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The mayor of the Mexican border city of Tijuana declares a humanitarian crisis as migrants gather.

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The man wanted the French president to meet protesters demonstrating against rising fuel prices.

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A Japanese grandmother is learning English to help visitors during the 2020 Olympics.

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A selection of the best news photographs from around the world, taken over the past week.

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A right-wing proposal calls for Swiss law to override international law and treaties.

The Nigerian Senate has been criticised for adjourning its plenary to Tuesday, November 27, 2018, over the recent attack on soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists.

The Senate had suspended its plenary on Thursday in honour of the 44 soldiers said to have been murdered by Boko Haram. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Senate Suspends Plenary In Honour Of 44 Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

A statement on Friday by the Middle Belt Conscience Guards (MBCGs) frowned at the decision of the Senate to adjourn its plenary, noting that the action is "hypocritical and the height of eye service".

The group said it s most unfortunate that the Senate took the decision without verifying the claim.

Paul Itodo and Prince Adamu Enero, Chairman and Secretary of the MDCGs, who signed the statement accused the Senate of refusing to extend legislative support and encouragement in the war against Boko Haram terrorism and other insecurity challenges in the nation.

The statement read: "In spite of the sensitive nature of the two matters, the Senate indulged in political games by shutting down the chambers for a meaningless long break. This is legislative brigandage.

“To now understand that the same Senate which never deemed it imperative to deliberate and approve President Buhari’s anticipatory approval of $496 million drawn from the Excess Crude Account  for the purchase of Tucano fighter jets to battle Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, suddenly appears very concerned that soldiers were killed by terrorists to the extent of adjourning plenary?

“We consider this action absurd; a loud display of legislative hypocrisy and blackmail of the executive arm of government. A Parliament which had inexplicable difficulties endorsing presidential anticipatory approval for the procurement of arms and ammunitions to fight insurgency, has suddenly become very empathic that our soldiers died in the process of battling terrorists. Is the Senate mocking itself?

“In the past three years, the Sen. Saraki-led Senate has never found it necessary to increase defence budgets in the Appropriation Act laid before the National Assembly. While they casually up figures for National Assembly expenditure, the parliamentarians rather slash down defence budgets."

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The Nigerian Senate has been criticised for adjourning its plenary to Tuesday, November 27, 2018, over the recent attack on soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists.

The Senate had suspended its plenary on Thursday in honour of the 44 soldiers said to have been murdered by Boko Haram. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Senate Suspends Plenary In Honour Of 44 Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

A statement on Friday by the Middle Belt Conscience Guards (MBCGs) frowned at the decision of the Senate to adjourn its plenary, noting that the action is "hypocritical and the height of eye service".

The group said it s most unfortunate that the Senate took the decision without verifying the claim.

Paul Itodo and Prince Adamu Enero, Chairman and Secretary of the MDCGs, who signed the statement accused the Senate of refusing to extend legislative support and encouragement in the war against Boko Haram terrorism and other insecurity challenges in the nation.

The statement read: "In spite of the sensitive nature of the two matters, the Senate indulged in political games by shutting down the chambers for a meaningless long break. This is legislative brigandage.

“To now understand that the same Senate which never deemed it imperative to deliberate and approve President Buhari’s anticipatory approval of $496 million drawn from the Excess Crude Account  for the purchase of Tucano fighter jets to battle Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, suddenly appears very concerned that soldiers were killed by terrorists to the extent of adjourning plenary?

“We consider this action absurd; a loud display of legislative hypocrisy and blackmail of the executive arm of government. A Parliament which had inexplicable difficulties endorsing presidential anticipatory approval for the procurement of arms and ammunitions to fight insurgency, has suddenly become very empathic that our soldiers died in the process of battling terrorists. Is the Senate mocking itself?

“In the past three years, the Sen. Saraki-led Senate has never found it necessary to increase defence budgets in the Appropriation Act laid before the National Assembly. While they casually up figures for National Assembly expenditure, the parliamentarians rather slash down defence budgets."

Boko Haram Insurgency Military Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2AlKUxc

The Nigerian Senate has been criticised for adjourning its plenary to Tuesday, November 27, 2018, over the recent attack on soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists.

The Senate had suspended its plenary on Thursday in honour of the 44 soldiers said to have been murdered by Boko Haram. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Senate Suspends Plenary In Honour Of 44 Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

A statement on Friday by the Middle Belt Conscience Guards (MBCGs) frowned at the decision of the Senate to adjourn its plenary, noting that the action is "hypocritical and the height of eye service".

The group said it s most unfortunate that the Senate took the decision without verifying the claim.

Paul Itodo and Prince Adamu Enero, Chairman and Secretary of the MDCGs, who signed the statement accused the Senate of refusing to extend legislative support and encouragement in the war against Boko Haram terrorism and other insecurity challenges in the nation.

The statement read: "In spite of the sensitive nature of the two matters, the Senate indulged in political games by shutting down the chambers for a meaningless long break. This is legislative brigandage.

“To now understand that the same Senate which never deemed it imperative to deliberate and approve President Buhari’s anticipatory approval of $496 million drawn from the Excess Crude Account  for the purchase of Tucano fighter jets to battle Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, suddenly appears very concerned that soldiers were killed by terrorists to the extent of adjourning plenary?

