proceedings, despite a court order stopping the process.

But on Tuesday, the court made another ruling stopping the swearing-in of Madumere’s successor.

The Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice for the state, Barr. Miletus Nlemedim, conveyed the latest order to Governor Rochas Okorocha and hence the cancellation of the swearing-in of Ekenze as Deputy by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Pascal Nnadi.

Nlemedim also informed the crowd gathered to witness the ceremony and halted it.

Madumere had succeeded in securing an interim injunction, restraining the swearing in of Ekenze.

The state High Court on Monday gave an order stopping the state House of Assembly from continuing the impeachment of Madumere.

Justice Iheka of the state high court gave the order following an application by the counsel to the deputy governor, Ken Njemanze (SAN) in which he informed the court that his client had requested the court to stop the impeachment process.

A panel of inquiry was set up by the chief judge to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Madumere by the state House of Assembly.

Justice Iheka therefore ordered the state House of Assembly and the state’s Attorney General to maintain status quo pending the decision of the court.

The case has been adjourned till August 13.

Buhari Elected Chairman Of ECOWAS

President Muhammadu Buhari was Tuesday in Lome elected the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Buhari’s election was one of the high points of the 53rd Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in the Togolese capital.

A statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu said in his acceptance remarks, the Nigerian leader, who commended his colleagues for his election, noted that he did not offer himself for the post, “but you refused to take my no for an answer.”

He, however, told his fellow leaders that, “I am truly humbled and pledge to serve and work with all of you to deliver on peace, security, good governance and socio-economic development” of the sub-region, and “take our organisation to greater heights.”

The statement added that Buhari also commended his immediate predecessor and President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe for successfully hosting two important meetings of the Joint Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and ECOWAS as well as the 53rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

The new Chairman had earlier been presented with the Emblem of ECOWAS by the outgoing Chairman, while the next meeting of the organisation will take place in Abuja on December 21, 2018, the statement said.

FG, AfDB Inaugurate Youth Employment, Skills Devt Task Team

The federal government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have inaugurated a task team on youth employment and skills development.

The team is a think-tank saddled with the responsibility to convene a private sector round-table engagement as an exchange platform designed for the identification and financing of eight priority projects for accelerated youth employment and skills development.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who was represented by the Minister of State, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, said Nigeria has a population of about 200 million people, noting that the opportunities offered by the large population are not being harnessed through gainful engagement of the productive age of between 15 and 54 years.

According to the minister, "Although the Nigerian youths have been described as enterprising and hardworking, a recent record of 18.8 percent unemployment rate reported for the country by NBS shows that there is a disconnect in the capacity to translate these attributes to gainful employment opportunities and thriving enterprises for wealth creation and sustainable development.

"The federal government, in continued effort to respond to the unacceptable situation and reverse the trend, has therefore entered into partnership with the African development bank group to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders in a round-table discussion on youth employment and skills development.

"The programme is planned to have a rich private sector participation due to the widely acknowledged higher potential for job creation by this sector," he said.

The minister revealed that work on the design and planning for the programme had since commenced, adding that the composition of the task team includes himself (Ngige) as the chairperson, a representative from the office of the vice president and a private sector representatives as co-chair.

Others are members of federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Budget and National Planning as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

Also involved are the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),  Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC),  Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF),  Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), World Bank, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA),  Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), GiZ and the International Labour Organisation  (ILO).

Ngige urged all hands to be on deck in solving the problem of unemployment which he said has far-reaching implications on the country's socio-economic well-being which affects every sector of the economy.

In his remarks, a Senior Director of AfDB, Dr. Greg Osubor, represented by the Regional Procurement Coordinator, AfDB, Abdulahi Baba Imoru, said Nigeria makes up about a quarter of the entire population of Africa, adding that the challenges of the Nigerian youths,  if well addressed, could contribute immensely to solving the job problem of Africa.

275 Criminal Suspects including Grandma Arrested by Police in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday revealed that 275 criminal suspects have been arrested for committing various crimes, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, cultism among other crimes in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, who disclosed this, said a grandmother, Ekaette Obot, who claimed to be 27 years old was among those arrested for stealing and selling of her granddaughter for N200, 000.

