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Dr. Adenike Enikuomehin, a medical consultant, has said that at least one person dies every six seconds of diabetes globally.

Noting that the situation is worrisome, Enikuomehin added that 700 people out of 1,500 admitted to the hospital recently have diabetes.

She spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at an event to make the 2018 World Diabetes Day, themed 'Diabetes and the Family'.

She revealed that Ondo State is recording an increase in the cases of diabetes as a result of the number of patients in the hospital. She stated that 3,500 out of 8,500 patients admitted at the teaching hospital since January this year till date are diabetic.

“When you admit 40 patients in our hospitals, almost 30 out of them are living with diabetes," said Enikuomehin, a Consultant Endocrinologist at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo.

"And this is more than two-thirds of admitted patients. This is worrisome and calls for attention and the support of all and sundry. The family has a major role to play in this aspect by giving the necessary support to all the people living with diabetes."

According to Enikuomehin, the main factors contributing to diabetes include high level of calorie intake, obesity rate and inducement of drugs.

Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, Ondo State Commissioner for Health, said diabetes has become a major global concern among the people. Adegbenro also observed that diabetes is so rampant that one in every five persons has the disease.

He, however, revealed that the state government has been doing much to create awareness to help nip the disease in the bud. He also advised people to shun self medication and avoid eating junk in order to have good health.

“Diabetes and hypertension are major diseases troubling the whole world and incidentally, two of them can go together in a person," he said. "We have a lot of specialists and facilities that can handle diabetes. However, people should stop eating junk and self medication."

Michael Ajayi, Secretary of the Diabetes Asociation of Nigeria in Ondo State, urged the people to always engage in regular checkup in order to know their status on time.

"It is better for people to know their diabetic status on time because it would help save money and time," he said.

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EXCLUSIVE: Mimiko Quits Presidential Race... Now To Snatch Senatorial Ticket From His Anointed

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko

Barring any last-minute change of mind, Olusegun Mimiko, the Former Governor of Ondo State, will jettison his ambition as the presidential candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

SaharaReporters learnt that Mimiko would, any moment from now, announce his ambition to contest as the candidate of ZLP for Ondo Central Senatorial District for the 2019 general election.

A source in the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) confirmed this to our correspondent, saying Mimiko made tha about-face after an inner caucus meeting of members of his "think tank".

"It's true, Iroko (Mimiko) is no longer vying for the presidential seat again because he has decided to change his mind by making u-turn after our meeting," said the source.

"He now prefers to contest for the Senate seat and would now be the candidate of our party for the Ondo Central Senatorial District."

Although, Gboye Adegbenro, the Commissioner for Works during the tenure of Mimiko, had also been gunning for same position under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

It was gathered that Adegbenro's name had already been enlisted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a candidate of Ondo Central Senatorial District.

A source told SaharaReporters via the phone that the sudden u-turn of Mimiko had also changed the political calculations in the camp of Adegbenro.

"This same Gboye Adegbenro who was the Commissioner for Works during Mimiko's government got his blessings to contest as candidate of the ZLP for this same Ondo Central Senatorial District.

"It is unfortunate that Iroko [Mimiko] cannot change his skin, just like a leopard. He has again dribbled us and we know what to do next."

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CSNAC Advises Senate To Back Off CBN's Negotiations With MTN

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), a coalition of more than 150 anti-corruption organisations, has called on the Senate "not to meddle in the ongoing negotiation between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and MTN Communications Limited".

A statement issued on Wednesday by Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of CSNAC, urged the lawmakers to focus on their duties and "operate within its legisative functions".

According to the statement, "CSNAC had on the 11th September, 2018 requested that the EFCC investigate the alleged illegal repatriation of export revenues by MTN Communications Limited and her collaborators".

Olanrewaju noted that the coalition's request for investigation "followed the Senate’s reported adoption of a resolution largely exonerating MTN of an alleged illegal repatriation of $14 billion out of the country".

The statement continued: "The Senate had, through a motion raised on the floor and subsequent investigations and public hearing, resolved on November 8, 2017 in favour of MTN and largely condemned the Central Bank of Nigeria and its officials directly connected with the transactions at the material point in time. Professional analysis by CBN of documents and submissions from the commercial banks and MTN affirmed infractions in the tune of over $10billion. Whereas, there has been pressure on the CBN, the Attorney General of the Federation and President Buhari, from within and outside the country to reverse the sanction, the latest attempt of the Senate to act within its constitutional mandate is suspect.

