Olumuyiwa Adejobi [CSP] Force Public Relations Officer [FPRO] in a statement Monday afternoon says, “The Police hereby unequivocally clarifies that the signal is fake and did not emanate from the NPF or any of its formations”.

“More emphatically, the signal deviates from the Police’s telegraphic message structure and standard as the signal bears the signature of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), which is highly irregular, as a signal of this nature would typically be signed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who heads such formations, and not a higher-ranking officer”.

“The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has taken immediate notice and has ordered a thorough investigation into its source and assures that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for its creation and dissemination”.

 

Kyari takes over APC NWC.

The Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abubakar Kyari, has taken over the leadership of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Kyari’s takeover comes after the widely reported resignation of the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Adamu was reported to have tendered his resignation with the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, on Sunday.

On Monday morning, Kyari led a team of seven other members of the NWC to a meeting in his office.

The official car of the Deputy National Chairman was parked in the slot reserved for the National Chairman.

Kyari came in with the Deputy National Chairman (South) Emma Enukwu; National Vice Chairman (North West) Salihu Lukman; National Vice Chairman (North East) Salihu Mustapha; National Vice Chairman (North Central) Muazu Bawa; National Vice Chairman(South West) Issacs Kekemeke; National Vice Chairman (South East) Ejoroma Arodiogu and the Deputy National Secretary, Barrister Festus Fuanter

The National Secretary, Senator Omisore, arrived at the secretariat later in the morning and joined others in the meeting.

The meeting was held behind closed doors, and security around the national secretariat has been heightened.

 

Nigerian Army intercept ammunition from Mali enroute to Anambra, arrest suspects.

The Nigerian Army has intercepted an Anambra State bound truck load of smuggled ammunition in Ogun State.

Spokesman for the army, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said troops of 192 Battalion Nigerian Army, operating in 81 Division Area of Responsibility busted an international ammunition smuggling syndicate, while transporting a truck load of smuggled ammunition to Anambra State on Saturday 15 July 2023.

Nwachukwu said the troops, who acted on actionable Intelligence conducted a meticulous and rigorous Stop and Search operation along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State and uncovered the illegal ammunition in a truck with Registration number ENU 697 XY.

He said the vehicle was loaded with 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, containing 25 cartridges per packet, totalling 18, 000 cartridges and an additional 250 packets of live (black) cartridges containing 10 packets each, totalling 2500 cartridges of same calibre.

The army spokesman said two suspects, identified as Mr. Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the driver, Mr Lukman Sani, had been taken into custody and are helping with ongoing investigations.

“Information gathered during preliminary investigation revealed that the ammunition, which were surreptitiously concealed in a supposed empty truck were imported from Mali, via Idiroko International Border, where the criminals had successfully beaten several other checkpoints en-route their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.

Timely intervention by the vigilant troops however thwarted the chaos that such volume of ammunition would have unleashed on innocent members of the public, if the criminals had succeeded.

“The Nigerian Army therefore appeals to all law abiding citizens to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information, as they combat security challenges across the country,” Nwachukwu said.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their commitment and urged them not to relent as they strive in synergy with other services and security agencies to provide safe and secure atmosphere for all Nigerians and socio economic development across the country.

 

Removing as President over failure to score 25% in Abuja, may trigger anarchy in Nigeria- Tinubu.

Members of the presidential elections tribunal have received a warning from President Bola Tinubu that the collapse of law and order in Nigeria could result from his impeachment.

Mr. Tinubu acknowledged that he did not receive 25% of the votes cast in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, but said that this was insufficient to reverse the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, or INEC’s, declaration of his victory.

“Any other interpretation different from this will lead to absurdity, chaos, anarchy, and alteration of the very intention of the legislature,” Mr. Tinubu’s attorneys, led by Wole Olanipekun, said in their final statement to the court in support of their client.

The attorneys were referring specifically to a provision of the Nigerian Constitution that stated a presidential candidate had to receive 25% of the vote in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, or Abuja.

After Mr. Tinubu earned the most votes in a three-way presidential election in February but fell short of the 25% threshold in the Federal Capital Territory, public debate regarding the clause’s intent has been rife.

According to Mr. Tinubu’s staff, courts have traditionally been cautious about applying an extreme reading of the Constitution that would cause a riot.
A petition signed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party argued that Mr. Tinubu would not have lost the election even if he failed to win any votes in Abuja and one other state.
CREDIT: The Punch

 

Senate Refutes Alleged Padding Of Supplementary Budget.

Tenth Senate said reports that it padded the supplementary budget, which was passed into law last week, were  mischievous.

The upper legislative chamber was reacting to reports in some online news outlets that the sum of N70 billion was padded into the supplementary budget as a “gift” from the executive arm of government.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and made available to newsmen in Abuja, he wondered how the purveyors arrived at such reports, stating that passing laws was exclusive to lawmakers, hence, they needed no gift from the executive arm of government before doing their works.

