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South Africa's ruling party is tipped to win but with a reduced majority amid anger over the economy.

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Australia's A$50 note has a blunder in the small print - and it took more than six months to spot.

Stephen Kefas, a Kaduna based journalist and human rights activist has been arrested by men of the Rivers State Police Command for posting re-posting an article on Facebook.

The journalist had shared a SaharaReporters exclusive story which detailed the events leading up to the death of Kajuru Monarch, Dr. Galadima Maiwada the Agom Of Adara Chiefdom in Kaduna state.

Sources reveal that Kefas who has been very critical of Governor Nasir El-Rufai is to be transfered to Kaduna in the morning based on 'orders from above'.

"He was asked by a friend to meet at a particular place unknown to him it was a set up, they (police) picked him up from there and whisked him to the station.

"He is accused of injurious publication, incitement and false accusation" the source added.

 

 

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Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state, has accused to leaders of the All Progressive Congress of frustrating his return to the Senate. 

Okorocha defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he contested and won the 2011 governorship election.

The outgoing governor had been declared winner of the 2019 senatorial election in Imo west but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew his certificate of return.

The commission based its action on the complaint of Francis Ibeawuch, the returning officer for the election who said he declared Okorocha under duress. 

He said: “The evil I feared in the PDP has befallen me ten times in the APC. Last week, I wrote a letter to INEC for the first time myself, informing INEC of their wrongdoings and illegal actions taken by INEC to withhold my certificate on mere allegations of duress which was never founded, neither was there any committee set up to investigate the matter,”Okorocha said.

“So, INEC on their own believe the reports of their returning officer without investigating the authenticity of the investigation. So, there was no issue of fair hearing at all.

“What is important here is that INEC does not have the power to withhold the certificate of return having declared the result. I believe the INEC chairman is up to a game with the chairman of the APC who is being used to frustrate my coming to the senate and this is politically motivated.

“I’ve given enough time that INEC might correct itself and do the needful and issue me my certificate of return but to no avail.”

“Many things have happened so far and these should be of concern to everyone.

"INEC that made the submission to the tribunal have gone back requesting to withdraw it because the submission was defending the declaration by INEC.

“I wonder what they want to do with the certificate, if they don’t give it to me, who will they give it to? Maybe they will give it to Festus Okoye because he is from my Senatorial zone but what they are doing is presenting INEC as a lying organisation and that is dangerous for our democracy because, as it stands right now, the image of INEC is bastardised.

“What it means is that tomorrow somebody can withhold the certificate of anybody because you don’t like his face because you feel that he wants to politically challenge you in future.”

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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has listed the troubled Topbrass Aviation, FirstNation Airways and Kabo Air among the airlines with “not-active, suspended or expired” Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs) in the country.

Also listed by the regulatory agency were Associated Aviation Limited, Chanchangi Airlines Limited, Hak Air Limited, King Airlines and Travel Limited and Skyjet Aviation Services Limited.

A document obtained from the regulatory agency indicated that 38 airlines were issued and re-issued AOCs between February 3, 2016 and January 9, 2019.

Out of the numbers, eight of them had expired, suspended and not-active AOCs, which had prevented them from operating either as scheduled or chartered flight operators.

Among the affected carriers were non-scheduled, scheduled, cargo and charter flight operators.

For Topbrass Aviation, the document revealed that the airline with the AOC certificate number: TBA/AOC/11-11/03 had, which was issued on February 3, 2016 and expired on February 2, 2018, failed to renew the certificate. Topbrass Aviation was with the status non-scheduled before the expiration of the certificate.

Recalled that the management of Topbrass Aviation had been having a running battle with NCAA over two aircraft it leased, but allegedly refused to act according to the leasing agreements.

The aircraft, Bombardier Dash-8 Q300s with the registration numbers 5N-MSN 61TBB and 5N-TBC MSN 614 are currently issues of litigation in the Federal High Court.

Another airline on the list is FirstNation Airways, which suspended flight operations about two years ago after it could not lease an aircraft to boost its flight operations.

The airline with the AOC certificate number: FNA/AOC/10-11/02 was re-issued AOC on July 31, 2017 and was expected to remain active till July 30, 2019, but it’s with the status “not-active” on the NCAA document and was downgraded to non-scheduled operator from a scheduled status it was about three years ago.

Also listed among the airlines with not-active AOCs was Kabo Airlines, which does annual hajj operations to Saudi Arabia.

The airline with the AOC number: KAL/AOC/01-15/01, was issued with the certificate on January 30, 2017, but became “not-active” on January 29, 2019.

As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear if the airline had commenced renewal of its AOC, as preparation had reached the top gear for the 2019 annual hajj exercise to Saudi Arabia.

Besides, another carrier on the list was Hak Air, which in 2013 acquired five Boeing 737 aircraft for domestic operations, but was yet to spread its wrings six years later.

Some of the acquired aircraft are at the airside of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

According to the document, Hak Air with the AOC registration number: HAK/AOC/04-12/001, was issued thee AOC on July 24, 2017, while it would expire on July 23, 2019.