"CSNAC, whose primary mandate is the enthronement of transparency, accountability, probity and total commitment to the fight to eradicate corruption in Nigeria chose to approach the EFCC, a neutral party, with the said request with a view to ensuring that the matter is not swept under the carpet with the meddling of the Senate and certain Senators through an ill-intended resolution exonerating MTN.

"However, we are aware following a report in the Nation Newspaper dated 14th November, 2018 that the Senate is still questioning and seeking to play the role of a meddlesome interloper in the current negotiation progress between CBN and MTN on possible means of payment and possible legally permissible reduction of the original fine. The wild allegation of reduction to 10% is not enough justification for Senators, who originally gave a clean bill of health to MTN, to get a seat at the negotiation table.

"We therefore call on the Senate to operate within its legislative functions and desist from meddling in issues exclusively within the constitutional role of regulatory agencies. The Senate owe Nigerians unreserved apology for its initial report and declaration that seek to deprive the country of over $10billion. The current unsolicited and unwarranted intervention and role demanded by the Senate is not only unconstitutional, as the issue falls outside its constitutional powers as a legislative arm of government, it is immoral.

"We thus warn the Senate that Civil Society is keenly watching its role in the impasse and will not hesitate to take necessary actions under Nigerian laws to ensure that it does not thwart the effective implementation of laws by its meddlesome acts of compromise."

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The Origin And Current State Of International School Ibadan's Hijab Crisis

In a tense meeting that involved parents, teachers and the management of the International School, Ibadan, parents of the school have met to discuss the hijab issue that has led to students staying at home since Monday.

The meeting held on Tuesday at the International School, Ibadan's cafeteria, beginning from 12noon.

ISI is owned by the University of Ibadan and controlled by the Court of Governor, which consists of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University as the Chairman, the Principal of the school, the PTA Chairman, and a representative of the PTA.

The Meeting

The Chairman of the occasion, Barrister Kazeem Olaniyan, began by clearing the air, saying the school was not on lock down. Rather, he said, “the teachers only decided not to go to class until the resolution of the PTA meeting is passed".

After this, he opened the floor for the parents to react.

When a parent, Mrs Eniola Adeyemo, rose to speak, she questioned why hijab should be a choice. She enthused that if it should be a choice, “then other religious beliefs should be considered”.

This was quickly backed by a large number of the parents, majority of whom are Christians.

Just then, a lecturer of the university and a parent, Dr Ogunleye, rose to speak. He called for the reinstatment of the school’s dressing status quo.

“As much as there are many good things hijab wants to teach the girl child, other religions too have something good to teach the girl child,” he said, much to the nod of some parents. “That should be separated. The issue of hijab should not come in here. Let’s maintain the status quo."

In quick succession, Dr Eniola Badmus, also a parent, called for return to the status quo. "Separation on the basis of religion should stop," she said.

Another parent opined that when religious beliefs are to be considered in acquisition of education, then parents should strive to enroll their wards in Christian or Muslim schools.

This opinion was shared by a host of other parents.

In his turn to speak, Dr Taofeek Yekini, also parent and a lecturer, spoke in favour of the party calling for the use of hijab. In a twist of event, parents who belong to the anti-hijab party shouted him down.

“No. No. No,” they chorused. “Sit down. No. Sit down,” some said jointly.

“You can’t shout me down,” Mr Yekini stormed back. “I will say what I have to say.” He accused the audience of bias for the Christians as against the Muslims. Minutes later, the chorus went low; then he continued.

“When it is about issue of right, I’m the one that knows what my right is,” he began again. “It is about consensus, not about majority. I want us to be tolerant.”

Again, he received backlash from the parents seated.

Another parent, who identified himself as Prince Morohunfolu Adedoyin, said: “There are more salient issues we should face.

“Religion cannot be forced down the throat of ISI. No one in the world can anyone to that. The dose of dialogue should be adopted. The use of enforcement must stop with immediate effect.”

When another parent advised that the issue should be taken to court same way it has been done in other states, a huge round of murmur rent the air. “No. No. No. We don’t want,” they said. “Good luck to you,” he responded.

At the point Mr Abdurrahman Balogun, a signatory to the letter announcing the demand for the use hijab in the school, requested to speak for a longer time; his request was met by vehement rejection from a group of agitated parents.

The letter in question was written to the Principal of the school, Mrs Phebean Olowe, by the Muslim Parents’ Forum.

A parent blamed the separation that occurs in the school. The school is reported to split its students into Class A or B on the basis of religion. The parent called for an end to this.