The statement asserted that the passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Act was to accommodate funding for the Federal Government’s Palliative for the Nigerian public, among other National demands.“Suffice to say that the passage is part of the absolute constitutional duty of the Senate.

“We would therefore, not wish to join issues with the mischief and misrepresentation that a portion of the just passed Amendment Act that appropriated N70 billion was a ‘gift’ to the Legislators,” the statement noted. Senator Adaramodu stressed that “a visit to the suites, offices and the general structures of the National Assembly complex would reveal a yearning and the need for exigent attention. Many Senators had to bring their chairs, tables and electronics and in many cases, do sundry repairs.

“The much debated allocation will not be paid to any legislator. This will be managed by the National Assembly Bureaucracy. It’s pertinent to also note that the National Assembly complex does not house only the Legislators. There are thousands of workers and service providers, whose working environments need a facelift and/or the necessary tools.

“Since the Assembly Complex is not owned by legislators who are merely political birds of passage, such an allocation cannot be termed by anyone as a palliative to the legislators.

“The alleged padding of the palliative budget by the national assembly only exists in the minds of those who are all out to discredit the 10th Assembly. There is nothing like padding, as alleged by some misinformed media outfits. “We wish to urge fellow compatriots to see the national assembly as partners in the progress of Nigeria.”

 

Why NASS Amended 2022 Supplementary Budget As Requested By President Tinubu’ – Bamidele.

The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has explained the reason behind the decision of the National Assembly to speedily amend and pass the 2022 supplementary budget as requested by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Sunday, Senator Bamidele said the lawmakers took the decision to enable President Bola Tinubu to provide palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and address other economic challenges.

He added that an amount of money has been set aside for the completion of projects across the states of the federation, including a total sum of 4 billion naira set aside for various road projects in Ekiti state.

Senator Bamidele is the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
He spoke in Ikogosi Ekiti after a church service held at the First Baptist Church to commemorate the 90th birthday of the father of the state governor, Pa Ezekiel Olakunle Oyebanji.

 

Why Didn’t Tinubu Sack DSS DG, Bichi Like Service Chief – Lawyers Query.

Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, a group of legal practitioners, are asking for the dismissal of Yusuf Bichi, the Director General of State Services (DGSS).

They wonder why President Tinubu retained him while removing other Service Chiefs. The group’s Convener, Kingdom Okere, voiced these concerns on Arise Television, cautioning that President Tinubu might be sending the wrong message to Nigerians by keeping Bichi in his role.

Okere said, “We are calling on President Tinubu to not allow the overzealousness of the DSS to tarnish his hard-earned reputation of believing in the rule of law, of believing in opposition politics and in his inaugural address, he promised Nigerians that he was going to obey the rule of law.

“We now asked him, why are you still leaving this man in office? All other Service Chiefs have been removed. Why did you leave him? Probably because he participated in the whole politics of old and new Naira notes and attempted to initially frame Emefiele up by going to the Federal High Court to seek an exparte application.”

 

Past Plundering, Exploitation Of Africa Will Not Be Repeated – Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, said past plundering and exploitation of the African continent would not be allowed to repeat itself.

The President stated this on Sunday at the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the African Union Member-States in Nairobi, Kenya.

In his speech entitled “Address on Status of Regional Integration in ECOWAS,” Tinubu called for good governance to ensure a prosperous future for Africa, free from the exploitations of the past.

President, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, announced plans to strengthen the coalition’s Standby Force to deter coups and combat terrorism in the sub-region.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, the Nigerian leader reaffirmed Africa’s unity and strength while strongly rejecting the notion of a new scramble for Africa.
He emphasized the need for Africa to overcome its challenges and work towards a prosperous future, focusing on inclusive growth, good governance, and leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

 

Akpabio, Abbas, Barau, Benjamin Kalu To Get Bulletproof Vehicles As Senate, House Of Reps Spend N40bn On SUVs.

Nigerian lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives are planning to spend more than N40 billion to buy vehicles.According to Saturday Sun, the plan involves the procurement of 107 units of the 2023 model of Toyota Landcruiser and 358 units of the 2023 model of Toyota Prado for the Senate and House members respectively.

The vehicles for the four top officers of the National Assembly will be purchased separately. These top officers include the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass; the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu.

 

Tinubu’s Solution To Poverty, Insecurity Underway – Shettima.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the federal government will unveil an initiative that will address insurgency, poverty, and other challenges confronting Nigerians in the coming weeks.

Shettima made the disclosure in a chat with journalists while on a condolence visit to Kano State over the passing away of elder stateman, Alhaji Abubakar Imam Galadanci.

Speaking on the plan to address challenges confronting Nigerians, Shettima said President Tinubu is determined to address the crisis in the North West which is further accentuated by poverty.

Earlier on arrival in Kano, the Vice President received by Governor Abba Yusuf, proceeded to the residence of the Emir of Bichi, HRH, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, where he condoled with him on the passing away of the late Imam Galadanci.

