The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), a group of opposition political parties, has threatened a mass protest on January 15 if the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, is not retired.
According to civil service statutes, the occupant of the office of the Inspector General of Police is to resign after spending the mandatory 35 years in service or attaining 60 years of age.
Mr Idris is expected to retire from service after reaching the mandatory 35 years in service this month.
Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari held a
closed-door meeting with Mr Idris amid speculations that his tenure as the police boss would be extended.
In a statement on Sunday, CUPP said it would hold nationwide protests to force the government to back down on any plans to extend Mr Idris’ stay in office.
“It is flowing from this and to save our dear country from further drift from a government that lacks capacity to provide leadership to our country, that the secretariat of CUPP hereby directs all coalition members in the 36 states to begin preparation for nationwide protests from January 15, if the retired IG is seen dressed in police uniform around the Force Headquarters,” said Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP’s national spokesperson.
The protests, according to the statement, would hold in front of the police command headquarters of every state and would continue till “the right thing is done.”
Mr Ugochinyere said the protests would begin if Mr Idris is seen in police uniform around the force headquarters from January 15.
He added that with Mr Idris’ tenure having come to an end on January 3, the Inspector General of Police office is now vacant.
“The IG is constitutionally barred from being retained or reappointed as the IG as he is no longer a serving police officer.
“His continued stay in office is illegal and an act of impersonation as there is no legal or documentary evidence to back up his stay as the IG.”
Making reference to Section 215(1)a of the 1999 Constitution, which he said, held that the president could only appoint a serving police officer, CUPP called on the president to announce a replacement or he would be held responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order.
“We call on President Buhari to be courageous to announce the replacement and not bow to the pressure to cement illegality in the core of the nation’s security architecture due to his desperation to rig himself back to power, knowing he has been rejected by the Nigerian people.”




http://www.thengtimes.com/2019/01/igp-retirement-cupp-threatens-mass.html?m=1

Ojo was arrested on Sunday at Magbara Village.

The suspect said to be co-tenants with the victim’s parents, lured her to a bush path under the guise of sending her on an errand.

He was said to have forcefully penetrated the minor whose screams attracted the attention of local guards.

The guards, it was gathered, rescued the victim, beat up the suspect and alerted the police at Idiroko Division.

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the victim and suspect were taken to the hospital for treatment.

He said the Police Commissioner Ahmed Illiyasu has directed that the case be transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour unit, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further action.

The police in Ogun have arrested one Abiodun Ojo, 38, for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/10/man-38-rapes-six-year-old-girl-in-ogun.html?m=1

President Buhari receives in audience Kwara State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Mr Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and other APC Aspirants from Kwara State in State House.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/10/president-buhari-in-audience-with-apc.html?m=1

As Xenophobia on Sunday reared its ugly head again in South Africa, Nigerians have lost more than nine shops to arsonists in Hillbrow, central Johannesburg.
The Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mr Habib Miller, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Pretoria on Monday that South Africans allegedly committed the act.
Miller said that the union had informed the Nigerian Mission in South Africa and was expecting their response to the development.
“Nine Nigerian businesses have been looted and burnt. The incident began on Sunday and continued till Monday, Oct. 22.
“Businesses affected range from restaurants, internet cafe, bar, groceries and stores.
“ At the time of the incident, electricity in the area was cut off. One of the businesses affected is owned by Mr C.J. Ubah, a bar owner at Fife Street,’’ he said.
Miller called on the police to come to the rescue of Nigerians by protecting their lives and property.
“The union is monitoring the situation. We have not received any report of casualty on any Nigerian, but the situation is still tense because there are fears that the looting will resume in the night.
“ We have also advised Nigerians in the area to adopt safety measures by being alert,’’ Miller said.
NAN reports that xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa hit a high magnitude in 2016 but it had occurred in 2015, when a series of attacks were carried out on nationals of foreign countries.
In that attack nationals of Zimbabwe and Nigeria bore the brunt of the violence. That particular incident was attributed to the inciting words of the Zulu king who called on all foreigners to leave the country.
Prior to that time there had been reported attacks in 1998, 2000, 2008, 2009 and 2013.
In 2013, the Governments of Nigeria and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reinforce diplomatic ties with the hope of preventing further attacks.
The events of 2016 and 2017 have proven that those efforts were in vain. The recurrence of these attacks without a doubt raise the question as to why they are common to South Africa.
Indeed, at a loss to understand why Nigerians have been targeted, many reasons have been adduced as being responsible, the most amusing of which is the claim that South Africans involved in the attack were acting upon false information that foreigners, including Nigerians were taking away their jobs and women!
At least no fewer than 184 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks between 2016 and this year.

NAN


Link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/10/xenophobia-9-nigerian-owned-shops-burnt.html?m=1

THE HYPOCRISY OF WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION

��‍♂The Secretary of NHIS, Prof Usman Yusuf, who looted billions of naira and was last week sacked by the NHIS Board, has just been forcefully escorted into his office by heavily armed men of the Nigerian Police following "orders from above"

��‍♂ NHIS Workers were teargassed




Signed: Oluwafemmy

More

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission conveyed the immediate - past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose , before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi , Lagos , in a white bus manned by heavy security on Monday , for an alleged fraud of N 2 . 2 bn .