“The issue of separation of Muslims and Christians should stop. It is as good as segregating the so-called children. When it is time for IRS and CRS, they can be splitted," he said. "My son is in JSS 1. I have a six-year contract with the school. If you want to change it, my six years must first be completed.”

Mrs Rasheedah spoke next. She stressed the fact if ISI is a secular school, there should be a stop to having fellowship in the school and transporting Muslim students to Jumat ground on Friday must stop.

Tayo Lamidi, another parent, took his turn to speak by explaining that the clamour for hijab is not forced on everyone. It is only for those who take it as a choice, he said.

Many more comments followed. In closing, the Chairman then informed the audience that the Governing Board would meet on Wednesday. There, he said, the resolution of the PTA meeting would be tabled. In the board rests the final decision on the issue.

The meeting ended 2:45pm.

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Expressing his dissatisfaction with the demand of the Muslim Parents’ Forum on allowance of hijab, a high Chief Priest of Ifa simply known as ‘Baba Awosanmi’ said religious expressions should be exhibited only at home and not to be mixed up with school education.

“When I heard it yesterday, I couldn’t even sleep," he said.

"I was like, what is happening? Why should religion be brought into school education? If you are good about religion, go back home and train your child about your religion.

“One of my children can chant Ifa in all the verses. They can chant Ifa but I brought them here for success; not for some religious crisis. Two years, Ifatunmise was putting on the traditional waist-bead; it was cut it off because the Principal and other authority said it was not permitted. Suddenly yesterday, I heard they should be wearing hijab, distracting the attention of who? The children. What is it about religion?”

On the other hand, a member of the Muslim Parents’ Forum, who asked not to be named, expressed that sentiments and religious bias should not come into play in handling the matter.

“They said this school belongs to a private entity, who are those private entities? he asked. “It should be stated clearly and simple. We should know."

She added: “Secondly, they are religiously biased. If they were not biased, why do they have separate classes for Muslims and Christians in the school? They are trying to discourage tolerance among the students in the school and this attitude will aggravate up. So that is what we are saying, we should try to harmonise the children and let them love one another.

“There are no families in this western part that do not have both Muslims and Christians. It is not possible. We should try to encourage love among ourselves and be objective in our dealings. If the children want to wear Hijab, tell them why they should not wear it. We should be objective. They are putting sentiments into this."

On perceived bias at the meeting, she said: "Wwhenever a Muslim tried to talk, the shouted him down. When the Chairman (Muslim Parents’ Forum) wanted to talk, they shut him up, then he left.”

Responding to an inquiry about security fears looming in the school during the crisis, the Chairman of the occasion explained that “this crisis is being fomented by a group of people, and a group of people must be saddled with the responsibility to resolve that crisis".

"I’m glad that I’m part of those who are being used by God to resolve the issue,” he said.

However, he called on Muslim parents to exercise patience and focus on fostering love and peace.

“I only want to implore my Muslim brothers and sisters to take things easy, there was no crisis before the mosque was built," he said.

"In the school presently, there is no church and there is a mosque. There was no crisis when our Muslim brothers and sisters and the entire school adopted the policy of closing the school at 1 pm on Fridays to allow our children to go to mosque.

“We didn’t need to shout to high heavens to get this. There was no crisis when the school provided special meal (Sawm) for our fasting children during Ramadan. When we wanted to introduce Arabic and Islamic Studies, there was no crisis; in fact, the Muslim Community, University of Ibadan paid the salary of the Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers for several years before they were adopted into the regular staff of the school.

“We didn’t they fight for all these things. Why hijab, which is not part of the five injunctions of Islam? We have the belief in Almighty Allah; Hajj, fast during month of Ramadan. We appeal to our aggrieved Muslim brothers and sisters to sheath their swords; they should keep their peace."

Genesis Of The Issue

On Monday, November 12, 2018, some parents converged on the car park of ISI to distribute hijabs to their wards; and while they were still present, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Phebean Olowe, directed that the assembly be cancelled and classrooms locked due to the unusual occurrence. She said it negates the section of the school’s constitution that guides dressing.

It was gathered that, three days earlier, on November 9, the Principal’s office received a letter from some parents under the aegis of International School Muslim Parents’ Forum informing her of the Forum’s resolution to allow their daughters commence the wearing of hijabs. The letter was signed by Mr Abdulrahman Balogun, Chairman, and Balikis Badiru, Secretary.