“We consider this action absurd; a loud display of legislative hypocrisy and blackmail of the executive arm of government. A Parliament which had inexplicable difficulties endorsing presidential anticipatory approval for the procurement of arms and ammunitions to fight insurgency, has suddenly become very empathic that our soldiers died in the process of battling terrorists. Is the Senate mocking itself?

“In the past three years, the Sen. Saraki-led Senate has never found it necessary to increase defence budgets in the Appropriation Act laid before the National Assembly. While they casually up figures for National Assembly expenditure, the parliamentarians rather slash down defence budgets."

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What is at stake at the EU summit on Brexit this Sunday? The BBC's Rob Watson looks at the issues.

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Drug-related deaths are surging in India's prosperous Punjab state. What's behind it?

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Nigerian seven-year-old Moyinoluwa Oluwaseun is making her name as a photographer.

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This California artist's work has been displayed all over the world. But she is unlike most other artists in two respects.

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Indonesian teen tells his story of survival after being lost at sea for 49 days

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The idea that all tribes are "nasty and brutish" is wrong, anthropologists say. Here's why.

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The issue is among 10 voters are being asked to decide on - including one which has angered China.

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A year-long BBC investigation has discovered widespread abuse of Thai nationals living and working in Israel.

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The Supreme Court is being asked to "immediately" review legal challenges to the policy this term.

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Most vacancies left by departing Cuban doctors have now been filled, Brazil's health ministry says.

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will deal with anybody caught red-handed stealing public funds, regardless of the person’s ethnicity or religion.

The President said this in Abuja on Friday when he received an All Progressives Congress (APC) delegation from Benue State, led by Senator George Akume.

He also said leaders who undermine the economy by denying workers their benefits while stuffing personal accounts with public funds will not escape the current anti-corruption dragnet.

According to a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari said the Federal Government's bailout to states and Paris Club funds were basically to alleviate the sufferings of the people, describing misappropriations as unjust and unfair to workers.

“I honestly don’t know how people sleep when workers have not been paid. The workers have to pay rent, buy food, send their children to school and they have healthcare to take care of,” the President was quoted as saying.

“I assure you that my main interest is all Nigerians in all parts of the country. Therefore, if anybody who tries to create any impression that I prefer any group across ethnicity or religion let him dare me by being caught red handed stealing public funds. I will deal with him," he said.

He told the APC delegation that the Federal Executive Council had been monitoring the plight of workers across the country and the utilisation of the bailout and Paris Club funds by some states.

“I thank you for your courage to come and see me. This visit has resuscitated our morale,” he said, adding that his government had made significant progress in diversifying the economy by investing in agriculture and encouraging more individuals and entrepreneurs to go into farming.

“We are proud of what we have achieved with resources at our disposal,” he said, listing ongoing road, rail, sea port, airport and power projects as hallmarks of his administration’s commitment to improving lives.

He noted that the killings across the country, including in Benue, Zamfara and Taraba, were carried out by “ungodly’’ people who had no religious or ethnic inclinations.

“We know about herders. The ones we knew carried sticks, and sometimes cutlasses to cut foliage for their cattle. We now have people who carry AK 47s and pretend they are herdsmen,” he said.

“We are working hard to secure our borders. We are going to see how the old cattle routes can be opened. We will control movement. Please beg our people to be patient.”

Corruption News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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President Muhammadu Buhari says he will deal with anybody caught red-handed stealing public funds, regardless of the person’s ethnicity or religion.

The President said this in Abuja on Friday when he received an All Progressives Congress (APC) delegation from Benue State, led by Senator George Akume.

He also said leaders who undermine the economy by denying workers their benefits while stuffing personal accounts with public funds will not escape the current anti-corruption dragnet.

According to a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari said the Federal Government's bailout to states and Paris Club funds were basically to alleviate the sufferings of the people, describing misappropriations as unjust and unfair to workers.

“I honestly don’t know how people sleep when workers have not been paid. The workers have to pay rent, buy food, send their children to school and they have healthcare to take care of,” the President was quoted as saying.

“I assure you that my main interest is all Nigerians in all parts of the country. Therefore, if anybody who tries to create any impression that I prefer any group across ethnicity or religion let him dare me by being caught red handed stealing public funds. I will deal with him," he said.

He told the APC delegation that the Federal Executive Council had been monitoring the plight of workers across the country and the utilisation of the bailout and Paris Club funds by some states.

“I thank you for your courage to come and see me. This visit has resuscitated our morale,” he said, adding that his government had made significant progress in diversifying the economy by investing in agriculture and encouraging more individuals and entrepreneurs to go into farming.

“We are proud of what we have achieved with resources at our disposal,” he said, listing ongoing road, rail, sea port, airport and power projects as hallmarks of his administration’s commitment to improving lives.

He noted that the killings across the country, including in Benue, Zamfara and Taraba, were carried out by “ungodly’’ people who had no religious or ethnic inclinations.

“We know about herders. The ones we knew carried sticks, and sometimes cutlasses to cut foliage for their cattle. We now have people who carry AK 47s and pretend they are herdsmen,” he said.

“We are working hard to secure our borders. We are going to see how the old cattle routes can be opened. We will control movement. Please beg our people to be patient.”

