The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has stated that the 2023 election is a good time for the youths to take over the leadership of the country.
To this end, the Arewa youths say the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Bola Tinubu should not contest but support youths to emerge.
The AYCF however noted that though it can’t force the likes of Tinubu, Atiku, and other older aspirants not to contest, they would be put where they belong by the youths through the polls.
The AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima who made the declaration said the youths have the numbers to determine who they want as their leader through the polls.
During a chat with Daily Post, Shettima said the youths will drag the presidency with the older generation and victory is assured because all necessary action and consultation will be put in place.
He said: “Nobody will give them that chance this time around, but certainly, the youths of this country would make a statement at a given time, you can be rest assured of this.
“Nobody will stop them from contesting, but certainly nobody will give them a chance; we will drag it together. We will ensure that we use our large number, consult widely, and ensure we put them where they belong.”
In other news, the final list of candidates for the Ekiti governorship election has been released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Naija News reports that the country’s electoral agency had fixed June 18, 2022, for the governorship election in the South West state.
In a statement on Monday by its spokesman, Festus Okoye, INEC said it released the full list of candidates for the election after it had published their personal information last month.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Osondu Victor Igwilo, a suspect wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 2018 has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The development was confirmed by the spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, adding that Igwilo was the alleged leader of a criminal network of “catchers”.
Uwujaren noted that Igwilo was arrested alongside Okafor Nnamdi Chris, Nwodu Uchenna Emmanuel and John Anazo Achukwu at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos.
The suspects were accused of fraud, money laundering, and identity theft to the tune of about $100millon.
It was gathered that the suspects allegedly perpetrated a scheme involving false promises of investment funding, impersonating United States bank officials in person and via the internet.
He said, “Investigation revealed that those who fell victims of the suspects’ criminal activities were asked to make certain payments before they could receive their funding.”
A further report had it that the suspects laundered their proceeds through American bank accounts and diverted them to the alleged culprits in Nigeria.
FBI placed Igwilo on a watch list following a criminal complaint filed against him in the U.S. District Court, Houston, Texas, in December 2016.
“Following their arrest, five houses located in choice areas of Lagos were recovered from Igwilo. The suspects will soon be charged to court.”
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Aviation analysts have suggested a review of the new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASAs) which is indirectly contributing to an annual deficit of $200 million for the country.
Naija News learnt that Nigeria over time has been losing about $200 million (about N91.6 billion at the official exchange rateof N416.34) annually to the foray of foreign carriers into multiple destinations in the country.
The development has been frowned at by aviation analysts who have suggested a quick review to salvage the country from more loss.
Currently, no fewer than 11 foreign carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines operate additional 60 frequencies to Nigeria weekly, with operations to several cities across the country.
While this is appreciated by passengers because it eliminates their various challenges of connecting flights, it is, however, a disservice to local airline operators as they lose billions of naira annually.
Analysts observed that a new clause in the BASA was not given a careful check by the government before approval.
According to the analysis, the government through the industry regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), would have considered the effects such approvals would have on Nigerian airlines and the country’s transportation before allowing such.
Naija News understands that the foreign airlines don’t pay royalties to the government as the new BASAs arrangements they signed with the government eliminated this.
For instance, the Qatari government had in February 2016 signed a new BASA arrangement with the Federal Government, which would enable its carrier, Qatar Airways, from its base in Doha, to increase its weekly frequencies to major cities in Nigeria to five destinations.
The cities are Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. The airline already flies seven weekly frequencies to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The airline has commenced direct flight services to the aforementioned routes, except Enugu.
Experts noted as, in October 2019, Nigeria’s BASA arrangements with other countries had climbed to 92, while about 30 of the arrangements are active.
Some of the said airlines with extra frequencies into Nigeria include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa World Airlines; Turkish Airlines and Asky Airlines.
In this regard, experts in the know have called on the Federal Government to review the existing BASA arrangements with other countries, arguing that while Nigeria opens its airspace wide to foreign airlines, their counterparts come out with obnoxious policies that limit the expansion tendencies of the nation’s carriers in their own countries.
A Nigerian aviation analyst, Grp. Capt John Ojikutu (rtd) while interacting with newsmen on the issue, said that Nigeria was losing about $200 million annually to multiple entries for foreign carriers, while the country’s airlines are suffering.