The Forum argued that Hijab wearing is a fundamental part of the Islam, it is permitted by the Nigerian constitution, and the school’s constitution is subject to the nation’s. They also opined that hijab does not affect other students.

The following day, aggrieved parents were summoned for a closed-door meeting with the Court of Governors headed by Professor Abideen Aderinto, the Vice Chancellor (Academics). At the meeting, they were advised against enforcing their resolution till the conclusion of their dialogue.

However, it was shocking that the forum decided to enforce their resolution on Monday. Professor Aderinto expressed shock at this development, saying: “The Muslim and Christian students have a place of worship in the school. Whoever desires to change the rules should go through the process.”

He stated that since the establishment of the school in 1963, she had not experienced any religious crisis. She also appealed to the forum to stop their actions and allow peace reign in the school.

Balogun, who spoke for the Muslim Parents’ Forum, expressed surprise that the school was shut because some girls wore hijabs. He argued that the use of hijab is now a global phenomenon and that some brilliant female students have refused to come to ISI because of the perceived ‘no hijab’ doctrine. He reiterated that the forum would continue their agitation until their daughters are allowed to wear hijabs.

The Parents’ Teachers’ Association (PTA) Chairman, Mr Kazeem Olaniyan, a Senior Lecturer in Faculty of Law, said at the PTA emergency meeting: "The association was uninformed of the enforcement of the Forum’s resolution.”

He reiterated the need for dialogue for any resolution to be passed, saying several actions were made to ease the practice of Islam by the management, without any crisis. Among them: the construction of a mosque, end of lectures by 1pm on Fridays, transportation to Jumaah, special meal during Ramadan and so on.

International School Ibadan (ISI) was established in 1963 and is a privately-owned property of the University of Ibadan. All decisions concerning its operations are governed by the Court of Governors.

Resolutions Of The Meeting

Concentration of the school, staff and students should be on how to improve the quality of education

The rules of the school should be enforced

Class allocation of students should not be done in a way to segregate the students

The school should stand firm on its principle

The school should restate the dress code and sample of a sown uniform in a newsletter and emphasize sanctions

That the authority should maintain status quo

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Group Petitions ICPC, Demands Oshiomhole's Sack For 'Corruption'

A group, the Coalition of New Nigeria (CNN), has submitted a petition to the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over allegations of corruption.

Stanley Onukwufor led the group during the protest, stating that they were at the ICPC headquarters to submit the petition against Oshiomhole, regarding his offences as the APC National Chairman.

In her response, spokesperson of the Commission, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, said the petition would get the necessary attention.

Okoduwa further encouraged the protesters to report any act of corruption and other related offences to the ICPC, either in writing or through mail addresses.

She also stressed that all petitions would be given due official attention.

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Lack Of Oxygen At Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta Results To Death Of Patient

A Nigerian identified as Emmanuel Okoli has died due to the unavailability of oxygen cylinders at the Federal Medical Centre at Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, SaharaReporters has learnt.

A relative, who spoke with our correspondent, revealed that the deceased was gasping for breath barely 24 hours after he was admitted at the hospital.

The family member lamented that the man died because there was no oxygen cylinder to keep him alive.

“The oxygen finished. The nurses noticed but they couldn’t do anything to save him," he said. "They said there was no oxygen on ground. He was gasping for air till he died."

Moved to tears by the death of Okoli, the family member lamented the deplorable state of government-owned health centres in the country.

“He still would have been alive but the Federal Medical Centre didn’t have enough oxygen to keep him alive. It’s almost a crime to be sick in this country," he said.

A nurse at the Federal Medical Centre admitted that Okoli died due to the fault of the hospital, noting that the hospital usually finds itself in such situations and staff on duty have had to resort to attending to patients, depending on how critical the medical situation is.

When SaharaReporters visited the Federal Medical Centre a day after the the incident that led to Okoli's death, one of the workers at the hospital affirmed that the hospital lacked the necessary facilities.

In a short interaction with a SaharaReporters correspondent who embarked on an undercover visit to the hospital, the nurse, pleaded with our correspondent to appeal to the government to provide needed facilities in the hospital.

“Help us talk to the Federal Government," she begged. "There should be a central oxygen source as we’re not supposed to be moving around with cylinder." Awful Admittance: Nurse Confirms People Die Due To Lack Of Oxygen Cylinder At Federal Medical Centre

"Is that how oxygen finishes around here?" SaharaReporters asked.

"Yes it finished," she said. "But I have checked; there’s really no emergency or whatever.