The document revealed that while the AOC was still current, it remained “not-active for the airline with the current status of non-scheduled.

Besides, Chanchangi Airlines, which suspended flight operations about seven years ago, also had a “not-active: status in its AOC with the number: AAF/006.

The document revealed that the airline’s AOC, which was renewed in February 5, 2017, expired on February 4, 2019. The carrier’s promoter, Alhaji Amadu Chanchangi, had died in April 2017chairman of Chanchangi Airlines.

Others were Associated Aviation, which crashed 31 seconds after takeoff at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in 2013.

The status of the airline stated that its AOC with the mark: ASS/AOC/06-15/001 was suspended by the regulatory agency.

The last AOC issued it was on June 20, 2017 and was supposed to run till June 19, 2019. The airline was registered as a non-scheduled operator by the regulatory agency.

Also, the document revealed that NCAA had renewed and issued AOCs to two airlines in 2019. The first one was Aero Contractors with the certificate number: ACN/AOC/12-12/08.

The AOC was re-issued the carrier on January 2, 2019 and would remain valid till January 1, 2021 as a scheduled, cargo and charter flight operator.

The other airline issued AOC in 2019 was ANAP Business Jets. The airline was issued on January 9, 2019 and would remain valid till January 8, 2021. The current status is non-scheduled operator.

Other airlines like Air Peace, Arik Air, Allied Air, Azman Air, Bristow Helicopters, Caverton Helicopters, Dana Air, Executive Jet, General Global Aviation, Max Air, Med-View Airline, OAS Helicopters, Omni-Blu Aviation, Overland Airways, West Link Airways and Quroum Aviation all have valid AOCs with “active” statuses.

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Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has raised concern about rising insecurity and poverty levels in the country.

JNI in a Ramadan statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu also called on leaders at all levels to deliver programmes that will reduce the public outcry against them.

It asked Muslims all over the country to be fervent in prayers for restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development of the country.

Aliyu said: “Overtime, JNI has been calling on Muslims to fervently pray for the restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development in Nigeria. We once again reiterate same call, as the situation seems to be deteriorating with armed banditry, kidnappings, theft and abject poverty in the increase.

“Similarly, JNI uses this medium to remind leaders at all levels that success shall only come their respective ways when they rollout friendly policies to the citizenry. At the moment, the outcry is loud and clear! Therefore, this period should be a sober reflection time for us all and make the necessary amend, in order to seek Allah’s pleasure.

“Governments at all levels as well as individuals who have the wherewithal are called upon to extend benevolent gestures – such as alms giving and supports to the indigents in severe need, as well as millions of IDPs spread across the country. This is the most appropriate time to show compassion and of course, the needy would want to see such assistance now. Moreover, it is more rewarding.

“JNI as usual uses this medium to call on the Nigerian Muslims to redouble their respective efforts in being more God-conscious through punctual observance of the five daily and Taraweeh prayers congregationally, frequent recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, ardent supplications, as well as continued remembrance of Allah (SWT).

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Elites Network for Sustainable Development ENetSuD, a Kwara-based Civil Society Organization, has written the Kwara State House of Assembly to lobby for the domestication of Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in Kwara State.

In a letter addressed to Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad, Speaker of the House, ENetSuD stated that the act would help in making activities of the state transparent and make the government accountable to the people.

Dr. Alagbonsi Abdullateef, Coordinator of ENetSud and Barr. Luqman Raji, Director of Legal Services, in the letter also explained that the non-domestication of the act has given government agencies an excuse for turning down information on projects funds have been released for.

The letter stated that “its extensive tracking of the Federal Government Capital and Constituency projects in Kwara State is possible due to the availability of FOI Act, which is a Law of the Federation. ENetSuD said that it has found it very difficult to track Kwara State Government (KWSG)-funded projects due to the fact that FOI Act has not yet been domesticated in the State, as that is the usual excuse given by KWSG to deny information requested on projects.”

The project tracking group highlighted the importance of the FOI act as: “making public records and information more freely available; providing for public access to public records and information; protecting public records and information to the extent consistent with the public interest and the protection of personal privacy.”

Others mentioned are: protecting serving public officers from adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official information without authorization; and establishing procedures for the achievement of those purposes and for related matters.”

 

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Sudan People's Liberation Army soldiers Reuters

The Sudan Transitional Military Council (TMC) is making an attempt to make Islamic laws the guiding principle of the country.

The 10-member TMC, responding to a draft constitutional document presented to it by a coalition of protest groups and political parties, said the document omitted Islamic law, which they said remained the bedrock of all laws.

Addressing the media, Shams al-Din Kabashi, TMC spokesman, posited that Sharia and local norms should be the source of legislation.

He said, "Our view is that Islamic Sharia and the local norms and traditions in the Republic of Sudan should be the sources of legislation.”

Kabashi stated that the council wants the transitional period to last two years.

Discussions with the opposition is ongoing, but calling early elections within six months would be an option if they could not reach an agreement, Kabashi said.​

Since the ousting of Omar al-Bashir as President of the country and the military take-over, thousands of protesters remain outside the army complex in capital Khartoum, demanding that the military rulers step down and hand over power to a civilian administration.