Ojikutu, however, supported multiple frequencies for the foreign airlines but negated multiple destinations for them.
The aviation expert explained to Daily Independent that any approval above dual designations to foreign airlines exposes the country’s domestic routes and domestic markets to the international airlines.
He said: “I have said it repeatedly that no foreign airlines must be given landing rights to Lagos and Abuja, but to Lagos or Abuja and her airport at alternative geographical location and not more than two.
“However, the airline can fly many times a day to the two airports of its choice. These are great sources of forex revenue earnings for the government from the arising commercial agreements.
“Additional two destinations given to Qatar are not different from what had been given to Ethiopian Airlines, both I am against. In the 1990s, when Egypt Air and Middle East Airline were lifting regular West African regional passengers to and from Lagos, it became a war between them and Nigeria Airways and it was stopped.
“Who will fight the battle now for the domestic airlines when we do not have a national carrier or designated flag carriers?
“Imagine the number of passengers on the extra frequency flights by these airlines and the earnings from their landing and parking? Commercial agreements, if well-managed, can pay well for the loss in reciprocity,” Ojikutu expressed.
On his part, Mr Fortune Idu, another stakeholder in the industry, explained that the government would have considered national business preservation instincts and experience in the global aviation industry before granting multiple designations to foreign carriers.
He added that the government through the industry regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), would have also considered the effects such approvals would have on Nigerian airlines and the country’s transportation before allowing such.
He submitted that passenger experience from users’ perspective should be given top priority by the government, stressing that passengers of these airlines would prefer the carriers fly directly to their domains, thereby avoiding flight delays and cancellations by the domestic airlines.
He added: “However on the local airline side, it may be considered a disservice, but the traffic was not created or intended for local airlines. So, you cannot classify it as a loss to them. Finally, during the local airlines’ considerations to increase the minimum airfare base to N50,000 for a trip, did they consult passengers to know how they will feel or survey to assess the impact on customers’ economy?
“So, why will Nigerian passengers worry about Nigerian airlines not partaking in the traffic revenue from Qatar passengers? This issue is simply a passenger’s experience consideration and the economic impact to local airlines is insignificant to this consideration.”
Besides, commenting on the issue and on the plan to resolve it, Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Airlines, said that the umbrella body of domestic airlines in the country, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), was discussing it with the Ministry of Aviation, Naija News reports.
According to him, the airlines would in the next few days hold a meeting with Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Sirika has said earlier that the government could not be blamed on the approval of the multiple destinations to international carriers.
According to him, most of the state governments preferred the airlines to fly directly into their states.
He said: “So, it is not as if the Federal Government woke up and gave these multiple designations to foreign carriers. Some of these issues are caused by the state governments who want to fly from their backyard to wherever in the world, not minding the economic impact of such a tendency on the country.
“If you want to give them multiple entry points, let them fly from their countries and go straight to Port Harcourt for instance and then go back to their countries from there, but what we are frowning at is the multiple designations and you allow them to fly from their base and go to different locations in Nigeria.
“A situation whereby they land in Lagos, and from there go to Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja before going to their countries, that will destroy aviation in the country.”
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has announced the succcesful capture of Osondu Igwilo, a notorious fraudster declared wanted by the FBI in 2018. Below is a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA by the commission signed by its head of media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren; “It was the end of road, on Thursday, March …
Justin Dean, husband of popular Nigerian Dancer Korra Obidi has opened up on what the main issue in their marriage is.
Recall that Dean announced earlier that he was divorcing his wife barely a week after welcoming their second child Athena Dean.
Most of their fans thought it was a prank. However, subsequent posts from Justin have shown that he is not happy with the marriage and he is serious about getting a divorce.
Replying to a fan in his comment section on Instagram the father of two has revealed what the real issue in their marriage is.
A fan identified as iamlily_vee asked Justin to make a decision about his marriage and he should either forgive her and move on or divorce her.
Replying to the fan’s comment, the doctor stated that forgiveness was not the problem but how Korra was treating him in the marriage.
In another development, Justin has stated that he is sorry for calling Korra Obidi a chronic cheater.
However, he maintained that every other thing he said during his outburst is true and the two girls from Korra are his daughters. Read more
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Nigerians on social media have reacted after the wife of the embattled former commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari, fainted inside the court.