 He said most of the suspects had been charged to court while others are being investigated, stressing that the police command, had prosecuted 193 cases with 23 convictions secured.

According to him, 19 locally-made pistols; one pump action gun and one AK 47 rifle; one Toyota Camry saloon car with registration number CAL 584 NF; one Toyota Corolla vehicle with reg. no. AA 50 NRJ and a total of 52 pieces of ammunition had been recovered from the hoodlums.

In an interview, the grandmother, Obot, said she weeds for people for a fee, saying she sold the child to free her daughter, Blessing Okon, 18, of burden.

But the Police Commissioner said Obot, who is also pregnant, informed the police of her plan to sell the baby immediately she delivered.

Ogunjemilusi equally revealed that two kidnappers were killed during exchange of fire, and the victim, one Mrs. Comfort Joshua, rescued from kidnappers in the volatile Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

“An 83-year old woman, Mrs. Comfort Joshua, was rescued from kidnappers den in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area on Thursday, July 19 and two of her abductors gunned down during exchange of fire with the police.

“We also rescued a two-year, four months old child, Miss Testimony Bassey, from her abductors in Abia State where six suspects were arrested in connection with her abduction.

“A four-year-old female child, Bright Monday, was also rescued from her abductors along Aka road by IBB Roundabouts in Uyo, and four suspects have been arrested,” he said.

According to the CP, three criminals specialising in vandalising and stealing of transformer armoured cables, solar panels and street lights were also arrested and their loots recovered from Ikot Abasi and Abak council areas.

The command, he said, was determined to sustain the tempo in crime fighting and protection of lives and property in the state, explaining that the police have increased visibility policing across the state to reduce the response time to distress calls.

Pointing out that community policing approach has attracted the police to the populace and created more confidence in the minds of Nigerians, the state police boss, Ogunjemilusi, lauded the people and state government for their support.

He also commended sister security agencies working with the state police command towards reducing the crime rate in the state.

FOREIGN: Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Converting from Christianity to Islam

Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, also dubbed ‘Canada’s Obama’, announced he is converting from Christianity to Islam.

In a 13 minute press conference Friday, Trudeau explained his decision in his life:

“After meeting thousands of new Syrian refugees, listening to their stories and learning more about the Muslim faith, I have learned to love Islam and the people of Islam. Islam promotes peace, not violence and is in fact more peaceful that Christianity. I feel like this is the religion I belong with and I should identify as,” reported the theglobalsun.com.

During the press conference, Trudeau dodged questions about his wife, Sophie, and children converting. All the Prime Minister would say on the subject is that they are very supportive of his decision, but were unavailable for comment.

The Vatican Enquirer has learned that the couple are now sleeping in separate beds, in separate rooms. At times even in separate homes.

Some photos of Justin Trudeau embracing his new found faith.

CULLED FROM THE VATICAN ENQUIRER

Breaking: Finally, Saraki Quits APC Via Tweet

After a long period of speculation and mind game, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on Tuesday finally announced via Twitter his long awaited defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Saraki however did not name his next political party even though speculations are rife that he is bound for the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

“I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).” @bukolasaraki.

Saraki will leave the party with his protege, Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed of Kwara State and their supporters in the state.

Their defection is coming hours after the APC dissolved the state chapter’s executive council which was under the control of the senate president.

It could be recalled that Saraki has spoken on his status if he finally dumps the  APC for the PDP.

The loyalists of the former Kwara Governor in the chamber are also battle ready to keep his presiding status, regardless of which party has the majority of members between the APC and the PDP in the National Assembly.

Saraki, who spoke with the Punch through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olayiyonu, dismissed the call by members of the Parliamentary Support Group that he should quit as presiding officer once he defects from the ruling party.

The PSG is a group of APC senators supporting President Muhammadu Buhari.

Saraki noted that two-thirds of senators were needed to remove the Senate President.

He said, “We all know the process of electing and removing the Senate President. It is not that a party must determine who takes charge; every member of the Senate will have a vote in the election or removal of the Senate President.

“The constitution is clear on how the collection of those votes is done and what number is needed to elect or remove the Senate President.

