'You won't be forgotten' - Nigerians mourn Tosyn Bucknor who died at 37

On Tuesday, Nigerians woke up to the news of Tosyn Bucknor's death. Tosyn was a popular radio presenter, MC and worked with Top Radio, Inspiration FM and many others.  She was reportedly found dead, last night, by her husband of 3 years, Aurelien Boyer, when he arrived home from work. The cause of death isn’t known for now, but the Unilag graduate was born with sickle cell anaemia. See all the reactions to her death  below...This is heart breaking. What's the need of working tirelessly and just turn dust one day living our loved one's broken?You won't be forgotten Tosyn Bucknor pic.twitter.com/98PFxPejOl— Enugu shoemaker (@genius_walker) November 20, 2018RIP Tosyn Bucknor... This is very shocking and sad to me... You were such a wonderful soul.. Those beautiful mornings on Top Radio, i called in several times to hear your voice and win your prizes.. Rest on Tbucks.. God bless your soul.— DOTUN (@am_dotman) November 20, 2018Nah! I’m going back to bed. Tosyn Bucknor CANNOT be dead. She can’t be!— . (@xi_iii_) November 20, 2018I would listened to Top radio every morning until she leftRIP tosyn bucknor— Poco loco (@seun__oj) November 20, 2018Aw Shit. RIP Tosyn Bucknor. Life isn’t fair. Such a sad way to die.Melancholy is in the air. ‍ pic.twitter.com/aPHuvxwVFO— (@The_Nifemi) November 20, 2018Tosyn Bucknor! This hurts, again. But I’m glad I met you. One of the very few media personalities in Nigeria that I looked up to. Her humility humbles you. She was an Icon but very accessible and willing to help. We have lost a gem. Rest is peace, Tosyn. Just rest. pic.twitter.com/Stz4jDdahs— Elsie Godwin (@ELSiEiSY) November 20, 2018RIP Tosyn Bucknor. God rest your soul.— Babanla (@biolakazeem) November 20, 2018Tosyn Bucknor dead? GOD!!! This is not the rite news for me. May God Almighty grant all her loved ones fortitude to bear this loss. RIP to an angel n Area Mama pic.twitter.com/LR38qjXWhS— K-SOLO (@OBAKSOLO) November 20, 2018RIP Tosyn Bucknor— W (@Kingwole) November 20, 2018This can't be true. I became a radio fan because of Tosyn Bucknor.She was so full of life and super amazing. Tosyn Bucknor — Oluwafemi Anthony (@RealSOK_) November 20, 2018To think I still saw Tosyn Bucknor last month. This is not a palatable news for me. May God Almighty grand all her loved ones fortitude to bear this great loss. RIP to an angel pic.twitter.com/fjWjPIln6n— Bhadmus Hakeem (@Bhadoosky) November 20, 2018Woke up to the sad news of Tosyn Bucknor's demise. Life really is not fair. How good people leave us untimely. Rest on, Icon. — Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) November 20, 2018Very sad news on my timeline this morning. Still not clear about the circumstances but... Rest in peace Tosyn Bucknor. May God Almighty strengthen the loved ones you left behind.— Amara Nwankpa (@Nwankpa_A) November 20, 2018Listening to the Radio every morning became a routine because of her TOSYN BUCKNORDamn the way she said areaaaaaa back then....Rest Easy!— The Royal One (@OmobaFeyrey) November 20, 2018I emailed Tosyn Bucknor sometime in 2016 and wrote her name as ‘Tosin’. She was so gracious in her response but noted that she’d rather be addressed as ‘Tosyn’. Then it stuck. The world has lost a gem. #RIPTosynBucknor— Tolu 'Yeni (@tsmolzz) November 20, 2018I woke up to terrible news. Rip Tosyn Bucknor. The one time I met you at the station was enough to know you’re a good person and you still recognized my talent afterwards on inspiration fm’s ig. A great OAP will be missed. This one pain me ohhh— #DownByReilC (@kingreilthe1st) November 20, 2018Didn't know her personally but its sad to lose anyone let alone someone that affected so many.Rest in peace Tosyn Bucknor. My thoughts go out to the family and her loved ones.— Yubby (@YubbyNduonofit) November 20, 2018Tosyn Bucknor is dead.AreaMama is dead.GuguruMorning is dead.R.I.P T-BuckYour legacy and your angelic voice live on. pic.twitter.com/MJonHtV2Yk— E.T.H...Aina™ (@ETH_Aaina) November 20, 2018The post 'You won't be forgotten' - Nigerians mourn Tosyn Bucknor who died at 37.

