IGP SET UP SPECIAL INVESTIGATION PANEL TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED ABUSES AT INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) CAMPS REPORTED BY HUMAN RIGHT WATCH

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim k. Idris MPN mni, has set up a Special dedicated Investigation Team to immediately commence thorough Investigation into all cases of alleged sexual abuses, exploitation, harassments, gender based violence and professional misconduct on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some of North-eastern States contained in a report published by the Human Right Watch against Camp officials, vigilante groups, Soldiers and Policemen among others.

2.     The IGP who is irrevocably committed to the protection of all Nigerians most especially vulnerable group such as Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) has expressed deep concern over the submissions in the report and has directed the Special Investigation Panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased investigation into all the cases of abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.

3.     However, the IGP has called on Human Right Watch officials to avail the investigation team more facts that will assist the Police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the alleged forty three (43) cases mentioned in the Human Right Watch (HRW) report. 

4.     The IGP has also directed Commissioners of Police in locations where IDP Camps are situated to beef up security and ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and ensure that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance to the law. The IGP further urge all police officers and other personnel deployed to the IDP camps to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.

5. The Nigeria Police Force assures all Nigerians and the International community that the Force will not condone any act that violate the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals or group of persons in the IDP camps or anywhere in the country.

HERITAGE BANK TASKS STUDENTS TO BREAK ONYALI'S RECORD

 

The Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, has set aside a N10m trust fund for any athlete that can break the 200 metre record set by ex-international, and Skoolimpics Ambassador, Mary Onyali.

 

 

The MD while declaring the pilot edition of the Heritage Bank-Lagos State Skoolimpics 2016 open said he would be setting aside the sum of N10m that would be yielding interests and handed over to any athlete discovered at the competition who was able to break Onyali's record.

 

Onyali's 200-metre record of 22.07secs was set 20 years ago at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and no athlete has been able to break the record.

 

The MD also applauded other sponsors like Lagos State Government, CWAY, Mr. Biggs, Etransact, Verve, Willson’s Lemonade, Lucozade Sport who partnered with the bank in their quest to develop the youths.

 

"Skoolimpics has come to stay and this is just the pilot edition," he said.

 

"We have planned and met with people and today we all can see the results of the planning. I am happy that we have somebody as Mary Onyali as an ambassador because she was discovered from school competitions like this.

 

"The target is to build future champions from amidst all these students and I am looking forward to seeing an athlete that will break our Skoolimpics brand ambassador's 200m record.

 

"I am going to start an endowment fund with N10million for anyone that can break her record in the next 10 to 20 years. The money will be increasing in an interest-yielding account and whosoever breaks that record will take the money…and with that I declare this year’s Skoolimpics open."

 

Five events will be competed for across two venues, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and Rowe Park, Yaba. The events are athletics, basketball, table tennis, swimming and handball.

WE'LL COMPLETE LAGOS-BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY EXPANSION BY 2019, AMBODE ASSURES

...Says Aboru-Abesan Link Bridge, Road Will Be Ready By 2017
… Work To Commence On Irede Road In Four Weeks

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday assured residents that the ongoing Lagos-Badagry Expressway Expansion project would be completed before the end of 2019.

The Governor, who spoke shortly after embarking on extensive inspection of ongoing projects across the State, said the project was a major economic catalyst for Lagos and therefore his administration was totally committed to seeing it through.

Recalling that his recent visit to Denmark was to finalise plans with APM Terminals to fast-track the commencement of work on the $2.6billion Badagry Deep Sea Port, Governor Ambode said it was important for the road network to be completed within schedule to accommodate the anticipated increase in economic activities within the axis.

“On the part of government, it is imperative that the project is accelerated and completed on schedule. It is a 10-lane expansion project with a provision for rail,” he said.

Governor Ambode said that though the project was awarded to Okokomaiko, his administration was almost at financial close to give it to a concessionaire who is expected to extend the project from Okokomaiko to Seme Border.

“We believe strongly that the contractor has done a good job here. We have given him the right of way and it is our belief that the one that has been awarded should be completed on schedule. I am committed to this project; I am committed to the expansion of the economy of the East axis of Lagos. That is the surest way to go.

“By doing this project, we would also expand the real estate value of this axis and the tourism potentials of the Badagry axis. I am confident that in no time, we should have a complete project before the end of 2019,” he said.

Explaining the progress of work done so far, General Manager of Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), South West, Mr. Guan Shuai, said extensive work had been done on three Flyovers and Interchange Bridges in Alaba, Agboju and Alakija.

