Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has said his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress is to help decrease the level of tension in the country.
He described the defection as nationalistic.
The governor declared this on Thursday during in a live broadcast on Channels Television.
Expressing his excitement over his defection, Ayade called on other politicians to help tackle the challenges facing the country
"This is the time I think I need to move to the centre... the choice to join the APC was based on a nationalistic approach.
"I have offered myself to the government at the centre and encouraged others to join too in helping the country tackle its challenges.
"I feel so happy to be in APC. PDP stood by me, gave me the opportunity to be a Senator.... My choice to join the APC is to help reduce the tension in Nigeria. More governors will join the APC," he said.
This morning, I formally joined the All Progressives Congress. This decision was borne out of the need to bring Cross River State in sync with the policies and programs of the federal government. I believe that if everyone of us as governors joins hands with Mr President, pic.twitter.com/ZnDWsApFOd
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has said his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress is to help decrease the level of tension in the country.
He described the defection as nationalistic.
The governor declared this on Thursday during in a live broadcast on Channels Television.
Expressing his excitement over his defection, Ayade called on other politicians to help tackle the challenges facing the country
"This is the time I think I need to move to the centre... the choice to join the APC was based on a nationalistic approach.
"I have offered myself to the government at the centre and encouraged others to join too in helping the country tackle its challenges.
"I feel so happy to be in APC. PDP stood by me, gave me the opportunity to be a Senator.... My choice to join the APC is to help reduce the tension in Nigeria. More governors will join the APC," he said.
This morning, I formally joined the All Progressives Congress. This decision was borne out of the need to bring Cross River State in sync with the policies and programs of the federal government. I believe that if everyone of us as governors joins hands with Mr President, pic.twitter.com/ZnDWsApFOd
A nameless Fulani group said to be a faction of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state on Thursday alleged of planned terror attacks in the state.
The group, through its Chairman, Umar Dogo and Secretary, Joni Yayi, alleged that the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Seriki Salihu Abdulkadir, who fled the state following an ultimatum given by Sunday Igboho in January, were behind the planned terror attacks.
SaharaReporters Media
The group also alleged that the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani have been training bandits in the state.
The group called the attention of the Oyo State Government, security agents, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and community leaders in the state to the security threat.
Dogo and Yayi said the youths are strategising, harbouring criminals, and recruiting bandits, kidnappers, and robbers to carry out all kinds of criminal activities in the state.
According to a statement signed by the duo, criminals are being recruited to terrorise the people in the state.
The group said out of the eight people fingered in the sinister plot, three of them are biological sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani.
Abdulkadir left the state recently after his house and cars were burnt by youths in Igangan over his alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry.
The statement identified the following people as part of the plot: Maman Saliu, Ibrahim Saliu, and Aliu Saliu (who are presently in Ilorin, Kwara State). The three are said to be the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani.
Others include Mamudu Abagu (from Iganna); Alhaji Mumini, immediate past Chairman of Meyetti Allah (Abeokuta branch); Hajia Aminat (from Oyo) and Alhaji Lawal Galadima, also from Oyo.
The statement reads in part, "The aforementioned people, our feeler from the Fulani community in Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa hinted that they were dissatisfied over the plan to remove the embattled Serkin Fulani Alhaji Abdulkadir Saliu by some Fulanis in Oyo state.
"Therefore their plans, if successful, may lead to ethnic conflicts that can lead to civil unrest and breakdown of law and order. The source therefore called on the Oyo state government to beam its searchlight henceforth on Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun in particular and Oyo state in general as well as place aforementioned names on their watchlist."
A nameless Fulani group said to be a faction of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state on Thursday alleged of planned terror attacks in the state.
The group, through its Chairman, Umar Dogo and Secretary, Joni Yayi, alleged that the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Seriki Salihu Abdulkadir, who fled the state following an ultimatum given by Sunday Igboho in January, were behind the planned terror attacks.
SaharaReporters Media
The group also alleged that the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani have been training bandits in the state.
The group called the attention of the Oyo State Government, security agents, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and community leaders in the state to the security threat.
Dogo and Yayi said the youths are strategising, harbouring criminals, and recruiting bandits, kidnappers, and robbers to carry out all kinds of criminal activities in the state.
According to a statement signed by the duo, criminals are being recruited to terrorise the people in the state.
The group said out of the eight people fingered in the sinister plot, three of them are biological sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani.
Abdulkadir left the state recently after his house and cars were burnt by youths in Igangan over his alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry.
The statement identified the following people as part of the plot: Maman Saliu, Ibrahim Saliu, and Aliu Saliu (who are presently in Ilorin, Kwara State). The three are said to be the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani.
Others include Mamudu Abagu (from Iganna); Alhaji Mumini, immediate past Chairman of Meyetti Allah (Abeokuta branch); Hajia Aminat (from Oyo) and Alhaji Lawal Galadima, also from Oyo.