In the video that was shared on social media, she reportedly slumped on the ground shortly after trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite deferred ruling on applications that Kyari and six other persons facing drug trafficking charges filed to be released on bail pending the determination of the case against them.
The lady, who wore a black Hijab, fell on the floor while armed operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, were leading Kyari and the others away from the court premises.
Following the development, Nigerians have taken to Instagram to express their views regarding the wife of the embattled super cop in court.
See some of the reactions below:
chiblue0202 wrote; ‘When she wakes up they should continue sha….. your husband dealt with people … he should be judged too’
One grubskitchen wrote; ‘Is it the money she has been enjoying that shocked her or the atrocities/killing her husband has been committing all these years? Jokers Aunty wake up, It’s time to face the music’
One lois__u wrote; ‘Odiegwu. Akiko ndi ngbo. Pour am pure water for inside nose she go wake sharp sharp’
One realwhite_wave wrote; ‘when she was enjoying the money she no slump mtsheww’
One iam_mcdee wrote; ‘Fainting is the easiest thing in Nigerian court….’
One kaima882 wrote; ‘She got half a percent of what her husband has been doing to other women for years and she slumped, now Mr Kyari imagine the number of women you’ve put in this condition and some already lost hope of having they husbands back again, Karma is real.’
One ms_dera wote; ‘You never start . This is just the beginning’
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
In a frantic bid to save face, following the verbal obliteration by Governor Nyesom Wike over the weekend, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State committed a considerable sum from the state coffers to the articulation and advertisement of a response, in which he called the Rivers Governor a bully and accused him of sponsoring discord in the Edo State Chapter of the PDP.
However, as is typical of the MOU Governor, the advertised response was just another pointless drain on the state treasury owing, among other reasons, to the poor and porous arguments it contained and the lack of rhetorical strength capable of satisfying the intended purpose for which it was commissioned.
Governor Obaseki opened his response with a tacit admittance that the threats of his Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, which provoked Governor Wike’s verbal onslaught, were indeed out of place and reckless. However, in an amusing attempt at infantilization, which is insulting to the man he claimed to defend, he attributed Shaibu’s conduct to youthful exuberance.
Invoking his leadership of a student body, Obaseki implied the rant of his Deputy Governor was no more than an immature tantrum from a man-child who requires the understanding and indulgence of proper adults.
The obvious problem with this is that Mr. Philip Shaibu, born in 1969 and thus 52 years old, does not qualify as a “youth” by any standard and should have long learned the etiquettes of speech and public conduct fitting for a leader in his position.
If he hasn’t by now, as his principal suggested in the response, then perhaps he deserves to be thrown out of leadership to make room for adults capable of necessary restraints and conduct that reflect their age.
No one should be made to deal with a man locked in a perpetual state of childishness, even as his head sprouts grey hairs. Besides, disciplinary action, which Wike has called for, is a known way to keep children in check. Since Shaibu is a child, the party must teach him how to act through disciplinary measures.
With the passion of a recent convert, Governor Obaseki proceeded in the rejoinder to harp on values of the PDP, a party he joined circumstantially less than two years ago, to a veteran like Governor Nyesom Wike who in fact facilitated his entry and acquisition of the party’s ticket against the interests of the other established party members who were left with no other choice but terminate their aspirations, after several months of investments.
A man who profited from such an arrangement, in which his status as Governor was weaponized to deny far more qualified party faithful a chance to advance themselves within a structure they labored for years to build, is now lamenting unfair treatment, inequality, and a purported attempt by another man to monopolize ownership of the party.
Members of the APC in Edo State must have been aghast at the bully charge Governor Obaseki leveled against Wike, having suffered greatly from his tyranny. He after all responded to their dissent with invented building plans followed by illegal demolitions. In Edo State, freedom –whether of speech or assembly – is conditioned on Governor Obaseki’s approval; or in some cases, which side of the bed he wakes on.
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Despite devoting several sentences to sermonize about the values of the PDP and the party’s founding mission, it was surprising that Governor Obaseki, who is clearly more catholic than the Pope on this matter of defining the PDP’s ideals, did not back his request for ‘harmonization’ or ‘integration’ with supporting clauses or outlined mechanism for such a process in the party’s constitution.
Perhaps it is because such a process is unknown to the PDP constitution and the stance of Chief Dan Orbih, who Obaseki denigrated as a puppet that receives instructions from guest houses in Port Harcourt, is better aligned with the recommendations of the party.