He noted that the challenge of relocating pipes and cables belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which hitherto slowed down the project had been resolved through the intervention of Governor Ambode.

While inspecting the stretch of link road from Agbelekale off Ekoro Road to Abesan Estate via Church Street, Giwa and Aboru, Governor Ambode expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project so far, but charged the contractor and supervisors to ensure the delivery of the project within the first quarter of 2017.

The Governor, who was received amidst fanfare by residents who displayed placard of various inscriptions commending him for the project, said the bridge being constructed as part of the project had to be extended from 240meters to 360meters due to the nature of soil in the area.

He said: "Just about five months ago, we were here to see the progress of this project. This road is designed to connect all the people living in the Aboru area to Iyana-Ipaja and also to the LASU-Iba road and all the people living within the Ajasa Community. You will recall also that just about three months ago, we were here to open up the Ajasa Command road and this is another project to complement the opening up of the Alimosho community.

"Like the contractor has promised, we hope to finish this project by the end of January next year. We have also found out that we need to extend this bridge by an additional 120 meters because of the nature of the soil in this area. I had earlier promised that this project would be delivered by the end of this year but I'm pleased with the progress being made on this project. I want to urge the contractors and the supervisors to ensure that we meet the completion date and that within the first quarter of next year, all the people in Alimosho will enjoy this facility," he said.

At Irede Road in Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Governor Ambode was briefed by the Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and Housing, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, who narrated the inter-ministerial work being planned for the axis.

Lawal said a 30 hectare land at Ado Trade Fair had already been designated for a 500 Housing Units which would be constructed in partnership with the private sector.

He said the project, which is a transit oriented development, would open up the area for economic activities and real estate, adding that it would complement the 13 stations of the Blue Line Rail Project and 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Express road.

In his response, Governor Ambode expressed displeasure with the state of Irede Road, assuring that work would start on the road within the next four weeks.

He said: "It is very clear that this Irede road is in a very deplorable condition. I have come personally to see it and I have received complaints from people of this community. I also see that the economic value that we stand to benefit from upgrading this road is unquantifiable.

"Beyond the fact that we will open up the road to the Lagos Badagry Expressway, we also intend to expand our housing policy and the rent-to-own scheme to this neighbourhood. So, I like to just clearly state that work would commence on Irede Road within the next four weeks," he said.

N1.4Bn ONSA Cash: I Acted Under Badeh’s Instructions, Witness Insists

The trial of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, continued on Thursday, November 3, 2016 before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting its eight witness, Eso Faleke, for cross-examination.

Faleke, a banker with Guaranty Trust Bank and account officer to Badeh’s company account (Iyalikam Nigeria Limited) had in her evidence on November 2, narrated how Badeh became a co-signatory to the company’s account in January 2015 and how he gave instructions to carry out several transactions running into millions of naira.

The witness, who was cross-examined by Akin Olujimi and Samuel O. Zibiri, SAN, representing Badeh and Iyalikam Nigeria Limited respectively, insisted that she received several instructions from Badeh through telephone and in writing, to transfer funds to several accounts especially Naira and Dollar accounts.

The witness while commenting on exhibit E25 and E30 explained that though exhibit E30 carried a lone signature, it contained telephone instructions because the telephone number was on the mandate card of the authorized signatory.

According to her, the mandate card was not for instruction as to how to receive telephone calls.

Faleke insisted that she acted according to the standard procedure of the bank with respect to documentary transaction.

Speaking on exhibits E3 to E7 (the statements of account), Faleke told the court that payments can be made via deposit slip adding that the payments therein were made in cash via deposit slip, but that she did not come to court with them having not been requested to do so.

Justice Okon Abang, thereafter, adjourned to November 14, 2016 for continuation of trial.

Badeh is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside his company, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, for allegedly abusing his office by using the dollar equivalent of the sum of N1.4billion (One Billion, Four Hundred Million Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, to purchase properties in choice areas of Abuja between January and December, 2013.

The offence contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

ONIBA'S KIDNAP: DISPUTE OVER REPRESENTATION OF ACCUSED STALLS TRIAL

...Judge Orders Defence Lawyers To Abide By Professional Ethics

The much anticipated trial of suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of Oniba of Iba Town, Oba Yishau Goriola Oseni before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere was on Friday stalled due to dispute by two lawyers over legal representation of one of the suspects.

The Lagos State Government is prosecuting the suspects on an eight-count criminal charge of conspiracy to murder, murder, armed robbery and Kidnapping.