The statement reads in part, "The aforementioned people, our feeler from the Fulani community in Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa hinted that they were dissatisfied over the plan to remove the embattled Serkin Fulani Alhaji Abdulkadir Saliu by some Fulanis in Oyo state.
"Therefore their plans, if successful, may lead to ethnic conflicts that can lead to civil unrest and breakdown of law and order. The source therefore called on the Oyo state government to beam its searchlight henceforth on Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun in particular and Oyo state in general as well as place aforementioned names on their watchlist."
A nameless Fulani group said to be a faction of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state on Thursday alleged of planned terror attacks in the state.
The group, through its Chairman, Umar Dogo and Secretary, Joni Yayi, alleged that the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Seriki Salihu Abdulkadir, who fled the state following an ultimatum given by Sunday Igboho in January, were behind the planned terror attacks.
SaharaReporters Media
The group also alleged that the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani have been training bandits in the state.
The group called the attention of the Oyo State Government, security agents, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and community leaders in the state to the security threat.
Dogo and Yayi said the youths are strategising, harbouring criminals, and recruiting bandits, kidnappers, and robbers to carry out all kinds of criminal activities in the state.
According to a statement signed by the duo, criminals are being recruited to terrorise the people in the state.
The group said out of the eight people fingered in the sinister plot, three of them are biological sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani.
Abdulkadir left the state recently after his house and cars were burnt by youths in Igangan over his alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry.
The statement identified the following people as part of the plot: Maman Saliu, Ibrahim Saliu, and Aliu Saliu (who are presently in Ilorin, Kwara State). The three are said to be the sons of the embattled Seriki Fulani.
Others include Mamudu Abagu (from Iganna); Alhaji Mumini, immediate past Chairman of Meyetti Allah (Abeokuta branch); Hajia Aminat (from Oyo) and Alhaji Lawal Galadima, also from Oyo.
The statement reads in part, "The aforementioned people, our feeler from the Fulani community in Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa hinted that they were dissatisfied over the plan to remove the embattled Serkin Fulani Alhaji Abdulkadir Saliu by some Fulanis in Oyo state.
"Therefore their plans, if successful, may lead to ethnic conflicts that can lead to civil unrest and breakdown of law and order. The source therefore called on the Oyo state government to beam its searchlight henceforth on Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun in particular and Oyo state in general as well as place aforementioned names on their watchlist."
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has shown its support for the decision made by Southern Governors to ban open grazing.
The National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna On Thursday, said the ban on open grazing is capable of addressing the farmers-herders crisis.
File Photo: Herdsmen.
According to him, cattle rearing has been in Africa for over 100 years without any consideration to the free movement of cattle (open grazing) or any grazing reserve, Daily Trust reports.
He said open grazing was carried out at that time because there were few herders, farmers and cattle, especially in Nigeria, stressing that currently, the population had increased with modern technique of farming consuming land tremendously.
Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said, with the current concern on cattle rearing in Africa, especially Nigeria, there is a need to look at how best this practice will be carried out successfully.
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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has shown its support for the decision made by Southern Governors to ban open grazing.
The National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna On Thursday, said the ban on open grazing is capable of addressing the farmers-herders crisis.
File Photo: Herdsmen.
According to him, cattle rearing has been in Africa for over 100 years without any consideration to the free movement of cattle (open grazing) or any grazing reserve, Daily Trust reports.
He said open grazing was carried out at that time because there were few herders, farmers and cattle, especially in Nigeria, stressing that currently, the population had increased with modern technique of farming consuming land tremendously.
Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said, with the current concern on cattle rearing in Africa, especially Nigeria, there is a need to look at how best this practice will be carried out successfully.
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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has shown its support for the decision made by Southern Governors to ban open grazing.
The National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna On Thursday, said the ban on open grazing is capable of addressing the farmers-herders crisis.
File Photo: Herdsmen.
According to him, cattle rearing has been in Africa for over 100 years without any consideration to the free movement of cattle (open grazing) or any grazing reserve, Daily Trust reports.
He said open grazing was carried out at that time because there were few herders, farmers and cattle, especially in Nigeria, stressing that currently, the population had increased with modern technique of farming consuming land tremendously.
Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said, with the current concern on cattle rearing in Africa, especially Nigeria, there is a need to look at how best this practice will be carried out successfully.
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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa has disclosed that the anti-graft agency recovered over N1 billion cash from a civil servant within a week.
He disclosed this on Thursday while appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance investigating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and payment of one percent stamp duty by contractors on all contracts awarded by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) between 2014 and 2020.
Abdulrasheed BawaEFCC
Bawa noted that there were a lot of leakages that needed to be blocked, adding that it was not about generating revenue.
He said, "We recovered over a billion (naira) from (a) civil servant sitting in an account last week.
“After observing the proceedings and the process of investigation of the Clcommittee, I am happy with what is happening here. It is a good development that the committee is working towards blocking revenue leakages.