The nurse also confirmed the death of the patience, saying: "Yes, we lost a patient yesterday. The oxygen finished but once they check the oxygen circulation, if it’s not dropping or something (even if the worse comes to worst), when we look at the patient with the most critical condition, he/she gets the oxygen cylinder. Help us talk to the Federal Government. There should be a central oxygen source and we’re not supposed to be moving around with the cylinder. We're supposed to just have a tube and get oxygen from a central source."

Reminded that the patient could still have been alive was there oxygen, the nurse said: "God has written it [that he’ll die].

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ICPC Set To Arraign 'Sex-For-Marks' Former OAU Professor In Osogbo

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign a former lecturer of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Richard Iyiola Akindele, at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, for allegedly demanding sex from one of his students, Ms. Monica Osagie, in order to upgrade her academic result from fail to pass.

According to a statement by the anti-graft commission on Wednesday, Professor Akindele will be docked on Monday, November 19, 2018, on a three-count charge bothering on "using his position as a lecturer in the Department of Management and Accounting to demand for sexual benefit from a student and fraudulently upgrade her result in Research Method course which she supposedly failed in 2017".

His action is contrary to Sections 8 (1) (a) (ii), and 18 (d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and are punishable under the same sections.

One of the counts read: “That you, Professor Akindele, on or about the 16th day of September, 2017 at Ile-Ife did corruptly ask for sexual benefits for yourself from Ms. Monica Osagie on account of favour to be afterwards shown to her by you in the discharge of your official duties as a lecturer in the Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University, to wit; altering her academic grades in the course with code MBA 632- Research Method from fail to pass; and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 8(1)(a)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

The 57-year-old professor has asked for plea-bargain, having admitted guilt. He also cited ill-health as a factor that may make him unable to stand the rigours of prison life, notifying the Commission through his lawyer, Omotayo Alade-Fawole.

He pleaded that his prayers for plea-bargain be considered, more so as he was already serving punishment for his offence having been sacked by the university.

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JUST IN: Atiku Arrives In Enugu To Discuss Peter Obi With Ohaneze Ndigbo

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently in Enugu, capital of Enugu State, to perfect the acceptance of Peter Obi, his running mate, by south-east leaders.

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Enugu State, was one of four south-eastern governors who protested after Atiku named Obi his running mate in October, saying they were not consulted. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Willie Obiano of Anambra and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia are the other three governors who disagreed with Obi’s choice.

However, as reported by SaharaReporters, Atiku made it clear that replacing the former Anambra State Governor as his running mate was not an option at all. See Also Exclusive EXCLUSIVE: Replacing Peter Obi As Running Mate ‘Not An Option' For Atiku 0 Comments 1 Month Ago

SaharaReporters understands the matter has since been “resolved to a large extent” in the absence of Atiku, who travelled to the UK after clinching the PDP presidential primary ticket.

“Still he wants to make sure he takes nothing for granted,” one of his campaign team members told SaharaReporters on Wednesday.

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Atiku Offers Buhari's Team Free Crash Campaign Course For Two Weeks

The Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation has offered the spokesman of the Muhammadu Buhari campaign team a free two-week crash course on how to run an "issue-based campaign that is guided by civility and refined language".

A statement issued by Atiku's team on Wednesday said the offer was in the light of conflicting statements by the President's campaign office.

"Just last week, our attention was drawn to a statement by the All Progressives Congress falsely accusing the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party of attempting to smuggle in large sums of money into the nation for the purpose of funding his campaign," read the statement.

"In the said statement from November 5, 2018, the APC called for security agents to be on the watch to prevent the imaginary ‘illicit cash’ from entering Nigeria. Thus, we are surprised that the same APC which made that false allegation has made a 180-degree turn by releasing a new statement contradicting their earlier statement and alleging that the former Vice President is broke.

"In their statement, they contend that ‘Atiku Abubakar is at a crossroads on how to source funds for the 2019 electioneering campaign'. Our response is to urge the APC to make up its mind on which lie it wants to tell the Nigerian people and then stick to that lie. As a party in power, there ought to be more stability in the APC at least to give the public and the international community some assurance that the party is not imploding. No wonder there is a lot of policy flip flop under the APC administration!

"We know that the APC is desperate to distract attention from the recent indictment of Vice President Osinbajo by the House of Representatives for Grand corruption and the interrogation of their chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, by the Department of State Security on charges of collecting huge bribes to influence party primaries. Given the sordid state of things in the APC and its imminent implosion over money politics, we are not surprised that the APC is throwing wild allegations at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the hope that something will stick.