“So, anybody who says anything outside those provisions is just deceiving themselves. The person is speaking in a vacuum.

“We are not bothered here. The Senate President is still attending to his official duties from home despite the recess. Everything is normal here. They are the ones who have reasons to be bothered.

“I say this without intending to insult any senator. I try not to respond to any senator but allow the senators to engage themselves.”

Ladoja To Meet Obasanjo as ADC Wins New Converts in Oyo

Former Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is leaving the party for ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo's wave-making African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a grand alliance underscoring a fierce battle ahead of the 2019 general election.

Ladoja, it was learnt last night, was to meet Obasanjo in Ota on Tuesday but for the meeting between Obasanjo and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The meeting would hold tomorrow with Ladoja leading three of the governorship aspirants of the PDP into the ADC. The aspirants are a former Senator Femi Lanlehin; a former Secretary to the State Government in Ladoja's administration, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and a former council boss and varsity don, Dr. Nureni Adeniran.

Also to attend the meeting with Ladoja are the 16 of the 32 serving members of the state House of Assembly comprising lawmakers elected on the platform of the APC (5), Accord (7), Labour Party (3), and the recently elected PDP lawmaker, Debo Ogundoyin, are all part of the grand coalition.

It was learnt that the former governor’s decision to leave the PDP is occasioned by the refusal of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to honour its promise to reverse the controversial harmonisation of the party’s state executive done at the instance of a governorship aspirant, Seyi Makinde.

A displeased Ladoja had threatened to quit the party should the insertion of unelected people in the list of state executive be allowed to stay, prompting a delegation of the NWC to visit Ladoja in Ibadan on June 27.

The delegation, which was led by the deputy national chairman (South), Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, begged Ladoja to stay in PDP and assured him that the decision would be reversed.

It was gathered that the NWC reneged on its promise to Ladoja, a development that angered him and other leaders in the party, prompting the decision to quit the PDP.

Another top politician who doubles as a former Secretary to State Government, Chief Michael Koleoso, who leads other Second Republic progressive leaders in the state, in the formation of a grand coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 elections and a host of other men of progressives bloc are neckdeep in the alliance with Ladoja.

The former governor and Koleoso are “seriously contemplating” using the African Democratic (ADC),  which is already home to majority of the Unity Forum members, who broke away from the APC as a result of irreconcilable differences.

It was gathered that about four other opposition parties are part of the grand coalition which is being built under the leadership of Ladoja and Koleoso.

Ladoja, it was gathered, has called a meeting of his loyalists across the 33 local government councils for Friday at his residence, where they are expected to formally announce their exit from the PDP.

Containerized Bulk Cargo Haulage Boosts Growth at Ikorodu Lighter Terminal

Sunday Okobi

As part of the efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to further decongest the traffic gridlock on Apapa port axis, the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman, in February this year flagged off the first export consignment of manganese, a solid mineral resource from the Ikorodu lighter terminal to Apapa port.

This initiative, the Authority said, had since resulted in the movement of almost 2,000 truck equivalents of containers and other bulk cargos from Apapa port access road by leading FMCG trading and manufacturing companies moving goods mainly of solid minerals and agro commodity exports.

Since then, the operations at the terminal have been on the high, according to NPA.

In 2017, the estimated cargo throughput in Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports, according to reports from the NPA, was put at 67 per cent of the overall country’s’ imports and exports.

The report stated that the Lagos State ports, being the preferred ports, have been faced with the problem of delay in cargo evacuation, which has led to port congestion and huge traffic queues.

It was also noted in the report that several times, ‘cosmetic’ attempts have been made to clear the Apapa traffic, but as soon as the media attention dies down, the gridlock creeps back. “It is estimated that the economy loses about N20 billion daily due to the gridlock, which is the country’s premier port,” it said.

According to the Managing Director of Connect Maritime Services Limited, Edeme Kelikume, embracing intermodal logistic solutions such as the barge services moving cargo to and from Apapa to NPA Ikorodu Lighter Terminal would significantly contribute to solving part of the chaotic traffic situation currently been experienced in the state.

Figures from the NPA, the report noted, shows that container traffic statistics at the country’s sea ports have more than tripled since 2007.