"At this point in the nation’s history, it is not much about generating revenue as much as blocking leakages of revenue generated and still being generated by all these agencies of government.”
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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa has disclosed that the anti-graft agency recovered over N1 billion cash from a civil servant within a week.
He disclosed this on Thursday while appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance investigating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and payment of one percent stamp duty by contractors on all contracts awarded by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) between 2014 and 2020.
Abdulrasheed BawaEFCC
Bawa noted that there were a lot of leakages that needed to be blocked, adding that it was not about generating revenue.
He said, "We recovered over a billion (naira) from (a) civil servant sitting in an account last week.
“After observing the proceedings and the process of investigation of the Clcommittee, I am happy with what is happening here. It is a good development that the committee is working towards blocking revenue leakages.
"At this point in the nation’s history, it is not much about generating revenue as much as blocking leakages of revenue generated and still being generated by all these agencies of government.”
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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State denied that his convoy killed a young child in Ogbomoso during a political campaign ahead of Saturday local government elections in the town.
Makinde, on his Twitter page on Thursday, said though the kid was killed by a driver in a Toyota Matrix who was not part of his convoy, investigation was ongoing into the incident.
He also said the driver responsible for killing the kid will be brought to justice.
Sources had told SaharaReporters that a young kid was on Thursday killed by Makinde’s convoy after the little kid ran into his convoy in Ogbomoso.
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 20, 2021
This incident was said to have occurred during the Peoples Democratic Party’s campaign for this weekend's local government election in the state.
SaharaReporters learnt that Makinde and about 500 commercial buses had arrived in Ogbomoso around 3pm on Thursday.
"It is true. I heard it happened in Taki area this afternoon. The child was said to have been in the front of his mother's shop when the incident happened," a source had said.
However, Makinde, in his statement on Twitter, said, "I received with deep concern the report that my convoy ran over a child on our way to Ogbomoso, earlier today. Our preliminary investigation revealed that the child was hit by an individual driving a Toyota Matrix car who lost control of his vehicle. He was not part of my convoy.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents of the child. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Investigations are ongoing and we will ensure that the perpetrator(s) is brought to book."
My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents of the child. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Investigations are ongoing and we will ensure that the perpetrator(s) is brought to book.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State denied that his convoy killed a young child in Ogbomoso during a political campaign ahead of Saturday local government elections in the town.
Makinde, on his Twitter page on Thursday, said though the kid was killed by a driver in a Toyota Matrix who was not part of his convoy, investigation was ongoing into the incident.
He also said the driver responsible for killing the kid will be brought to justice.
Sources had told SaharaReporters that a young kid was on Thursday killed by Makinde’s convoy after the little kid ran into his convoy in Ogbomoso.
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 20, 2021
This incident was said to have occurred during the Peoples Democratic Party’s campaign for this weekend's local government election in the state.
SaharaReporters learnt that Makinde and about 500 commercial buses had arrived in Ogbomoso around 3pm on Thursday.
"It is true. I heard it happened in Taki area this afternoon. The child was said to have been in the front of his mother's shop when the incident happened," a source had said.
However, Makinde, in his statement on Twitter, said, "I received with deep concern the report that my convoy ran over a child on our way to Ogbomoso, earlier today. Our preliminary investigation revealed that the child was hit by an individual driving a Toyota Matrix car who lost control of his vehicle. He was not part of my convoy.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents of the child. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Investigations are ongoing and we will ensure that the perpetrator(s) is brought to book."
My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents of the child. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Investigations are ongoing and we will ensure that the perpetrator(s) is brought to book.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State denied that his convoy killed a young child in Ogbomoso during a political campaign ahead of Saturday local government elections in the town.
Makinde, on his Twitter page on Thursday, said though the kid was killed by a driver in a Toyota Matrix who was not part of his convoy, investigation was ongoing into the incident.
He also said the driver responsible for killing the kid will be brought to justice.
Sources had told SaharaReporters that a young kid was on Thursday killed by Makinde’s convoy after the little kid ran into his convoy in Ogbomoso.
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 20, 2021
This incident was said to have occurred during the Peoples Democratic Party’s campaign for this weekend's local government election in the state.
SaharaReporters learnt that Makinde and about 500 commercial buses had arrived in Ogbomoso around 3pm on Thursday.
"It is true. I heard it happened in Taki area this afternoon. The child was said to have been in the front of his mother's shop when the incident happened," a source had said.
However, Makinde, in his statement on Twitter, said, "I received with deep concern the report that my convoy ran over a child on our way to Ogbomoso, earlier today. Our preliminary investigation revealed that the child was hit by an individual driving a Toyota Matrix car who lost control of his vehicle. He was not part of my convoy.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents of the child. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Investigations are ongoing and we will ensure that the perpetrator(s) is brought to book."