"Our advice to the APC is that they should send their spokesman to the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation for a two weeks crash course on how to run an issue-based campaign that is guided by civility and refined language.

"While the APC is throwing about baseless accusations, our candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is set to launch tangible policies that will Get Nigeria Working Again in the next week. Our campaign is focused on addressing the concerns and the welfare of Nigerians by Atikulating plans to move Nigerians out of poverty. It is obvious that the APC is badly in need of such tutoring. We also sympathize with Chairman Oshiomhole on his ordeal and assure him that if he is finding the APC too hot for him, he may want to throw in the towel and join the large number of APC chieftains who have washed their hands off the party and its hydra-headed problems."

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Sokoto Deputy Governor Resigns — So He Can Run For Governor Against Tambuwal

Ahmad Aliyu, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, has tendered his resignation.

Aliyu's resignation letter was read to the lawmakers at the state House of Assembly plenary session on Wednesday.

The letter, dated November 13, 2018, read: “With gratitude to Allah who granted me the opportunity to serve my state, I wish to humbly inform the Assembly of my resignation as deputy governor with effect from November 13, 2018.

“I, therefore, wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Assembly members and the entire people of Sokoto State for the support accorded me during my service.”

Meanwhile, Aliyu's emergence as the APC governorship candidate is expected to see him contest against the current Governor of the state, Aminu Tambuwal, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election.

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Sokoto Deputy Governor Resigns — So He Can Run For Governor Against Tambuwal

Ahmad Aliyu, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, has tendered his resignation.

Aliyu's resignation letter was read to the lawmakers at the state House of Assembly plenary session on Wednesday.

“I, therefore, wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Assembly members and the entire people of Sokoto State for the support accorded me during my service.”

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Sokoto Deputy Governor Resigns — So He Can Run For Governor Against Tambuwal

Ahmad Aliyu, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, has tendered his resignation.

Aliyu's resignation letter was read to the lawmakers at the state House of Assembly plenary session on Wednesday.

“I, therefore, wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Assembly members and the entire people of Sokoto State for the support accorded me during my service.”

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'Obasanjo, T.Y. Danjuma Should Be Barred From Entering US, UK Over Odi/Zaki-Biam Massacres'

A group, Policing Nigeria Awarenes Initiative (PNAI), has called on the United States of America and United Kingdom to restrict former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General T.Y. Danjuma, ex-Minister of Defence from entry into their countries as consequences for their alleged involvement in mass killings and detention of innocent Nigerians in Zaki Biam, Benue State and Odi area of Bayelsa during their administration.

The group made the call in a letter obtained by SaharaReporters, addressed to the US and UK embassies.

In the letter, signed by Egbe Akparakwu, Executive Director of PNAI, the group said Nigerians experienced "arbitrary detention and killing" under the Obasanjo administration, with Danjuma as Minister of Defence.

Akparakwu specifically noted that Richard Odunsanya, a former associate of Obasanjo, alleged that the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) was in charge of the killer squad that was formed under the military regime of late General Sani Abacha.

The letter read: "As a flashback, during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo in October 2001, the then Minister of Defence, T.Y. Danjuma, ordered the military invasion of a community in Benue State, where thousands of people were killed and burnt beyond recognition. These innocent persons, including women and children, no doubt share the same faith with TY Danjuma.

“In 1999, over 2,500 civilians were killed by the military under T.Y. Danjuma in Odi town in Bayelsa State. Odi is another predominant Christian community in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria with a less than 1 per cent of the people as Muslims.

“In addition, under Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria witnessed an unprecedented government-masterminded political killings. This much was confirmed by a close associate who worked closely with him.

“Among those who were politically murdered during Obasanjo's administration include, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige, and South-South politicians, Chief Harry Marshall, Chief A.K. Dikibo, a former Senatorial candidate of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP, in Imo State, Uche Orji, Arc Layi Balogun, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, Prof Chimere Ikoku, former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, in Anambra State, Chief Barnabas Igwe and his wife, Chief Victor Nwankwo of Fourth Dimension Publishers and Chief Funso Williams.

"All these Nigerians are people that share the same religious faith with both Obasanjo and T.Y. Danjuma yet were killed under circumstances that are quite familiar to the two men.

"It is also necessary for emphasis to be made that under Obasanjo’s civilian rule, the massacres at Odi in Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam in Benue State where women and children were slaughtered, there has been no accountability. No one has been charged for this mass murder of innocent people despite countless petitions so far submitted by various groups and organisations calling for justice.