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OAP Tosyn Bucknor dies at 37

This is very shocking. OAP, Tosyn Bucknor has died. According to reports, Tosyn who got married to her German beau, Aurelien Boyer, three years ago, was found dead at her home by her husband last night Monday November 19th when he returned from work.She was 37 years old.Tosyn was born with sickle cell anaemia.May her soul rest in peace, Amen. The post OAP Tosyn Bucknor dies at 37.

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Presidency reacts as Atiku condemns Service chiefs attending President Buhari's campaign kickoff

Senior Special Assistant to President Buari on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, has reacted to the criticism that has trailed the service chiefs who attended the campaign kickoff of President Buhari on Sunday November 18th at the presidential villa. Service chiefs present at the event were Gabriel Olonisakin, chief of defence staff, Abubakar Sadiq, chief of air staff, and Ibok-Ete Ibas, chief of naval staff. The spokesperson of the Atiku Campaign Organization, Segun Sowunmi, in an interview with Punch, said the presence of the service chiefs showed that Buhari as the commander-in-chief had compromised the heads of the military agencies.“The problem with the security agencies is that they have not fully defined who they should be loyal to. The concern is that the commander-in-chief has some sort of relationship with them but when they elevate that relationship to a point where they begin to attend political events at the launch of the campaign of a political party, everybody must be scared. This is because it portends a very dangerous development which is that they have now got themselves involved in politics to the point that they are now the cheerleaders of another political party.“I hope when we want to unveil our own political document in a public forum and if we invite them, they would be reasonable enough to attend since they now attend political events. We want to advise them to be removed from politics so that the opposition can feel safe. I am quite disappointed in President Buhari for exposing the military to such a compromise and we call on the international community to take note” he saidReacting to Sowunmi's comment, Garba Shehu in a statement released, said the service chiefs had thought the event was non-political and left even before President Buhari arrived the venue for the declaration. The statement read“They were mistaken in their assumption that this was a non-political event, to showcase the achievements of the administration, the success of which they are part. Hardly were they seated than did the Minister of Defence, retired Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali ask them to leave as this was a political gathering. They quickly left, even before the arrival of the President and for the event to get underway. The fuss over this is therefore absolutely unnecessary.” The post Presidency reacts as Atiku condemns Service chiefs attending President Buhari's campaign kickoff.

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CAN asked to sanction members, pastors fueling insecurity through hate speeches in Nigeria

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been asked to sanction its members fueling insecurity through hate speeches and unguarded comments in the country.

Christians Without Border, a religious group, which made the call on Tuesday, said the idea of promoting hate speeches from the pulpit was fast becoming a normal trend among ordained Messengers of God these days, a development it said was now worrisome.

CWB also chided the leadership of CAN for maintaining undignified silence; by failing to caution its members and Pastors who are in the habit of promoting hate speeches and making provocative statements from sacred altars.

“Not even an ordinary condemnatory statement has been issued by CAN to denounce such hate sermons,” Elder Simon Ainoko, the President lamented at a press conference on Tuesday.

Elder Ainoko said the group was also uncomfortable with the recent demand for the removal of service chiefs by the leadership of CAN led by its National President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He bemoaned that the current leadership of the Christian body was gradually deviating from the dream of the founding fathers of the association who were apolitical.

It, therefore, charged the body to sanction any member of pastor caught making inflammatory comments that could unsettle the peace of the nation.

His words, “The Concerned Christian Forum is uncomfortable with some of the issues raised with Mr. President at the visit by the CAN leadership. By our interpretation, some of the views canvassed by CAN have partisan flavour, which we have reason to believe is unhealthy for the Body of Christ.

“CAN is expected to be neutral and impartial on the affairs of Nigeria, especially sensitive issues. We suffered greatly in recent history, when the immediate past leadership of CAN dragged the Body of Christ into partisan politics. One of the repercussions was that the Roman Catholic Church, one of the major blocs, suspended its membership of CAN because of the apparent embarrassment the partisan indulgence caused Christians in Nigeria. We cannot afford a relapse into this era of disunity and lack of cohesion within the Body of Christ, hence the need for caution.

“We do not think, it is appropriate for CAN to dabble into how Mr. President should appoint his security chiefs or how long they should serve in that capacity. It appreciated the efforts of the Security Chiefs in curtailing the menace of Boko Haram terrorism and other insurgencies.

“For CAN to posture in a manner indicative of indicting the Presidency on such crisis especially in states like Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kaduna and Zamfara states depreciates the dignity they ought to embody. CAN’s utterances and comments on such sensitive issues should be more of supporting government to enthrone peace and unity.