My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents of the child. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Investigations are ongoing and we will ensure that the perpetrator(s) is brought to book.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria from Paris, France.
President Buhari had departed Abuja, the nation's capital, for a summit in France on Sunday.
The statement by the Presidency before his departure, read, "President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, May 16, 2021, depart Abuja for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit to attend African Finance Summit which will be focused on reviewing African economy, following shocks from Coronavirus pandemic, and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries.
"The summit, to be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, will draw major stakeholders in the global financial institutions and some Heads of Government, who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms.
"During the visit, President Buhari will meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, economic ties, climate change and partnership in buoying the health sector, particularly in checking the spread of Covid-19, with more research and vaccines."
A statement on the Twitter handle of the Government of Nigeria on Thursday, said, "President @MBuhari arrived Abuja after an official trip to Paris, France."
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) May 20, 2021
Some Nigerians on Tuesday protested in Paris, the French Capital while President Buhari was attending the Africa Finance Summit.
The Nigerians who carried the #HarassBuhariOutofParis placards lamented that Buhari had failed the country and his government had been characterised by bad governance, bloodshed, killings and poor policies.
SaharaReporters had on Wednesday exclusively reported that Buhari would be in Paris for at least four days, where he had also been scheduled to meet his doctors.
"Buhari will be heading to Paris for four days. He was planning to go to Kampala (Uganda) and travel to London, the United Kingdom, to see his doctors, but they opted to meet him in Paris. He will be travelling on Saturday," a presidential source had disclosed.
SaharaReporters also reported how Buhari had lanned to attend the inauguration of Uganda's tight-fist dictator, Yoweri Museveni, and from there, let him visit the UK for treatment.
But the plan was later shelved and the decision to send Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Uganda to represent Buhari was made at the last minute when it appeared that the UK trip was not feasible.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria from Paris, France.
President Buhari had departed Abuja, the nation's capital, for a summit in France on Sunday.
The statement by the Presidency before his departure, read, "President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, May 16, 2021, depart Abuja for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit to attend African Finance Summit which will be focused on reviewing African economy, following shocks from Coronavirus pandemic, and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries.
"The summit, to be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, will draw major stakeholders in the global financial institutions and some Heads of Government, who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms.
"During the visit, President Buhari will meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, economic ties, climate change and partnership in buoying the health sector, particularly in checking the spread of Covid-19, with more research and vaccines."
A statement on the Twitter handle of the Government of Nigeria on Thursday, said, "President @MBuhari arrived Abuja after an official trip to Paris, France."
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) May 20, 2021
Some Nigerians on Tuesday protested in Paris, the French Capital while President Buhari was attending the Africa Finance Summit.
The Nigerians who carried the #HarassBuhariOutofParis placards lamented that Buhari had failed the country and his government had been characterised by bad governance, bloodshed, killings and poor policies.
SaharaReporters had on Wednesday exclusively reported that Buhari would be in Paris for at least four days, where he had also been scheduled to meet his doctors.
"Buhari will be heading to Paris for four days. He was planning to go to Kampala (Uganda) and travel to London, the United Kingdom, to see his doctors, but they opted to meet him in Paris. He will be travelling on Saturday," a presidential source had disclosed.
SaharaReporters also reported how Buhari had lanned to attend the inauguration of Uganda's tight-fist dictator, Yoweri Museveni, and from there, let him visit the UK for treatment.
But the plan was later shelved and the decision to send Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Uganda to represent Buhari was made at the last minute when it appeared that the UK trip was not feasible.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria from Paris, France.
President Buhari had departed Abuja, the nation's capital, for a summit in France on Sunday.
The statement by the Presidency before his departure, read, "President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, May 16, 2021, depart Abuja for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit to attend African Finance Summit which will be focused on reviewing African economy, following shocks from Coronavirus pandemic, and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries.
"The summit, to be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, will draw major stakeholders in the global financial institutions and some Heads of Government, who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms.
"During the visit, President Buhari will meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, economic ties, climate change and partnership in buoying the health sector, particularly in checking the spread of Covid-19, with more research and vaccines."
A statement on the Twitter handle of the Government of Nigeria on Thursday, said, "President @MBuhari arrived Abuja after an official trip to Paris, France."
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) May 20, 2021
Some Nigerians on Tuesday protested in Paris, the French Capital while President Buhari was attending the Africa Finance Summit.
The Nigerians who carried the #HarassBuhariOutofParis placards lamented that Buhari had failed the country and his government had been characterised by bad governance, bloodshed, killings and poor policies.
SaharaReporters had on Wednesday exclusively reported that Buhari would be in Paris for at least four days, where he had also been scheduled to meet his doctors.
"Buhari will be heading to Paris for four days. He was planning to go to Kampala (Uganda) and travel to London, the United Kingdom, to see his doctors, but they opted to meet him in Paris. He will be travelling on Saturday," a presidential source had disclosed.
