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Emir Of Kontagora’s Son has been killed in his farm

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Emir Of Kontagora’s Son has been killed in his farm

Alhaji Bashar Saidu Namaska, son of the Emir of Kontagora, is among the persons killed in an attack on the Emir’s farm on Wednesday.

The late son was said to be on the farm along Zuru road in the Local Government Area of Niger State when the bandits struck.

The late Bashar, who is the Sardauna of Kontagora had, been holding forth for his father, Sarkin Sudan, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, who has been sick.

Confirming the killing, his friend, Mr Alkasim Abdulkadir, Thursday, wrote on twitter, “We lost our friend Bashar Namaska. May Allah grant him Mercy. Ameen He was killed when bandits attacked his farm in Kontagora”.

Multiple sources tell NewsWireNGR that, bandits invaded Kontagora town and shot several people and killed the Emir’s son, Alhaji Bashar. His death will be formally announced soon and he will buried immediately.

“He was rushed to the Hospital after he was shot but confirmed dead,”.

Kontagora is a major town on the south bank of the Kontagora River in north-west Niger State, Nigeria.

It is the capital city of the Kontagora Emirate. The Niger state governor also come from Kontagora.

Niger state has been under siege from bandits for the past seven years. Out of the 25 local government areas in the state, 18 have been attacked by these bandits and local government areas which are constantly invaded and almost completely overrun are Shiroro, Munyan, Rafi, Mashegu and of recent Paiko

.

Breaking: Miyetti Allah backs the position of Southern Governors on the ban of open grazing

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Breaking: Miyetti Allah backs the position of Southern Governors on the ban of open grazing

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has backed the position of Southern Governors on the ban of open grazing.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna On Thursday, the National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, said this is capable of addressing the farmers-herders crisis.

He said that cattle rearing has been in Africa for over 100 years without any consideration to free movement of cattle (Open Grazing) or any Grazing Reserve.

He said, this was carried out because at that time there were few herders, farmers and cattle, especially in Nigeria, stressing that currently the population has increased with modern technique of farming consuming land tremendously.

Senator Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said, with the current concern on cattle rearing in Africa especially Nigeria, there is need to look at how best this practice will be carried out successfully.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, had opposed the southern governors’ decision to ban open grazing in their states. h

Malami said such ‘unconstitutional’ resolution is dangerous for the country.

“It is a dangerous provision for any governor in Nigeria to think he can bring any compromise on the freedom and liberty of individuals to move around,” Malami said during an interview on Channels Television‘s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.

“It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?

“For example, it is as good as saying, perhaps, maybe, the northern governors coming together to say they prohibit spare parts trading in the north.

PDP urge members in Cross River to remain steadfast and committed after Ayade’s defection

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PDP urge members in Cross River to remain steadfast and committed after Ayade’s defection

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked its members in Cross River to remain steadfast, committed and united to the party.

The statement comes after the state governor, Ben Ayade defected from the PDP to the APC.

Governor Ayade announced his decision on Thursday morning after a closed-door meeting with six APC governors and some members of the National Assembly who visited him at the Government House.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan called on stakeholders to ensure the party structure remains intact.

“Our party calls on all critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party in Cross Rivers State to immediately pull together and ensure that every structure of our party in the state remains intact.

“The PDP wishes Governor Ayade well in his new political sojourn as well as in his future endeavours”.

Buhari has returned to Abuja after a four-day official visit to Paris

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Buhari has returned to Abuja after a four-day official visit to Paris

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a four-day official visit to Paris, France, to attend the African Finance Summit.

Buhari left Abuja on Sunday and met with French President, Emmanuel Macron, and other world leaders at the event in Paris.

The summit focused on reviewing the African economy following shocks from the coronavirus pandemic and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries.

Buhari was also said to have discussed the growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, and economic ties with Macron.

But Buhari landed at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja this evening.

The President returns to the country amid calls for open grazing ban, restructuring, constitutional review, quest for judicial and local government autonomy, strike by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, widespread violence, kidnappings, and killings in all parts of the country.

While in Paris, Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari to have said African countries need more vaccines to protect the majority of their citizens.

“It is in this vein that we solicit the support of the French government with its influence in the European Union to lend its voice to the efforts being made to mobilize additional resources for developing economies most especially Africa in order to strengthen the quantum of investments to our economies. This financial support should also be extended to the private sector,” he said.

The President urged European Union to encourage fair and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines in less developed countries, and promote the establishment of manufacturing facilities.