His claim that the PDP in Edo State has registered over 500,000 members since his defection, a falsehood inserted to strengthen his hand in a conflict he sees himself losing, is a laughable fabrication easily dismissed by a careful study of voting figures in the state since the return to democracy in 1999.
Furthermore, in a poorly-concealed attempt to recruit other political actors to his side, Governor Obaseki made references to a purported Presidential ambition nursed by Governor Wike and his alleged diversion of Rivers state’s resources to the goal.
Unfortunately for him, his criticism lacked bite, because, in terms of performance, his MOUs stand no chance when measured against the projects of Governor Wike. If anyone needs a lecture on prudent management of resources, it definitely is a man who took out adverts to respond to a political adversary.
For reasons unclear, except maybe a delusion of grandeur (to borrow one of the terms he threw around in the response), Governor Obaseki believes he is in a position to lecture Governor Wike, or anyone at all, on the importance of building strong institutions premised on the ideals of democracy, not around individuals.
This is a man who suffers the exclusive shame and blemish of ruling over a state with a deformed legislative body. Because of his desperation and utter disregard for the constitution, Edo State House Assembly features only ten members, as opposed to the constitutionally-mandated 24. No other state in Nigeria shares the infamy of such an anomaly with Edo. Certainly not Rivers.
He also lamented ‘destabilizing influences’ when reality suggests that no other person in recent memory has posted the same streak as Governor Obaseki when it comes to inducing divisiveness and rancor. Anywhere he goes, rancor and division follow. As it was in the APC, so it is in the PDP. He is the common factor, the bad apple that spreads rot.
Finally, with no end in sight to the controversy, Edo people should brace for another wasted four years. He blamed a nonexistent “godfather” and those pressuring him to “open the treasury” for the failure of 2016 to 2020. Orbih and Wike are the leading candidates for the excuse of the unfolding failure of 2020 to 2024. Obaseki does not intend to govern.
By John Mayaki, spokesperson of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former Edo State Governorship candidate.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly called Bobrisky has taken to social media to expose the type of men who has been romantically involved with him.
Naija News understands that the controversial male cross dresser has opened up on many occasions about his love life with mystery men, who he more often claims are married with wife and children.
In a post shared on his Instagram page, Bobrisky, who has been away from the media eye for a while now, revealed the types of men that have had some type of romantic involvement with him.
According to the male barbie, these men range from footballers to real estate business mogul.
He wrote; “Top five men in Nigerian that patronize ‘my market’… footballers, private jet owners, 5stars hotels owners, politicians and real estates developers”
Meanwhile, popular media personality and entertainer, Charly Boy recently met up with Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky.
Charly boy had taken to his Instagram page to post pictures of him with the crossdresser.
In one of the pictures, he playfully rests his head on Bobrisky’s lap.
He captioned the pictures “Wetin Charly boy and Bobrisky dey do sef.”
This online publication is not aware of the reason for the meeting between the duo but it seems they were clearly having a good time. Watch video here.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi has stated that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is ‘jealous’ of his achievements. The Governor’s response is coming a day after Wike claimed ‘responsibility’ for the court judgement that sacked him(Umahi) and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe from office. In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Monday, signed …
A 58-year-old businessman, Abubakar Danhadeja, was on Monday docked in an Upper Area Court in Gwagwalada, FCT for alleged defamation of character. The police charged Danhadeja of pantakar market Zuba, Abuja with criminal intimidation and defamation of character. The Prosecution Counsel, Abdullahi Tanko told the court that the complainant Illiyasu Abdullahi of pantakar market Zuba, …
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded plans to vacate a court order stopping its national convention slated for March 26.
Naija News learned that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and other party stakeholders had concluded plans to vacate the suit this week.
Recall that Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal High Court Abuja on March 18, 2021, ruled that the APC can not conduct a national convention until a suit brought before it is determined.
The order was made on November 18, 2021, following an ex parte application by an aggrieved member of the party, Hon. Salisu Umoru, seeking to restrain the APC and Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, from organising any convention until the determination of the suit.
After reading Umoru’s reliefs, the affidavit by Khalilat Bello and listening to his counsel, H. S. Danjuma Esq, and lawyers to the APC and Buni, A. M. Adoyi, and INEC, Anthony Onyeri Esq, Justice Bello Kawu ruled that the APC can only conduct a national convention after the hearing and determination of the suit.