Kelikume on Tuesday said: “This ordinarily should be good news as it is an indication that the economy is expanding. However, in the case of Nigeria, this has become a challenge because the infrastructure to support this growth in cargo has actually deteriorated.”

He added that globally, Nigeria is no longer a desired shipping destination because of the longer turnaround time for ships coming to the country.

“A 2018 overseas cargo and freight costs template showing the cost of shipping cargo from the United States to other destinations shows that cargo and freight costs from the New York to Nigeria are about the highest globally.

For instance, cargo and freight costs of a 20 feet container from New York to Apapa Port is $4,982 almost twice the cost of the same 20 feet container to South Africa which will cost just US$2,542. For a 40 feet container, the cost is US$7,436, which is almost twice the cost to ship a similar container to South Africa,” he stated.

Nigerian Deputy Senate President In EFCC Custody

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has reportedly been held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since 9 a.m, Tuesday morning.

He was reportedly called in for questioning and was still being interrogated at the Commission as at press time.

Ekweremadu, the most-senior member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in public office, was invited for questioning by the anti-graft body last week Tuesday.

The invitation became public hours after EFCC operatives laid siege to his Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja home.

He has faced multiple allegations of sharp practices in recent years, including claims that he connived with others to forge Senate standing rules which led to the controversial election of principal officers in June 2015.

He has also been accused of owning multiple properties abroad, some allegedly purchased using shell firms and political associates fronting for him which he has strongly denied alleging political persecution.

EFCC Arraigns Three INEC Officials for Alleged N179.8m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Monday arraigned three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court in Lagos on an alleged fraud of N179. 8 million.

The three accused who are from Ogun State INEC office are: Yemi Akinwonmi, Dickson Atiba and Ogunmodede Oladayo.

They were arraigned before Justice Sule Hassan on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, benefitting from proceeds of crime, receiving various cash sums without going through financial institutions and accepting various cash sums exceeding amount authorised by the law.

The three accused persons were said to have received the said money from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Stanbic/IBTC, Diamond Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Skye Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc, sometimes in March 2015 during the general elections.

The offences, according to the prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo, are contrary to section 18 (a), 15(2)(d), 16 (d) 1(a), 16 (1) (d), and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended and punishable under 15 (3)(4) and 16 (2)(b)  of the same Act.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their plea of not guilty, the prosecutor, Oyedepo, urged the court to remand them in prison custody pending their trial date.

But lawyers to the accused asked the court for a very short date for hearing of their clients' bail applications.

However, Justice Hassan, after listening to the submissions of both parties, adjourned the matter till August 6 for hearing of the accused bail applications.

In the proof of evidence before the court, among the prosecution witnesses to be called by the EFCC are Deborah Oni and Usman Zakari, investigators with the EFCC and representatives of the above-mentioned banks respectively.

Saraki, Dogara Decry Desecration Of Legislative Sanctity In Benue

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have described as “a desecration of the legislative sanctity,” the on-going situation in Benue State in which eight out of the 30 members of the State House of Assembly have commenced impeachment process against the state governor and with the support of the police, the 22 other members who constitute more than two-third majority are kept away from the assembly complex.

In a statement jointly signed by their aides in charge of media, Yusuph Olaniyonu (Saraki) and Turaki Hassan (Dogara), they also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the police to order and stop them being used to achieve political purposes.

“We have monitored closely the development in Benue State in which the impeached Speaker, Terkimbir Ikyange, led seven other members to serve impeachment notice on the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, while the 22 other members who constitute more than two-third majority have been prevented from having access to the chamber. We believe this is illegality and does not conform to parliamentary procedure on impeachment.

“We also note with surprise the role of the Police in this undemocratic event in which the minority is seeking to impeach a Governor against the position of the majority. We believe it is the sacred institution of the legislature that is being desecrated and rubbished in all these negative developments.

“The situation in Benue State House of Assembly has grave implication for the nation’s democracy and it represents a throw-back to the period of dictatorship in our country. It also represents how the Nigeria Police are being misused to achieve political end. In a statement recently, the Presidency derisively referred to an era in the past where a minority number of legislators was used to impeach Governors who were unfriendly with the Federal Government. What we are seeing in Benue now is a return to that inglorious era.