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Ikoyi Passport Office of the Nigeria Immigration service (NIS) has recorded production of at least 72,000 passports in the last six months, while an average collection rate within the period stood at 68,000.

It was also gathered that the office had to work night shifts to meet up with the large volume of passport booklet demands by applicants.

The production of 72,000 was significant, following the earlier half of the year when there were complaints of lack of passport booklets to cater to teeming applicants who trooped to the office.

It was also learnt that some of the major changes that eased issuance of passports at the Ikoyi passport office, with regards processes and procedures, came as a result of the Comptroller General  of  Immigration, Mahammad Babandede's drive to make the acquisition of the passport less tedious and remove any form of cash transaction that may lead to giving gratification to officers.

A source close to the service told our correspondent in Lagos that the new management team at the Ikoyi office had come in May and met a lot of files, some since March, which were unattended to.

The source added: "Then, Ikoyi passport office had three months hanging and as we had this three months hanging, we continued to develop more files because the processes of passport issuance had not stopped.

"As we were having March, we were developing another data bank of June and July and if we started clearing March, we were keeping June, July and so that was a challenge we needed to address.

"We went straight to service headquarters, told them our findings, which we met on ground and requested they supplied us with booklets that would be able to cater to this backlog. Fortunately, our CG instructed and the booklets were provided and that addressed an aspect of the problem."

On how the team was able to produce passports for the backlog of applicants as well as those currently seeking application to renew or acquire the passport, our source explained the  process of having to produce it at night to avoid distractions.

According to the source, the production department of the service had to work through the night to meet demands, which he said further increased production and delivery.

The source hinted that at least 2,000 booklets were produced every night to meet demand and clear backlogs.

He added that despite the mass production and huge demands that followed, the control mechanisms put in place prevented chaos at the service.

"So we needed to strategise. We linked up with the service headquarters to increase the point for the collection," he explained.

"Before then, we only had a collection point; we developed an open one here, a VIP, near the Passport Controllers office so we can bring applicants there.

"Subsequently, another was opened at the back, so we took the elders and children to the back, and the VIP and the youth to the general collection area. So the decentralisation reduced the crowd to a manageable number."

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Ikoyi Passport Office of the Nigeria Immigration service (NIS) has recorded production of at least 72,000 passports in the last six months, while an average collection rate within the period stood at 68,000.

It was also gathered that the office had to work night shifts to meet up with the large volume of passport booklet demands by applicants.

The production of 72,000 was significant, following the earlier half of the year when there were complaints of lack of passport booklets to cater to teeming applicants who trooped to the office.

It was also learnt that some of the major changes that eased issuance of passports at the Ikoyi passport office, with regards processes and procedures, came as a result of the Comptroller General  of  Immigration, Mahammad Babandede's drive to make the acquisition of the passport less tedious and remove any form of cash transaction that may lead to giving gratification to officers.

A source close to the service told our correspondent in Lagos that the new management team at the Ikoyi office had come in May and met a lot of files, some since March, which were unattended to.

The source added: "Then, Ikoyi passport office had three months hanging and as we had this three months hanging, we continued to develop more files because the processes of passport issuance had not stopped.

"As we were having March, we were developing another data bank of June and July and if we started clearing March, we were keeping June, July and so that was a challenge we needed to address.

"We went straight to service headquarters, told them our findings, which we met on ground and requested they supplied us with booklets that would be able to cater to this backlog. Fortunately, our CG instructed and the booklets were provided and that addressed an aspect of the problem."

On how the team was able to produce passports for the backlog of applicants as well as those currently seeking application to renew or acquire the passport, our source explained the  process of having to produce it at night to avoid distractions.

According to the source, the production department of the service had to work through the night to meet demands, which he said further increased production and delivery.

The source hinted that at least 2,000 booklets were produced every night to meet demand and clear backlogs.

He added that despite the mass production and huge demands that followed, the control mechanisms put in place prevented chaos at the service.

"So we needed to strategise. We linked up with the service headquarters to increase the point for the collection," he explained.

"Before then, we only had a collection point; we developed an open one here, a VIP, near the Passport Controllers office so we can bring applicants there.

"Subsequently, another was opened at the back, so we took the elders and children to the back, and the VIP and the youth to the general collection area. So the decentralisation reduced the crowd to a manageable number."

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"When I die, I'm gonna be by myself and so people who criticise you, people who judge you, people who tell you how they think you should live your life, what you should eat, what you should not eat, it made me realise that truly it's not like they don’t love you, but in the end who are you living your life for? Because when you die, you are truly going to be by yourself.”

The above were the words of Oluwatosin Bucknor, popularly known as Tosyn Bucknor, when she sat down with Chude JIdenwo on his programme, The Daily Vulnerable.

Unfortunately, the 'Voice of Lagos', as she was also referred to, went silent on November 20, when Nigerians woke up to the news to that their number one radio Queen had died from complications due to sickle cell.

"My darling sister and besto Tosyn passed away last night due to complications from sickle cell,” Funke Bucknor wrote in an Instagram post, confirming the news of her sister's death.

The moment the news of her death found its way to the internet, everyone who knew her either through her radio show, acting, movies or words had something to say. The world mourned. Beyond the sad news that death took her, Tosyn used her life to bless everyone she came in touch with one way or the other.