At the last adjourned date, the suspects - Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, while the case was adjourned for commencement of trial.

However, when the case was called, two lawyers - Mr. Seliowei Baidi and Mr. Anthony Onwaeze announced appearance for the fourth accused (Yerin Fresh), a development which made Justice Taiwo to intervene to settle the disagreement.

Onwaeze, who is the new lawyer briefed by Fresh, had told the court that he already discussed with Baidi on the issue before the commencement of sitting for the day, but that he (Baidi) insisted not to relinquish the representation until all his legal bills were settled.

But Baidi fired back saying that Onwaeze failed to take appropriate steps required by law in taking over legal representation.

While citing Rules 29(1) of the Court's Rules, Baidi said upon receiving instruction to take over the case, Onwaeze ought to have addressed a letter to the court and to him, adding that it was disrespectful to the court for his learned friend to just attempt to start representing the accused without following the rule of law.

The prosecution represented by the State's Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs. Idowu Alakija, however, told the court that in view of the development, she would have to accede to the adjournment of the case for the defence to put their house in order to resolve the issue of representation.

In a brief ruling, Justice Taiwo ordered the two lawyers to abide by professional ethics and shun any bickering over the matter.

The judge also asked Onwaeze to assist Baidi in getting the necessary fees for the services rendered to the fourth accused person.

She said: "This matter is hereby adjourned toNovember 11, 2016 for hearing. Witnesses must be in court at the next adjourned date and counsel must resolve the issue of representation. No bickering, please."

The suspects, who allegedly carried out the crime on July 16, 2016 at the palace of the monarch, were said to have murdered a security detail attached to the palace, Sunday Eniola Okanlawon, and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.

They were also said to have attempted to kill the monarch's wife, Olori Abosede Oseni while making efforts to dispossess her of her property at gun point.

In count one, Furejo, Isaiah and Anthony were accused of conspiring with others now at large to commit murder contrary to Section 233 of 2015 Criminal Laws of Lagos State C.17, Vol. 3, while in counts two and three, the suspects were accused of murder contrary to the same law.

In count four, the accused allegedly attempted to kill the wife of the monarch contrary to Section 230 of the law, while in count five, the accused with others now at large, conspired to rob Olori Abosede of her mobile phone.

In count six, the suspects were accused of armed robbery contrary to Section 297 (2) (b) of the law, while in counts seven and eight, they were said to have conspired to kidnap Oba Oseni at gun point contrary to Section 411 of the law.

AMBODE MOURNS PASSAGE OF ELDER STATESMAN, OLANIWUN AJAYI

…Says Nation Has Lost A Major Progressive Voice

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed sadness over the passage of foremost elder statesman and member of the Obafemi Awolowo political family, Pa Olaniwun Ajayi.

Olaniwun Ajayi, a prominent chieftain of the pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere died in the early hours of Friday morning at the age of 91.

The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the late Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

“Papa was one of the few surviving close associates of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. After Chief Awolowo’s death, he was a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers.

“He was very passionate about the progress of Nigeria, he was an intellectual genius who had an enthusiasm for the development of his immediate community and the country at large.

“I recall my last meeting with him just about three months ago at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was like a premonition. He had admonished all of us to give him a long lasting legacy and ensure that the Yoruba hegemony is not trampled upon and tarnished.

“This wish of his, as a great Nigerian statesman, and true son of Yoruba land, we are committed to uphold and to cherish,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode recalled that Pa Olaniwun Ajayi’s law firm which was established in 1962 grew from being a sole practitionership to one of the largest and open partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa and in its five decades of existence, held briefs for various corporate organisations and the government at both the federal and state levels.

“There was virtually no sector in Nigeria that Pa Ajayi’s law firm was not prominent. His law firm in no time became one of the most sought after full-service legal practices in Africa,” the Governor said.

He also prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose and for the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, on behalf of the people of Lagos State. Pa Ajayi will be sorely missed”, Governor Ambode said.

Tunde Olaogun Opens Royalty Lounge and Suite In Ikeja

The brain behind All LASU Awards, Babatunde Olaogun and some of his business associates have thrown the doors of a new hospitality outfit open on the mainland.

 

Known as Royalty Lounge and Suite, Olaogun who spoke for the group of upward mobile young businessmen explained that the need to have a bar, lounge and suite that will match up to what is obtainable on Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki are what prompted his decision to open the hospitality outfit.