From the Emir of Bichi’s residence, Shettima proceeded to the family compound of the late Alhaji Abubakar Imam Galadanci where he was received by Prof. Shehu Galadanci and Air Vice Marshal Nura Imam (Rtd), on behalf of the extended family.

In a statement by his spokesman, Olusola Abiola, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, expressed his condolences, prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and to also console the entire Galadanci family.

 

Peter Obi Speaks On Contesting Again In 2027.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in the 2023 general elections Peter Obi has dismissed a false report against him. The Dailypost newspaper had written about a purported interview where the former Anambra governor revealed his plans to become president in 2027.

However, in a statement released on Saturday, Obi stressed that he never granted any interview or made press remarks about plans on becoming president in 2027.

He also maintained that the report about his reaction to recent appointees into the federal government were fabricated and untrue.
The LP candidate maintained that he will continue to speak on tropical national issues via recognized news and media outfits, adding that his focus and that of the Obidents movement is keen on creating the new Nigeria.

 

Arrest Ex-President, Buhari Who Gave Orders To Emefiele – Lawyers Tell DSS.

The State Security Services (SSS) has faced criticism from Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, a group of legal practitioners, for the arrest and detention of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

They questioned the absence of similar action against former President, Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on Arise Television, Kingdom Okere, the Convener of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, argued that Emefiele was merely following orders and that the person who gave these orders, former President Buhari, should also be held accountable by the SSS.

He said, “Whatever Emefiele did as CBN Governor had presidential approval. So, if they have anything against him, they should also know that it is traceable to former President Muhammadu Buhari and they should also being him to book so that they can defend themselves.

“Be that as it may, DSS upon searching Emefiele’s house found only N300,000. Does it mean that Emefiele from his legitimate earnings cannot have N300,000 in his house?.

They also found a licence for pump action. Any other thing they come out with tomorrow that they found in Emefiele’s house is pure falsehood.”

 

President Tinubu’s Committee On Subsidy Removal Gives Update.

The Chairman of the Palliative Committee on Subsidy Removal and the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris assured Nigerians that measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal.

President Tinubu had put the committee in place following the removal of the subsidy.
The pledge came during a committee meeting held in Abuja on Saturday. Details of the meeting were shared by Ahmed Idris, the spokesperson for the governor.

The meeting saw the attendance of Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Charles Soludo of Anambra, Uba Sani of Kaduna and Hyacindu Alia of Benue. Representatives from the Organised Labour and Civil Society Organisations were also present.

Chairman of the committee, Idris expressed optimism about the committee’s efforts, promising that Nigerians would soon have a reason to smile as the committee worked diligently to ease the current hardships.

 

NDLEA Arrests Europe-bound Student With 7.2kg Of Drugs Hidden In Crayfish.

A nineteen-year-old student, Benjamin Nnamani Daberechi has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for drug trafficking.
The teenager was arrested with Methamphetamine drugs concealed inside crayfish.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement on Sunday by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi. According to Babafemi, the student was arrested on Wednesday 12th July, during an outward clearance of passengers on a Turkish Airline bound for Europe via the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.
Upon interrogation, Daberechi said he is a student on his way to Cyprus for undergraduate studies.

 

Palliative Of N110 Billion For NASS Members Illegal, Outrageous – Falana.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has described the decision of the National Assembly to allocate N110 billion as palliatives for its members as illegal and contemptuous.

The allocation of N70 billion, disbursed among 306 newly elected members, in addition to N40 billion set aside for the purchase of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for principal officials and members, has sparked public outrage.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana said the lawmakers are callous and insensitive with their actions, considering the economic hardships endured by the majority of Nigerians as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.

The Senior Advocate (SAN) said the decision of the parliament blatantly contravene Section 70 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which outlines the appropriate remuneration and allowances for members of the National Assembly.

Falana affirmed that the judiciary had already ruled against such excessive allowances to lawmakers, adding that the Federal High Court had declared that the National Assembly Service Commission has no authority to determine the remuneration and allowances of its members.

He stressed that the judgments remain valid and binding, and the National Assembly’s actions are therefore illegal and contemptuous.

The senior lawyer, therefore, called on the leadership and members of the National Assembly to reverse the controversial allowances and the purchase of luxury vehicles.

 

President Tinubu Reveals Why Atiku, Peter Obi’s Petitions Should Be Dismissed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have given reasons why the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) should dismiss petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and their presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

Tinubu and Shettima insist that claims that a candidate must score 25 percent of votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be declared president could have been a result of either their misreading of the Constitution or their miscomprehension of the relevant provisions of the nation’s ground norm.

These submissions were part of their arguments in two sets of final written addresses filed on the petitions by Atiku/PDP and Obi/LP against the outcome of the February 25 presidential election.

The two final addresses were filed on Friday by the Tinubu/Shettima legal team, led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

Describing both petitions as strange and hollow, Tinubu and Shettima argued that neither of the two sets of petitions provided relevant evidence to support the claims of the plaintiffs that the election was not held in compliance with relevant laws or that the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the APC were not qualified to contest the election.