“In the year 2017 alone some Pastors and CAN members stood on the sacred altars of their churches and spewed hate speeches’, directing their members to go out and kill Fulani herdsmen at sight. A few examples will illustrate us better and how CAN is failing us.

“Apostle Johnson Suleiman of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, boasted of directing his congregants during the service of Sunday, January 15th, 2017 that “I have told them in the church here, that any Fulani herdsman that just entered by mistake, Kill him, Kill Him. Cut his head. If they are busy killing Christians and nothing is happening, we will kill them and nothing will happen,” and the video went viral on social media.

“And also last year, a Senior pastor with Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries, Mr. Chris Okafor, said this during a church service, “Enough is enough, no Christian must be killed anymore, if you want to kill one Christian, we are going to reply, we will defend ourselves”

“So, we advise the Body of Christ to be more circumspect in their utterances, least, they be misconstrued as extending support to forces against the progress of Nigeria.”

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2019: I will pay workers N50,000 minimum wage if elected – Gbenga Olawepo

The Presidential flagbearer of the People’s Trust Party, Gbenga Hashim Olawepo has stated that he will implement the sum of N50,000 as minimum wage for Nigeria wnorkers within one year in office, if elected.

Speaking at a presidential interactive session in Abuja on Monday, he said, Nigeria has enough resources to pay all workers the said amount if the national leadership was committed to the welfare of Nigerians.

He described past political leaders as parasites who were out to satisfy their selfish interest rather than getting interested in Nigerians after cornering their votes.

He said, the APC and PDP Presidential candidates were the same who possess low educational qualifications, saying both lacked basic knowledge of how a bogus economy like Nigeria works in the 21st century.

“What is the difference between the so-called WAEC certificate and a Diploma that has no foundation? “, he queried.

He lamented that none of the presidential candidates has record of business successes, hence, it was difficult for them to initiate business strategies for the nation to yield increased revenue.

He said candidates of the APC and the PDP have been in government and were used to spending government money. A situation he posited, was counterproductive to a nation that needs someone that will take it to the next level.

The presidential candidate stressed that he will have zero tolerance for the killing of any citizen irrespective of tribe or religion, saying his administration will punish murderers.

“My administration will punish killers severely and stop killing of Nigerians for any reason. That is the only way killings can stop.

“Moreso, the anti-corruption battle of this government is faulty. You have to pay a living wage so that nobody will collect bribe at the gate.”

It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opened the window of campaign for all Presidential candidates on Saturday.

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Eid-el-Maulud: FRSC deploys 460 special, regular marshals to Cross River roads

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cross River State Command has deployed 460 special and regular marshals to control vehicular traffic in the roads in Cross River State.

Speaking with DAILY POST on phone in Calabar on Tuesday, the Cross River State Sector Commander, Chidi Nkwonta, said the Command has so far not recorded any serious human and vehicular clash.

He said the command deployed 300 special marshals and 160 regular marshals across the state to maintain strict observations of traffic rules as well as to prevent vehicular clash.

“I may not know off head the number of our men deployed on our roads because the Special Marshals are involve and you know they have units throughout the state.

“But I can comfortably tell you that we have 300 Special Marshals who are on the roads now to complement with about 160 Regular Marshall in the State, we have 6 effectively Patrol vehicles and one Ambulance out there,” he said.

According to him, the traffic density is usually very high especially during this period, so the FRSC can’t afford to be off the road, not minding that the security situation is a bit tight so the men have to be on the road.

“We did the Mecca rally for the launch of ember months campaign, that was to sensitize the entire state on the ember months and this includes the celebration we are having today, we mobilized all the stakeholders in the state and everybody is fully aware that activities have move to the road and they have to be cautious.

“Starting from September, we make massive deployment of our men to the high way, if you check the road now you would see our men everywhere, throughout the length and width of Cross River State, from Calabar up to Odukpani, up to Ugep, going forward to Ikom and then to Ogoja, then Yahe axis.

“And in the Southern angle up to Itu and coming down this way, toward Bakassi angle, Special Marshal and the Regular Marshal are in these roads including Ikang axis.

“With massive sensitization carried out by us, we have been able to reach out to everybody and we are out in the roads to make sure that there is no infraction and confident that we shall have clash free celebration up to Christmas period,” Nkwonta stated.

Consequently, on troubled areas like the Abi local government area, the Sector Commander said “We have a Command in Itighidi that covers the whole of Abi axis up to Ebony State, so they are working with the people of the communities and we monitoring the situation because that is the route to the Eastern part of the country to Enugu, Ebonyi and other States”.