 

"Our major goal and objective is to bring the Island kind of lifestyle to the Mainland. You know, lot of people go to the hottest bar and nightclub on the Island to unwind. The idea is to incorporate the same thing here on the Mainland in a more unique way. In short, instead of going to the Island, you can easily come to Royalty Lounge and have the feel of both worlds," he said.

 

On his experience and style, Olaogun said: "The experience and idea came from different places of recreation we've visited over the years. I've experienced how hospitality business is being run both on the Island and Mainland. We have the idea of what people normally look for when patronising a place like this, so it makes thing easy for us to gather all the knowledge we've acquired over the years and put it into use here."

 

Situated in the heart of the Lagos capital, on Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Olaogun insists that the hospitality outfit depicts everything its name stands for, hence, it is not your regular fun spot but a uniquely created haven for recreation and relaxation.

 

"Our major selling point is that Royalty Lounge and Suites is not just your average hospitality avenue. Its a one stop shop for everything you're looking for when it comes to entertainment and also fashion. At Royalty Lounge, we're providing what people normally yearn for. It's like a home away from home. There's a beauty shop that deals with Manicure and Pedicure, Hair treatment shop, Make Over and Gele tying studio is also in another corner. All this department is being oversee by professionals in those fields. That'll make Royalty Lounge stand out from other competitors on the Mainland in general and not only in Ikeja. A lounge, suite, beauty parlor all envelope into one to the pleasure of our esteem customers," Olaogun said.

 

Babatunde Olaogun is a graduate of Microbiology from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU) and an associate member of Nigeria Institute of Management.

 

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed Dissolves Local Government Councils

The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the dissolution of the local government councils of Asa, Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke-Ero, Oyun and Pategi.

 

 The dissolution of the Local Government Councils, which is contained in the Kwara State Legal Notices No.4-19, is in exercise of the Governor’s power conferred on him by section 18(5) (c) of the Kwara State Local Government Law (as amended) cap K33, Laws of Kwara State.

 

The dissolution of the councils is with effect from today, 4th Day of November, 2016. As a result, all the affected public office holders including the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors, Secretaries to the Local Government Councils and Supervisors shall immediately vacate their offices and handover to their respective Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs)  

 

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed appreciates the contributions and support of the affected officers towards the development of the state and wishes them success in their future endeavours.

 

Spymaster: A Memo to President Buhari on Sambo Dasuki By Yushau A. Shuaib

 

Your Excellency, Mr. President, permit me to use this open letter as an appropriate channel to convey this message to you for the obvious reason of reliability. For fear of being misunderstood, I should state from the onset that I have been your hardened fan since the 80-90s while I was a student and contributing articles featuring the famed incorruptibility and discipline of you and your former lieutenant, the late General Tunde Idiagbon. (Link: http://yashuaib.com/1991/11/haba-governor-madaki/

 

It may interest you to note that immediately after your election, I was approached by well-wishers requesting my services on communication strategies for your wife, Mrs Aisha Buhari. While I recognised the fact that such request to work with the first family is a great honour, I nevertheless politely declined for fear of conflict of interest because I had served the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the tenure of Sambo Dasuki which is being probed by your government.

 

I wish to therefore implore you to read this memo with open-mind as coming from an admirer who means well for you and the nation because of some disclosure I would make here for the record.

 

Immediately after I was prematurely retired from the public service for writing against a serving powerful minister during the previous administration, Sambo Dasuki invited me to serve the same government as a consultant on crisis communication and a major intermediary between the media and the critical stakeholders i.e. the military, security, intelligence and response agencies in Nigeria. The assignment was designed to counter terrorists’ propaganda and other campaigns on security consciousness which we successfully executed in the last three years. (Link: http://yashuaib.com/2014/03/sambo-dasuki-on-security-media-relations/

 

In the course of my assignment not only did I relate closely with the ONSA and other security agencies, I also enjoyed interaction on valuable information about your past relationship with Sambo Dasuki. Your Excellency, you may recall my first article on his travail which I titled 'An Encounter with the Spymaster' in July 2015. In that article, I narrated his visit with other officers to you in Jos while you were GOC over the coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari which you later emerged as the Head of State. I also stated his denial of ever arresting you or detaining you after the Babangida coup that ousted you. In fact, few weeks after my publication, your town man, retired Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu corroborated the same story by insisting that it was him (AbdulMumini and two other officers –John Madaki and Lawan Gwadabe) and not Dasuki that arrested you (Link: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/188069-how-we-arrested-buhari-during-1985-coup-abdulmumini-aminu.html or http://bit.ly/2fK4jQv