Link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/10/breaking-photos-fayose-arrives-lagos.html?m=1

Police in Lagos state is currently interrogating a notorious cultist identified as Austine Oghieh for threatening to burn down Oworoshoki divisional police station and kill the divisional police officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ifeanyi Owoh.

It was learned that on October, 11, 2018 at about 9am, the DPO Oworoshoki, CSP. Ifeanyi Owoh received a call from an unknown number threatening to kill him and burn the station to ashes because he arrested their leader named Kayode Ojo. The unknown caller said the DPO will not know peace again, that he would be killed and his station burnt to ashes.
On receiving this threat, CSP. Ifeanyi Owoh reportedly contacted the commissioner of police, Imohimi Edgal who directed the officer in- charge of Anti-kidnapping Squad to ensure that the culprit was arrested.
Consequently, the squad went underground and deciphered the unknown number to be MTN number 07033719352 owned by 38-year-old Austine Oghieh. He was traced to 15 Fakeye Street, off Jimoh Yusuf, Obawale, Fagba, Ikeja LGA, where he was apprehended. The suspect confessed to the crime.
The Commissioner of police, Imohimi Edgal noted that a threat on a divisional police officer is a threat on the Lagos state police command and a threat to commit arson is an offense against the state. He further stated that on completion of investigation, the suspect will be charged to court accordingly.
Ten other suspected cultists who were arrested at different locations in the state while having their initiation ceremony included: Prince Chimeterem (28), Obiora Victor (30), Ifeanyi Uche (23), Ufon Udosen (21), Gbenga Ogundijo (42), Radi Taiyo (19), Owoyemi Toheeb, (19), Adewale John, (23), Olawale Adams (20) and Ramon Sodiq (28)




Link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/10/police-arrest-suspected-cultist-that.html?m=1

Just because you hate saraki, you dont want to say the truth, he said Osun people voted for change of government...


If indeed they voted for change of government

1.why is the victory margin narrow and not wider ?

2.Why did osun people still collect over 2k ftom APC for vote selling..

Dont deceive yourself....

PDP WON BY 3FACTORS.


1.. aregbesola inability to pay salary for 34month and increased state debt in four years(over 140billion naira).

2.Davido Personalty

3.Saraki factor..

Speaker House of Representatives, Rt . Hon . Yakubu Dogara is conspicuously missing from the National Executive Committee ( NEC) of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), being the highest ranking member of the party in the legislature with the defection of Senate President, Bukola Saraki to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).

This is as the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu made a surprise appearance even though he is constitutionally not a statutory member of this decision -making organ of the party .

LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that governors elected on the APC platform and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu were not on the same page as to the method to use .

The meeting commenced at 11: 20 AM after the President Muhammdu Buhari arrived.

NEC is currently in its closed door session .

Details Later …


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/speaker-dogara-absent-as-apc-nec.html?m=1

What have we done wrong to deserve Buhari and his Jagajaga Nonsentical Aides.
They are used to suprising us with unneccessary dramas, attimes unacceptable behaviour.
It is not a secret that Buhari as a president of Nigeria is a 100% bad market and a loan not worth taking

Fastfoward, Earlier today, the news of trump calling buhari lifeless became a hot topic and a shame in buhari camp.

In a bid to divert the attention, the presidency went ahead to post on twitter of theresa may visit to nigeria.

The post is full of error.

They said theresa may will be in Nigeria, on wednesday August 22........ Today is 27.. Wednesday is 29....



PLS WHICH YEAR CALENDER ARE THEY USING.


1918 OR 2019..

SEE SCREENSHOT BELOW.




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/presidency-commits-another-costly.html?m=1

.

Several houses have been submerged, as valuables worth millions of naria were swept away following a devastating flood that hit Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The flood came as a result of a heavy downpour that lasted over four hours across the city overnight into the early hours of Monday.

DAILY POST observed that houses around the Pila, Uni-Agric Road, Nyiman, Idye and Naka road areas have been submerged while occupants have been rendered homeless


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/flood-hits-makurdi-renders-many-homeless.html?m=1

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, has again called for the impeachment of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Oshiomhole made the call during a meeting with Senators and members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of APC, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

He claimed that Saraki, after his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now a member of the minority in the Senate.

“The only way he can avoid impeachment is to either resign or return to the majority party; even then we will not accept him, he should remain where he is,” Oshiomhole said.

“We will impeach Saraki legally and democratically.”

He added that, out of the 360 members of the House of Representatives, APC had the majority with 196 members

Before the meeting, Oshiomhole told journalists that it was aimed at reflecting on issues affecting the country with the aim of delivering good governance to Nigerians




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/saraki-can-only-avoid-impeachment-if-he.html?m=1

Israel, an indigene of Biu local government area in southern part of Borno State, had a total mark of 364 in the just concluded examination as he has also had nine distinctions in his O’level West African Examinations Council.



Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has given a cash prize of N5million to Israel Galadima for scoring the highest mark in the 2018 United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Israel, an indigene of Biu Local Government Area in the southern part of Borno State, had a total mark of 364 in the just concluded examination, and also had nine distinctions in his O’level West African Examinations Council.