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Edgar Zambrano is the first opposition figure to be arrested since last week's attempted uprising.

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The drivers say the companies they work for, which include Uber and Lyft, have made it impossible to earn a living.

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly set an agenda for a more sustainable future by identifying 17 global goals otherwise known as ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs). The intention is that by 2030, the universal call to action declared by the UN would create a better world by tackling the most pressing problems framed as the following 17 goals: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure; reducing inequality, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land; peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for goals.

Prior to the launch of the SDGs four years ago, 189 countries signed the historic millennium declaration at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were eight international development goals for the year 2015 with measurable targets and deadlines aimed at improving the lives of the world’s poorest people. The UN agenda for the SDGs reflect continuity and consolidation of the MDGs while making the vision more sustainable by strengthening environmental goals.

These goals are linked together to deliver impactful results for sustainable development. Enduring poverty has no boundaries – it stares everyone in the face around the world -- and changing weather conditions have become a present and everyday threat to our common humanity; we have a duty to save the planet. In Nigeria, for example, we have been experiencing extreme temperatures lately and the heat wave is not just about to abate. We are also living witnesses to the depleting ozone layer, melting glacier, rising ocean levels, freezing temperatures and increased flooding around the world. 

Access to basic healthcare is also a huge global challenge due to widespread poverty. Men and women of goodwill should come together and do more to solve these problems. As I noted in an earlier Facebook post, African countries are always lagging behind in such global interventions to combat the world’s problems with perhaps the exception of Ghana and Kenya – both countries, from available data, make deliberate efforts to cascade the UN initiatives by taking actions locally.

Last year, the Global Festival of Action for Sustainable Development held over three days in Bonn, Germany. It was a UN forum devoid of “fancy suits and long speeches” that brought together 1,500 participants from over 100 countries to showcase the latest innovations, tools and approaches that will make sustainable development a reality, according to a statement on UN’s website. “The world is facing tremendous challenges, and, for the first time, there is an innovative plan to solve them,” said Mitchell Toomey, the Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, at the Sustainable Development Festival. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the ‘SDG Action Awards’ in seven categories to individuals and organisations who are implementing the 17 goals.

One of the winners of the awards in the Innovation Category was Foluke Michael, a Nigerian and Project Director/CEO of the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), a non-profit organisation. Foluke, a lover of creativity and innovation, is committed to sustainable development in Nigeria and she’s guiding young persons to lead a positive change into the future. Foluke has embraced the UN 17 SDGs in a meaningful way and she is very passionate about how we can make the world a better place through innovation and high impact initiatives. Foluke’s organisation has been globally acknowledged as a pipeline for achieving the SDG goals in Nigeria and other countries. 

CYCDI is implementing the 17 SDG goals to meet UN’s 2030 agenda through active learning, creative development, innovation and entrepreneurship in children, youths and women. The goal of CYCDI is to pursue, promote and implement sustainable projects that will boost community development and economic growth. In order to reach this goal, CYCDI created the following platforms: the Vision of the Child (VOTC), Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption (CYIAC), InnoCreativa Youth Hub (IC2030) and CDMA Social Enterprise. Some of the organisation’s achievements include successful implementation of social, economic and environmental projects through educational and talent development in children and youths under Vision of the Child, one of their flagship pipelines, since 2002. The project -- which is under the supervision of Professor Wole Soyinka, 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature -- has produced thousands of young leaders and innovators in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. 

CYCDI also created CYIAC Corruption Busters (CCB) – which earned Foluke the award in Bonn, Germany – to promote SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). It was launched on December 9, 2017 to mark the United Nations International Day Against Corruption. CYIAC has received international recognition and awards in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Austria. 

CYCDI is presently leading a global campaign to raise drug prevention awareness amongst youths and vulnerable adults through a school awareness and creative programme. The project – which is being supported by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office and Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – produced the sensitisation campaign movie, Trapped. In November 2018, the project outcome was adopted and printed with funding from the EU under the framework of “Response to Drugs and Related Organised Crime in Nigeria” implemented by UNODC. The books are currently being distributed to various schools in Nigeria and other countries.

“Solution to one of the global problems”, says Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary General and South Korean politician, “is a solution to all”. This may have been the spark that Foluke and her colleagues at CYCDI needed to create the innovative “Solution 17” model to tackle the 17 global problems through the application of the 17 SDGs. The model is based on youth development through education, creativity and innovation to implement the 17 global problems and creating solutions towards a healthy, liveable, prosperous and sustainable planet. Since the world’s problems are inter-related, CYCDI’s “Solution 17” model for problem solving recognises the power of synergy and it brings together 17 participants, 17 schools, 17 creative ideas/presentations, 17 solutions and 17 innovators to solve one global problem. By weaving the 17 SDGs together to solve each problem, the organisation believes the model will accelerate the achievement of the 17 global goals by 2030.