From musicians, to media personalities, politicians, among others, tributes have continued to pour in for the late media personality.

Who was Tosyn?

Although Tosyn's was not a frequent face on television, just her voice was enough to build a major audience.

Tosyn was born in a taxi cab. Born on the 15th day of August, 1981 to the family of Nigerian musician and journalist, Mr and Mrs Segun Bucknor, Tosyn began her education at Fountain Nursery and Primary School, from where she went to Queens’ College, a school in the suburbs of Lagos known for developing students' creativity.

After completing her secondary school education, she gained admission into the University of Lagos where she studied Law. As expected of every Law graduate in Nigeria, upon completing her university education, she went to the Nigeria Law School, Lagos. She did her mandatory one-year service to the nation in Port Harcourt, where she taught English and Literature-In-English at Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ School, Elelenwo.

Journey into Broadcast Journalism, Music, Acting and Writing

“Area!”

Once Lagosians heard that voice, they knew it was that time of the day when the Voice of Lagos, Tosyn was on air.

Her journey into radio started with Nigerian comedian Tee-A on Eko 89.7 FM, after which she interned with Cool 96.9 FM and hosted her show, tagged 'Fun Hour', on Saturdays. From Cool FM, she joined Top Radio 90.9 FM, where she worked for seven years before she left to join Inspiration FM in February 2018.

Tosyn was also a great singer, and she had an album to show for it. Her album 'Pop, Rock, Soul and Jara' offers a mix of different blends of sounds. As an artiste, she performed with the name 'Con.tra.diction'.

She worked with artistes suh as Skales, Rooftop MCs and Eva, as well as producers like Sess, Tintin, Coldflames, DJ Klem, Knighthouse, Micworx and Cobhams. In a bid to give back to the music society, she started ONE MIC NAIJA, a platform for up-and-coming acts to showcase their talents.

Tosyn was a versatile writer who wrote for The Guardian, Amstel Malta Box Office, Gulder Ultimate Search Season 3, Nigeria’s Got Talent season 1, among others.

As a screen diva, she appeared in the popular MNET soap opera, 'Tinsel', as well as 'Now We Are Married' and 'Dazzling Mirage', among others. Aside these, she was also an event host.

Sickle Cell, But Not Sick

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a "major genetic disease that affects most countries in the African region. In sickle cell disease, the normal round shape of red blood cells become like crescent moons. Round red blood cells can move easily through the blood vessels but sickled shaped cells interconnect and can result in blood clots".

Despite being affected by Sickle Cell Disease, Tosyn beat the odds and was an amazing bundle of energy. In other to give hope to people like her, she started a sickle cell project, 'Tase Genes' which was focused on advocating for people with the disease.

Death

On November 19, 2018, Tosyn was found dead by her husband in their Lagos home. And so the phyisical journey of the beautiful Tosyn came to an end.

Like a Queen, wherever Tosyn is, she'd pride herself in having lived life to its fullest. With her life, she brought light to the world; by her death, she has made an inspiring mark on the sands of time.

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Aggrieved lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly have restated their position on the embattled Speaker, Honourable Bamidele David Oloyeloogun, and his deputy, Honourable Ogundeji Iroju.

According to the lawmakers, the impeachment of the speaker and the deputy stands.

The lawmakers disclosed this to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, during a meeting to resolve the impasse rocking the Assembly.

SaharaReporters exclusively learnt that Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, was aware of the meeting, initated by Fayemi to address the situation in the bid to foster unity ahead of the 2019 general election.

A press statement by Olugbenga Araoyinbo, Majority Leader of the Assembly, at the end of the meeting noted that the lawmakers would only resume to the House if the two impeached principals stop presiding over the parliament.

Araoyinbo confirmed that two of the lawmakers, who had earlier denied signing the impeachment notice of the Speaker and his Deputy, admitted their involvement in the process.

The statement read: "We wish to place it on record that following the Vice-President's and Governor Fayemi's intervention, we have decided to return to parliament and have a final resolution to the issues. At no time did we agree that Rt Hon Oleyeloogun and Rt Hon Iroju Ogundeji will continue to preside as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

"It is instructive that the duo of Olajide and Oluyede, who had earlier claimed that their signatures were forged, admitted that the signatures on the impeachment notice were theirs. Needless to say, we shall approach a court of law for appropriate redress for defamation of our character.

"At the meeting with Governor Fayemi yesterday, we canvassed many positions, all of which seemed abhorrent to our Governor Akeredolu. We suggested that being clear that the erstwhile Speaker and Deputy Speaker had lost the confidence of the majority of members, it is morally indefensible for them to remain in office and we, therefore, suggested that they be given a chance to resign honorably in the interest of the state."

Araoyinbo said the options put forward during the meeting was that a new leadership be elected by the House, but noted that Akeredolu was against the idea. He, however, said the governor agreed that all proceedings taken by the duo of Oleyeloogun and Iroju since the day they were impeached remain null and void.

"Again, and contrary to all democratic ethos, ethics and practice, we suggested that the governor should nominate from amongst us a new leadership with whom he can be comfortable as most of us had expressed our unwillingness to be led by the duo. Yet again, he refused.