SaharaReporters also reported how Buhari had lanned to attend the inauguration of Uganda's tight-fist dictator, Yoweri Museveni, and from there, let him visit the UK for treatment.
But the plan was later shelved and the decision to send Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Uganda to represent Buhari was made at the last minute when it appeared that the UK trip was not feasible.
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Senior lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana says the Northern governors long prohibited roaming of herdsmen with cattle before their counterparts in the South placed a ban on open grazing.
He affirmed that the constitution of Nigeria does not provide for animals to move freely, destroying farmlands.
Femi Falana, SAN.
Falana said this in reaction to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami's criticism of the move by governors in the South-East, South-South and South-West regions to ban open grazing.
Malami, Wednesday, on a national TV programme likened open grazing in the South to dealing in spare parts in the North, hence, saying Southern governors cannot stop Fulani herders from moving their cows around in the southern terrain.
Falana, however, said the Minister of Justice was wrong in his assertion, as the constitution that allows people to move freely does not give animals the same right, especially to cause destruction to farmlands.
This was contained in a statement Falana titled 'Northern Governors Forum Banned Open Grazing before Southern Governors Forum,' which was made available to SaharaReporters on Thursday.
"The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) was reported yesterday to have condemned the ban on open grazing by the Southern Governors' Forum. The AGF stated that the ban on open grazing is unconstitutional as it affects the right of herders to move freely in the country.
"With respect, the ban on open grazing has not affected the rights of herders to move freely and acquire land in any state for the establishment of ranches in line with the provisions of sections 41 and 43 of the Constitution.
"Since the Constitution does not cover the right of animals to move freely and destroy farmlands, it is grossly misleading to give the impression that the ban on open grazing has abrogated the right of herders to carry out their business.
"With respect to the movement of animals in the country the Animal Diseases (Control) Act and similar laws applicable in the states have empowered the Minister of Agriculture and relevant State Commissioners to make appropriate regulations to regulate the movement of animals and prevent them from transmitting diseases," the statement partly read.
Falana also criticised Malami for comparing open grazing to trading in spare parts, stressing that the latter involves owning a property to practise.
"The AGF equally said that banning open grazing is like banning the sale of spare parts. The comparison is not applicable as the sellers of motor parts who operate in shops and markets in all states have not been accused of engaging in the killing of fellow citizens and destruction of their properties.
"Besides, those who sell spare parts outside their states of origin either acquire properties or pay rent for the their lawful business.
"However, in order to halt the incessant violent clashes between farmers and herders which had led to mindless killings and wanton destruction of properties in many parts of the country the federal government and the 36 state governments have, at various fora, banned open grazing in all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory," Falana continued in the statement.
The activist lawyer further provided instances at which the Northern and Southern governors have endorsed the banning of open grazing.
"In view of the desperate moves of some members of the geo-political class to divide the Nigerian people along regional basis it is pertinent to draw the attention of the members of the public to the following reports:
"On April 27, 2018, the members of the National Economic Council resolved to ban open grazing and adopt the Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government. The National Economic Council is constituted by the Vice President, the 36 State Governors, the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank Governor.
"On February 9, 2021, the Northern Governors Forum banned open grazing in all states in Northern Nigeria.
"On February 11, 2021 the Nigeria Governors Forum banned open grazing in all the 36 states of the Federation.
"On May 14, 2021 the Southern Governors Forum banned open grazing in the 17 states in Southern Nigeria.
"On May 18, the PDP Governors Forum endorsed the decision to ban open grazing in the entire country.
"Based on the ban on open grazing, not fewer than 24 states governments have submitted applications to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for grant to facilitate the establishment of ranches in line with the Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government.
"Meanwhile, Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State has invited herders who are adversely affected by the ban on open grazing to settle down in the Ruga Settlement established by the State Government.
"While commissioning the first batch of 25 housing units out of the 200 earmarked for RUGA settlement,
the Governor said that his government engaged in the project for two fundamental reasons: 'first and foremost is to avoid clashes between farmers and herders, secondly to avoid movement of herders which is the source of conflict and to avoid cattle rustling,'" the statement added.
Falana finally advised Malami to always take into consideration, the interests of the general populace, and not of a section of the country in his subsequent remarks as a Minister.
"Mr. Malami should be reminded that he is the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"So, in making statements he should always take due regards of the sensibilities of every part of the country and respect all legitimate interests of the entire people of the country.
"Mr. Malami should please stand up for social justice and unity of Nigeria in the interest of all as required of him in accordance with his Oath of Office under the 1999 Constitution," Falana concluded in the statement.
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Senior lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana says the Northern governors long prohibited roaming of herdsmen with cattle before their counterparts in the South placed a ban on open grazing.
He affirmed that the constitution of Nigeria does not provide for animals to move freely, destroying farmlands.
Femi Falana, SAN.