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2019 presidency: How Buhari is different from Atiku on restructuring – BCO

The Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organization has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be cunning and deceitful to Nigerians when it comes to the issue of restructuring.

According to the group, this has been the case with the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The group said Atiku already knows he does not have the powers to single-handedly restructure the country.

The campaign group noted further that Buhari does not oppose any move by the National Assembly to carry out constitutional amendments for true federalism.

It stated this in the Campaign manual that serves as a basic guide for the 2019 elections released in Abuja.

According to the group, “The President himself is not a cunning and deceitful character like some other candidate, who knows he does not have the powers to singlehandedly restructure the country through constitutional amendments and would engage in giving a time-frame within which the country would be restructured.

“Sometimes in 2017, the APC set up a committee headed by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna state to make far reaching recommendations on restructuring.

“That Committee submitted its report early in 2018. In all his public outings throughout the years, the Vice President has advocated for restructuring and true federalism.

“The President has never indicated he would oppose any move by the National Assembly to carry out constitutional amendments to fully reflect true federalism.”

The group added, “As President and Vice President, President (Olusegun) Obasanjo and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar granted themselves university licences and were building their universities whilst ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) was on strike severally at that period.

“The privatisation programme of the OBJ/Atiku Government was fraught with fraud as most of the deals ended in fiasco. Some of them were NITEL, ALSCON, etc.

“The OBJ/Atiku Government denied Lagos State of its funds for more than two years until it left power in 2007 because of political differences. And this was done despite an order of Supreme Court compelling the Federal Government to release the said funds.

“The OBJ/Atiku Government conducted some of the worst elections in our history which was the 2003 and 2007 elections where results were simply written. Hence, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the 3rd of September, 2018, publicly expressed his regret for not taking Lagos from Tinubu in 2003 because Tinubu was his friend.

“Despite all the recent grandstanding on restructuring, the candidate of the main opposition as Vice President never for once used his position to push for restructuring.

“There is no record of any Public lecture or open or secret memo he wrote to his boss or anyone, advocating for restructuring in any form. Instead, he was busy trying to restructure PDP throughout that period to take it over.

“At one time or the other the President has had cause to order the investigation of close aides accused of corrupt practices. Those that were found wanting have been removed from office.

:“The President does not interfere in the work of law enforcement agencies. In many cases, it takes time for people to be investigated and charged to court.

“No one has ever provided any verifiable evidence of corruption against the President or Vice President unlike in previous governments. The integrity of the President is not in doubt as expressed by various individuals, including heads of other governments, who have spoken on the character of the President.”

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‘Salvation is personal’ – Tonto Dikeh tells Patience Ozokwor

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has disagreed with her colleague, Patience Ozokwor over claims that a born-again Christian must change their ‘worldly wardrobe’ if they’ve truly repented.

Patience Ozokwor in a recent interview spoke about the importance of changing one’s wardrobe after they had given their lives to Christ.

“The church is separate from the world. Let us know who you are. If you have repented and you have not changed your wardrobe, you still have a long way to go,” she said.

Reacting to this, however, Tonto Dikeh in the comment section disagree with her stating that changing your wardrobe as a sign of repentance was a local way of viewing Christianity as salvation is personal.

“With all due respect mama, biko run your race, salvation is personal and it’s not sin in the bible.

“It’s this local way of viewing Christianity that actually corrupts the house of God with polluted message.

“Too much love for you mama but ya WRONG, If anyone decides to serve God in Rags, designer’s, hair or no hair knock yourselves out.

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26-year-old prophetess’ son remanded in prison for raping 9-year-old girl in Ondo

A 26-year-old man, Friday Akinlaja who was reported to have allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl (name withheld) in Akure, the Ondo state capital has been remanded at the Olokuta Medium Prison.

Akinlaja, who is the son of a popular Prophetess of a Pentecostal Church in Akure, committed the offence in Oda area of the state capital.

He was said to have been nabbed by the men of the Ondo State Police Command after the crime was reported by neighbours which subsequently culminated in his arraignment in court on Monday, for sexually abusing the minor.

The culprit who was dragged before Magistrate Olanipekun Mayomi, with a one-count charge of rape and defilement of the minor, blamed the devil for his crime.

He was also accused to have handed the sum of ‘N110’ to the nine-year-old after committing the crime.

Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, a medical practitioner who was the first to break the news on his social media page accused the suspect of taking advantage of the poor status of her parents to defile the little girl.

“The man decided to take advantage of the little girl because of the poor status of her parents.