“We believe this unlawful and unconstitutional move to impeach Ortom by a minority should be condemned by all lovers of democracy, at home and abroad. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the police to order and prevent a break-down of law and order. We also call on friends of Nigeria in the international community to lend their voice in condemning the perpetration of illegalities and actions that can subvert our democracy.

“There is already a tense atmosphere in Benue State following the recent killings. Nobody should encourage any action or move which may exacerbate the security situation in the North Central State. As leaders of the Federal legislature, we are ready to work with our colleagues in both chambers of the National Assembly to prevent any attempt to destroy any state legislature or use it to derail democracy,” the two leaders of the National Assembly said.

Edo Innovation Hub Seeks More Occupants for Co-working Spaces, Outlines Q3 Programmes

The Edo State Innovation Hub has opened its doors for entrepreneurs in the state and environs to take opportunity of its co-working spaces and other facilities made available at the technology cluster in driving innovation and strengthening the tentacles of the tech ecosystem in the state.

The Edo Innovation Hub, a brainchild of the state Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, is a fully-furnished cluster for technology companies, fitted with state-of-the-art support structures, including high-speed internet, power, indoor and outdoor workspaces, library, conference rooms, training rooms, among others.

“It also hosts the South-South Innovation Hub, an initiative of the federal government, domiciled in the Vice President's office for youths in South-South Nigeria to leverage technology in solving everyday problems.

Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, on Monday said the Edo Innovation Hub is arguably one of the best equipped and furnished spaces to run a start-up company in southern part Nigeria.

 

Explaining that Obaseki is committed to equipping youths in the state with the right environment to birth tech ideas, she said: "We are excited to be opening up the Edo innovates cluster to budding entrepreneurs in the state and environs. We are open to working with them, providing the enabling environment to nurture their start-ups, training and other benefits of a co-working space."

She noted that some of the services provided in the hub include virtual office, shared desks, dedicated desks, private office and serviced office, all of which have access to services such as mail handling, electricity, business support, workshop and training and networking opportunities.

Stone Allusion: Omokri Condemns Minister’s Choice of Words ...Says APC might be stoned out of office

Former aide of President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, on Monday expressed disappointment over the choice of language used by the Minister of Information and Culture in describing politicians who defected from All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mohammed had stated that APC defectors are the stone that David will use to slay Goliath

He referred to former members of the APC who left the party as ‘stones’.

His exact words: “God has removed stones from our rice and sands in our garri.”

However, Omokri noted that “it is unfortunate that the official spokesman of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the chief image maker of the Buhari administration will stoop so low to use such pedestrian language.

“Mohammed has obviously not made the cross over from being the spokesman of the APC to being the spokesman of the government.”

The former social media aide to Jonathan stated further that “those who cross carpeted from the APC to the PDP are Nigerians who must still be represented by the government irrespective of their political party. To cast aspersions on them is a negative stain on the government that Mohammed serves rather than the persons he attacked.”

Omokri said speaking of stones though, “what Mohammed does not understand is that some stones are precious while others are common. Diamonds are stones. But they are precious. Lai Mohammed’s problem is that he and the government he represents cannot distinguish a stone from a precious stone!

“In the final analysis, I do not blame him for calling APC defectors ‘stones’. It‘s because he has not read the story of David and Goliath.

“Mohammed should know that the APC is the Goliath and the PDP is the David while the APC defectors are the stones that David will use to slay Goliath in battle!

“Until then, I will caution the minister to learn to speak and comport himself in a way and manner worthy of the office he holds. Calling Nigerian citizens ‘stones’ does not augur well for this government. If they persist in this name calling, they should not be surprise if they are stoned out of office in 2019.”

Buhari: I'm Not Bothered by Defections Because Nigerians Believe in Me

President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend in Lome, the Togolese capital, said he was not bothered about the gale of defections going on in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The president, according to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, was responding to a question during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Togo at the Nigerian Embassy, saying most Nigerians appreciated the performance of his administration. 

He quoted him as saying: “I am not bothered about the defections. Ordinary Nigerians have developed confidence in us and are defending us. I assure you majority of Nigerians back home are appreciative of our efforts.”