 

In the same article, Dasuki whom I learnt is your in-law, narrated his brotherly supports for your candidacy for the Presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011 before he was later appointed the NSA by Goodluck Jonathan. Apart from mentioning names of people privy to those efforts in that article who are still alive, he also mentioned how he pleaded with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande on your behalf to allow you fly the joint ticket of the Presidential candidate of the then CPC and ACN in 2011. (Link: http://yashuaib.com/2015/07/sambo-dasuki-an-encounter-with-spymaster/

 

Your excellency, from the foregoing, I can say that Sambo Dasuki is an honourable man who respected you and can do no harm. In fact, he confided in me when he was acting as your NSA that many people were asking him to run away because you would deal with him. He said “I can never be a fugitive after past Abacha’s attempt on my life in the 90s. I will remain in Nigeria and face any consequences.”

 

While serving as the consultant to ONSA and other security agencies, we created a most cohesive and organised platform for top security spokespersons under the platform of Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) to counter the narratives and propaganada machinery of the insurgents and their sympathizers. We succeeded in establishing and sustaining mutual understanding and synergy among all the agencies, especially in coherent and coordinated interface with the media. We also eliminated inter-agency rivalry and dichotomy as we also checked and controlled embarrassing information leakages that might be injurious to national security. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2014/08/fossra-foster-interagency-security-collaboration/

 

It should be stated here that during the critical period of the war on terror, the western powers deliberately refused to sell required weapons and armaments to Nigeria to prosecute the war on flimsy excuses of human right abuses. When they embargoed the supply, the then government had to resort to Eastern Block for required arms and ammunition. Though the arrival of the equipment were late which necessitated the postponement of the 2015 election, the subsequent operations were successful. In fact, Your Excellency, some of the acquisitions arrived after you came into office. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2015/04/military-to-liberate-sambisa-forest-may-29-nsa/

 

Dasuki also confirmed the acquisitions of Alpha jets, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, advanced artillery pieces, assorted arms and ammunition, sophisticated surveillance drones, T72 Battle Tanks and modification of F7 supersonic jet fighters. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2015/08/we-acquire-sophisticated-weapons-against-terrorism-ex-nsa-sambo-dasuki/

 

Your Excellency, you may be aware that the military during Jonathan’s administration also secured the cooperation of reluctant neighboring countries to confront terrorists after funding the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).  You may also be aware about other strategies that were deployed to tackle the Boko Haram menace when Special Technical Advisers from friendly countries intelligently assisted our air powers to clear the occupied territories from the sky while the ground troops moved in to consolidate the clearance of the remnant of terrorists. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2015/03/so-called-mercenaries-are-technical-advisers/

 

Your Excellency, as you may probably know, average Nigerians can be forgetful. Before the handover to you as the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015, when Sambo Dasuki was still the NSA under the Jonathan administration, Nigerian military had successfully liberated dozens of towns and cities from terrorists in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe State. Some of the liberated towns including these 24 towns: Abadam, Askira, Baga, Bama, Bara, Buni Yadi, Damboa, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala, Goniri, Gujba, Gulag, Gulani, Gwoza, Hong, Kala Balge, Konduga, Kukawa, Marte, Madagali, Michika, Monguno, Mubi, among other communities with pictorial and video evidences provided by the Defence Headquarters. In one day alone April 30, 2015, at least 234 abductees (Women and Children) were rescued by the military who had stormed sections of the Sambisa Forest. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2015/05/another-set-of-234-women-and-children-freed/

 

Some of the finest and courageous military commanders who led our troops to recover those territories are still in active service and can bear witness to those great moment of the military’s accomplishments. I must commend your Excellency for assigning some of them to higher responsibility and for providing the nation with the current courageous Service Chiefs who have performed exceeding well in the mopping and clearance exercise.