“The poor girl was yet to have her meal all day as 8 pm (on the day of the incident) and the man came visiting.

“The man came visiting when her mum had gone out to look for money to feed her children.

“He then decided that the girl should follow him so he could buy her some bread and Ankara, only to rape the poor girl and give her a pantry of N110.

“A sum which she couldn’t even make use of again because of the pains and anguish had taken over,” he said.

Meanwhile, some lawyers from the state chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, have volunteered to make representation for the minor and her parents in order to get justice.

Also, two social media activists, Oluyemi Fashion and Oluwatoyin Adegbenro and Oluyemi Fashipe who both joined their voices to the growing number of those who have condemned the crime, vowed to ensure that the little girl and her family get justice.

“We will ensure that all apparatus are used to fight for justice for this young girl and never shall we encourage this type of physical assault, molestation and attack on our ladies” they said.

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What we’ll do in 2019 – Police

Mr Dibal Yakadi, Commissioner of Police, Niger, on Tuesday assured that the Force will be neutral during the 2019 election.

He, however, urged politicians to adhere strictly to the electoral laws during the ongoing electioneering campaigns in the state.

Yakadi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, that the command had mapped out concrete security measures to ensure peaceful implementation of the electoral process.

“All parties and their candidates vying for various political positions in the forthcoming general elections must be law abiding in carrying out their campaigns

“We will provide a level-playing ground for all candidates as they embark on their electioneering campaigns but will not tolerate the use of dangerous weapons during the exercise,” he said.

The Commissioner enjoined leaders of various political parties to prevail on their supporters to avoid acts capable of causing disaffection among residents and breakdown of law and order.

According to him, the police will arrest and charge to court any politician or supporter caught perpetrating violence.

He said that the police would not fold their hands and watch any person or group of youths carrying arms during and after the campaigns.

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BREAKING NEWS: APC Floors PDP in Katsina, Kwara Bye-elections

In what was no less a message, the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, defeated its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in two bye-elections conducted for Kankiya/Kusada/Ingawa Federal Constituency area of Katsina state and Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency Area of Kwara State, while maintaining lead in Toro Federal Constituency area of Bauchi State.

In Katsina bye-election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Alhaji Abubakar Kusada, a former speaker of the state, as winner after polling 48,518 votes.

The returning officer, Prof Adedayo Hamza, who announced the result, said Alhaji Abdussamad Yusuf of PDP came second with 20,193 votes, while Nasiru Kankiya of the Peoples Redemption Party scored 1,810 votes as second runner-up. Abdullahi Umar of the Yes Electorate Solidarity (YES) got 221 votes.

According to Hamza, the total number of registered voters in the constituency was 193,904, while the number of accredited voters was 74,242.

The number of valid votes cast was 70,742 and rejected votes, 2,331.The total number of votes cast was 73,073.

However, from Kwara, INEC, late Saturday night, confirmed Raheem Olawuyi, candidate of the APC as winner of the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero constituency.

INEC’s Chief Returning Officer for the poll, Prof. Abimbola Adesoji, said Olawuyi polled 21,236 votes, while his main PDP rival, Jimoh Alatise scored 18,095 votes.

The Labour Party had 150 votes, the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) cored 76 votes and UPN had 42 votes.

Professor Adesoji said out of the 40,930 total votes cast, the total number of valid votes was 39,599 while 1,331 votes were rejected.

Reacting to the news, President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, thanked the people of Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun, who “came out to vote today — defying the heavy intimidation and the siege laid by the security agents and thugs invited into the 4 LGAs by the APC.

“The public should note that today’s #KwaraByElection was simply between PDP and security agents plus APC. This was due to the heavy deployment of police, soldiers and other security agents who gathered to support APC and harass PDP leaders and supporters.

“This is the first time that elections in Kwara State will be held under such charged, tensed and militarised conditions. We had INEC officials complaining about their own safety — and PDP supporters were brazenly intimidated, which resulted in low turnout of voters.

“It is important to reiterate that ahead of the 2019 elections, such open displays of intimidation are sending wrong signals. Our democracy is being undermined with this misuse of our nation’s security apparatus,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Bauchi, details of the bye-election results had not been released when the newspaper went to press, but INEC had earlier hinted that only two political parties fielded candidates for the Toro Federal Constituency Area of the state.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Bauchi, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi listed the two candidates as Mr. Yusuf Nuhu of the APC and Alhaji Shehu Umar of the PDP.

He said that INEC had recruited 1,550 ad hoc staff to man 1,553 polling units in the 11 wards within the federal constituency. Unconfirmed reports had claimed the APC was in comfortable lead in the election.