Shettima had earlier promised Israel full scholarship throughout his undergraduate study when he hosted him and his family at the Government House in Maiduguri to celebrate his exploit.

The Governor promised to give him N1million to cover his yearly tuition and other expenses while in university.

Presenting the cheque on behalf of the Governor, Borno State Commissioner for Higher Education, Usman Jaha, urged Israel’s family to ensure the money is used for the right purpose, and he encouraged them to pay Israel's tuition fee in advance of five years to avoid any future rise in fees.

Israel had gained admission into Covenant University in Electronics Engineering.

Receiving the gift, his family lauded the governor for his kind gesture.

"Governor Kashim Shettima was a University lecturer. He is well-educated, very sound and visionary," Jaha said. "He is extremely passionate about education and those of us from Borno State know how he is completely changing existing schools, modernizing them and building many new schools.”

The presentation was done at the office of the Registrar, Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State.

Also present were representatives of the student's family, principal of his secondary school, some officials from the university and Borno's liaison office in Lagos.



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/borno-governor-presents-n5m-cash-to.html?m=1

“We locked our shops and went home. Later, we received the shocking news that the market was on fire. Most of the shops at the main fish market were burnt to ashes; we are still trying to put out the fire,” Labo, a trader, stated.
There was a fire outbreak on Sunday night at the popular Baga Fish Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Many shops in the market were caught in the inferno, as many of the traders had closed for the day when the incident occurred.

The fire destroyed many shops, fish stock and other property.

Malam Muhammad Labo, one of the traders in the market, told NAN that the fire, started at about 10.30 p.m.

“We locked our shops and went home. Later, we received the shocking news that the market was on fire. Most of the shops at the main fish market were burnt to ashes; we are still trying to put out the fire,” Labo stated.

However, the prompt response of the Borno State Fire Service helped to contain the situation.

Ambursa Pindar, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Borno State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, noting that four fire-fighting trucks were deployed to the market.

The fire incident is a major loss for traders in Baga Fish Market, as they have been experiencing challenges in their trade dur to the insurgency in the North-East.

It emerged days ago that renewed attacks and counter-attacks have also made fishing in Lake Chad a struggle, as fishermen pay as much as N10,000 to Boko Haram to get access to the lake.

In the bid to avoid road blocks by soldiers, traders have also resorted to “smuggling fish into Maiduguri by road in bundles of 10 or 30 kilograms stashed in cars and ‘under travellers' suitcases.'”


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/many-shops-burnt-to-ashes-as-fire.html?m=1

A media aide to the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Mr. Randie Chima, has been reported dead.



Chima who was Senior Special Assistant to Obiano on Television Documentary, was found dead in his room at Nwakpodulu Avenue, Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Chima, a media personality it was gathered, was last seen on Friday evening “hale and hearty”, where he shared drinks with friends before retiring for the day.

“I’m surprised to hear this story. That Randie is dead? We were together on Friday. He was hale and hearty. A good man is gone. Randie exercised almost regularly at Ekwueme Square,” a source who pleaded anonymity, said.

His neighbours had suspected that something was wrong when they could not see him throughout Saturday, causing them to force open his room, only to find his dead body lying on the bed.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed confirmed the story to our correspondent yesterday.

He said, “There was a report at B Division, Awka that one Randie Chima aged 57 years of Nwakpodulu Avenue and SSA to Anambra State Governor on Audio Visual Productions slept the previous night and did not open his door the next day.

“When the door was eventually forced open, after several knocks by his neighbours, his lifeless body was found lying on the bed.

“Following the report, police detectives attached to B Division Awka led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) visited the scene, photographed the victim and rushed him to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.”

Mohammed said the corpse had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy.

He added, “No marks of violence and no foul play suspected at the moment”.

He said investigation was ongoing to ascertain circumstances surrounding the death.




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/obianos-media-aide-found-dead-in-his.html?m=1

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that its light rail project running between Mile 2 and Marina will now commence passenger operation in 2022.
The state government said on Sunday that after a comprehensive review of the project, it had approved a road map proposed by its consultants to complete the civil infrastructure as well as the operation and maintenance infrastructure needed for the commencement of passenger operation in 2022.
A statement by the Assistant Director, Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, said the state government had engaged consultants to carry out a technical review and due diligence on the implementation of the project, which substantially focussed on civil work, and reported back to government that operation of the first phase could only commence in 2022.
“Following the report, Alstom SA France, who are experienced international railway systems aggregator and rolling stocks manufacturer, with over 100 years of railway experience covering 60 countries, was engaged to review the report of the consultant. Alstom SA agreed with the submission of the consultant that the first phase of the rail project could only become operational in 2022 based on proposed funding pattern,” it stated.
It quoted the Managing Director of LAMATA, Abiodun Dabiri, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Lagos State Government, as saying the agreement was the result of the commitment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode towards the transformation of public transportation in the state.
According to him, the first phase one is aimed at demonstrating the non-public operation of the existing rolling stock before end of second quarter of 2019.
He said, “For this purpose, a track length of about 3.0km from Iganmu station to National Theatre will be electrified. This operation would be done with the rolling stocks already supplied for the Blue Line project. This phase would allow the completion of all the preliminary work that would lead to the financing of the main work in phase two. Phase one will be fully financed by the Lagos State Government through Internally Generated Revenue.”
Dabiri said the second phase two expected to be completed in 39 months would entail the provision and installation of railway operations’ systems for the project from Marinato Mile 2 and the delivery of the Blue Line by 2022.
“On completion, the rail projects would reduce congestion and pressure on the road which will lessen maintenance cost and increase the lifespan of road network, promote modal shift as private car owners and public bus commuters will move towards the use of rail as a safer and more convenient option. It will also enhance quality of life and reduce pollution on many road transport corridors,” LAMATA stated.