 

You may also be aware that it was Sambo Dasuki as the NSA who introduced the Soft-Approach programme that gave birth to Presidential Initiative on North-East (PINE), which later metamorphosed into Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI) which you recently inaugurated. In fact Dasuki also introduced and implemented the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) which your Vice President Osinbajo and current humble  NSA Babagana Monguno jointly relaunched recently. These are obvious facts your excellency. (Link: http://yashuaib.com/2016/09/nactest-osinbajo-and-the-revised-counter-insurgency-campaign/

 

Mr. President, I raised some of these issues to let you know that there are a lot of alarming and toxic misleading information in the public domain. You may recall my alarm over the AVM Jon Ode Panel on arms procurement and advise I gave you to always conduct thorough and due diligence search on those to be appointed into any organisation, committee or panel to ensure their incorruptibility in line with the change mantra of your administration. I warned that wrong people in sensitive positions may capitalise on your sincerity to engage in proxy wars without your knowledge. I mean this sir. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2016/03/yashuaib-resigns-fossra-say-jon-ode-panel-misleading-president-buhari/

 

May I appeal to Your Excellency to simply review the fact that Sambo Dasuki has been granted bails by three High Courts in Nigeria and that even the ECOWAS Court has also ordered his release yet he has remained in custody. I know you can do it because you single-handedly intervened in saving careers of some senior military officers when you refused to be misled by some reports. Surprisingly, the public are not even aware of your magnanimous gesture but some of us are, as the saved security officers remain grateful to your kindness and fatherly role. (Link: https://prnigeria.com/2016/10/ecowas-court-orders-immediate-release-dasuki/

 

The obvious disobedience to court order on Dasuki's bail is quite disturbing. Since his arrest and detention on December 1, 2015, Dasuki has observed Christmas, New Year, Islamic Festivities of Ramadan, EidKabir and Moulud in captivity.  In less than a month time, he will have clocked one year in detention against the law.

 

With consolidation of some of the charges against Dasuki, the judiciary should also be encouraged to ensure that the Court Trial is open to the public rather than through Secret Trial. Open trial may provide factual realities of stewardship against occasional imaginary fictions of media trials.

 

Your Excellency, as an admirer of your discipline and incorruptibility, I pray you lead the country to the path of political stability and economic recovery. I also pray that at the end of your tenure, your aides and loyalists would have the same courage to stand by you without being hypocritical ingrates as we have seen today.

 

I wish you success sir. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Yushau A. Shuaib

Blogger: www.YAShuaib.com

Founder: www.PRNigeria.com (The Press Release Platform)

yashuaib@yahoo.com

Sir Olaniwun Ajayi: A Democrat Of Repute - Gbenga Daniel

The immediate past governor of Ogun State, Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel has described late Sir Olaniwun Ajayi as a democrat of repute and an elder statesman who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the country.

In a condolence message on the passing of the elder statesman, Otunba Daniel expressed his shock on the death of one of the few remaining titans which ended another glorious chapter and created a deep void in Nigeria’s politics.

According to the former Governor, late Sir Ajayi was “a very strong force in Nigerian polity and well respected in the political landscape over the years as he improved on the democratic ideals of the founding fathers and played his roles in the service to the nation in various capacities”.

“He was a courageous personality noted for his frank disposition to issues and policies. He remained principled when it mattered most and never compromised his stance even in the midst of challenges. His invaluable contributions to national development will be greatly missed”.

In the words of ex-governor Daniel, Sir Ajayi’s death was “a great loss to the country and particularly, Ogun State having served across borders during his distinguished career but we take solace in the solid legacies he left which will continue to inspire coming generations”.

Otunba Daniel then offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, relatives and those who share in the grief of the loss of the great politician and ask God to grant him a peaceful rest and fortitude for his bereaved family to bear the loss. 

 

A rare timber of Yoruba unity advocate has fallen - Gani Adams

 

The death of late Chief Olanihun Ajayi has been described as the fallen of a rare timber in the colony of forest trees 

Otunba Gani Adams , National Coordinator , OOdua Peoples Congress made this assertion while lamenting the exit of the late nationalist .

' Baba Olanihun is a prodigy of immeasurable value both to the Yoruba race and the stability of Nigeria as a nation .  

He was a man who has a cosmopolitan outlook of Nigeria politics in relation to the unity of the Yoruba within a true federalist status' 

He pointed out that ' His death is not only an irreplaceable calamity to the nation and particularly the Yoruba race but a deficit in generational connection and past historical heritage   .'

He said that ' Baba was a paragon of Yoruba unity , Yoruba Harmony ,Yoruba growth. He usually  tell us the immeasurable efforts and commitment of the Late Obafemi Awolowo to the unity and growth of Yoruba race . He was passionate and wholeheartedly committed to the  unity and growth of Yoruba race . An unrepentant advocate of true federalism . ' 

Otunba Gani Adams said ' Baba was a motivator and moderator of the whole Yoruba Delegate at the National Conference where he stabilised and guide our various deliberations which ensured us  having the best submission ' 

He thanked God that ' Baba lived a full life of service to his family , race ,nation and humanity . But it is sad that the worthy and rate timbers are fallen . May His Soul Rest In Peace .