"We suggested that the entire House be dissolved and we be given a chance to vote in our new leaders since only 13 members had sat to elect the duo ab initio. This was also rejected by the Governor.

"The Governor, however, did say that every action taken by the impeached leadership since the beginning of this impasse must of necessity be deemed null and void. He opined that there was no clime where the minority would be competent or empowered to 'discipline' the majority. And of course, all bills passed into law as well as all their resolutions will ipso dixit suffer the same fate.

"We further reminded Mr Governor that as per procedure and conventions of the House from which the embattled duo had benefited and which he had ratified in the past, the duo had been properly impeached and the onus lies on them to go and prove the contrary in a court of law."

The Governor was said to have assured the lawmakers of the safety of their lives and properties if they resumed at the House of Assembly,.

The statement continued: "However, as earlier mentioned, we agreed to return to Parliament to seek ways in which we can have a final resolution in a Parliamentary meeting to be headed by the Majority Leader, Hon Araoyinbo Olugbenga Joseph. The Governor did agree that we could ensure and compel their resignation. He gave assurance that Idajo and his thugs will be withdrawn from the House and the security of all members will be guaranteed, although he was silent on the criminal nature of the first invasion of the State Assembly by Idajo and his 'army'.

"It is with a rude shock that we heard of the hard line stance maintained by the Oleyelogun-led faction at their illegal sitting of 22nd November, 2018 and their reiteration of their claim to have suspended some of us earlier on. This to us further underlines our conviction that they are not men of honour and integrity and are therefore not capable of leading the House.

"We wish to state that we are committed to the ideals of democracy and are committed to ensuring that the great people of Ondo State are not shortchanged in their just desire and expectation for the good things of life.

"We, however, maintain that the impeachment of Friday 9th November, 2018 was duly and properly carried out, as even their criers of forgery have been caught in their lies. The onus lies on those who maintain to the contrary to approach the courts of law."

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Aggrieved lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly have restated their position on the embattled Speaker, Honourable Bamidele David Oloyeloogun, and his deputy, Honourable Ogundeji Iroju.

According to the lawmakers, the impeachment of the speaker and the deputy stands.

The lawmakers disclosed this to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, during a meeting to resolve the impasse rocking the Assembly.

SaharaReporters exclusively learnt that Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, was aware of the meeting, initated by Fayemi to address the situation in the bid to foster unity ahead of the 2019 general election.

A press statement by Olugbenga Araoyinbo, Majority Leader of the Assembly, at the end of the meeting noted that the lawmakers would only resume to the House if the two impeached principals stop presiding over the parliament.

Araoyinbo confirmed that two of the lawmakers, who had earlier denied signing the impeachment notice of the Speaker and his Deputy, admitted their involvement in the process.

The statement read: "We wish to place it on record that following the Vice-President's and Governor Fayemi's intervention, we have decided to return to parliament and have a final resolution to the issues. At no time did we agree that Rt Hon Oleyeloogun and Rt Hon Iroju Ogundeji will continue to preside as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

"It is instructive that the duo of Olajide and Oluyede, who had earlier claimed that their signatures were forged, admitted that the signatures on the impeachment notice were theirs. Needless to say, we shall approach a court of law for appropriate redress for defamation of our character.

"At the meeting with Governor Fayemi yesterday, we canvassed many positions, all of which seemed abhorrent to our Governor Akeredolu. We suggested that being clear that the erstwhile Speaker and Deputy Speaker had lost the confidence of the majority of members, it is morally indefensible for them to remain in office and we, therefore, suggested that they be given a chance to resign honorably in the interest of the state."

Araoyinbo said the options put forward during the meeting was that a new leadership be elected by the House, but noted that Akeredolu was against the idea. He, however, said the governor agreed that all proceedings taken by the duo of Oleyeloogun and Iroju since the day they were impeached remain null and void.

"Again, and contrary to all democratic ethos, ethics and practice, we suggested that the governor should nominate from amongst us a new leadership with whom he can be comfortable as most of us had expressed our unwillingness to be led by the duo. Yet again, he refused.

"We suggested that the entire House be dissolved and we be given a chance to vote in our new leaders since only 13 members had sat to elect the duo ab initio. This was also rejected by the Governor.

"The Governor, however, did say that every action taken by the impeached leadership since the beginning of this impasse must of necessity be deemed null and void. He opined that there was no clime where the minority would be competent or empowered to 'discipline' the majority. And of course, all bills passed into law as well as all their resolutions will ipso dixit suffer the same fate.

"We further reminded Mr Governor that as per procedure and conventions of the House from which the embattled duo had benefited and which he had ratified in the past, the duo had been properly impeached and the onus lies on them to go and prove the contrary in a court of law."

The Governor was said to have assured the lawmakers of the safety of their lives and properties if they resumed at the House of Assembly,.

The statement continued: "However, as earlier mentioned, we agreed to return to Parliament to seek ways in which we can have a final resolution in a Parliamentary meeting to be headed by the Majority Leader, Hon Araoyinbo Olugbenga Joseph. The Governor did agree that we could ensure and compel their resignation. He gave assurance that Idajo and his thugs will be withdrawn from the House and the security of all members will be guaranteed, although he was silent on the criminal nature of the first invasion of the State Assembly by Idajo and his 'army'.

