Friday 10 July 2020
‘Acceptance fee should be abolished in schools’
Thursday 9 July 2020
Robbers who killed six policemen, took millions in Ekiti, Ondo banks hits arrested
Ekiti Development: How Fayemi is Transforming Lives through Enterprise Development and Empowerment
Wednesday 8 July 2020
Nigerian students won’t write 2020 WAEC – FG
Federal Ministry of Education has said Nigerian secondary final year students will not be participating in the upcoming West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations.
Breaking: Amotekun Commences Recruitment in Ekiti State
The Board of Ekiti State Security Network (AMOTEKUN) announces the commencement of its recruitment exercises with effect from 08-07-2020.
Troops eliminate 46 bandits in Katsina
Pastor impregnates daughter, procures abortion three times
Fayemi assures NYSC of support
EKITI State Governor , Dr Kayode Fayemi , on Tuesday assured the National Youths Service Corps of his administration ’s readiness to collaborate with it to ensure it recorded remarkable success in the state.
WAEC releases guidelines for 2020 WASSCE
The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, had on Monday at a briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 in Abuja announced that the 2020 WASSCE would hold between August 4 and September 5 , 2020.
The Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Mr Patrick Areghan, appealed to state governments and corporate organisations for funds to provide personal protective equipment for officials who would conduct the examination.
He said, “ In conducting the examination, we have taken due cognisance of the various measures/protocols rolled out by the federal and state governments of Nigeria aimed at checking the spread of the pandemic. Schools must provide wash- hand buckets with running water, soaps , hand sanitizers and thermometer hand- gun to check the temperature of all concerned.
“ All examination functionaries , including the council ’s staff on distribution; supervisors , invigilators, inspectors, candidates and school officials will be required to wear face masks, wash and sanitize their hands daily and throughout the duration of the examination.”
“ Let me assure you and the general public that we shall adhere strictly to social/ physical distancing in the examination halls by making sure that candidates sit two metres apart. This means that many more classrooms will be used and many more supervisors and invigilators will be required to conduct the examinations.
“ This has certainly raised the supervision fee to be paid to supervisors as well as the provision of Personal Protective Equipment to staff, supervisors and other examination officials. No doubt, all these measures have financial implications, which were not contemplated at the time of drawing up the budget for the conduct of the examination.”
Areghan added that the final international timetable had been sent to all the WAEC zonal and branch offices for onward dispatch to schools , federal and state ministries of education. (Punch)
Ekiti Govt partners with CBN to empower 1,000 cassava farmers
Speaking on Tuesday at the launching of the programme in Ado-Ekiti, Gov Kayode Fayemi, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Folorunso Olabode, said that the cassava production value chain would speed up industrial development of the state.
Fayemi released over 6,000 hectares of land to the Cassava Growers Association in the state to ensure the smooth take off of the programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fayemi stated that the state government had secured N1.9billion to prepare lands across various locations in the state.
According to the governor, this is to encourage farming for massive employment and availability of raw materials for agro-allied industries.
“The value chain in cassava is inestimable and have over 50 products.
“Cassava has graduated from the ordinary famous garri to high-grade starch, syrup, flakes, fufu paste, cassava bread, biofuel, in fact, it has transformed into a golden crop that can transform any economy.
“This administration has been rendering helps to farmers. It has encouraged the citing of cassava mill at Ipao-Ekiti, that is producing 350 metric tonnes of cassava daily.
“Dangote and Stallone Rice Mills are doing great in rice production. The production plants have been installed.
“About 1,500 hectares of land has also been prepared across the state to boost food production, with close to N2billion to be spent on land clearing to help the farmers.
“The government has facilitated about 6,000 bags of fertiliser that would be sold to farmers at subsidised rate.
“The fact that Ekiti is one of the five pilot states showed that our efforts were being noticed at the national level,” the governor said.
Fayemi said that Ekiti played a prominent role in the formation of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun, to ward off destruction of farmlands by marauding herders and to discourage them from abandoning the farm, out of fear.