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/lagos-light-rail-to-commence-operation.html?m=1

Seven youths have been arraigned at an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for alleged illegal possession of weapons and illicit drugs.



The accused are: Oke Olaniyi (18), Elegbeleye Sunday (19), Adebayo Oluwaferanmi (19), Idowu Azeez (18), ýIsmaila Yunisa (19) Falayi Blessingý (18) and Ogunlade Dayo (23).

The defendants, whose addresses are unknown, are facing a three-count charge of possessing weapons, including one battle axe, as well as Indian hemp.

The prosecutor, Inspector Caleb Leranmo, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on August 2 at 0120 hours (1.20 am) at Afatilo Street, Oke-Ila in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

He said weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were also found on the accused.

According to him, the offences contravene Section 516, 417 (c) of Criminal Code, Law of Ekiti State 2012, and Section 5 of the Indian Hemp Act Law of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

The prosecutor prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him study the case file and present his witnesses.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel, Mrs Florence Nwadishi, urged the court to grant them bail.

The lawyer promised that they would not jump bail.

The Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Ajibade, granted the accused bail for N10,000 with one surety each in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till August 28 for hearing.




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/seven-youths-arraigned-for-possessing.html?m=1

.

His words in quote "Oshiomole,

The airport you landed at Uyo was built by PDP

The road you drove on - PDP

& you said16yrs of PDP in Akwa-Ibom state was a waste.
The stadium of the rally - PDP


You should have wasted Edo state money like this, the people of Edo would have been happier".





http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/dino-melaye-attacks-apc-chairman.html?m=1

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for telling Nigerians to pray over the incessant killings in the country.



Atiku expressed sadness that after innocent people were murdered in places across the nation, Buhari was in the habit of asking Nigerians to pray.

According to him, the president should have been a cleric, noting that insecurity cannot be tackled only by prayers.

He told Thisday, “The other day, there were killings in Plateau State and the President said the situation had got so bad there was nothing more he could do than pray.

“Even that statement itself is a cry for restructuring. The man is admitting that there is nothing he can do, within the current structure, other than to pray. That means the current structure, by his admission, is not working.

“How can I be president and criminals will attack my people and I will tell them that the only thing I can do is pray? Then, in that case, I should be a clergyman, not a president!

“How can a leader open his mouth and tell his citizens that it is better to give land than to die? That is as good as telling the people that they have been conquered.”

Recall that Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, had in June told President Buhari that Nigerians have prayed enough over the incessant killings across the country.




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/buhari-tells-nigerians-to-pray-after.html?m=1

The Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Mrs Abbey Ukpukpen , has won Saturday’ s Obudu State Constituency Bye Election into the Cross River House of Assembly.
Mrs Abbey Ukpukpen is the wife the deceased member of the Assembly, Stephen Ukpukpen , who died in May .
His seat was declared vacant following his death .
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC ), Dr Frankland Briyai, announced the result on Sunday in Obudu , Headquarters of Obudu Local Government .
According to Briyai, the PDP Candidate scored 12, 712 votes to beat her closest rival , Mr Ishamali Bendel , of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), who scored 4 , 345 votes .
Other results include : Awafang Angiating of Mega Party of Nigeria ( MPN), who scored 132 votes and Agwupuye Umeka of African Democratic Party ( ADP ), who scored 114 votes to place third and fourth , respectively .
“Total valued votes 17 , 303 ; rejected votes 607 ;
total votes cast 17 , 910 ; total number of registered voters 69, 908 , ‘’ he said.
The REC commended the Electorate for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and urged them to replicate the same disposition in the 2019 year ’ s general elections .
Therefore, Mrs Abbey Ukpukpen will now replace her late husband in the assembly.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/pdp-candidate-wins-cross-river-assembly.html?m=1

Global body in charge of security, United Nations Security Council, says it is worried over what it described as continued tensions linked to disputed electoral processes, social and economic difficulties, and conflicts between farmers and herders in the Lake Chad Basin.

Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad are members of the Lake Chad Basin on which the UN body also said it remained concerned at their security and humanitarian situation caused by Boko Haram and other armed groups.



Lawmaker, Goodhead confronts DSS operatives on illegal invasion of NASS



The body spoke in a Presidential Statement released, yesterday, on the heels of last Tuesday’s siege on the National Assembly by Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Service (DSS).

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had fired the DSS Director General, Mr Lawal Daura, following the siege which attracted condemnation from across Nigeria.