"It is with a rude shock that we heard of the hard line stance maintained by the Oleyelogun-led faction at their illegal sitting of 22nd November, 2018 and their reiteration of their claim to have suspended some of us earlier on. This to us further underlines our conviction that they are not men of honour and integrity and are therefore not capable of leading the House.

"We wish to state that we are committed to the ideals of democracy and are committed to ensuring that the great people of Ondo State are not shortchanged in their just desire and expectation for the good things of life.

"We, however, maintain that the impeachment of Friday 9th November, 2018 was duly and properly carried out, as even their criers of forgery have been caught in their lies. The onus lies on those who maintain to the contrary to approach the courts of law."

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Aggrieved lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly have restated their position on the embattled Speaker, Honourable Bamidele David Oloyeloogun, and his deputy, Honourable Ogundeji Iroju.

According to the lawmakers, the impeachment of the speaker and the deputy stands.

The lawmakers disclosed this to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, during a meeting to resolve the impasse rocking the Assembly.

SaharaReporters exclusively learnt that Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, was aware of the meeting, initated by Fayemi to address the situation in the bid to foster unity ahead of the 2019 general election.

A press statement by Olugbenga Araoyinbo, Majority Leader of the Assembly, at the end of the meeting noted that the lawmakers would only resume to the House if the two impeached principals stop presiding over the parliament.

Araoyinbo confirmed that two of the lawmakers, who had earlier denied signing the impeachment notice of the Speaker and his Deputy, admitted their involvement in the process.

The statement read: "We wish to place it on record that following the Vice-President's and Governor Fayemi's intervention, we have decided to return to parliament and have a final resolution to the issues. At no time did we agree that Rt Hon Oleyeloogun and Rt Hon Iroju Ogundeji will continue to preside as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

"It is instructive that the duo of Olajide and Oluyede, who had earlier claimed that their signatures were forged, admitted that the signatures on the impeachment notice were theirs. Needless to say, we shall approach a court of law for appropriate redress for defamation of our character.

"At the meeting with Governor Fayemi yesterday, we canvassed many positions, all of which seemed abhorrent to our Governor Akeredolu. We suggested that being clear that the erstwhile Speaker and Deputy Speaker had lost the confidence of the majority of members, it is morally indefensible for them to remain in office and we, therefore, suggested that they be given a chance to resign honorably in the interest of the state."

Araoyinbo said the options put forward during the meeting was that a new leadership be elected by the House, but noted that Akeredolu was against the idea. He, however, said the governor agreed that all proceedings taken by the duo of Oleyeloogun and Iroju since the day they were impeached remain null and void.

"Again, and contrary to all democratic ethos, ethics and practice, we suggested that the governor should nominate from amongst us a new leadership with whom he can be comfortable as most of us had expressed our unwillingness to be led by the duo. Yet again, he refused.

"We suggested that the entire House be dissolved and we be given a chance to vote in our new leaders since only 13 members had sat to elect the duo ab initio. This was also rejected by the Governor.

"The Governor, however, did say that every action taken by the impeached leadership since the beginning of this impasse must of necessity be deemed null and void. He opined that there was no clime where the minority would be competent or empowered to 'discipline' the majority. And of course, all bills passed into law as well as all their resolutions will ipso dixit suffer the same fate.

"We further reminded Mr Governor that as per procedure and conventions of the House from which the embattled duo had benefited and which he had ratified in the past, the duo had been properly impeached and the onus lies on them to go and prove the contrary in a court of law."

The Governor was said to have assured the lawmakers of the safety of their lives and properties if they resumed at the House of Assembly,.

The statement continued: "However, as earlier mentioned, we agreed to return to Parliament to seek ways in which we can have a final resolution in a Parliamentary meeting to be headed by the Majority Leader, Hon Araoyinbo Olugbenga Joseph. The Governor did agree that we could ensure and compel their resignation. He gave assurance that Idajo and his thugs will be withdrawn from the House and the security of all members will be guaranteed, although he was silent on the criminal nature of the first invasion of the State Assembly by Idajo and his 'army'.

"It is with a rude shock that we heard of the hard line stance maintained by the Oleyelogun-led faction at their illegal sitting of 22nd November, 2018 and their reiteration of their claim to have suspended some of us earlier on. This to us further underlines our conviction that they are not men of honour and integrity and are therefore not capable of leading the House.

"We wish to state that we are committed to the ideals of democracy and are committed to ensuring that the great people of Ondo State are not shortchanged in their just desire and expectation for the good things of life.

"We, however, maintain that the impeachment of Friday 9th November, 2018 was duly and properly carried out, as even their criers of forgery have been caught in their lies. The onus lies on those who maintain to the contrary to approach the courts of law."

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Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode have approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to join them in the suit filed by a lawyer seeking their prosecution for the role they allegedly played in the escape of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the country.

SaharaReporters had reported on November 1, 2018 that a lawyer, Isaiah Agidi Ayugu, filed a law suit asking the court to hold Abaribe, Fani-Kayode, Kanu's lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and others responsible for the disappearance of Kanu, after he was granted bail by the court. See Also ACTIVISM Abaribe, Fani-Kayode Helped Nnamdi Kanu Disappear From Nigeria, Lawyer Tells Court 0 Comments 3 Weeks Ago

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1254/18, dated October 31st, 2018, Ayugu also asked the court to order their arrest and prosecution after proper investigation into how the IPOB leader left the country.