“There was also a huge rise in harassment and intimidation of human rights activists under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. Arrests, torture and in some cases, systematic killings of youth activists in the Niger Delta were rife. The arbitrary detention and subsequent torture of Comrade Sunny Ofehe, member, Coalition for the Niger Delta Campaign (CNDC), and Mr. Oladeji Odukoya, a member of the Delta Youth Development Council (DYDC), is a clear testimony of the government use of force to silence its critics. Many of these have changed in recent times to pave way for a country where democratic principles are being entrenched.

“It is also our prayer that the duo of Olusegun Obasanjo and T.Y. Danjuma that have brought sorrow and tears to countless families be made to face the full wrath of the law.

"We implore your governments to raise these issues before the United Nations to serve as deterrent to other world leaders who abuse their office and those who might be preparing the new grounds for crimes against humanity.”

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Extraditing Diezani From The UK May Be Bad News — And Here Are Four Reasons Why

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources

The thrust of the message delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari in his speech at the Paris Peace Forum on Sunday was waging war against corruption, which has been one of the cornerstones of his administration.

In fact, he titled his presentation 'Illicit Financial Flows And Corruption: The Challenge Of Global Governance'. And he listed money laundering and transfer pricing mechanisms as some of the means of moving illicit finances. He sought the cooperation of the international community in the war against corruption in Nigeria.

However, no sooner had he made the statement on the global stage than the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Ibrahim Magu announced the commission’s decision to extradite Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Petroleum Minister and first female President of organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC) from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.

While, on the surface, it looks commendable to bring the former minister to this country to face the full wrath of the law, there are still some reasons her extradition may not satisfy the end for which it is intended.

The Same Crime, Different Treatments

While the Buhari-led administration has reiterated its determination to fight corruption to the point of triteness, it is still cheering news for some people when the president announces, afresh, his resolve to sanitize the country by fighting corruption. It becomes the talk of the town especially when names are mentioned concerning the crimes committed. However, it will not be uncharitable with the ample and palpable evidence on the ground to say the Buhari administration has been found wanting in his administering of justice. The administration is like a big daddy that wields a carrot and a stick at the same time, giving which it deems fit depending on the political affiliation of supposed criminal under investigation.

A kid-glove treatment is given to you if you become a member of the political camp of the president. Once you belong to a party other than his, the kid gloves are taken off to be replaced with red-hot iron fists. We should not forget how, among others, the travails of Musiliu Obanikoro, former senator, High Commissioner, and Minister of State for Defence, travails turned to triumph once he defected to the All Progressives’ Congress(APC) the president ’s political party. This happened despite his involvement in the mismanagement of the same money meant for arms procurement for which Sambo Dasuki is cooling his feet in prison and Fayose, Obanikoro’s accomplice, is embroiled in legal battle. Isn't it a no-brainer that all the charges against Diezani will be dropped should she find her way to the ruling party post-extradition?

Our Dysfunctional System

It is common knowledge that we operate a pathetically dysfunctional government in this part of the world. We have weak institutions and strong individuals who exploit our institutional weaknesses to their benefits. Diezaini may be an ordinary person in the United Kingdom but once she sets foot in the country she sloughs off the status of ordinariness and dons that of a special citizen. The truth is — despite not being in the corridors of power again — Diezani belongs to the class of strong individuals with the clout to use our weak institutions to their favour. She has what it takes to pervert the course of justice.

Malami Is Not Different From Michael

We should not forget the role played by Mr Michael Kaase Aondoaka, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, to shield James Ibori, former Delta State Governor, from prosecution despite convincing dossiers of shady dealings brought against him during Yar'Adua’s administration. The current chief law officer of the country, Abubakar Malami, did not fare any better in the way he handled Abdulrasheed Maina’s case. Like Michael, Like Malami. Is this the man that will lead the prosecution against the financial firepower called Diezani or do we think the financial strength of the woman has been completely depleted? The justice system of the western world is not fool-proof, too; after all, the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Bayelsa governor, jumped bail and escaped the long arm of justice from the United States of America. However, for every Alamiesiegha that escaped, there is an Ibori made to face the full wrath of the law.

Our Partisan EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission as it is now is not an independent body. The response of the EFCC Chairman on the bribery allegations against the Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje, in a recent interview, speaks volumes of the where the loyalty of the Chairman lies. Consequently, despite his desperation to get the former minister of petroleum extradited, the charges against her will be dropped once she plays her card very well and ‘the power that be’ instruct Magu to let her be.