Some international bodies, including the European Union, EU, also condemned the National Assembly invasion.

The siege had been interpreted in some quarters as part of the moves by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to remove Senate President Bukola Saraki, who had defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through the backdoor.

Another school of thought said the siege was staged by the Senate President, in conjunction with the DSS, to attract sympathy to his person and make the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari look bad in the eyes of the democratic world.

Meanwhile, the cat and mouse game between the leadership of the National Assembly and the Presidency to get the federal lawmakers to reconvene and approve the supplementary budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2019 general elections continued, yesterday, as indications emerged that the lawmakers may not meet this week.

The lawmakers had gone on recess late last month and are not due to return to parliament until late September.

Terrorist activity

In a Presidential Statement, the 15-member UN Security Council regretted that Central African countries were beset by ongoing terrorist activity, instability and the effects of climate change, and asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to review the work of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), and recommend areas for improvement.



Saraki



The presidential statement read: “The Security Council strongly condemns all terrorist attacks carried out in the region, including those perpetrated by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Daesh).

“These attacks have caused large-scale and devastating losses, have had a devastating humanitarian impact including through the displacement of a large number of civilians in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, and represent a threat to the stability and peace of West and Central Africa.

“The Council notes with particular concern the continuing use by Boko Haram of women and girls as suicide bombers, which has created an atmosphere of suspicion towards them and made them targets of harassment and stigmatisation in affected communities, and of arbitrary arrests by security forces.

“The Council emphasises the need for affected States to counter-terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including by addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, in accordance with obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law”.

The Security Council welcomed the support provided by UNOCA and the UN Office for West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) for the development of a joint regional strategy to address the root causes of the Lake Chad Basin crisis through regular contact with regional leaders.

The Council encouraged partners to increase security assistance to Lake Chad Basin Commission countries, and humanitarian and development support across the region for those affected by Boko Haram activities.

“The Security Council remains deeply concerned at the grave security situation and related violations and abuses of human rights in parts of Central Africa, in particular the continuing terrorist activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin,” it said.

“The Security Council expresses its ongoing concern at continued tensions linked to disputed electoral processes, social and economic difficulties, and conflicts between farmers and herders,” the statement added.

The 15-member Council noted that UNOCA’s priorities would include to work closely with UNOWAS to address transregional issues such as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, conflict between farmers and herders, and combatting Boko Haram.

The UN Security Council committee on al Qaeda sanctions blacklisted and imposed sanctions on the Islamist militant group Boko Haram in 2014 after the insurgents kidnapped more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls.

The designation, which came into effect after no objections were raised by the Security Council’s 15 members, subjected Boko Haram to UN sanctions, including an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban.



Daura

The National Assembly was under pressure, last week, to reconvene to consider the budget to enable INEC prepare for the forthcoming polls.

The leadership was scheduled to meet INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahood Yakubu, ahead of the reconvening, last Tuesday, but the DSS siege aborted the meeting.

The meeting, nonetheless, held on Wednesday.

Uncertainty about resumption

The word out there, late last week, was that the House of Representatives will reconvene this week, specifically on Tuesday, to approve the INEC supplementary budget.

But an associate of the Senate President, Saraki, told Sunday Vanguard, yesterday evening, that he could not say whether the National Assembly would sit this week.

“I have not heard about reconvening when they are still plotting their evil schemes. We know that once the Senate is reconvened that they would find ways to block Saraki and Ekweremadu from coming to the session and force a President Pro-Tempore from their camp to do their illegal bidding”, the associate said.

Whereas to remove a Senate President, the requirement is two-third of the Senate, representing 73 senators, in the absence of the two presiding officers, a President Pro-Tempore can be elected among those present to preside over the affairs of the Senate for a limited number of days.

“That is their plan and we cannot be at peace with that.”

Sunday Vanguard gathered, yesterday, that 39 senators had signed a petition to remove Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from office.

Senator Ahmad Lawan, Senate Majority Leader, is believed to have been tipped by those opposed to Saraki as Senate President, Senator Sunny Ogbuji from Ebonyi State as Deputy Senate President and Senator George Akume penciled

down as Senate Leader under the proposed scheme allegedly in the works by the APC camp.

The ruling party National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, however, remained unsparing of the Senate leadership, yesterday, as he insisted that resistance to reconvene was a bid for political self- preservation by the Senate President. He affirmed that Saraki could not continue to shift the evil day.

“If they are actually representing Nigerians, they are supposed to reopen to deal with the issue with the supplementary budget and other presidential bills before them which are urgent,” Oshiomhole said yesterday through his spokesman, Simon Ebegbulem.

Responding from the camp of the Senate President, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP, said they would not bother wasting words on Oshiomhole.

“For him to have any say in the affairs of the National Assembly, he should resign his position as the National Chairman and contest to become a senator and not to keep on talking about his bloated ego”, Ibrahim said.

Rise to defend democracy – Pro-Saraki Group

In a statement, yesterday, a pro-democracy group, Democratic Nigeria, pleaded with Nigerians to rise and defend the nation’s fledgling democracy.