For example, Solution 17 for SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) is a new project being embarked upon by CYCDI. Branded as “InnoCreativa Youth Hub 2030” or “IC2030 for short, this model will explore the creative and innovative capabilities of young people through the development of knowledge and attitude that are relevant to employability and skills for entrepreneurship. 

IC2030 targets undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, members of the National Youth Service Corps and young graduates not older than 35 years. By February 2020, the IC2030 Innovation Lab is expected to produce 17 undergraduates and graduates; 17 SDGs based ideas to solve unemployment; 17 creative presentations for showcase and pitch to industry partners and sponsors; 17 solutions to Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17 makers, doers, innovators, creators and entrepreneurs to solve one global problem – unemployment. Already, India and Switzerland have indicated interest and sought permission from CYCDI to adopt the award winning “Solution 17” model.

In furtherance of her commitment to achieving the SDG goals by 2030, Foluke, in her current role as a United Nations SDGs ambassador, presented her SDG Impact Report in Bonn, Germany on May 3, 2019 to a global audience. She used the opportunity to unveil the partnership between CYCDI and CITC Global Consulting, a strategic management firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at deepening the impact of the 17 SDGs implementation in Nigeria and other countries. One of the goals under this partnership is establishing a Sustainable Development online television channel to tell the story of a changing world and the innovations being introduced to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

 

Braimah is a public relations and marketing strategist based in Lagos

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This is first in a series that I have called “Igbo Unpopular Opinion.” It is an insider’s view of the inside, albeit, from outside looking in. In this introduction, I will discuss the misguided concept of a homogenous Igbo political identity in an ever-increasing multicultural Nigeria. The question at the heart of this prologue is, what does it mean to be Igbo in the context of political disposition in contemporary Nigeria? 

Politics-wise, there is no consensus on what it means to be Igbo and never has been. The fierce political rivalry in the second republic between Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu in the then Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) and National Party of Nigeria (NPN) respectively, is a good example. My take as a kid, observing the intense politicking between the two greatest icons in Igboland was that the possibility of authentic Igbo identity is boundless.

There is, therefore, no incorrect answer to the question of which party Igbos should join and support. Just like Igbos were free to join the Ikemba Front or Zik Movement the early 1980s, Ndigbo today, should be free to align with any political party without being reprimanded. 

For instance, one cannot, honestly claim that an Igbo man committed a “crime” against the Igbo tribe, for supporting Buhari over Atiku. Yet, hundreds of thousands of Igbos have had the authenticity of their Igbo identity questioned by Igbo nationalists for making a choice between two non-Igbos in the 2015 and 2019 Presidential elections. 

These merchants of ethnic nationalism that are attempting to redefine Igbo authenticity have failed to, again and again, grapple with the way that geopolitics and multiculturalism have changed and is continuing to change in Nigeria. The mere thought that an Igbo man that supports Buhari over Atiku is an out-of-date kind of Igbo is retrogressive. It is exactly this kind of intellectual hypocrisy that will be attacked in “Igbo Unpopular Opinion.”

Ndigbo cannot excel in Nigeria by clinging to a warped mindset and political views anchored on prior Igboness, that is, an Igboness that is given and remains steady despite the ebb and flow of multiculturalism. We must give ourselves permission to divide into political groups organized around what we like and dislike and none of us should be less or more Igbo for doing so.

In “Igbo Unpopular Opinion”, my most salient target, will be the political, moral and ethical failures in the Igbo community. If you are overly agitated or worried about the increasing number of Igbos contributing to the infrastructural development of their domains in Lagos, or Abuja, then, Igbo Unpopular Opinion is for you.  If it has crossed your mind that any Igbo man that objects to the reckless agitation for an independent State of Biafra as currently being pursued by IPOB is not authentic, then, you will constantly be the object of this column’s scorn. 

Every piece in this series, therefore, will raise some uncomfortable questions for Ndigbo. Every piece, though provocative, is not meant to be condescending. I say this because I have realized that, majority of Igbos see my unpopular opinions as designed to communicate a sense of their ignorance.

Of course, this is clearly not my intention. Nonetheless, I will still be blunt, where necessary. 

Responsibility demands that someone should offer Ndigbo, a way to engage in a deeper political debate on who we are and how we can navigate the Nigerian political jungle. Igbos need someone to constantly whisper into our ears, “Authentic Igbo Identity Is Boundless.” 

Due to the seriousness of the existential issues involved, profound discomfort is, therefore, necessary. So, every now and then, I will say things that will make you squirm as you read my unpopular opinion. But, at the same time, every piece in this series will fill you with hope. 

My hope is that as we discuss the issues raised in “Igbo Unpopular Opinion”, such as multiculturalism, inter and intra ethnic relationships, religion, development of Igbo states, Biafra, wealth acquisition and the place of Ndigbo in Nigeria, we will agree, at least, that for us to be stronger together, authentic Igbo political identity should be boundless. 

Unfortunately, Igbos that express “Unpopular Opinion” in the public and social media platforms have faced ad hominem attacks and frequently called self-hating Igbos. This is misguided because the reality is that they love the Igbo in themselves so much that they are willing to absorb the abuse for the sake of the greater good of all Igbos.