However, in their counter motions dated November 16 and 19, 2018 and obtained by SaharaReporters, the applicants urged the court to join them as respondents in the suit.

They argued that if they were not joined in the matter as respondents, they may be denied fair hearing.

According to the affidavit in support of the motion filed by their lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN), the applicants claimed innocence of the allegations against them, noting that they could only disprove them by being joined as parties in the suit.

They also argued that they need to provide the court with balanced and credible facts and witnesses to show that the suit is not only a base action and an abuse of court process but also an ill-fated political mission.

The case has been adjourned till January 11, 2019 for the argument of the motion.

Joined in the suit as respondents are the Director-General of the State Security Service, the State Security Service, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

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Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode have approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to join them in the suit filed by a lawyer seeking their prosecution for the role they allegedly played in the escape of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the country.

SaharaReporters had reported on November 1, 2018 that a lawyer, Isaiah Agidi Ayugu, filed a law suit asking the court to hold Abaribe, Fani-Kayode, Kanu's lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and others responsible for the disappearance of Kanu, after he was granted bail by the court. See Also ACTIVISM Abaribe, Fani-Kayode Helped Nnamdi Kanu Disappear From Nigeria, Lawyer Tells Court 0 Comments 3 Weeks Ago

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1254/18, dated October 31st, 2018, Ayugu also asked the court to order their arrest and prosecution after proper investigation into how the IPOB leader left the country.

However, in their counter motions dated November 16 and 19, 2018 and obtained by SaharaReporters, the applicants urged the court to join them as respondents in the suit.

They argued that if they were not joined in the matter as respondents, they may be denied fair hearing.

According to the affidavit in support of the motion filed by their lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN), the applicants claimed innocence of the allegations against them, noting that they could only disprove them by being joined as parties in the suit.

They also argued that they need to provide the court with balanced and credible facts and witnesses to show that the suit is not only a base action and an abuse of court process but also an ill-fated political mission.

The case has been adjourned till January 11, 2019 for the argument of the motion.

Joined in the suit as respondents are the Director-General of the State Security Service, the State Security Service, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

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The Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has attributed the backlog of salaries owed to local government workers and primary school staff in the state to recession, noting that local government autonomy was the only solution to address the situation.

They commended Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, for the N5billion intervention to local government councils in the state for offsetting the salary arrears.

These formed part of the remarks of the chairman of the Association, Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo, during a press conference on Thursday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where he was flanked by other council chairmen who are officials of the association.

“The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Delta State is pleased to inform the generality of Deltans that all local government councils in the state have paid outstanding salary arrears of staff of the local governments and primary school teachers," he said.

“The offset of the salary backlog is sequel to the receipt of N7billion naira being the local government share of the third tranche of the Paris Club Loan, (PCL) refund and the gracious augmentation with about N5billion naira by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa from the coffers of the Delta State Government.

"The devotion of the entire local government share of the PCL and the monumental assistance from the Delta State government underscores government’s commitment to the wellbeing of workers in the state.

“You will recall that His Excellency did promise in January 2018 that subject to improvement of the revenue earnings of the state, the Delta State government will assist in clearing salary arrears owed local government workers and primary school staff some dating back to 2014, long before the advent of the Okowa administration. A promise, though difficult in view of the huge financial consequence, has been magnanimously kept by His Excellency."

Ikpokpo, however, charged staff of the local governments in the state to show commitment to duty in their respective positions.

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The Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has attributed the backlog of salaries owed to local government workers and primary school staff in the state to recession, noting that local government autonomy was the only solution to address the situation.

They commended Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, for the N5billion intervention to local government councils in the state for offsetting the salary arrears.

These formed part of the remarks of the chairman of the Association, Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo, during a press conference on Thursday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where he was flanked by other council chairmen who are officials of the association.

“The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Delta State is pleased to inform the generality of Deltans that all local government councils in the state have paid outstanding salary arrears of staff of the local governments and primary school teachers," he said.

“The offset of the salary backlog is sequel to the receipt of N7billion naira being the local government share of the third tranche of the Paris Club Loan, (PCL) refund and the gracious augmentation with about N5billion naira by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa from the coffers of the Delta State Government.

"The devotion of the entire local government share of the PCL and the monumental assistance from the Delta State government underscores government’s commitment to the wellbeing of workers in the state.

“You will recall that His Excellency did promise in January 2018 that subject to improvement of the revenue earnings of the state, the Delta State government will assist in clearing salary arrears owed local government workers and primary school staff some dating back to 2014, long before the advent of the Okowa administration. A promise, though difficult in view of the huge financial consequence, has been magnanimously kept by His Excellency."

Ikpokpo, however, charged staff of the local governments in the state to show commitment to duty in their respective positions.

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The death of Taofeeq Abdulquadri has taken a new dimension as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and residents of the community have presented contrary accounts of what led to the shooting that resulted in Taofeeq's death.

The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Lagos State Command, has said that Taofeeq was shot while trying to disarm the officer; however, residents claim it is a lie, as Taofeeq was a victim of extrajudicial killing.