Speaking against the backdrop of the siege in the National Assembly, last Tuesday, the group said:

“In the last three years of the 8th NASS, so many illegalities have been prevented, many of which have not really gone down well with the executive arm. Uncovering of alleged corruption in NNPC, the Nigeria Police Force with the IGP as major culprit, to Kenton, among many others in government agencies and institutions.

“It is on public record that none among the past NASS had been severely subjected to attacks and disregard by agents of the state like the present Senate, yet it is surviving, probably because those at the helm of affairs presently, do not hold the notion that their representation is solely about themselves, but see themselves as custodians of the people’s will and defenders of the people’s Commonwealth.

“Whichever side of the divide we belong, we must not only condemn shenanigans and illegality when it does not favour us, legality is not a matter of fair-weather, it must be legal at all times notwithstanding who is involved. We saw it and condemned it when the Judiciary was at the receiving end, with the invasion of their homes in a Gestapo fashion, by agents of the State Security Service (SSS) at midnight. Now that it is wearing another toga against the NASS, we must not suddenly become janusfaced and go silent while those who never appreciated democracy but now profess to be repentant democrats, set bad precedence for our hard earned democracy”.

Also, a former Minister of Education and a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, also speaking, yesterday, said:

“I expect the National Assembly to stand up to their responsibilities by upholding the rule of law. I also expect them to regard the Nigerian situation as a national emergency and treat the issues before them with dispatch.”



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/un-warns-over-tensions-in-nigeria-others.html?m=1

Fans of the disbanded Nigerian pop group, Psquare, are yet to get over the fact that their favourite music artistes now pursue solo careers.

The music duo finally split in September 2017 after years of dominating the Nigerian music scene.

Almost a year, fans are still urging the twin brothers to reunite and operate as one.

PREMIUM TIMES spent an afternoon with Peter, now known as Mr P. He speaks about his career focus and life after Psquare.

PT: You took one of the biggest risks any musician could take when you decided to go solo. Can you honestly tell us if you were ready for the backlash and reactions that ensued?



Peter: It was a risk that is paying off today, I would say. I had prepared my mind for whatever the consequences of making such a decision would be. If you noticed, I said I am starting out my career as an ‘up-and-coming’ artiste. I made a decision based on my convictions and priorities. I don’t regret that decision one bit.

PT: Are you truly convinced that you have proved your critics wrong?



Peter: My intention was not to prove anyone wrong but find myself musically. Whatever the doubters are and whoever they may be, I wish them well.

PT: Do you sometimes miss P-Square and performing alongside your brother?



Peter: I would be lying if I said I do and I don’t. Being a part of a duo for as long as I was, and suddenly doing it alone took some getting used to. I like the fact that I can now express myself freely musically, I have more creative control and I am being heard. That makes it more interesting and I am getting used to it. So it eases the ‘missing’ so I’m good right now.

PT: What’s the next phase for you as a musician?



Peter: I hope to make more music, good music. I have so much to give as a musician. I’m also discovering and promoting other talented musicians under our P-Classic label. We have Singah, who just released a single Teyamo, DJ Switch with Penalty Dance and more to come.

PT: We have noticed that the direction of your music has changed since you went solo. Is this intentional?



Peter: Has it really? I guess that’s a good thing as part of my journey as a solo act is to find myself, experiment with sounds as much as I can, collaborate and work with some of the most vibrant minds in music.

PT: The Maltese president recently hosted you. What was the experience like?

Peter: It was a great experience, thanks to the fact that music is a unifier, most of us can relate to it on so many levels and Nigeria has also had a good relationship with Malta, so there was a lot to discuss.

PT: These days, your music videos can pass for short films. Will we be right to say that you have your eyes on filmmaking in the near future?



Peter: Yes, Yes and Yes. I’ve had to stretch myself beyond what the fans think they know about me beyond being a singer and dancer. As part of my mini-movie series, for one of the videos, I had to learn how to ‘fight’ in film/television and I do have my eyes on acting as well. So I am training and watching.

PT: How have you managed to reinvent yourself through the years?



Peter: By aiming to be a better me, being attentive to the times, trends and pushing myself to do more. You never stop learning, so if something interests me, I want to know more about it and see how I can get to do it. That’s how I learnt to play most of the instruments I play, curiosity.

PT: Are you looking to retire soon?



Peter: What’s that? (Laughs)

PT: You lead a very busy life as a performing artiste and businessman. How do you ensure that you have the home front on lockdown?



Peter: I have the greatest partner in my wife, she’s amazing and very understanding, even my kids understand the kind of work I do that keeps me away from home most times. Whenever I have time in between my tours or performances, I spend whatever time I can with them. I do school runs; attend PTA meetings, the works.

PT: Your industry has continued to evolve even in the absence of ‘proper’ record labels. What areas do you think still deserve some improvement?



Peter: I don’t think it is peculiar to Nigeria alone. Technology and the Internet have done a lot for the independent artiste, now you don’t necessarily need a big label behind you to get discovered.

Some of today’s biggest artistes were discovered online. Bringing it back home to Nigeria, if we have better internet connectivity, better distribution in place, copyright laws and funding and all the support we can get, we can enjoy most if not all the benefits of the potential the industry has.