According to him, many African countries were already experiencing debt distress and the Debt Service Suspension by France and G-20 does not go far enough, adding that there was the need for more sustainable and affordable financing solutions, including debt relief and further debt restructuring.

On the Paris Agreement for Climate Change, President Buhari noted that African countries would need financial support for green energy investment and COP-26.

He said Nigeria will refocus on gas, while adopting a Strategic Revenue Growth Initiative.

On the theme of “Africa Private Sector — Reforms – Infrastructure’’, President said Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will be fully explored to ensure more precision in development, cutting down waste and reducing chances of corruption.

“The government intends to leverage on Public-Private Partnership to bolster its job creation and anti-corruption drive. In terms of job creation, Nigeria has an abundant labour force since 30.5 percent of its population is between the ages of 25 and 54.’’

‘Malami must be sacked immediately’ – Senate Spokesman

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‘Malami must be sacked immediately’ – Senate Spokesman

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has asked President Buhari to sack the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN immediately over his comments on the southern governors position on open grazing.

The AGF had faulted the decision of the southern governors, saying it does not align with the provisions of the constitution, while appearing on a Channels Television program on Wednesday.

He also said ‘open grazing ban in the south is like preventing spare parts sales in the north’. A comment many have found to be offensive, including the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Responding in a statement on Thursday, Senator Ajibola Bashiru said “It was not dignifying of the status of the Nation’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice to make such remarks.”

The Senator said equating the activities of archaic nomadic herdsmen destroying peoples means of livelihood with others legitimately carrying on businesses by selling spare parts in their shops stand logic on its head.

The Senator noted that the statement of the Attorney General was one capable of derailing the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

He, therefore called for “the immediate removal from office of the AGF.”

NBC has invited Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President”, over assault of a woman who appeared on Brekete Family

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NBC has invited Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President”, over assault of a woman who appeared on Brekete Family

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has invited Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President”, over alleged assault of a woman who appeared on Brekete Family, a human rights programme that he hosts.

Isah has been under fire since the BBC Africa Eye exposed how he assaulted a woman who appeared on his show.

The woman, who was accused of setting a young girl’s hair on fire over witchcraft allegation, had feigned ignorance when Isah questioned her.

After several attempts to make her own up ended in futility, Isah slapped the defenceless woman in front of his audience.

In an interview with NAN on Thursday, Mr Ekanem Antia, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, NBC, said Isah had been invited for explanation.

The deputy director further explained that the invitation would enable the commission to know the circumstances surrounding the situation that led to the assault.

“The NBC, as a regulatory body for broadcast media, is concerned over the recent happening at the Human Rights Radio and deemed it fit to invite Isah,” he said.

“As a regulatory body for the broadcast media, the NBC cannot overlook this. Broadcasting should guarantee fairness for all citizens and a broadcaster should grant a right of reply to every citizen before passing judgment.

“That is why the commission decided to send a letter of invitation to the CEO of Human Rights Radio and the anchor of the popular ‘Brekete Family’ radio programme, Ahmed Isah, to come to NBC and explain the circumstances surrounding his actions.’’

Antia, therefore, urged broadcasters to recognise the power they have and exercise such with great responsibility and sensitivity.

Isah has since tendered apology to the woman, admitting that he overreacted.

While speaking on his radio show on Wednesday, Isah said he allowed his emotion to take over him.

He said: “I apologise to everybody that I have offended in one way or the other. Please, I’m a human being. I’m bound to make mistakes. I was triggered by the zeal and passion in me. As a human being, even computers tend to malfunction, there is blood flowing in my veins, I tend to get emotional sometimes.

“Whenever I do anything out-of-control on the basis of emotions, I always apologise when I realise it and correct the mistakes. For those disappointed in me, please forgive me. For those I have offended, please find a place in your heart to forgive me. I’m only but a human being.

“I know some people will say that there is nobody that sent him to do human rights work, forgetting that government organisations that are supposed to get justice for ordinary Nigerians are not doing their work.”

Insecurity: Lekki Residents warned to be vigilant as kidnapping cases increase in the area

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Insecurity: Lekki Residents warned to be vigilant as kidnapping cases increase in the area

The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association has warned residents to be cautious as they go about their lawful activities as the spate of kidnappings reportedly increase in the area.

LERSA, an association of “over 80 estates and communities” in the area, has also urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to expedite his planned ban on all passenger motorcycles, particularly within the Lekki axis.

This was stated in a statement signed by the association’s President and Secretary General, respectively, Olorogun Emadoye and Gbemi Adelekan, on Wednesday.