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Extraditing Diezani From The UK May Be Bad News — And Here Are Four Reasons Why

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources

The Same Crime, Different Treatments

Our Dysfunctional System

Malami Is Not Different From Michael

Our Partisan EFCC

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ASUU Wants Govt Funding But Doesn't Want To Be Accountable, Says Babalakin

Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of the negotiating team with the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, has opened up on the ongoing industrial action of public universities

Speaking as the chair of the Federal Government negotiating team, Babalakin said one of the reasons for the ongoing strike is the refusal of the lecturers to be held accountable for funds released for the development of the education sector.

“There should be no compromise about funding education. The lecturers believe N2 trillion must be spent, but where does it come from? And for every amount of money invested in education, there must be a way of measuring the effect," he said.

“In 1974/75, the University College Hospital in Ibadan was the fifth rated in the Commonwealth. So if we decide to put money into UCH, we must sit down with the leadership for Key Performance Indicators. But ASUU says no; that it is the neoliberal tendencies of Babalakin. The kind of funding we are talking about is not a bonanza. But what ASUU wants is a bonanza.”

Babalakin denied the allegation that the negotiating team had recommended a tuition of between N350,000 and N500,000 for university students, stating that "the Committee has not recommended school fees".

"We don’t have a mandate to impose school fees. As of date, we have not mentioned the issue of school fees. It is just a figment of the imagination of those who said it," he said.

"Everything we agreed on was jointly signed. The reform of the education sector must start now. Nigeria must have a sound education system. Nigeria must have a well-funded education system.”

On the issue of indigent students, Babalakin said the committee recommended the establishment of a students loan scheme and Education Bank, noting that students could obtain loans from any of the two and pay back after graduation with low interest rate.

“No Nigerian should be deprived of sound education because of his circumstances. All students must stay on campus and this must be affordable. The travails of students must stop," he said.

He also denied claims he was planning to establish a private university, which ASUU identified as the reason why he was frustrating negotiations with the lecturers.

“I have an idea of what it takes to fund a university, but I can’t afford it," Babalakin said. "I have no plans to start a private university as at now.”

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103 Nigerians Stranded In Libya Return To Lagos With 13 Infants

Less than two weeks after 141 Nigerians were repatriated from Libya, another 116 citizens of the country were returned from the war-torn North African country early on Wednesday.

The latest batch of returnees was received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The stranded Nigerians were assisted back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in a chartered flight Al Buraq Airlines with flight number UZ 489.

The aircraft that brought the returnees landed at 12:40am and disembarked the repatriated at the cargo area of the Lagos Airport.

Commenting on the returnees, Mr. Segun Afolayan, the Acting Coordinator, NEMA South West Zone, said that the returnees comprised 53 females and 63 males.

Among them were 46 adult females, two female children and five female infants with 56 male adults, six male children and eight male infants.

Afolayan advised the returnees to discourage other prospective illegal migrants from engaging in the act, especially with the danger inherent in such adventure.

Afolayan stated that migration is a fundamental right of every human being, but when a man embarks on irregular journey, violating the laws of other nations by not following the regular means of migration, the country of destination may apply the nation's laws to handle such.

To end such irregular migration, the Acting Zonal Coordinator urged other Nigerians who wish to migrate to foreign countries to visit the Migrant Resource Centre opened by IOM in conjunction with the Federal Government.

"The centres are opened to all Nigerians who wish to travel outside the country. They can access detailed information on their intended country of destination," he said.

"Such information as the types of employment and educational opportunities, counselling on the right and safe routes to travel, the security level of the expected country as well as skill acquisition to whoever approach any of the centres in the country.

"These centres are created to stem the gaps of inadequate information that many Returnees have been complaining about."

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EFCC Intercepts N211million Gold Being Illegally Moved From Lagos To Dubai

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have intercepted gold worth about N211 million being illegally transported through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos State.

EFCC Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Tony Orilade, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

NAN quoted Orilade as saying the consignment was en route to Dubai.

He said “following intelligence reports, the operatves on November 9, 2018, uncovered the gold weighing about 35kg just at the point of departure of a suspect currently in the EFCC’s custody”.

He said that investigations were currently ongoing to unravel the accomplice behind the illegal movement of the item.

“Meanwhile, the suspect is cooperating with operatives," Orilade added.

“It will be recalled that the EFCC, also in March 2017, intercepted bags containing a total of N49 million cash being illegally transported out of the country through the Kaduna International Airport."

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