Falana said this in reaction to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami's criticism of the move by governors in the South-East, South-South and South-West regions to ban open grazing.
Malami, Wednesday, on a national TV programme likened open grazing in the South to dealing in spare parts in the North, hence, saying Southern governors cannot stop Fulani herders from moving their cows around in the southern terrain.
Falana, however, said the Minister of Justice was wrong in his assertion, as the constitution that allows people to move freely does not give animals the same right, especially to cause destruction to farmlands.
This was contained in a statement Falana titled 'Northern Governors Forum Banned Open Grazing before Southern Governors Forum,' which was made available to SaharaReporters on Thursday.
"The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) was reported yesterday to have condemned the ban on open grazing by the Southern Governors' Forum. The AGF stated that the ban on open grazing is unconstitutional as it affects the right of herders to move freely in the country.
"With respect, the ban on open grazing has not affected the rights of herders to move freely and acquire land in any state for the establishment of ranches in line with the provisions of sections 41 and 43 of the Constitution.
"Since the Constitution does not cover the right of animals to move freely and destroy farmlands, it is grossly misleading to give the impression that the ban on open grazing has abrogated the right of herders to carry out their business.
"With respect to the movement of animals in the country the Animal Diseases (Control) Act and similar laws applicable in the states have empowered the Minister of Agriculture and relevant State Commissioners to make appropriate regulations to regulate the movement of animals and prevent them from transmitting diseases," the statement partly read.
Falana also criticised Malami for comparing open grazing to trading in spare parts, stressing that the latter involves owning a property to practise.
"The AGF equally said that banning open grazing is like banning the sale of spare parts. The comparison is not applicable as the sellers of motor parts who operate in shops and markets in all states have not been accused of engaging in the killing of fellow citizens and destruction of their properties.
"Besides, those who sell spare parts outside their states of origin either acquire properties or pay rent for the their lawful business.
"However, in order to halt the incessant violent clashes between farmers and herders which had led to mindless killings and wanton destruction of properties in many parts of the country the federal government and the 36 state governments have, at various fora, banned open grazing in all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory," Falana continued in the statement.
The activist lawyer further provided instances at which the Northern and Southern governors have endorsed the banning of open grazing.
"In view of the desperate moves of some members of the geo-political class to divide the Nigerian people along regional basis it is pertinent to draw the attention of the members of the public to the following reports:
"On April 27, 2018, the members of the National Economic Council resolved to ban open grazing and adopt the Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government. The National Economic Council is constituted by the Vice President, the 36 State Governors, the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank Governor.
"On February 9, 2021, the Northern Governors Forum banned open grazing in all states in Northern Nigeria.
"On February 11, 2021 the Nigeria Governors Forum banned open grazing in all the 36 states of the Federation.
"On May 14, 2021 the Southern Governors Forum banned open grazing in the 17 states in Southern Nigeria.
"On May 18, the PDP Governors Forum endorsed the decision to ban open grazing in the entire country.
"Based on the ban on open grazing, not fewer than 24 states governments have submitted applications to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for grant to facilitate the establishment of ranches in line with the Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government.
"Meanwhile, Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State has invited herders who are adversely affected by the ban on open grazing to settle down in the Ruga Settlement established by the State Government.
"While commissioning the first batch of 25 housing units out of the 200 earmarked for RUGA settlement,
the Governor said that his government engaged in the project for two fundamental reasons: 'first and foremost is to avoid clashes between farmers and herders, secondly to avoid movement of herders which is the source of conflict and to avoid cattle rustling,'" the statement added.
Falana finally advised Malami to always take into consideration, the interests of the general populace, and not of a section of the country in his subsequent remarks as a Minister.
"Mr. Malami should be reminded that he is the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"So, in making statements he should always take due regards of the sensibilities of every part of the country and respect all legitimate interests of the entire people of the country.
"Mr. Malami should please stand up for social justice and unity of Nigeria in the interest of all as required of him in accordance with his Oath of Office under the 1999 Constitution," Falana concluded in the statement.
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The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra has stated that the agitations for the independence of the Oduduwa and Biafra republics will soon come to fruition.
Speaking of the 1914 amalgamation, Kanu in a tweet on Wednesday, stated that Britain's failure to offer Southern and Northern Nigeria the option of partition is a violation of a declaration which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 1960.
His tweet read, “Britain’s failure to offer Southern and Northern Nigeria the option of partition like it did with India & Pakistan violated the ‘United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries’. It’s time to right this violation. Oduduwa and Biafra coming soon.”
Meanwhile, Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, had earlier warned that any attack by the Nigerian Army on the South-East would be repelled.
In a statement by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho said attacks on the South-East is an attack on the Yoruba people, urging the government to put a stop to raids in the South-East region.
He further stated that if there are further attacks on the people of the South-East, Yoruba Nation Now agitators will mobilise and support them. It was, however, not stated the kind of support that would be given.