BRF Insists SHAGAMU END OF LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY NOT CLOSED

 

Following the panic traffic build-up along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as a result of alleged “closure” of the road, the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has clarified that there is only a diversion on the road and not a full closure.

 

In a statement Friday, the Ministry, said Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractors handling the road, only diverted the Lagos-bound side, from Shagamu interchange to Kilometre 37, to the Ibadan-bound side to enable it lay final layer of asphalt wearing course on the Lagos side.

 

The Statement said contrary to the Traffic Advisory on a “closure” attributed to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the diversion was necessary to enable Julius Berger use the double finishers at the same time thereby avoiding cold joints.

 

While urging motorists to be patient and tolerant in order to ensure orderly traffic management, the Statement said the company had promised to carry out the job quickly in order to reopen the side of the road on which the diversion had been effected.

 

Nigerians Rap Jilted Lady Who Tattooed Body In Lover's Name

When it comes to loving foolishly, Nigerians have no pity for victims. 

Open the link below 

https://instagram.com/p/BMXEal1jDTn/

Africa CEO Round-table Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility 2016, to chart a course for building inclusive and sustainable businesses

Africa foremost flagship event, CEO Round- table Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR) will once again chart a course for Africa economic agenda come November, 11.

The constant down trodden slope of the global economic climate; increasing competition, diminishing natural resources, technological revolutions, growing scandals, and the continued fluctuation of oil prices have exposed businesses around the world to the uncertainty of survival. 

A sustainable business is one which incorporates social, economic, and environmental ideals into its operations. Such a business adds to the overall development of a nation while increasing its bottom line and reducing threat to its survival. 

In the same vein, an inclusive business is typically defined as commercially viable core-business models of private sector companies, that provide in scale, systemic and innovative solutions to the relevant problems of the poor and low income people such as creating decent jobs and income, and providing essential services and goods.  

The 2016 edition shall explore the theme: ‘Building Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses'.

Inclusive business has the potential to be a driving force for inclusion and sustainability and to contribute to the effective implementation of the SDGs. To harness this potential, all stakeholders – including governments, the private sector, and other actors – have a role to play.  The fundamental sense behind the concept of inclusive business is considering all stakeholders, including the poor, in a business approach, process and activities, in order to create value for all. 

This enhances reputation, increases growth potentials, and at the same time promotes sustainable development; Inclusion is the essential social pillar of any sustainable organization.

In working towards attaining a world with no poverty, hunger and disease, greater survival prospects for mothers and infants, better educated children, equal opportunities for women, and a healthier environment, the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the inclusion of businesses as a requisite to a sustainable world. Sustainable development cannot be attained anywhere without sustainable businesses. Yet, businesses can only be sustainable when they are inclusive, and global sustainable development can only be attained when businesses are inclusive and sustainable.

The 2016 AR-CSR™ will therefore discuss the need for global leadership to drive inclusive growth and businesses; the existing and successful startup and ecosystem models for inclusive businesses; multiplying and scaling impact through investments as well as fostering SME growth through inclusive business. 

ARCSR™ provides a platform which brings business leaders, Governments, experts and practitioners together to engage  on issues  of  sustainability,  social  responsibility  &  sustainable  development  in  Africa.  

As a foremost industry flagship event, it continues to attract the crème of Africa’s leading figures and decision makers in order to commence and sustain best practices on sustainable development in Africa.

MASSIVE DEFECTION OF BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS

The firepower of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) ground troops and joint Air operation during the Operation GAMA AIKI forced a massive defection of remnants of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT). 

Sustained offensive operations and blockage of logistics supply routes made the terrorists’ locations untenable; as a result, BHT and their families abandoned their locations and surrendered with their arms to the nearest locations of the ground forces in the operation areas.

The recent wave of mass defection took place in Sector 2 Area of Responsibility (AOR) Bagasola in Chad. A total of Two Hundred and Forty (240) BHT surrendered some of them with arms and ammunition. They are being profiled and camped in Bagasola. During his operational visit to Sector 2 AOR, the Commander MNJTF, Major General Lamidi Adeosun addressed the ex -BHT and their families. 

The Commander commended the leaders of the ex- BHT for their courage and taking the right decision to abandoned terrorism and insurgency for normal life. He assured them of safety and good care as long as they remain in the camps. He also urged them to encourage their colleagues in the bush to stop fighting and join them in the camps. 

