Encomium
EX-CHIEF OF AIR STAFF, UMAR, GRANTED BAIL
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Mohammed Dikko Umar, brought before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over alleged N4.8 billion fraud had pleaded not guilty to a seven count criminal charge against him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
After a short ruling, Binta Nyako granted the defendant bail on self recognition and he was instructed not to travel outside the jurisdiction of the court without permission. The case was, however, adjourned till June 7, 8 and 9 for trial.
WORK RESUMES AT RIVERS JUDICIARY COMPLEX AFTER MURDER OF TWO GUARDS
Following the killings of two private security guards by gunmen, after which the judiciary was shut down on Tuesday, work resumed yesterday at the Rivers State Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt, with the presence of security guards.
Workers were seen attending to files on their desk, while others in groups discussing. Meanwhile, the police had lamented bitterly how a Port Harcourt prison was attacked by hoodlums in the early hours of Tuesday.
GOV. WIKE CHARGES PARTY MEMBERS ON SACRIFICIAL LIFESTYLE
Governor of Rivers state, Nyeson Wike, had addressed the National Convention Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the government house, Port Harcourt on Wednesday night, to develop love and make sacrifices for the party to regain its strength after the loss it suffered during the 2015 general election.
He therefore stated that, it is important we work as a team as that is the only way for us to achieve set goals. He further urged the party members to remain focused and work towards a successful convention. The National Convention Planning Committee will meet again on Sunday to conclude the plans for the event.
FG REVEALS NEW PUMP PRICE
In a meeting presided over by the Vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo , with stakeholders and Labour Unions, he made known Federal Government’s intention to implement the new petrol pump price.
At the meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday evening, he noted the main reason for the current problem as the inability of importers of petroleum to import at the official rate due to massive decline of foreign exchange earnings by the federal government. Officials who attended the meeting said, the price of petrol may start from N145 per litre but explained that government would strictly monitor compliance.
EFCC GRILLS IMOKE IN CALABAR
The former governor of Cross River state, Senator Liyel Imoke had been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Port Harcourt on his role in the N23 billion election bribe.
Imoke in the EFCC net was accused of receiving N1.275 billion from stallion groups during the 2015 general election and another N775 million paid to him from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation for a purpose not known. All the money were allegedly paid to him between December 2014 and May, 2015.
NIGERIA’S OIL FORTUNE GONE FOREVER – OGBEH
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh had yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun state, said that, gone are the days when Nigeria derived its wealth from oil and gas. The minister added that, the nation’s economy had been dealt with.
According to Ogbeh, Agriculture remains the veritable alternative to reducing youth unemployment. He, however, urge food security in the country. He expressed regret that, Nigeria failed to learn from other countries like Malaysia, which is reaping greatly from its investment in agriculture. He further adviced Nigerians to return back to reality.
DICKSON CONDEMNS KILLINGS OF SOLDIERS
Governor Seriake Dickson has warned militants involved in the massive killings of soldiers and naval in Bayelsa communities to deceased from it or else security operatives will fish them out and they would face the law.
The governor called on community leaders and stakeholders to constantly check the activities of youths in their domains to bring perpetrators to book. He urged all hands to be on deck, to help strike out this disaster in the state, as government is working with security agent to stop the killings.
YOUTH SET GAYA’S HOUSES ABLAZE OVER ELECTORAL PROMISES
Some political thugs, yesterday set ablaze the residence, campaign office and poultry farm of a third-term senator and house of representatives member, Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano state over unfulfilled promises of social amenities made to the youths during his campaign in 2015.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Kano state Police Command, DSP Magaji Majiya confirmed the incident. However, senator Gaya did not respond to phone calls as he is away to the United State of America.
CAMERON’S COMMENTS IS UNFORTUNATE – DIYA, EZEIFE
British Prime Minister, David Cameron had lamented that, Nigeria is a fantastically corrupt country. Former deputy of late General Abacha, Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd) yesterday, described the comment as unfortunate, looking at the efforts put in place by President Muhammadu Buhari and his recent visit to Cameron on the basis of fighting corruption in the country.
Former governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife lamented that, Nigeria should stop disgracing the black race, he added that, the corruption in Nigeria has not stop. He urged government to stop using corrupt Anti-corruption policy to fight corruption.
2016 BUDGET WILL FAVOUR SOUTH-EAST – NWOSU
Chief Uche Nwosu who is Governor Rochas Okorocha’s chief of staff and front line All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain in Imo State, has said that the 2016 budget recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari will surely favour Nigerians as it would tackle most of the problems experienced in South-East where most federal roads are nothing to write home about.
He, however, praised the president for his strong desire to fight corruption against all odds, saying the budget would now be very effective. He further urge Nigerians to be calm as they are on the right track.