The statement said Buhari expressed delight in seeing the Nigerians who had traveled from the five regions of Togo to welcome him in Lome adding that he was pleased to be commended on the performance of his administration.

It also said the president assured them that his administration had remained steadfast by living up to its three campaign promises on provision of security, improvement of the economy and fighting corruption.

According to Shehu, the president said if the past administrations had utilised even 25 per cent of the huge oil revenue available to them, Nigerians would not be complaining today, "citing the $16 billion reportedly spent on electricity and yet Nigerians could not see the power."

He also said the president restated his administration’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure and provision of loans to farmers which he said had helped in cutting rice importation by more than 90 per cent adding that all recovered illegally acquired assets would now be sold and the money paid into the treasury in the administration’s renewed anti-graft campaign.

“I assure you that we are making progress in security as some displaced farmers are returning to their farms. We will continue to work very hard for our dear country,” he was further quoted.

The statement also said the Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Joseph Olusola Iji, in his welcome address, submitted that close to 2 million Nigerians in Togo were law-abiding and peaceful but drew the attention of the president to the inability of the Nigerian Mission in Lome to issue Nigerian passports and compelling applicants to go to Ghana or Benin Republic to obtain passports.

The statement added: "While representatives of top bank executives commended the economic policies of the federal government especially the Ease of Doing Business, agricultural revolution and anti-corruption campaign, various leaders of the Nigerian Community also lauded the discipline, transparency and accountability that the current administration has introduced into governance.

"They also called for government assistance towards the completion of community’s on-going school building project in order to overcome the lack of good English schools in that country. 

"On its part, the APC Togo chapter, told President Buhari not to be worried about the defections from the party, assuring him of its support in the 2019 presidential election."

US Envoy: 24.9m Persons Trapped in Modern-day Slavery ...As NAPTIP urged to re-strategise fight against human trafficking

The United States acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Aruna Amirthanayagam, Monday in Abuja disclosed that estimated 24.9 million persons are trapped in modern-day slavery.

Amirthanayagam, who noted that the illicit art of trading in humans is a very old business, said with the dimension slavery had assumed in modern times, people "can no longer sit at the side-lines and allow men and women, children and young adults to be exploited in your communities and country."

He was speaking at a programme organised by the US embassy in Abuja in collaboration with Devatop Centre to commemorate the 2018 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

The Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria advised guest at the occasion to find out how they can get involved "so that we can stand together and work to end human trafficking, if not in this generation, at least in the next. Today is the day to make a difference."

He added: "We know the statistics. In a September 2017 report ILO estimates that an estimated 24.9 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery. Of these, 16 million (64 percent) were exploited for labour; 4.8 million (19percent) were sexually exploited while 4.1 million (17 percent) were exploited in state-imposed forced labour.

"Forced labour takes place in many different industries. Of the 16 million trafficking victims exploited for labour, 7.5 million (47 percent) forced labour victims work in construction, manufacturing, mining or hospitality; 3.8 million (24 percent) forced labour victims are domestic workers while 1.7 million (11 percent) forced labour victims work in agriculture sector.”

The envoy who added that unlike the drug trade where commodities can only be sold and used once, individual can be sold over and over and over again in the human trafficking business, adding that while 71 percent of trafficking victims around the world are women and girls, 29 percent are men and boys.

He noted that Asia-pacific region accounts for the largest number of forced labourers with 15.4 million (62 percent of the global total). Africa has 5.7 million (23 percent) followed by Europe and Central Asia with 2.2 million (9 percent). The Americas account for 1.2 million (5 percent) and the Arab states account for 1 percent of all victims.

Meanwhile, guest at the occasion, who were mainly young students, urged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to change its strategy and redouble its efforts in combating the menace of human trafficking, noting that incidents of trafficking has continued to rise at a worrisome rate.

They suggested that the agency should emulate Britain that recently published the name of a recent human trafficking convict alongside the proceeds of crime, stressing that such name and shame method would discourage others from the illicit business.

They also called on NAPTIP to put in place reliable and secured instruments of getting information on suspected human traffickers as well as protecting sources of such information.