The presiding judge also ordered an accelerated hearing in the matter.
According to Daily Trust, Umoru (plaintiff) was willing to withdraw the suit for the convention to hold as a planned sequel to intense pressure from APC stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Muhammadu Buhari has denied sanctioning the removal of Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni.
This is as the president rejected reports that he approved the appointment of Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger State.
It was gathered that Buhari has backed Buni to oversee the APC convention scheduled for March 26th with a strict condition that no more postponements would be tolerated.
According to The PUNCH, Buhari took the decision in London after a meeting with his most trusted allies including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Buhari, according to sources, also cleared insinuations and reports that he had backed former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Adamu Abdullahi for the party’s chairman.
He reportedly stated that he had no preferred candidate for the chairmanship position, throwing the race open.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has claimed that embattled police officer, Abba Kyari plans to flee Nigeria to escape his crimes. In court on Monday, the agency opposed granting bail to Kyari, arguing that he would escape and had the capacity to interfere with witnesses. The agency made its argument in a 21-paragraph …
There was a mild drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday during the bail hearing of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari and six others.
During court proceedings, a lady identified as the wife of the former commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) fainted inside the court and caused panic.
She slumped on the ground shortly after trial Justice Emeka Nwite deferred ruling on applications that Kyari and six other persons facing drug trafficking charges with him, filed to be released on bail pending the determination of the case against them.
The lady, who wore a black Hijab, fell on the floor while armed operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, were leading Kyari and the others away from the court premises.
Though she appeared lifeless on the floor, she was quickly carried up and rushed inside one of the offices on the third floor of the court by some officials of the NDLEA and lawyers.
As at the time of filing this report, 11.07am, efforts were on to secure an inhaler for her, as one of the women that accompanied her to the court, hinted that she was asthmatic.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
The former head of the IGP Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari, and his co-defendant, Sunday Ubia on Monday pleaded with the Federal High Court, Abuja to grant them bail.
The deputy commissioner of police and Ubia through their lawyer, Mahmud Magaji, told Justice Emeka Nwite that their offences are bailable.
He further stated that the constitution gave the court the discretionary power to grant his clients bail.
Counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Joseph Sunday, however, opposed the bail application.
Counsel to other police officers involved in the case also urged the court to grant their clients bail.
At the time of filing this report, the judge is yet to rule on the plead before him.
More details later…
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
The Police in Lagos on Monday said the 10-month-old baby found with a dispatch rider, in a video that went viral last week, was not kidnapped. In a statement signed by CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, police said the child’s mother was aware …
The Lagos State Police Command on Monday revealed that the dispatch rider identified as Williams Tadule who was found with a baby last week had the consent of the infant’s mother, Lovina Biturus to take the 10-month-old baby away.
According to the police, the mother released the baby to follow the man, when he was crying uncontrollably as the rider wanted to go pick up something in the neighbourhood.
The spokesman of the Lagos Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu in a statement released said, “To pacify the baby, his mother allowed him go with the rider.”
The statement read, “On 11th March, 2022, a video of a dispatch rider accused of concealing a suspected stolen child in a courier box went viral on the social media, causing apprehension.
“Although the incident was not reported at any police station, however, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, fdc, mnim, psc, directed that the incident should be investigated immediately.
“In compliance with the directive, investigation was initiated which led to the discovery of the scene. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the child was not stolen after all and that he was not kept in the courier box as alleged by the mob.
“The child’s mother, Lovina Biturs, was contacted. It was then revealed that the child was actually taken away and put on the dispatch motorbike by the rider with the consent of his mother.
“According to the mother, the 10-month-old baby is fond of the rider who is a relative, a neighbour and was crying uncontrollably when he (rider) wanted to go pick up something in the neighbourhood. To pacify the baby, his mother allowed him to go with the rider.
“Passersby who saw the child with the rider along Sangotedo area, Ajah on the said day, became suspicious and concluded that the child might have been stolen, raised the alarm which attracted a mob. The mob subsequently pounced on the rider, beating him without finding out the truth.
“The dispatch rider later identified as Williams Tadule was said to have been rescued by the Chairman of the Sunview Estate, Sangotedo.
“The Commissioner of Police, therefore warns members of the public against any form of jungle justice as such uncivilized action has grave consequences.”