I want to remind every Igbo person that has a minority opinion that what is important to them as Igbos must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. For me, I am motivated and undaunted because the views in “Igbo Unpopular Opinion” are inspired and directed by the Spirit of God and our forefathers. 

As with inspirations that emanate from the Spirit World which makes mortals uncomfortable, my audience will find my opinions intentionally provocative. Views expressed in “Igbo Unpopular Opinion” will, as the name implies, be unhinged. The clear intent is to frequently offend my readers to an informed debate on critical issues within the Igbo community. 

Finally, in a bowl of isi ewu, you put in different things. You want every part of the goat’s head blended with utazi leaves, akanwu, onions, some spicy peppers, and red oil - to maintain a broad, yet, unique taste. Similarly, authentic Igbo identity should not be monotonous. 

We don't need a predictable Igbo political identity, folks. The only requirement in Igbo authenticity is the exhibition of characteristics that don’t veer from our key identity – outgoing, resourcefulness, and fearlessness (and I MUST add, with traits of integrity). 

We are all Igbos, together, we will all win. So, I urge every Igbo person (with popular or unpopular opinion) to read every piece in this series. It will challenge us to embrace a radically different, but more mature way to see and relate with ourselves, and ultimately liberate ourselves. Igbo identity is boundless. Together, we can remain rooted in but not constrained by our Igboness. 

 

Together, we can. 

You can email Churchill at Churchill.okonkwo@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @churchillnnobi

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Guyana's wealth is set to rise after a huge oil discovery but will it be able to avoid the "oil curse"?

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After years of sanctions and war, can the African country finally realise its economic potential?

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Talks resume on Thursday after President Trump escalated the trade war with the threat of new tariffs.

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Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, has given assent to the bill passed by the Kano house of assembly which breavks up the emirate in the state.

With the development, Kano now has five emirates: Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye and Bichi, while the domain of HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the emir of Kano, has been diminished.

With this decision the governor has redeemed the pledge he made earlier today that he would not waste time to give assent to the bill immediately it is transmitted to him. 

 

More to follow…

 

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it has hard evidence to nail senate president, Bukola Saraki.

Replying to Saraki’s allegations that the ongoing probe was a witch hunt, the acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday said Saraki was not above the law, noting that the Commission was obligated by law to enthrone probity and accountability in the governance space, a duty it claimed to have pursued without ill-will or malice against anyone.

The EFCC asked Saraki not to worry over the investigation into his earnings as Kwara State Governor and his stewardship in the Senate, “so long as he has no skeletons in his cupboard.”

The Commission also said it possessed indicting petitions and other evidence against the Senate President, noting that putting him through a legitimate forensic inquiry was the legitimate route to establish his integrity as a public servant.

The EFCC refuted Saraki’s claims that the probe had to do with his appointment as the International Human Rights Commission ambassador.

It stated, “It is in the interest of the public, and for Saraki’s personal good, that he is not only above board, but be seen at all times to be so.

“Indeed, all the instances in which the EFCC have had cause to sleuth into his financial activities either as a former governor or President of the Senate were driven by over-arching public interest and due process of the law.

“Against the background of the possession of indicting petitions and other evidence available to the EFCC, even Saraki will agree with the Commission that putting him through a legitimate forensic inquiry is the legitimate route to establish his integrity as a public servant.”

Stating that it had the mandate to rid the country of corruption and corrupt elements, the Commission reiterated its unflinching resolve to achieve these, “no matter whose ox is gored.”

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it has hard evidence to nail senate president, Bukola Saraki.

Replying to Saraki’s allegations that the ongoing probe was a witch hunt, the acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday said Saraki was not above the law, noting that the Commission was obligated by law to enthrone probity and accountability in the governance space, a duty it claimed to have pursued without ill-will or malice against anyone.

The EFCC asked Saraki not to worry over the investigation into his earnings as Kwara State Governor and his stewardship in the Senate, “so long as he has no skeletons in his cupboard.”

The Commission also said it possessed indicting petitions and other evidence against the Senate President, noting that putting him through a legitimate forensic inquiry was the legitimate route to establish his integrity as a public servant.

The EFCC refuted Saraki’s claims that the probe had to do with his appointment as the International Human Rights Commission ambassador.

It stated, “It is in the interest of the public, and for Saraki’s personal good, that he is not only above board, but be seen at all times to be so.

“Indeed, all the instances in which the EFCC have had cause to sleuth into his financial activities either as a former governor or President of the Senate were driven by over-arching public interest and due process of the law.

“Against the background of the possession of indicting petitions and other evidence available to the EFCC, even Saraki will agree with the Commission that putting him through a legitimate forensic inquiry is the legitimate route to establish his integrity as a public servant.”

Stating that it had the mandate to rid the country of corruption and corrupt elements, the Commission reiterated its unflinching resolve to achieve these, “no matter whose ox is gored.”

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Ibrahim Aliyu, the district head of Balle, Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has been killed by armed bandits.

It was gathered that the gunmen came on six motorcycles and rapidly set the divisional police headquarters in the area, patrol cars and some personal vehicles on fire. They also gunned down an unidentified policeman along Karfen Sarki area. 