The statement read, "We would like to inform the Federal Government Of Nigeria that any attack on the South-East is an attack on the Yorubas.
"Biafra people have been targeted by the Nigeria Army and if there are any further attacks on them, we would have no other option but to support our brothers and sisters in Biafraland."
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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has said the United Kingdom will deny visas to Nigerians who disrupt the 2023 elections.
In a chat with Vanguard, Laing advised Governor Nyesom Wike and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to cement their legacies on a positive note by ensuring peaceful 2023 elections in Rivers State.
The envoy said, "I do have some sympathy for Nigeria because if we as the UK have one of these problems your country has today, we will be struggling. Here, you deal with everything, from insurgency to kidnapping, to piracy off the Gulf of Guinea and you don't have such a large army and police force for a country of this size.
"The only way you turn this thing around is that the government has to build the trust of its people, to have the people working with the government to deal with criminality. That's how successful anti-criminal operations work.
"People willingly report those committing crime, working with police to identify criminals, same with the military on the insurgency situation. It's only when the community is on the side of the police and security services that they can turn around the situation."
On the expectations for Nigeria's 2023 elections, Laing said: "2023 is not alright. What happens in the polls is crucial, not just for Nigeria but also for Africa. You (Nigeria) are a large democracy.
"It doesn't have to be a perfect election. There would be problems, but we want it to be better than the last one. We want it to be secure, peaceful, the process should be run well, and you need to get people to register."
On her choice of candidates, she said: "My ideal candidates would be two younger presidential candidates, both with female vice-presidential candidates," apparently referring to the two leading political parties.
To Wike and Amaechi on the next Rivers State governorship election, she said: "It is essential that there's a peaceful election in Rivers State. It will be a crucial part of his (Wike) legacy, how the election goes in this state. We've been saying the same thing to Amaechi.
"Another thing we will be doing is to remind people that if people do incite violence or act violently, we will be prepared to deny them visas to the UK. We will make that statement clear and say it over again."
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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has said the United Kingdom will deny visas to Nigerians who disrupt the 2023 elections.
In a chat with Vanguard, Laing advised Governor Nyesom Wike and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to cement their legacies on a positive note by ensuring peaceful 2023 elections in Rivers State.
The envoy said, "I do have some sympathy for Nigeria because if we as the UK have one of these problems your country has today, we will be struggling. Here, you deal with everything, from insurgency to kidnapping, to piracy off the Gulf of Guinea and you don't have such a large army and police force for a country of this size.
"The only way you turn this thing around is that the government has to build the trust of its people, to have the people working with the government to deal with criminality. That's how successful anti-criminal operations work.
"People willingly report those committing crime, working with police to identify criminals, same with the military on the insurgency situation. It's only when the community is on the side of the police and security services that they can turn around the situation."
On the expectations for Nigeria's 2023 elections, Laing said: "2023 is not alright. What happens in the polls is crucial, not just for Nigeria but also for Africa. You (Nigeria) are a large democracy.
"It doesn't have to be a perfect election. There would be problems, but we want it to be better than the last one. We want it to be secure, peaceful, the process should be run well, and you need to get people to register."
On her choice of candidates, she said: "My ideal candidates would be two younger presidential candidates, both with female vice-presidential candidates," apparently referring to the two leading political parties.
To Wike and Amaechi on the next Rivers State governorship election, she said: "It is essential that there's a peaceful election in Rivers State. It will be a crucial part of his (Wike) legacy, how the election goes in this state. We've been saying the same thing to Amaechi.
"Another thing we will be doing is to remind people that if people do incite violence or act violently, we will be prepared to deny them visas to the UK. We will make that statement clear and say it over again."
PoliticsNewsAddThis : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements :
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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has said the United Kingdom will deny visas to Nigerians who disrupt the 2023 elections.
In a chat with Vanguard, Laing advised Governor Nyesom Wike and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to cement their legacies on a positive note by ensuring peaceful 2023 elections in Rivers State.
The envoy said, "I do have some sympathy for Nigeria because if we as the UK have one of these problems your country has today, we will be struggling. Here, you deal with everything, from insurgency to kidnapping, to piracy off the Gulf of Guinea and you don't have such a large army and police force for a country of this size.
"The only way you turn this thing around is that the government has to build the trust of its people, to have the people working with the government to deal with criminality. That's how successful anti-criminal operations work.
"People willingly report those committing crime, working with police to identify criminals, same with the military on the insurgency situation. It's only when the community is on the side of the police and security services that they can turn around the situation."
On the expectations for Nigeria's 2023 elections, Laing said: "2023 is not alright. What happens in the polls is crucial, not just for Nigeria but also for Africa. You (Nigeria) are a large democracy.
"It doesn't have to be a perfect election. There would be problems, but we want it to be better than the last one. We want it to be secure, peaceful, the process should be run well, and you need to get people to register."