The Bauchi by-election was called as the aftermath of the death of Senator Ali Wakili, who represented Bauchi South in the senate.

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Twelve persons reportedly killed in communal clash in Cross River

Another communal clash between four communities in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State has allegedly claimed 12 lives with property valued at millions of naira destroyed.

The communities involved include: Mbiabo, Ediong, Obomitiat Edere and Idim Ndom Eki, all in Odukpani local government area of the State.

Emiratco gathered that beside those allegedly murdered during the crisis, residential buildings were also destroyed including the Government Primary School and Community Health Centre in Obomitiat Edere, which were set ablaze.

The Head of Local Government Administration, (HOLGA) Odukpani local government area, Mrs Ekeng E. J. Ebri, in a press release made available to newsmen, advised the warring communities to lay down arms and seek peaceful resolution to their conflict in the interest of their children and generations yet unborn.

Mrs Ebri pointed out that there would be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of war. “No meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and bloodshed,” she said.

She stated this in a meeting with the Head of traditional rulers of the affected communities in her office.

The meeting, which had in attendance, the Paramount Ruler of Odukpani loal government Area, HRM Etinyin Otu Mesembe VI and heads of Security agencies in Odukpani local government area, resolved to send a strong warning to traditional rulers in the affected communities to caution their subjects to stop further escalation of the crisis.

The meeting also resolved that if any security breach is reported in the affected communities, the local government council will not hesitate to recommend to the State Government to consider withdrawing the certificate of recognition of the Clan and Village Heads in the affected communities on grounds of incompetence and inability to maintain peace and order in their respective domains.

Traditional rulers in the affected communities were advised to adhere strictly to this directive.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo told DAILY POST “The communal clash had been there for a very long time.

“Police have been trying to protect life and property. Our men are on ground, you know in most of these villages, people are very mischievous. Our teams of mobile policemen are there,” she stated.

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PDP speaks on ‘The Atiku Plan’, reveals Atiku’s intentions for Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday commended the launch of ‘AtikuPlan’ as campaign policy for its Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku Abubakar, on Monday in a Live broadcast, formally launched his campaign for the 2019 presidential elections.

Reacting, the party said the public endorsement that heralded the policy document of its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was a confirmation that the document embodied the collective mindset, yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja on Monday said that the document reveals Atiku hope for Nigerians for a new leadership and a better life in the country.

Ologbondiyan noted that Abubakar’s policy document offered solutions and practical direction for delivery in all sectors.

The statement read: “The Atiku Abubakar policy document is a product of very wide, painstaking and productive consultations with Nigerians from all walks of live, critical stakeholders and development partners in key sectors, in the overall determination to chart a new course for our nation.

“The policy document foretells a new dawn as it articulates practical solutions and answers to the myriad of economic, social and political challenges facing our nation and sets out all-inclusive templates for national rejuvenation, cohesion, protection of human rights and democratic tenets, wealth creation, transparency and elimination of corruption in governance.

“In line with PDP’s people-based manifesto, the Atiku Abubakar policy document places utmost priority on the people by focusing chiefly on their yearnings for job creation, infrastructural development, poverty eradication, human capital development, inclusiveness and national unity.

“Abubakar had always maintained a strong bond with the people, hence his ability to understand their challenges, collective aspirations and to proffer solutions with underlining political will.

“The PDP, therefore, urges Nigerians to continue to take ownership of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential campaign, which embodies their collective aspiration as a people to make our dear nation work again.”

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Impeachment: Anambra lawmakers condemn sealing off of state legislative house

Members of the Anambra State House of Assembly on Monday condemned the sealing off of the house of assembly by police authorities.

The Anambra State Police Command had on Thursday last weak sealed the assembly complex following a fracas that had resulted from the impeachment of the Speaker, Rita Maduagwu, on Tuesday.

They called on the police to unseal the legislative complex to enable them carry out their lawful activities unhindered.

The lawmakers, who spoke at a press conference attended by members in support of the impeachment of the former speaker Maduagwu, described the action of the police as illegal, unconstitutional and an abuse of office.

The lawmakers asked the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to caution the Anambra State Command, stating that the command’s action amounted to attacking the symbol of democracy in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the pro-Maduagwu impeachment group, the factional Speaker of the Assembly, Ikem Uzoezie said at no time did the leadership of the House request the police to take over the complex.

Describing the police action as uncalled for, Uzoezie urged the public to condemn the development.