The statement directed to residents and stakeholders in the Lekki area was titled, ‘Re: Update On The State Of Security Affairs Across The Lekki Corridor’.

The statement read, “The Association has received various calls from residents expressing deep concern on the general insecurity in the Lekki axis.

“While acknowledging the efforts of the Police in trying to maintain peace and security, the Association is calling on the Government and the Security authorities for a broader and stern response to the activities of various criminals in the community and the State in general.

“In the light of the security challenges, we wish to commend the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the planned ban of Okada in the state. We believe that such a policy, if effectively implemented will reduce insecurity to a reasonable extent.

“We also wish to call on the Nigeria Police to declare a total war on people roaming the streets with dangerous weapons to curb the indiscriminate activities of some criminals.

“The Association wishes to admonish residents to take extra precautions against kidnappings following news of deteriorating security in the country.”

LERSA, therefore, advised residents to:

“Be observant, watchful and ensure that you are not being followed. If you suspect strange movement, drive to the nearest Police Station.

“Keep the discussions of your financial dealings away from strangers especially while in public places or while talking on your mobile phones. Always keep a low profile.

“Keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up, especially in traffic jams or traffic lights.

“Do not use ATM Machine at remote locations at night to avoid robbers and kidnappers

4th Mainland Bridge will cost $2.5Billion – Lagos Government says

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4th Mainland Bridge will cost $2.5Billion – Lagos Government says

Lagos State government has said that construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge, a 38-km stretch, connecting Lagos Island by way of Lekki, Langbasa, and Baiyeku towns and across Lagos Lagoon to Itamaga in Ikorodu, is estimated to cost $2.5billion.

Director-General, Office of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Lagos State, Mr Ope George, revealed this during the ongoing ministerial briefing to commemorate the 2nd Year Anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led Administration in office, in Alausa, Ikeja.

George further disclosed that the preferred bidder out of the six under-listed bidders of the proposed $2.5billion transaction worth bridge, an initiative of the Lagos State government, is expected to be determined by October, this year as technical processes were ongoing to eliminate every glitch.

The state is at a critical point where glitches have been identified and same were being addressed to finalise processes towards the commencement of the $2.5billion transaction worth project,” the commissioner said.

He also disclosed that other projects also funded under PPP arrangements include the Ilubirin Estate which is a public foreshore housing project being built on reclaimed land in Ikoyi Island, Lagos, at the foot of the third mainland bridge, facing the Lagos Lagoon waterfront.

“On works also, is the proposed ring road which is expected to provide alternative traffic resources from Lekki to Ikorodu, Ikeja to Ajah, relieving the 3rd Mainland Bridge of its overstretched capacity. It is a 4 lane carriageway cross-sectional road with permission for Bus Rapid Transit, BRT lane and future road construction.

“Also on work is the crescent island toll road project for the reclamation and development of 150 hectares on a proposed 40-year Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) arrangement for a toll road project and a link bridge connecting the Mainland to the proposed crescent Island.

Akeredolu replies Malami; says ban on open grazing stands

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Akeredolu replies Malami; says ban on open grazing stands

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has responded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Shehu Malami, saying that the Southern Governors Forum ban on open Grazing in the region is irreversible.

Recall that the Southern Governors had at a meeting in Asaba last week banned open grazing and asked President Buhari to address the nation over the increasing rate of insecurity in the country.

However, Malami who appeared as a guest on Channels Television on Wednesday faulted the ban, arguing that the governor had no right to do that.

Akeredolu, who is the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, then responded in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, titled, ‘Our decision is irreversible and will be enforced’.

“I have just read the press statement credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Shehu Malami SAN on the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum to ban open grazing in their respective States.” The statement partly reads.

“The AGF is quoted to have said that this reasoned decision, among others, is akin to banning all spare parts dealers in the Northern parts of the country and is unconstitutional.

It is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distill issues as expected of a Senior Advocate. Nothing can be more disconcerting. This outburst should, ordinarily, not elicit response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in anyway injurious and a certain predilection for anarchy.

“Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to harmonious relationship between the herders and the farmers as well as the local populace, is wicked and arrogant.

“Comparing this anachronism, which has led to loss of lives, farmlands and property, and engendered untold hardship on the host communities, with buying and selling of auto parts is not only strange. It, annoyingly, betrays a terrible mindset.

Mr Malami is advised to approach the court to challenge the legality of the Laws of the respective States baning open grazing and decision of the Southern Governor Forum taken in the interest of their people. We shall be most willing to meet him in Court.