Also speaking, the CBN Branch Controller in Ekiti, Alhaji Ganiyu Atobatele, described agriculture as the largest employer of labour in the country, saying no effort must be spared to revamp the sector and return it as the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
The CBN official stated that the discovery of oil caused a major setback for the agriculture sector in Nigeria.
“Inability to meet our agriculture local demands has affected our foreign reserves and foreign exchange, causing free fall of our currency in the international market.
“Decreased production and increasing population forced the CBN to intervene to improve on a large scale farming, to give farmers access to funds and equipment at subsidised rate, for massive production.
“The CBN is protecting the cassava value chain. The MoU signed include land utilisation, which specified five hectares per farmer, for higher production and to increase annual revenue and generate raw materials for industrial development
“The apex bank will make credit available to farmers under five-star cassava project. The target is 30 metric tonnes per hectares and all activities will be mechanised.
“About 47,406 metric tonnes of cassava was produced in 2014 with bulk of it consumed.
“But with our intervention, it can be processed further to produce other products that will help the economy through employment generation, food security and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
In his address, the National President of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Pastor Segun Adewumi, said that 25 tractors and other mechanised equipment had been mobilised to Ekiti, to begin the scheme.
Adewumi commended the CBN Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele and the partnering bank, for keying into the dream for massive cassava production. NAN
Fayemi declares war on rapists
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has declared war on rapists and other sexual violence offenders.
Fayemi who lamented the alarming rate of violence against children and women, said his administration would not relent on its efforts to curb the scourge in the state.
The governor stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Monday while receiving the annual report on the management of gender-based violence (GBV) and the state Strategic Plan.
He said the state will take more decisive steps by enforcing stiffer penalties against violators of GBV laws.
He said his administration’s commitment to combating gender-based violence is a clear demonstration of his government’s resolve to restore Ekiti’s core values.
Fayemi promised that the government would continue to provide the needed institutional and other forms of support for the fight against GBV since the barbaric practice was alien to the values of Ekiti people.
The governor said the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), which he chairs, had also taken a firm stand against sexual violence and abuse, a development which he said culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency on GBV in all states.
The governor’s wife and chairperson of the GBV management committee, Erelu Bisi Fayemi revealed that the state government has provided succour for no fewer than 133 survivors of GBV between December 2018 till date.
Mrs Fayemi said that the Committee which was reconstituted in July 2019, has been able to facilitate the provision of several legal frameworks to protect GBV survivors, including the compulsory treatment and care for sexually abused minors law 2020.
Source: The Nation
Detectives search Magu’s house as probe continues
The EFCC boss is under investigation by an Administrative Panel, headed by Justice Isa Ayo Salami, a former president of the Court of Appeal. He appeared at the panel on Tuesday for the second day.
It was learnt that the detectives combed Magu’s house in Karu on the outskirts of Abuja at about 7pm.
A source said: “About 10 detectives in four vehicles went to Magu’s personal house in Karu, a clustered suburb of Abuja. They met some aides and guards. They said they came to search the house but the aides and security guards resisted them.
“When they insisted that they were acting on intelligence, the security guards and aides called Magu’s wife on the telephone and she directed them to allow the detectives access.
“They conducted the search unhindered. They did not find anything in the house. They wrote a report which was countersigned by one of the aides.
“The same team got in touch with Magu’s wife that it would search Magu’s Maitama official quarters. As a family, we have cooperated with the detectives. And as at 9.30m, the family was waiting for the detectives.
“But we believe that the head of the house ought to be around during the search to avoid misrepresentation.”
There were indications on Tuesday that the findings of the Salami Administrative Panel will guide the final decision by President Muhammadu Buhari on Magu’s fate.
The President engaged the Justice Salami panel to enable him have a broader perspective on the allegations against Magu by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The source said: “The President is only awaiting Salami panel’s report before taking his decision. He wants to be fair to all parties.