His statement read in parts, “The leadership of Anambra State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, followed by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Harford Oseke, the Majority Leader, Hon. Victor Jideofor Okoye and the Minority Leader, Hon. Onyebuchi Offor and others did not at any time request Anambra Police Command to take over, seal off and secure the entire premises of the House of Assembly as well as order the civil servants to report to vacate the premises.

“It is on record that there was no incident or semblance of any crises that occurred among the members or within the premises of the Anambra State House of Assembly to warrant the leadership of the House to request you (Police) to takeover, seal off and secure premises of the Assembly.”

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2019: How I helped Nigeria as VP under Obasanjo – Atiku

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has revealed what he did for Nigerians as Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Atiku said as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, he chaired the national economic council that gave Nigeria her highest and most consistent GDP growth of over 6 percent per annum.

The Waziri of Adamawa also disclosed that Nigeria paid off its entire foreign debt despite the fact that crude oil prices at that time were much lower than they were today, under the dynamic leadership of President Obasanjo.

The former Vice President stated this while launching his policy document tagged ‘AtikuPlan’ on Monday via a Twitter live broadcast.

He said: “When I was Vice President from 1999 to 2007, I chaired the national economic council that gave Nigeria her highest and most consistent GDP growth of over 6 percent per annum.

“Despite the fact that crude oil prices at that time were much lower than they were today, under the dynamic leadership of President Obasanjo, Nigeria paid off its entire foreign debt.

“We also introduced the GSM revolution that saw Nigeria go from 100,000 phone- lines to over 100 million today.

“We were able to achieve these, and much more, because we had a plan called the national economic empowerment and development strategy.’’

Abubakar added that ‘Atikuplan’ would help create jobs, saying without jobs, Nigerians could not afford to feed their families and their children live in poverty.

“Without jobs, there is crime, drug use and insecurity. Without jobs, where is the hope for a better life and a better future?

“Today we will begin the process of sharing our policies that form my plan to create jobs, restructure the polity, and get Nigeria working again.

“If Nigeria worked for me, I owe it as my duty to make sure that Nigeria also works for you, your family and your friends.

“It is time to get Nigeria working again, and these are the plans and policies I have for achieving that.”

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Enugu one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria – PSC Chairman, Smith

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Alhaji Musiliu Smith, on Monday stated that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State deserves credit for running the state in a progressive, people-oriented and security-conscious manner.

Alhaji Smith, who made the statement while delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony of a four-day Management Retreat in Enugu organized by the commission, appraised the peaceful and secure atmosphere of the state, saying that “we are in Enugu largely because Enugu is one of the most peaceful sates in the country”.

The former Inspector General of Police said it was gratifying to note that the governor has graciously supported “ this Police Service Commission’s programmes, further confirming his commitment to robust government/police relations in the state, which obviously is to the benefit of people of Enugu and the Nigerian Police”.

He stated that his discussions with the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, confirmed this and commended Governor Ugwuanyi for the partnership and commitment to the security of lives and property of the citizens.

“The Government of Enugu State, led by the Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, must be given credit for running the state in a progressive, people-oriented and security-conscious manner.

“It is gratifying to note that he has graciously supported this Police Service Commission. I must therefore, on behalf of the management and staff of the commission, commend and express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the government and people of Enugu State for this”

The PSC chairman disclosed that they were working on having an electronic all-inclusive data for the police that would aid in planning and programming, adding that they were also engaging in wide spectrum of reforms for the police.

He averred that the present management of the commission inaugurated by the president on the 25th of July 2018 was alive to the need to approach the issue of policing strategically to obtain optimal results, adding that the essence of the retreat was to develop a three-year strategic plan as a compass in their quest to remodel the police force.

Declaring the retreat open, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who welcomed the Chairman, other members and staff of the commission to Enugu, reiterated that “the security of lives and property of our people as well as the maintenance of peace everywhere in the state have always been a cardinal policy of our administration”.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that his administration has consciously and consistently maintained a strategic and outstanding partnership with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in the state.

“This, we are glad to say, has been most rewarding as Enugu State remains one of the safest, secure and most peaceful states in Nigeria today”, he sated, while reassuring the commission of the state government’s continued support, cooperation and assistance towards the successful performance of its duties.

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Okorocha’s son-in-law, Nwosu speaks on dumping APC for PDP

Uche Nwosu, the son-in-law of embattled Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha has addressed reports making the rounds of his plans to dump the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Emiratco recalls that Okorocha has been at loggerheads with the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole over his refusal to field Nwosu as the governorship candidate of the party.

However, Nwosu said he cannot dump the ruling party for anyone.

He further noted that he will regain his mandate from Senator Hope Uzodinma to run in 2019 for Imo state governorship.