The decision to ban open grazing stays. It will be enforced with vigour.”

Veteran actor, Elesho begs Princess to forgive Baba Ijesha

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Veteran actor, Elesho begs Princess to forgive Baba Ijesha

Veteran actor and President of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners, Adewale Elesho has called on Princess, whose foster child was allegedly molested by Baba Ijesha to have mercy on the accused.

The ANTP president pleaded with the stand-up comedian in a video on Thursday, saying that she should temper justice with mercy and consider the years of friendship between her and Baba Ijesha.

He said, “I am Adewale Elesho, the President of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners. I thank all our sympathisers who have reached out to me about Baba Ijesha’s case. I want to use this opportunity to beg Princess to temper justice with mercy because things are really getting out of hands. She should please think about the years of friendship between her and Baba Ijesha and not allow this fight bring up another issue.”

Elesho further called on Lagos State governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu to help his distressed colleague.

He also called on Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation of the case.

I urge the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State to please ensure that the case is properly handled. I also call on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Baba Ijesha and I are entertainers, and during election, entertainers help in campaigning for politicians. Please help.”

Elesho said it was difficult to make a name in the movie industry, but noted however, that Baba Ijesha already destroyed his reputation.

The ANTP president noted that before he made the video, he consulted with other stakeholders in the association who permitted him to speak on the issue.

“Please, let us all forgive Baba Ijesha,” Elesho said

ISWAP fighters capture Sambisa forest; kills Boko Haram leader, Shekau

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ISWAP fighters capture Sambisa forest; kills Boko Haram leader, Shekau

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, is dead, HumAngle is reporting.

According to the news platform, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening following the invasion of the terror group’s stronghold in the Sambisa forest area by a column of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

ISWAP, which had broken away from the Shekau-led Boko Haram faction in 2016 after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), raided the group’s hideout using multiple gun trucks.

Shekau’s enclave was tracked down by ISWAP using its forces based in the Timbuktu Triangle. His fighters were killed in the process, followed by a long gunfire exchange between the invading group and Shekau’s bodyguards.

HumAngle gathered that after his bodyguards were subdued, Shekau surrendered and engaged in an hours-long meeting with the ISWAP fighters.

During the parley, he was asked to voluntarily relinquish power and order his fighters in other areas to declare bai’a (allegiance) to ISWAP’s authority. They had expected Shekau to issue a statement.

Sources within the insurgency, however, said that Mr Shekau who secretly had a suicide vest on eventually blew himself up alongside everyone present during the negotiations.

The identities of the people within ISWAP’s leadership who lost their lives to the explosion remain unclear at this time.

Shekau had been the leader of Boko Haram since 2009 following the death of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf. He had been rumoured to have been killed at least four times between July 2009 and Aug. 2015

“I think we can sit on the same dining table” – Ayade gives reasons for joining APC

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“I think we can sit on the same dining table” – Ayade gives reasons for joining APC

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade Thursday dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He formally declared for the ruling party at the Cross River State Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office in Calabar after a two-hour meeting with seven APC governors led by the party’s interim chairman and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni.

Speaking on why he was joining the APC, Ayade highlighted the character attributes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the realisation that Cross River, which has been emasculated economically following the ceding of its oil wells, needed to be in sync with the party at the center, as the main reasons for moving.

According to the governor, “having seen and known the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his commitment to this country, his nationalistic disposition and all the efforts he has made to bring Nigeria to where we are today, it is obvious that at this point, we needed to join hands with him to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of.

“We need all governors to recognize that it is not party that matters. It is character, it is honor, it is commitment to the vision of this great nation. We all need to as a team, work ahead of the president by working towards building a prosperous country that the succession worries of 2023 will come without the fears and the worries the international community has for us.

“I believe that if everyone of us as governor joins hands with Mr President, I think we can sit on the same dining table and fashion out a way to govern this country.”

Speaking on the development, an elated Buni said he and his team were in the state to formally welcome Governor Ayade to the APC.

His words: “I am here on behalf of the APC family to welcome His Excellency the Executive Governor of Cross River State formally to the APC. As from today he is the leader of the party in the state.”

Other APC governors who witnessed the event were Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Solomon Lalong of Plateau State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and his Jigawa state counterpart, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

Also present was the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Others at the meeting were the state deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams Jones and members of the State House of Assembly, some National Assembly members, members of the Cross River State Executive Council members, Local Government chairmen, councilors and some stakeholders, including Dame Princess Florence Ita-Giwa and High Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, amongst others.

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