According to an eye witness, the 82-year-old district head who was shot in the head, was met lying in a pool of his blood, reciting Kalmat (There is none worthy of worship except

Allah. He is alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. In His hand is all good and He has power over everything) before he finally died.

Another witness said the attackers invaded the area around 4pm on Tuesday and continued wreaking havoc until some minutes after 5pm. 

“The whole area was thrown into commotion with people fleeing into the nearby bush for safety including my wives and children,” he said. A health worker in the area who craved anonymity said the attackers stormed the house of the district head after setting the police station on fire. 

"They scaled through the fence of the house because it was locked, dragged the district head, who was at the time resting in his room, outside and shot him dead,” he revealed.

“It is like they came with a mission to attack the station and kill the district head and we are suspecting  they were led by an insider who is conversant with the area because this is the first time we experienced such an attack,” he added. 

He, however, refuted  the claim that the district head was slaughtered by the bandits, saying they shot him in the head. 

Honourable Faruk Balle, member representing the area at the State House of Assembly, who confirmed the attack, said they were all shocked because Balle used to be the most peaceful area in the state.

He called on the government to take decisive measures that would end banditry in the country. 

The late district head is survived by two wives, eight children and many grand children. He has been buried in accordance with Islamic rites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Daily Trust

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged fraudulent activities taking place in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The resolution followed a motion presented by Rep Tajudeen Obasa (PDP-Lagos) at the plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion, Obasa expressed concerns over the outcry by some people, alleging massive looting at the Kaiama Amnesty Centre in Bayelsa State between February 14 and 16.

“The coordinator of the centre, in collaboration with security agents and other unknown persons, allegedly took away equipment worth billions of naira with the knowledge of the Special Adviser on Amnesty to the President.

“It has become imperative to investigate these allegations for the good of the Niger Delta people and that of the nation at large.

“The failure of the House to act in time will lead to the wrecking of the amnesty programme and the essence of it will be eroded,’’ he said.

Obasa noted that the programme was a lofty initiative by the Federal Government to quell arms struggles by the Niger Delta agitators.

He said the programme was meant for a better deal in the nation’s oil producing areas and the cardinal objective was to grant pardon to the agitators.

The lawmaker said further that it was meant to rehabilitate the agitators through productive ventures and build the capacity of the youths in the area.

Obasa said that government had spent huge resources in training the youths locally and abroad, adding that recently, N8.5bn was paid into the programme’s account to further implement the initiative.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, said that when the committee is finally constituted, it will turn in its report to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

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Daily Trust

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged fraudulent activities taking place in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The resolution followed a motion presented by Rep Tajudeen Obasa (PDP-Lagos) at the plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion, Obasa expressed concerns over the outcry by some people, alleging massive looting at the Kaiama Amnesty Centre in Bayelsa State between February 14 and 16.

“The coordinator of the centre, in collaboration with security agents and other unknown persons, allegedly took away equipment worth billions of naira with the knowledge of the Special Adviser on Amnesty to the President.

“It has become imperative to investigate these allegations for the good of the Niger Delta people and that of the nation at large.

“The failure of the House to act in time will lead to the wrecking of the amnesty programme and the essence of it will be eroded,’’ he said.

Obasa noted that the programme was a lofty initiative by the Federal Government to quell arms struggles by the Niger Delta agitators.

He said the programme was meant for a better deal in the nation’s oil producing areas and the cardinal objective was to grant pardon to the agitators.

The lawmaker said further that it was meant to rehabilitate the agitators through productive ventures and build the capacity of the youths in the area.

Obasa said that government had spent huge resources in training the youths locally and abroad, adding that recently, N8.5bn was paid into the programme’s account to further implement the initiative.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, said that when the committee is finally constituted, it will turn in its report to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

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Kendrick Castillo lunged at the attacker, allowing classmates precious seconds to escape, they said.

South Africa, popularly known as the 'rainbow nation' has gone to the polls today.

It is the Nation's fifth general elections since the advent of democracy on the shores of the country in 1994. Since then, the country has risen like a phoenix, from the crucible of apartheid in 1994 when Fredrik Willem (FW) De Klerk, the last leader under apartheid, offered an olive branch to freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela and by so doing put an end to racial segregation.

What To Know

26.7 million South Africans are voting in two elections; provincial and national Assembly polls-to determine the parties that will be able to form a governing cabinet for the country.

Three parties lead the charge. The country’s political structure adopts a closed list proportional representation system. Voters vote for a party, not a candidate. Parties are allocated seats in the national and nine provincial legislatures in proportion to their share of the vote.

The African National Congress, which has won most seats since 1994 are expected to dominate. They will however face a sterner test this time round, due to festering corruption allegations.

Diaspora Voting

South Africans in Diaspora can also vote in Wednesday’s elections. Voter registration for all South Africans living abroad took place from February 1 to 4 2019.

Meet The Contenders And Their Parties

The Pastor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) rose up as an opposition to the African National Congress (ANC).