PT: What are your thoughts on the state of the nation? Have you thought about dropping socially conscious tracks?



Peter: My belief is that it will be irresponsible of any Nigerian capable of speaking with their votes, not to use that power they have in the proper way. We need to seriously weigh our options as regards leadership and make the right decision in 2019. Nigerians deserve much more than their getting. My people let your voice be heard, get your PVC and use it.

PT: Your son, Cameron, appears to be taking after you as a dancer. Will you be supportive if he decides to pursue a career in entertainment?



Peter: My son has all the support from his mother and I to pursue whatever will make him happy or fulfilled. This goes for both my children.

Cameron is very talented; he is a great soccer player, he dances as evident in my most recent video, Ebeano – in fact he was the star of the video. He always brings home good grades. My job as a father is to encourage his strengths and support him to reach his full potential.

PT: What projects are currently working on?



Peter: Well, as you know I am constantly looking for ways to expand my horizon, which goes farther than the music. So alongside my team, some of the things I am most excited about are reality TV shows, one includes reviving Dance with Peter, the launch of my clothing line, the beverage factory and a platform I am particularly proud of as it is a way of giving back.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/interview-i-would-be-lying-if-i-say-i.html?m=1

.

Local Government chairmen and councillors in Kwara State have defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party .
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, Mr. Joshua Omokanye , said all the 16 LG chairmen and all the councillors elected under APC defected to the PDP .
He spoke during a media briefing on the defection on Thursday in Ilorin , the Kwara State capital.
Details later …


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/breaking-kwara-lg-chairmen-councillors.html?m=1

The Plateau Police Command has confirmed five persons dead in what it suspected was a clash between rival cult groups in Jos.

Terna Tyopev, its spokesman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos that the clash occurred Tuesday night.



“The police command received a distress call that four people were attacked at Rafiki area, along Rukuba Road in Jos, and immediately mobilised security operatives to the area.

“On arrival at the scene, we discovered that four people lost their lives in the clash that took place on a hilly area.

“At the scene of the crime, we discovered some exhibits like shells of AK47 ammunition, some wraps of Indian hemp and bottles of illicit drinks.

“We moved further and discovered the body of another dead person on the road. We suspect he was coming from somewhere and was attacked and killed in his car.

“The corpses of the quartet were taken to Bingham Teaching Hospital mortuary, while the corpse of the person killed on the road was taken to the Plateau Specialist Hospital,” he added.

The police spokesperson said that more security personnel had been deployed to the area to avoid breakdown of law and order.

On why he suspected that it was a clash between cult groups, Mr Tyopev said the police found two tents at the scene where Indian hemp and illicit drugs were being sold.

He however, added that the investigation would reveal what actually transpired.

NAN however, reports that the account of the incident by the locals was different from the claims by the police command.

Audu Kogi, father of one of the deceased, told NAN that the attack took place at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening when a group of herdsmen invaded a “bush joint” where some youth in the community usually converge to relax in the evening after work.

“The youths recently told herdsmen grazing around the community to take their cattle elsewhere so as not to destroy crops.

“The herdsmen were said to have left in anger and promised to return. They did that last night and attacked the youths at the spot, killing four of them,” he said.

According to Mr Kogi, his deceased son, Lucky, aged 25, left behind a two-year-old son and a pregnant wife.

Bala Agwom a member of the community, corroborated Mr Kogi’s claims.

“The community was earlier warned of the impending attack but did not know the exact date the assailants will come. When they came last night, we mobilised to hit back after we heard sounds of gun shots, but they fled,” he said.

He gave the names of those killed as Moses Aruku, Lucky Kogi, Ifeanyi Mbanafo and one Sunday.

Mr Agom gave the names of the two persons injured as Ishaya and Paye, saying that they were currently on admission at the Bingham Teaching Hospital, Jos.



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/five-killed-in-fresh-plateau-violence.html?m=1

.

