Encomium
HOW I STOPPED ATTACK ON PIPELINE – KACHIKWU
Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, had yesterday in a federal government’s town hall meeting in Kano state, disclosed how he had prevented militants from vandalizing oil installation.
The minister described the pipeline attack as a drain to Nigeria’s economy. He,however, explained how he received a call from a militant who was going to blow pipeline, but because he humbly answered the call, the person dropped the plan. He further stated that, the federal government would unveil the new policy designed to address fuel subsidy issues in the country within the next few days.
GUNMEN ATTACK RIVERS JUDICIARY COMPLEX
Hoodlums had attacked Rivers state judiciary complex, Port Harcourt, leaving two staff of a private security outfit lifeless in the hospital. The incident occurred when the ongoing trial of late militant leader, Soboma George’s case was to come up but following the attack, the court was shut down.
Although security men have been assigned to the area, Mr. Dabotubo George who briefed journalists on the incident said the victims were not shot with guns, adding that, the suspects used axe, machete and stick on them. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to track down the hoodlums.
EFCC TO ARRAIGN UMAR, EX-AIR FORCE CHIEF, TODAY
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will today between 10:00 am and 12 noon, arraign Mohammed Umar before the High Court in Abuja, following the allegation of corruption in arms procurement.
However, Umar had confessed that no money under his watch was missing, instead he used them to execute commendable projects in the Nigerian Air Force. But it was said that projects failed to meet expectations.
FANI-KAYODE TO BE REMANDED FOR TWO WEEKS
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had yesterday got a remand warrant to detain a former minister of aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode. With the warrant, he would be remanded for two weeks, if the EFCC has stronger reason to further keep him in detention, while investigation continues.
According to a source, the anti-graft agency obtained the remand warrant from a Magistrate Court, pursuant to section 293, the order shall be for a period not exceeding 14 days in the first instance and shall be renewable within the same period. So far, he would be detained within the time limit allowable by the nation’s law.
GRAZING BILL IS AN INSULT TO THE PEOPLE – OPC
Oodu’a Peoples’ Congress (OPC), a Yoruba socio-cultural group held a general meeting yesterday in Gbagada, Lagos State. In the meeting, the group had warned herdsmen over continuous attacks on innocent Nigerians and communities, saying they would not permit such wicked act in the Southwest.
Rising from the meeting, its National Publicity Secretary Shina Akinpelu said, the controversial grazing bill is an insult to the people, as it is being considered to allow grazing zones for the herdsmen. The OPC and the entire Yoruba nation reject such preposition and will resist it with all that we have, they stated.
BADEH BOUGHT ABUJA HOUSES FOR SONS AT N970 M
A federal high court in Abuja heard yesterday, how former chief of general staff, Alex Badeh acquired Abuja houses for his three sons at about N970 million. This was made known in the testimony of a retired Air Commodore, Aliyu Yishau, who concluded his evidence yesterday as the first prosecution witness in the trial of Badeh.
In his statement, he said, Chief Badeh has two properties in Wuse 2, that cost N260 million and N320 million respectively for his two sons. Adding that, he also purchased a house from Honorable Bature for his last son. Badeh’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) concluded the cross-examination of the witness yesterday and Justice Okon Abang adjourned till today for continuation of trial.
INEC CHAIRMAN APPOINTS THREE AIDES
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who is the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission had on Tuesday in Abuja, made known to the public, the appointment of three new aides.
The appointees are Prof. Bolade Eyinla, Technical Adviser, Prof. Mohammed Kuna, Special Assistant to the INEC Boss and Mr. Rotimi Onyekanmi, Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary. However, they had been appointed to help oversee that free, fair and credible elections are achieved in the nearest future.
ARMY ARRESTS 17 SUSPECTED CULTISTS, ROBBERS IN RIVERS
The Nigerian Army has apprehended 17 suspected cultists and armed robbers during operations in some parts of the state and had recovered arms and ammunition from the hoodlums. The suspects were paraded yesterday in Port Harcourt.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Eli Lazarus stated that, the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigations, urging residents that, they are working tirelessly to apprehend and clear off criminals in the area.
RESIDENT DOCTORS BEGIN A 5-DAY WARNING STRIKE TODAY
Dr. Muhammad Askira, President of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), yesterday at a news conference in Abuja disclosed that the association will begin its five-day warning strike today.
The association prompted the strike as a result of demands government was yet to meet on their behalf. Askira noted that, the strike will begin today at 8 a.m and end on May 15, while all its members are expected to resume work on May 16 at 8 a.m. He further said that, if government fails to fulfill its promise, they would embark on an indefinite strike.
OSHIOMHOLE’S KINSMEN ENDORSE OBASEKI
The aspirant of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has received support with delegates from three councils in Etsako Central, Etsako West and Etsako East Local Government Areas endorsing his candidacy.
The endorsement took place at a meeting held in Jattu and was coordinated by Mr. Philip Shaibu, member representing Etsako constituency in the House of Representatives. Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia, who is the Chairman of APC in Etsako displayed signatures and pictures of Obaseki who is the anointed candidate of their son, Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