Their interest is the insurance of the political and socio-economic existence of the white minority, who yielded power to the black majority after many decades of apartheid. With a dark skinned man at the helm, 39-year old Musi Maimane, the DA could be losing its bearing.

Born on 6 June 1980, Maimane obtained a Doctor of Theology from Banga University in Whales and became a pastor at a conservative ecclesial gathering- Liberty church.

He became the highest ranking member of parliament in DA in May 2014. In the same month the next year, Maimane was elected as leader of South Africa’s leading opposition party.

His race and background have clashed with statements from key ranking officials in his party on two major occasions. In October 2015, Dianne Kohler barnard, his shadow Minister of Police, faced party disciplinary action for sharing a Facebook post that said life in South Africa was better under Apartheid President, PW Botha. Maimane was forced to defend Kohler Banard after she was expelled from the party by its federal executive body and subsequently reinstated on appeal.

The Fire Brand

The Economic Freedom Fighters is the party created by vociferous Julius Malema, the youth leader of the ANC youth wing until his expulsion in 2012.

The 38-year old fiery tongue, has been charged with hate speech accusations twice. Malema was a precocious politician and activist, he became a member of the ANC when he was nine.

He has found himself embroiled in a litany of controversies.

The first of which came to public knowledge in 2002 when he was leader of the Conference of South African Students (COSAS). The scholars were involved in a demonstration on the streets of Johannesburg which turned violent.

 Malema called on South African’s to withdraw their funds from Ned Bank, after it withdrew its support for Athletics South Africa over the inclusion of female middle distance runner Costas Samenya- whom people saw as a hermaphrodite in the 2009 World Athletic Championship.

 In 2010, he took a trip to Zimbabwe and endorsed Robert Mugabe’s nationalization policies.

He called for similar mining and land reforms, which re-allocates farmlands and mines to blacks, to be done in South Africa.

 Malema accused a BBC journalist- Jonah Fisher of being an imperialist while addressing a news conference on his return from Zimbabwe. He is seen as a Pan-African with divisive tendencies. Julius Malema holds two bachelors of Art degrees in Philosophy and Communication from the University of South Africa.

The thrust of Malema's campaign has been "FREE EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS FOR ALL" while he also supports immigration.

Zuma’s Ramaphosa

The African National Congress (ANC), is the oldest political movement in Africa. Established in 1912, the party has become the leading political front in the country.

 With two consecutive presidents-Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma impeached, the party has become fractured and is losing ground among its supporters.

Two parties- the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Congress of the People, have broken out of the ANC and 68-year old Cyril Ramaphosa is the party leader tasked with piecing the severed structures of the age-old party together.

Born in 1952, Ramaphosa was one of the people who brokered the peaceful end to Apartheid rule. He rose through the ranks of the ANC to become its President.

He has been heavily criticized for his educational policy. In his state of the Nation Address delivered on February 7 2019 Ramaphosa gave education a 'glancing' touch.

Many political pundits scored him 'F' on education. This may cost him the votes of the teeming youths as the Nation decides.

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Herdsmen have killed eleven people and injured many in a retaliation attack on some Taraba villages today.

The herders stormed Murbai, Kisbap, Sembe, and Yawai – Abbare villages of Ardo-Kola and Jalingo Local Government Areas of Taraba State to avenge the killing of one of their own who was attacked on Monday when his cows were grazing on a villager’s farm, said Cyprian Kamai, a resident of Jalingo.

Kamai stated that community leaders had pleaded with the herdsmen not to avenge the killings but they ignored the appeal of the elders.

He also said that many have fled the villages in fear of further attacks and are left stranded at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

“Those displaced need humanitarian assistance and I want to call on the government to provide relief materials to the IDPs,” Kamai added.

Residents of the villages confirmed to newsmen that five people were killed at Murbai while six were killed at Sembe village.

DSP. David Misal, Police Public Relations Officer Taraba State, confirmed the attack but said only five people were killed in the reprisal attack.

He said, “One person was killed on Monday when the crisis started and yesterday five more corpses were recovered.”

Misal added that the Police have deployed personnel to ensure peace is restored to the communities.

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Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has promised to assent the Bill requesting the creation of four first class Emirate councils in the state as soon as it is sent hm.

Ganduje disclosed this on Wednesday at a media briefing prior to the commencement of the 136th State Executive Council meeting, at the Council Chamber in Government House,

Kano. 

He said, “We heard about a Bill sent to the State House of Assembly, requesting them to make a law for the creation of four more Emirs in Kano. We believe the petitioners did it in

good faith. And they want the development of the state. 

“I hope the legislative arm would work on it and forward to me for assent of which I am ready to sign into Law without any waste of time. 

“That is the popular wish of our people. This will also go a long way in hastening growth and development for the state,” he added.

Ganduje explained that the idea had been on for many years, saying “With the creation of more emirates, all sectors of the society would improve.”

SaharaReporters is however privy to first hand information which reveals that Governor Ganduje is delibrately hashing out a plan to whittle down powers of HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II over a political fued.