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Former United States President, Barrack Obama has announced that he has tested positive for the dreaded COVID-19.
In a tweet via his verified Twitter page on Sunday, the former US leader said he had a scratchy throat for a couple of days, but he is feeling fine better now.
Obama also disclosed that his wife Michelle Obama has so far tested negative, adding that they are both are grateful to be vaccinated and boosted.
The former president reiterated his support for the vaccine, saying his own positive test was a reminder to get vaccinated if you haven’t already, even as cases go down.
He wrote: “I just tested positive for COVID. I’ve had a scratchy throat for a couple days, but am feeling fine otherwise. Michelle and I are grateful to be vaccinated and boosted, and she has tested negative.
“It’s a reminder to get vaccinated if you haven’t already, even as cases go down.“
Obama with other former presidents and the former first ladies appeared together in a one-minute video released last March, endorsing the US vaccination campaign and sharing what they missed about pre-pandemic life.
He had said: “This vaccine means hope. It will protect you and those you love from this dangerous and deadly disease.”
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
The final list of candidates for the Ekiti governorship election has been released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Naija News reports that the country’s electoral agency had fixed June 18, 2022, for the governorship election in the South West state.
In a statement on Monday by its spokesman, Festus Okoye, INEC said it released the full list of candidates for the election after it had published their personal information last month.
The INEC spokesman said the final list is published in the agency’s State and Local Government offices in Ekiti as well as its website and social media platforms.
Okoye added that the agency complied with the Electoral Act 2022 and the constitution by releasing the list of the contenders for the much-anticipated event.
He said Olabisi Kolawole is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Kolapo Olugbenga Kolade as his Deputy, while Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Afuye Monisade as his running mate.
Okoye said any party that observes that the name of its candidate is missing from the list should send a letter to the commission signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit not later than 90 days to the election
He said: “On Wednesday 16th February 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and list of candidates (Form EC9) for the Ekiti State Governorship election in our State and Local Government offices as required by law.
“In compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates for the election following the close of nominations by political parties.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties that under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, any party that observes that the name of its candidate is missing from the list “shall notify the Commission in writing, signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit not later than 90 days to the election”.
“Furthermore, the attention of parties is drawn to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the Commission “shall not be ground to invalidate the election.
“The final list is published in our State and Local Government offices in Ekiti State as well as our website and social media platforms for public information as required by law.
“Political parties are enjoined to note the provision of the law for compliance.”
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
Another batch of Nigerian evacuees from Ukraine arrived in the country on Monday via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Naija News reports the evacuees numbering 31 arrived at 6:30 am on a commercial flight aboard a Turkish airline and were received at the international wing of the airport.
The returnees were received by officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and the Refugee Commission.
The latest evacuees were airlifted from Romania became the latest batch of stranded Nigerians in Ukraine to arrive in the county following the Russian invasion.
This is the second set of evacuees from Romania who arrived in the country, unlike the previous batches of returnees that arrived via chartered flights.
In a chat with Channels Television, an official of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuees came on a commercial flight because they were few in number.
Malami, in a statement on Sunday, stated that he only asked for further probe into the activities of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Recall that the AGF in a piece of legal advice forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had called for further investigations, noting that a prima facie case of money laundering had been established against the DCP.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, described as false the media reports that Malami’s Office had conclusively exonerated Abba Kyari
According to the statement, there appears to be a misunderstanding regarding the issue.
Malami’s spokesman noted that it was a case of work in progress in respect of which the office of the Attorney General of the federation requested for further probe in relation to some aspects of investigation.
He said that It was clear that the conclusion on the alleged contradiction on the issue was a clear case of misconception.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
The United States of America has warned China that there will be consequences if they should provide support for Russia in the ongoing unrest in Ukraine.
A senior US officer told CNN that Russia has asked China for military assistance in Ukraine, including drones.
Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Adviser, stated that China providing Russia with support is a reason to be concerned.
“We also are watching closely to see the extent to which China actually does provide any form of support, material support or economic support, to Russia. It is a concern of ours.”
He said that the United States had sent a warning to China that they would not stand by and allow any country provide support to Russia for its losses from the economic sanctions.
Sullivan explained that China had been warned that there will be dire consequences if it offers “large-scale” efforts to give Russia a workaround to US sanctions.
“We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country anywhere in the world.”
To address the situation, the security adviser said he would be meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi in Rome, Monday.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