Earlier, NAPTIP representative at the occasion and a member of panel, Ebele Ulasi, disclosed that the agency over the years has succeeded in convicting 375 persons while it is still prosecuting many other human trafficking suspects.

Ulasi said apart from enlightenment campaign in media communications, NAPTIP has been partnering schools, religious organisations among others to sensitise on the dangers of human trafficking.

She called on Nigerians to join in the fight to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria by reporting suspected cases to NAPTIP and other security agencies.

Ortom Accuse APC of Plot to Demonise Him

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to destabilise the state.

Ortom said this during an interaction with journalists Monday at Government House, Makurdi while responding to verbal attacks on him by National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomole, who described him as 'unmarketable'.

The governor noted that Oshiomole's comment shows that he is not a democrat, adding that he is an overzealous national party chairman.

"If I was unmarketable, why was he bent on keeping me in the party? The party is demonizing me for leaving and I have the freedom to associate with whomever I want. He should be reminded that he has a court case which bother on corruption while he was governor of Edo State.  Under his leadership, the fortune of the party is diminishing with defection of so many members especially National Assembly members.

He also, regretted over the incident at the State Assembly where security agencies prevented 22 members from sitting and allowed 8 members access into the chamber, describing the act as illegal and provocative.

"This is the highest level of illegality and impunity for police from Abuja acting on the the instruction of Sen. George Akume and the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris to forcefully invade the house, barred 22 members from having access to the house, manhandled , tear gassed many and took them away.

"They provided heavy security and escorted eight members to sit. This is a fragrant disobedience to Makurdi High Court injunction restraining them from sitting. The same members went ahead to serve me a notice of impeachment.

"I will employ every legal process to tackle this illegality since my government believes in the rule of law. Benue people should rise up and resist this impunity. I have the right to associate with any political party of my choice. The president should protect democracy ad this kind of impunity can derail it. He should restrain the IGP from being used by Akume to destabilise the state," Ortom appealed.

On allegation of financial misappropriation levelled against him by Ikyange, Ortom dismissed it as false, maintaining that he adequately account for every money expended by this administration.

"Even the case at the EFCC will follow due process. We also, have evidence of where Ikyange collected money without accounting for it. Why did he not accuse me of non-performance before now," Ortom questioned.

We Will Follow Speaker Dogara to Whatever Party He Decides to Contest in 2019

A socio--political pressure group, Arewa Youth Development Foundation (AYDF), has 

declared that no amount of  intimidation, harassment, misrepresentation of facts and outright threat from any quarter would make them abandon the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, even as they described him as their "party".

The group declared that "wherever he goes or whatever party platform  he decides to contest for the 2019 elections, we will follow him ".

Speaking at a Press Conference in Bauchi on Monday,  acting Chairman of the group, Idris Musa, and the Secretary, Emmanuel Isheni, expressed the group's unflinching support for the Speaker,declaring that "wherever he goes or whatever party platform  he decides to contest for the 2019 elections, we will follow him."  

The  group said the Speaker, who represents Dass/Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro federal constituency, has provided roads, schools, electricity, dams, bridges, empowered youth and women, among many others for the people,adding that Dogara also singlehandedly sponsored the establishment of North-East Development Commission.

According to AYDF, the magnanimity of Yakubu Dogara encompasses those who know him and those who do not know him,stressing that "he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is a reliable leader who carries everyone along irrespective of tribe, religious affiliation and geographical location.

"We want to make it categorically clear that we, the Arewa Youth Development Foundation, Bauchi State chapter, are firmly behind him (Dogara), and we pledge our support from now to his future political career."

Osun: Adogoke Asks Court to Nullify APC Primary

An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Osun State, Adekunle Adegoke, on Monday asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to nullify the party's governorship primary election held on the July 20, 2018, in the state.

In an originating summons taken out by his lawyer, Ayotunde Ogunleye of A. U. Mustapha SAN and CO, Adekoge, who is also a lawyer, said the primary was conducted in flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the Constitution of All Progressives Congress (APC), 2014 (as amended) and the Regulation for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

 He joined APC and INEC as first and second defendants respectively.