Residents of Pipeline/Ile Epo area of Lagos State and eyewitnesses had claimed that Osho Kehinde, an NSCDC official, shot Taofeeq, a LAGBUS driver, twice after an argument ensued between them.

A friend of the late Taofeeq who witnessed the incident told SaharaReporters that they were coming from a nearby canteen when they saw Osho and his team.

He also added that he escaped being shot by taking to his heels after Taofeeq was shot in his head twice.

He said: “We went to eat in the evening, but we left there to buy recharge card. On getting to the NSCDC area, he passed through the military zone of the civil defence people and one of them questioned him on why he would pass the military zone. This led to an argument between them.

“The officer was not with a rifle, but he went into the office and brought out a gun and shot Taofeek. He also pointed the gun at me, but I ran away to escape being shot.”

However, giving another version of the story, Miss Kehinde Bada, Public Relations Officer of the corps, maintained that Taofeeq was a pipeline vandal and was shot in a process of attacking and disarming one of its officers guarding a pipeline in the community.

In a response to an inquiry made by SaharaReporters on the matter, Bada said Taofeeq and a group of youth suspected to be pipeline vandals attacked the NSCDC post to steal firearms.

“It was actually a case of an attempt to disarm the officer, Osho Kehinde who was at his duty post at Oke Odo area of Abule Egba. The officers, who have successfully in recent times, foiled the activities of vandals in the area have also brought to the barest, minimal cases of vandalism.

“As a result of this, a group of youth, five in number, suspected to be vandals attacked the NSCDC post on Sunday at about 2100hrs to steal the firearms.”

She stated that the attack on NSCDC officials led to “a scuffle between the officer on duty and pulled the trigger while trying to disarm the officer and unfortunately lost his life.”

She also maintained that investigation has commenced into the incident, adding that the officer is in the custody of the Police as it is a case of homicide.

The corps further debunked the claim by residents of the community that the NSCDC officers deployed to protect the pipelines engage in oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, as well as abet and protect some vandals who have parted with cash gifts to get security cover.

“The corps is known for its integrity and uprightness in carrying out its duties. Protection of national infrastructure is one of the core mandates of the corps. As such, the men of the corps would not engage in such practices. This allegation is aimed at tarnishing the image of the corps and to undermine the efforts put in fighting and combating oil pipeline vandals. It is false and unfathomable," Bada said.

When contacted, SP Chike Oti failed to respond to calls and messages sent to him on how far the Police had gone regarding the incident.

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The death of Taofeeq Abdulquadri has taken a new dimension as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and residents of the community have presented contrary accounts of what led to the shooting that resulted in Taofeeq's death.

The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Lagos State Command, has said that Taofeeq was shot while trying to disarm the officer; however, residents claim it is a lie, as Taofeeq was a victim of extrajudicial killing.

Residents of Pipeline/Ile Epo area of Lagos State and eyewitnesses had claimed that Osho Kehinde, an NSCDC official, shot Taofeeq, a LAGBUS driver, twice after an argument ensued between them.

A friend of the late Taofeeq who witnessed the incident told SaharaReporters that they were coming from a nearby canteen when they saw Osho and his team.

He also added that he escaped being shot by taking to his heels after Taofeeq was shot in his head twice.

He said: “We went to eat in the evening, but we left there to buy recharge card. On getting to the NSCDC area, he passed through the military zone of the civil defence people and one of them questioned him on why he would pass the military zone. This led to an argument between them.

“The officer was not with a rifle, but he went into the office and brought out a gun and shot Taofeek. He also pointed the gun at me, but I ran away to escape being shot.”

However, giving another version of the story, Miss Kehinde Bada, Public Relations Officer of the corps, maintained that Taofeeq was a pipeline vandal and was shot in a process of attacking and disarming one of its officers guarding a pipeline in the community.

In a response to an inquiry made by SaharaReporters on the matter, Bada said Taofeeq and a group of youth suspected to be pipeline vandals attacked the NSCDC post to steal firearms.

“It was actually a case of an attempt to disarm the officer, Osho Kehinde who was at his duty post at Oke Odo area of Abule Egba. The officers, who have successfully in recent times, foiled the activities of vandals in the area have also brought to the barest, minimal cases of vandalism.

“As a result of this, a group of youth, five in number, suspected to be vandals attacked the NSCDC post on Sunday at about 2100hrs to steal the firearms.”

She stated that the attack on NSCDC officials led to “a scuffle between the officer on duty and pulled the trigger while trying to disarm the officer and unfortunately lost his life.”

She also maintained that investigation has commenced into the incident, adding that the officer is in the custody of the Police as it is a case of homicide.

The corps further debunked the claim by residents of the community that the NSCDC officers deployed to protect the pipelines engage in oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, as well as abet and protect some vandals who have parted with cash gifts to get security cover.

“The corps is known for its integrity and uprightness in carrying out its duties. Protection of national infrastructure is one of the core mandates of the corps. As such, the men of the corps would not engage in such practices. This allegation is aimed at tarnishing the image of the corps and to undermine the efforts put in fighting and combating oil pipeline vandals. It is false and unfathomable," Bada said.

When contacted, SP Chike Oti failed to respond to calls and messages sent to him on how far the Police had gone regarding the incident.

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