The Plan

A very credible source familiar with the situation told Saharareporters “it is true, plans are in top gear. The governor felt Sanusi’s call for free and fair elections in the state was an affront on his plans to return to office and that it means he was backing former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso”.

“The first plan is that they now want to probe how he (Sanusi II) is spending emirate funds as they did before” the source revealed.

In consonance to what our source revealed, on the May 7th, 2019, the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission opened a fresh probe on the alleged financial mismanagement in Kano Emirate Council under the watch of Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

The commission invited two of the Emirs uncles and brothers to appear before it on Thursday; they are to answer questions on what they know over alleged financial scandal rocking the Kano Emirate Council.

The source further told SaharaReporters, the second step is to “pick up the account details and then give it to the media to embarrass Sanusi and use that as a basis to dethrone him”.
The third step, “is to create new emirate councils that will serve as a bulwark against the Emir”.

The launch of a financial inquiry into emirate spendings as well as the bill to create new emirates breaths life of confirmation into the information of GGovernor Abdulahi Ganduje's plans.

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The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the bill for the creation of four additional first class Emirates.

This follows the approval of the amendment of the local government and chieftaincy affairs law by the lawmakers, during their sitting on Wednesday.

The bill, if passed into law, will pave the way for the decentralisation of the Kano Emirate council thereby reducing the number of the emirates under the influence of the sitting  Emir of Kano

Abdullahi Ganduje, the state governor has vowed to assent to the bill.

He gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen on Wednesday ahead of the 136th executive council meeting.

SaharaReporters had exclusively reported step by step plans by Ganduje to dethrone the reigning Emir of Kano HRH Sanusi II over a call by Sanusi for free and fair elections in the state.

Details Later...

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Sheik Abdulwaheed Sulaiman, chief imam of the state house mosque, says cases of insecurity in Nigeria are a test from God.

He made the comments during the daily Tafsir (Quranic teachings) which held at the State House Mosque, Abuja.

Sulaiman, speaking on the rise in cases of banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency in the country, said Nigerians should repent and pray to avert the current security problem.

Garba Shehu, special adviser to the President on media and publicity said, the chief imam “gave thanks to Almighty Allah for allowing the general election to take place peacefully throughout the country”.

“He called for repentance and prayers to avert the current security challenges confronting the nation. He said the security incidents are a test from God.”

President Buhari, who also spoke at the event, assured Nigerians ahead of his second term administration that he knows what to do as the leader of the government.

The president expressed his gratitude and appreciated Nigerians for giving him the mandate to govern the country for another four years.

“I know what to do, and I will not fail Nigerians,” he said.

“The expectations of Nigerians will be met. I will not let them down. I will continue to do my best.”

Buhari had given a similar assurance to Nigerians in March 2019, when the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) paid him a congratulatory visit at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Buhari promised to work harder in addressing the challenges facing the country.

“This is my last lap, I will try to work harder. I assure you, I will not let you down,” Buhari added.

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Sheik Abdulwaheed Sulaiman, chief imam of the state house mosque, says cases of insecurity in Nigeria are a test from God.

He made the comments during the daily Tafsir (Quranic teachings) which held at the State House Mosque, Abuja.

Sulaiman, speaking on the rise in cases of banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency in the country, said Nigerians should repent and pray to avert the current security problem.

Garba Shehu, special adviser to the President on media and publicity said, the chief imam “gave thanks to Almighty Allah for allowing the general election to take place peacefully throughout the country”.

“He called for repentance and prayers to avert the current security challenges confronting the nation. He said the security incidents are a test from God.”

President Buhari, who also spoke at the event, assured Nigerians ahead of his second term administration that he knows what to do as the leader of the government.

The president expressed his gratitude and appreciated Nigerians for giving him the mandate to govern the country for another four years.

“I know what to do, and I will not fail Nigerians,” he said.

“The expectations of Nigerians will be met. I will not let them down. I will continue to do my best.”

Buhari had given a similar assurance to Nigerians in March 2019, when the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) paid him a congratulatory visit at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Buhari promised to work harder in addressing the challenges facing the country.

“This is my last lap, I will try to work harder. I assure you, I will not let you down,” Buhari added.

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The 2019 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday has fixed 15th and 16th May, 2019 for the pre-hearing session of the petitions filed by the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party  ( PDP ), Atiku Abubakar 

At the inaugural hearing which held inat the Court of Appeal, all lawyers representing parties in the matter were called upon to identify the petitions and applications filed.

Thereafter, the tribunal fixed 15th and 16th May for the pre-hearing sitting.

The court room was filled up to the brim with lawyers, INEC officials and journalists. 

SaharaReporters observed that sitting arrangements were made outside the courtroom for observers of the process.

Side Attractions.

A group of Atiku/Obi supporters who were sighted at the court premises bearing banners and placards while chanting solidarity songs .

Atiku Abubakar is challenging the results of the 2019 general elections which declared President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) re-elected.

The five-man tribunal has 180 days’ period from the date of filing of the petition on March 18 to hear and deliver its judgment in the case in which the petitioners said they had assembled about 400 witnesses to testify.

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