Adegoke is also seeking an order restraining INEC from according any recognition to the outcome of the said governorship primary election of having been conducted in violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), the relevant provisions of the constitution of APC, 2014 (as amended) and the Regulation for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries of INEC.

The plaintiff also sought a declaration that the Osun State governorship primary election of the APC was held in flagrant violation of the constitution, the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the constitution of the party and the regulation for the conduct of political party primaries of INEC.

He consequently asked the court to declare the primary unconstitutional, unlawful and null and void.

Other reliefs sought by him are: ‘A declaration that by the provisions of the APC constitution Article 20(v) thereof, it is ultra vires for the party  to organise, hold and conduct the governorship primary election held on July 20, 2018, in Osun State without rules and regulations made by its National Working Committee (NWC) and duly approved by its National Executive Committee (NEC) for the purpose of nomination of candidates through primary elections.

‘A declaration that by Article 25B(ii) of the party's constitution, it is unconstitutional for the party to organise and conduct the governorship primary election held in the state on July 20, 2018, without a meeting of the NEC approving rules and regulations which ought to be made but was never made by the NWC for the purpose of nomination of candidates through direct primary elections.

‘A declaration that it was ultra  for the party to hold and organise the Osun State governorship primary election without having given a prior 21-day notice of its primaries to INEC indicating that a direct method of primary election would be used.

‘An order restraining APC and INEC from relying on or using the purported results of the purported Osun State governorship primary election of the 1st defendant held on July 20, 2018, in Osun State for the purpose of nominating the party's governorship candidate in the forthcoming state governorship election scheduled to hold on September 22, 2018, or any other date as may be appointed by INEC.

He also asked the court to determine the following questions: ‘Whether, having regard to the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the constitution of the 1st Defendant and the Regulation for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries of INEC, the Osun State governorship primary election of the 1st defendant purportedly held on July 20, 2018, in the state is not unconstitutional, unlawful and null and void.

‘Whether this court ought to nullify the Osun State governorship primary election of the 1st defendant purportedly held on July 20, 2018, in Osun State in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered); the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the APC 2014 (as amended) and the Regulation for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries of the INEC same being unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void.

‘Whether this court ought to restrain the 2nd defendant from giving any recognition to the outcome of the said state governorship primary election of the 1st Defendant held on July 20, 2018, in the state same having been conducted in violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered); the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the Constitution of APC 2014 (as amended) and the regulation for the conduct of Political Party Primaries of the INEC.

‘Whether this court ought to restrain the defendants from relying on or using the purported results of the purported Osun State governorship primary election of the 1st defendant held on July20, 2018, in the state for the purpose of nominating the 1st defendant’s governorship candidate in the forthcoming state governorship election scheduled to hold on September 22, 2018, or any other date as may be announced by the 2nd defendant.

Bandits Kill 3, Abducts Nursing Mothers, 5 others in Kaduna

Three people were reportedly killed while seven others, including two nursing mothers, were abducted when bandits stormed Unguwar Dan-Baki, Sabon-Layi village in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State last Sunday.

One of the nursing mothers was said to have been abducted alongside her eight-day-old baby. 

Chairman of the Birnin-Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari, in a statement on Monday said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m.

The statement said the gunmen had a field day as they carted away cattle used for traction by the villagers in their farms.

The statement quoted an eye witness, Garba Tanko, as saying that the attack took place during the ‘Maghreb’ (evening) prayers.

According to the statement, “The attackers had a field day carting away cattle use for animal traction by the villagers in their farms.

“The attackers are using corridors of Kamuku forest and Kuyambana forest in Zamfara State to terrorise farming communities in Birnin-Gwari ocal government territories.”

The statement called on the federal government for the deployment of more security personnel to stop the influx of bandits who are being chased from Zamfara State by the military to the Birnin Gwari area.

“As the military and police personnel are advancing to secure many parts of our territories from bandits and kidnappers especially along Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna road as well as Birnin-Gwari-Funtua road, we are calling on the federal government to deploy more security forces to Birnin-Gwari to prevent influx of these bandits escaping military onslaught in Zamfara State to Birnin-Gwari,” the group said.

The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mukhtar Aliyu, could not be reached to react on the incident as his mobile phone was not connecting.