On her choice of candidates, she said: "My ideal candidates would be two younger presidential candidates, both with female vice-presidential candidates," apparently referring to the two leading political parties.
To Wike and Amaechi on the next Rivers State governorship election, she said: "It is essential that there's a peaceful election in Rivers State. It will be a crucial part of his (Wike) legacy, how the election goes in this state. We've been saying the same thing to Amaechi.
"Another thing we will be doing is to remind people that if people do incite violence or act violently, we will be prepared to deny them visas to the UK. We will make that statement clear and say it over again."
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Drama unfolded at the Enchi District Magistrate Court when four Nigerians wept uncontrollably after the court ordered the police to hand them over to the Ghana Immigration Service for their repatriation from Ghana.
The convicts: Amanda Johnson, 27, Emerald Precious, 23, Angel Ainu, 24, Jennifer Emeka, 32 and Patrick Arthur, were also sentenced to a fine of GH¢600.00 or, in default, serve nine months imprisonment each.
Their accomplice, Esther Diamond, 27 and Anthony Kofi Lucky, 32, who refused to show up in court after they were granted bail, got convicted to jail in absentia.
The court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the two, Ghanaweb reports
All the convicts were earlier charged for keeping a brothel, but they pleaded not guilty.
However, the court presided over by Eric Baah Boateng found them guilty and convicted all accordingly at the end of the trial.
Detective Inspector Joseph Kwadwo Agyare told the court that Amanda, Emerald, Angel, Jennifer and Esther are Nigerians and residents at Abokyia in the Aowin Municipality in the Western North Region.
He said Anthony is the husband of Esther while Arthur is the landlord of the convicts.
According to Detective Agyare, the complainant, Catherine Joseph, is a 19-year-old Nigerian and currently resides at Amakom, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The prosecution said two weeks ago, Amanda paid a visit to Nigeria and convinced the complainant that she had secured a job for her as a cleaner in Ghana.
He said the complainant agreed and when the two arrived in Ghana, Amanda told her she was going to work as a commercial sex worker.
Inspector Agyare informed the court that Amanda subsequently took the complainant to a riverside and made her swear an oath that she would not flee to Nigeria.
The prosecution said the complainant, who was not pleased with what she had been forced into, managed to escape from the Banaso community to Ashanti Region. She narrated her ordeal to a private radio station based in Kumasi.
He said officials of the radio station later assisted her in lodging a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service at Enchi where Amanda was arrested in a wooden structure that they were using as a brothel.
The prosecution said that Anthony was found in Esther's room in the arrest, where four boxes containing 144 condoms and lubricants were retrieved.
During interrogations, he said Amanda and Emerald said they rented the brothel from Arthur, leading to his arrest.
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Drama unfolded at the Enchi District Magistrate Court when four Nigerians wept uncontrollably after the court ordered the police to hand them over to the Ghana Immigration Service for their repatriation from Ghana.
The convicts: Amanda Johnson, 27, Emerald Precious, 23, Angel Ainu, 24, Jennifer Emeka, 32 and Patrick Arthur, were also sentenced to a fine of GH¢600.00 or, in default, serve nine months imprisonment each.
Their accomplice, Esther Diamond, 27 and Anthony Kofi Lucky, 32, who refused to show up in court after they were granted bail, got convicted to jail in absentia.
The court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the two, Ghanaweb reports
All the convicts were earlier charged for keeping a brothel, but they pleaded not guilty.
However, the court presided over by Eric Baah Boateng found them guilty and convicted all accordingly at the end of the trial.
Detective Inspector Joseph Kwadwo Agyare told the court that Amanda, Emerald, Angel, Jennifer and Esther are Nigerians and residents at Abokyia in the Aowin Municipality in the Western North Region.
He said Anthony is the husband of Esther while Arthur is the landlord of the convicts.
According to Detective Agyare, the complainant, Catherine Joseph, is a 19-year-old Nigerian and currently resides at Amakom, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The prosecution said two weeks ago, Amanda paid a visit to Nigeria and convinced the complainant that she had secured a job for her as a cleaner in Ghana.
He said the complainant agreed and when the two arrived in Ghana, Amanda told her she was going to work as a commercial sex worker.
Inspector Agyare informed the court that Amanda subsequently took the complainant to a riverside and made her swear an oath that she would not flee to Nigeria.
The prosecution said the complainant, who was not pleased with what she had been forced into, managed to escape from the Banaso community to Ashanti Region. She narrated her ordeal to a private radio station based in Kumasi.
He said officials of the radio station later assisted her in lodging a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service at Enchi where Amanda was arrested in a wooden structure that they were using as a brothel.
The prosecution said that Anthony was found in Esther's room in the arrest, where four boxes containing 144 condoms and lubricants were retrieved.
During interrogations, he said Amanda and Emerald said they rented the brothel from Arthur, leading to his arrest.
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