A 45- year- old bricklayer, Mohammed Sani , has been arrested by the FCT Police Command for allegedly sodomising an 11- year - old boy in the Mabuchi area of the city .
The victim , who is an apprentice at a mechanic workshop, told PUNCH Metro that his friend introduced him to Sani .
He added that whenever Sani had sex with him , he would give him N20 to buy biscuits and would warn him not to tell anyone about what transpired .
The victim said , “When I was at the workshop some months ago, my friend told me to come , saying someone had a job for us . When I got to the man’s place , he took off my clothes and raped me .
“After he had finished, he gave me N 20 to buy biscuits. He told me that if I told anyone, he would beat me .
“After that day, he continued to do it with me . Sometimes, he would give me N20 , while some other times he would give me N 30 .”
The victim told our correspondent that the suspect sodomised him many times between March and July .
However, nemesis caught up with the suspect last Thursday when the victim returned home late and could not explain to his mother where he had been .
Speaking to our correspondent , the mother of the victim , Mrs Yakubu , said she did not know that her son had been a victim of defilement for several months .
On how she found out , Mrs Yakubu , said when her son returned late from the workshop, she asked him where he had been and why the clothes he wore were different from the ones he put on when he was going to work.
Mrs Yakubu , who is a widow , said , “Usually , my son closes from work at 6 pm and whenever he leaves the shop, his master would call me to inform me . So, I waited for hours for my son to return home .
“He came back around 10 pm , and when I asked him why he was just returning home , he said he had a very busy day.
“I also noticed that he was wearing an oversize pair of trousers. When I asked who gave it to him, he said it was one ‘uncle’. So, I punished him and asked him about the relationship between him and the ‘uncle, ’ but he initially refused to speak. ”
The victim ’s mother said when he could no longer bear the punishment , he confessed that Sani had been sodomising him and had threatened to kill him if he exposed him.
“I was disappointed in my son because he used to tell me things. I never expected him to be so secretive,” the widow said .
Sani , who is married , told PUNCH Metro that it was the devil that pushed him to do it.
The bricklayer said he was ashamed of himself and asked his young wife to forgive him .
“I cannot really explain what came over me . I was not like this before ,” he said .
When our correspondent asked him if he was defiling the young boy for spiritual reasons , the suspect said no.
The suspect’s wife, while speaking to our correspondent, said she was disappointed .
Mrs Sani said even though she had not given birth to any child for her husband , he was patient with her and wondered why he would indulge in such an evil act .
Police investigations , however , revealed that Sani might have defiled other young boys in the area.
A woman , Sefia Panshak , told our correspondent that she believed her 10 - year - old son might have also been defiled by the alleged paedophile.
The boy, however , said the suspect used to hug him.
“The man only used to hug me and give me N400 whenever he sends me on an errand ,” the boy said .
The spokesman for the FCT Command , Anjuguri Manzah, confirmed the incident adding that investigations were ongoing.
He said , “I can confirm the incident. Investigations are ongoing and the suspect will be transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department .”





http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/bricklayer-sodomises-11-year-old-boy.html?m=1

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu fell ill on Tuesday during interrogation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was learnt yesterday.
He was being grilled over his numerous assets in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Specifically, Ekweremadu was asked to account for how he came about over 60 assets.
When it appeared that he was getting weak, the Deputy Senate President was permitted by the EFCC to seek medical attention in the hospital.
The resumption of the investigation on Ekweremadu’s assets will now be determined by his fitness and the medical report from the hospital, it was learnt.
A top EFCC source said: “We were able to highlight additional 38 assets, added to the initial 22 on which he ought to give explanation.
“The grilling started smoothly until he complained of discomfort and he was unable to continue to answer our questions. His sudden illness might have arise from high blood pressure.
“Since he needed urgent medical attention, we allowed him to go to the hospital of his choice for treatment.”
The Federal Government, through the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, had traced 22 assets to Ekweremadu.
The said assets were suspected to have been acquired through illicit funds.
The properties are at No. 11, Evans Enwerem Street, Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja; Plot 2633 Kyami, Abuja; Housing Estate (Plot 1106 CRD, Cadastral Zone 07-07, Lugbe, Abuja; Plot 2782 Asokoro Extension, Abuja, and Houses at Citi Park Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Others are at Plot 1474 Cadastral Zone BD6, Mabushi, Abuja; Congress Court, Abuja; Flat 1, Block D25, Athletics Street (24th Street) Games Village, Abuja; and Plot 66, 64 Crescent, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.
Traceable assets of Ekweremadu in the United State, include 4507 Stella Street, Bellavida Estate Kissime, Florida, USA; 2747 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA and 2763 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA.
The properties abroad in London include Flat 4 Varsity Court, Harmer Street, WIH 4NW, London; and 52 Ayleston Avenue, NW6 7AB, London.
Those in Dubai are Room 1903, The Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai; The Address Boulevard, 3901, Dubai; 2 Flats of Burij Side Boulevard (the signature), Dubai; Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/1/114, Dubai; Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/115, Dubai; Apartment No. DFB/12/B 1204, Park Towers, Dubai; Flat 3604, MAG214, Dubai; and Villa No 148, Maeen 1, The Lakes Emirates Hills, Dubai




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/ekweremadu-falls-ill-during-efcc.html?m=1

A gang of three have ensnared and shot dead popular Port Harcourt, Rivers state black market Bureau De Change operator simply identified as Alhaji Yusuf.
Yusuf had barely seated at a relaxation spot where he unwind near his Oroazi Road residence after trading Naira for hard currencies among other competitors at the popular Port Harcourt GRA exchange hub when the gunmen entrapped and shot him thrice to the head and abdomen before leaving with his bag suspected to be bearing his day’s sales.
The gunmen believed to have trailed him from his business point also killed, on the spot, two associates of the target victim who were with him, the incident happening at about 10pm Wednesday.
Incidentally, the three gunmen killed the trio with impunity
just stone throw from Oroazi Big Three Junction where a team of Safer Highways Police Patrol Team where holding a stop and search on motorists.
A witness told Vanguard, “The killers finished Alhaji and two of his brothers and strolled pass the Big Three Junction. We (jolted Oroazi youths) approached the Safet Highways Police to confront them.
“They told us they don’t have the time to pursue them, that we civilians should rather pursue, capture
and surrender the gunmen to them (police).
Rivers Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni could not be reached for comments at the time of breaking this report.



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/breaking-bandits-kill-port-harcourt.html?m=1