“This peaceful disarming and profiling of the ex-BHT by the MNJTF 
forces, clearly demonstrated extent of professionalism and adherence to International Humanitarian Laws and Laws of Armed Conflict in combat operations” he added. The Commander MNJTF donated token cash for purchase of 2 cows and 10 bags of assorted food stuff for each of the 2 groups for the welfare and up keep of the ex-BHT and their families. 

This brings to the total number of surrendered BHT to MNJTF troops in sector 2 to Four Hundred and Six Four.

While addressing a team of International Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the camps, the Commander praised their commitment and sacrifice in discharging their humanitarian duties. He implored them to mobilise more resources and manpower, as more BHT are expected to defect and join their colleagues in the camps.

The ex-BHT re expected to receive trainings in different skills and small businesses as scheduled by government agencies and NGOs.

In another development, the Commander MNJTF made presentation of cash to representatives of officers and soldiers who were killed in Action (KIA) and Wounded in Action (WIA) during Operation GAMA AIKI. As part of encouragement and alleviation of 
suffering to the victims’ families and wounded personnel, the Headquarters, MNJTF made provisions of One Million CFA (1,000,000.00 cfa) only for each family of KIA and Five Hundred Thousand CFA (500,000.00 cfa) only for each WIA in the battle field.

During the presentations in sectors 2 Bagasola (Chad) and sector 4 Diffa (Niger), General Adeosun prayed for the souls of the departed colleagues for the supreme sacrifice they made in the service to humanity and praised the courage and bravery displayed by the 
WIA. He equally consoled the families of the KIA and prayed for quick recuperation of the WIA. In sector 2 Bagasola, Commander was accompanied during the visit to ex-BHT camps by the Coordinator/Chief of Staff of the Chadian Ground Forces and Red Barrettes, Major General Ismael Hour, Deputy Commander, MNJTF, Brigadier General Musa Muhammad 
Djour and Senior Prefect of Bagasola.

Indomie Treats Consumers Like No Other With Neighborhood Carnival

In continuation of its quest to celebrate its consumers like no other, popular household brand, Indomie noodles have commenced a special fiesta tagged "Neighborhood Carnival" . 

The carnival which is targeted at its consumers is a potpourri of various entertainment activities including dancing competition,football games,quiz,bouncing castle,among others. 

Aside children, adults were not left out of the fun as they also engage in games like draft, Opon Ayo,and they also went home with various branded gift items and lots of Indomie.

At the LSDPC Estate, Pen Cinema,Agege,Lagos last Saturday, the children were told to encourage their parents and guardians to participate in the on going Indomie Wrapper Redemption Promo. 

According to the event anchor, Dotun Taylor, consumers are expected to collect 20 various cartoon characters, such people should just visit the nearest redemption centre close to their base and collect 1 pack of Indomie,for free, 50 of such wrappers wins the consumer instant 100.000.00 (One hundred thousand naira) and 2 Packs of Indomie. 

The promo is for all and winners are to redeem their gifts upon presentation of either 20 or 50 different cartoon characters,as it is not a raffle draw.

Field officers of Indomie revealed that the "Neighborhood Carnival" will cut across various areas across Nigeria. 

HERITAGE BANK REELS OUT GLOBAL ASPIRATION TO STAKEHOLDERS

 

 Executive Director, Service Bank, Heritage Bank, Mr.  Niyi Adeseun; Director, Mr. Tony Madojemu; Director, Mr. Oladele Oyelola; Director, Mr. Adetola Adekoja, who represented the Chairman of Board, Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa OON and Executive Director, Lagos/South West & Corporate Banking, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, at the bank's first Investors Forum in Lagos...on Friday.

 

 

 

L-R:  Executive Director, Lagos/South West & Corporate Banking, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome; Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Jude Monye; Director, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe and  Executive Director, Abuja and North Bank, Mr. Ola Olabinjo, at the bank's first Investors Forum in Lagos...on Friday.

 Heritage Bank Plc indeed lived up to its slogan of being the ‘Timeless Wealth Partner’ to its investors and customers when recently it took them through a journey of all the transformation activities that have made the bank what it is since inception till date, ‘a single bigger and better financial institution’. 

Lawyers Protest Continued Detention of Dasuki, Others

... Ask US, UK, UN to call FG to order on abuse of rule of law

 

Constitutional lawyers and human rights activists from various parts of the country have staged a protest in Abuja against the continued detention of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and others in spite the court bails granted them.

 

They flayed the executive arm of the federal government for attempting to derail the rule of law and democracy with utter disregard to valid and lawful court decision.