Speaking to New Telegraph on Monday, he said “Plans of my defection to PDP is a big lie. l can’t be part of a party from inception and abandon it for people that came and joined.

“l have no reason to dump APC as l am convinced that l will regain my mandate and contest the Imo State governorship election in the state.”

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N1.2 billion fraud: What I know about Fayose’s involvement – Witness tells court

The trial of ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose commenced on Monday with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, calling witnesses.

The former Governor is charged with N1.2 billion fraud, a sum he is said to have received from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA in 2015.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The former Governor was earlier arraigned on October 22 alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd on 11 counts.

Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the lead Counsel for the EFCC, on Monday, called on first prosecution witness, Lawrence Akande, a banker.

Akande, who is the first witness to enter the box, told the court that in June 2014, he was called by one Abiodun Agbele, who informed him that he had about N1.2 billion cash lodgement to make in Akure.

The witness told the court that afterwards, he also received a call from Fayose on the same issue.

He added that since the lodgement was in Akure, he placed a call across to his colleague in Akure to follow up same.

“This is all I know on this issue,” he said.

Asked if he knew the second accused, (Spotless Ltd), he replied that the company is a customer of his bank with an account at Dugbe branch in Ibadan.

The prosecutor then showed the witness some account opening document of Spotless Nig. Ltd, De Privateer Ltd, Still Earth Ltd as well as account document of first accused.

Being cross-examined by defence counsel, Kalu Agabi SAN, he said that he only made mention of Fayose in his subsequent statements.

Also during cross-examination by second defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN, the witness told the court that he had worked in the banking sector for 28 years.

He confirmed to the court that a person who is not a signatory to an account cannot make withdrawals from such account.

Akabde said there are withdrawal limits in every account and where withdrawals are to be made above the stipulated limits, it is reported to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate such transaction.

EFCC then called its second witness, Mr Abiodun Oshordi.

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Robbers attack bank in Ekiti, kill four

Suspected armed robbers on Monday killed four persons during an attack on a bank in Ijero-Ekiti.

The victims of the robbery include two policemen, a bank security guard and an aged man.

The robbers were said to have launched attack on the town’s police station where they killed the two cops before heading to the bank for the robbery operation.

The robbers allegedly invaded a police station in the town and killed two policemen on duty, while a chief security guard of the Bank was shot at the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) gallery of the bank.

The robbers were said to have entered Ijero through Aramoko Road in an ambulance with a casket laced with weapons.

An eyewitness disclosed that the robbers announced their arrival with gun shots which sent residents scampering for safety.

The bandits reportedly blew the bank’s security door with dynamite to gain access into the baking hall.

They were said to have made away with unspecified amount of money during the raid which was said to have lasted for about an hour.

The heavy shooting by the robbers paralysed transportation, economic and social activities.

The raid of the bank in Ijero was coming barely three months after a similar incident at a first generation bank in Igede Ekiti, in which a police man was killed.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti State, Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, who said he was still at the branch of the bank “to gather reliable information on the armed robbery incident,” said the attack occurred at about 5:30pm. Ikechukwu said: “There was casualty. They succeeded by using dynamite to gain access into the banking hall and the robbery took place around 5:30pm on Monday.”

He, however, said “There was no casualty on the side of the bank while there were one or two on the side of the police.”

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APC blows hot over court action by aggrieved members

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has frowned at the actions of some party members who have resorted to litigation as a way of addressing their perceived grievances and disputation without exhausting the party’s dispute resolution mechanism.

APC spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement said the growing trend was viewed by the party as a manifest indiscipline.

He wrote: “The actions, it should be noted, is considered as anti-party as it goes against our Party’s constitution.

“For emphasis, according to Article 20, Subsection 10 of our Party’s Constitution, offences against the Party include: “Filing an action in a Court of Law against the Party or any of its Officers on any matters relating to the discharge of the duties of the Party without first exhausting all avenues for redress provided for in this Constitution.”

“The Party intends to activate constitutional provisions to penalise such members as their action is capable of undermining the party and hurt the Party’s interest.

“We hereby strongly advise such members to withdraw all court cases, while approaching the appropriate party organs with a view to resolving any outstanding disputes.

“In addition to this, aggrieved members are urged to take full advantage of the reconciliation committees the party has just put in place.

“APC members should understand that as a progressive party that operates on the principle of change, it is not a matter of choice to keep to the rules.

“We therefore advise such members to take this warning very seriously as failure to comply with the party’s dispute resolution procedures would be met with the stipulated disciplinary actions.”

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