“He does not want any ad hoc approach to the allegations, he has directed the committee to give him a comprehensive report. The anti-corruption agenda is crucial to the administration of President Buhari, he will not want it derailed.
“And the choice of Justice Salami was strategic because he is a man who will dispense justice without fear or favour.”
Another government source said: “Magu’s matter is still unfolding, it is too early to make any categorical comment. I think we should allow some time.”
For the second day, the EFCC chairman appeared before the Presidential Committee to clarify some of the issues raised against him.
After the Monday’s interaction, Magu was not allowed to go home. He was detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
Magu arrived at the Banquet Wing of the Presidential Villa at about 9am and left for his detention facility on Tuesday around 8pm after another round of questioning.
A source said: “I think the scope of the allegations is being expanded. Some issues were raised on Monday on the report of the Presidential Audit Committee; the EFCC Audit Report yet to be signed; and Magu’s relationship with some persons.
“The Acting EFCC chairman also went with his lawyer and he came out of the sitting after 8pm.
Already, three candidates have been shortlisted should it become necessary to replace Magu. Two of them are Commissioners of Police.
A source said: “The three candidates have been profiled by the relevant security agencies. Buhari’s decision on Magu will determine who gets the job.”
(The Nation)
Nigeria records 503 new coronavirus cases
Lagos recorded 153 of the 503 cases, followed by Ondo with 76, Edo with 54 and FCT 41.
The rest are: “Enugu – 37, Rivers – 30, Benue – 24, Osun – 20, Kaduna – 15, Kwara – 13, Abia – 9, Borno – 8, Plateau – 6, Taraba – 5, Ogun – 3, Kano – 3, Kebbi – 2, Nasarawa – 2, Bayelsa – 1, Gombe – 1”
The total confirmed cases so far in Nigeria now stands at 29,879 of which 12,108 have been discharged.
However, the infection has claimed 669 lives.
FG Releases Official Website For 774,000 Job Recruitment
The website is: www.specialpublicworks.gov.ng
The website as claimed by the Minister of State for labour and employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN will avail all prospective beneficiaries all necessary information needed prior the commencement of the recruitment process.
For now, Keyamo will appear before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Labour on Tuesday to defend the 774,000 job recruitment across the country.
The Minister is going on the invitation of the Joint Committee after the earlier meeting ended in shouting match.
As claimed by labour minister, ” the programme starts on the 1st of October, 2020. However, we are already running out of time because before October 1, 2020, we still have to select the 774,000 Nigerians, register them, open bank accounts for them and obtain their BVNs. Hence the urgency to proceed with preparations.”
On how much the programme is worth, Keyamo said, “The total sum of N52 billion has been appropriated for this programme. Out of this amount, the sum of N46.44 billion is for the actual payment of the stipends of those to be engaged. They will pay through BVN, hence eliminating the possibility of fraud in the payment scheme. (Punch)
Tuesday 7 July 2020
Buhari suspends EFCC chair, Magu
The Nation had exclusively reported on Monday that Magu may be suspended over the ongoing probe by a presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami.
The panel is investigating 22 allegations exclusively reported by The Nation against Magu.
Multiple sources confirmed to The Nation that Magu has been asked to step aside so as not to obstruct investigation.
It was further learnt that a formal statement will be issued shortly on the development.
Details shortly…
COVID-19: Ekiti confirms 1 new case
This brings the total confirmed cases in Ekiti State to forty-five (45), of which three (3) active, forty (40) discharged, and two (2) deaths.
EFCC chair Magu detained
The panel is headed by Justice Isa Ayo Salami, a retired president of the Court of Appeal.
Magu was detained last night after being quizzed by the panel.
He was whisked away from the Presidential Villa, where he was interrogated to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at about 10.15pm shortly after the investigative panel ended its sitting.
His escort mobile policemen and security detail were stood down before he was taken into custody.
It was learnt that shortly after emerging from the sitting, Magu was led into a waiting white Hilux van marked 371D.
Magu insisted on sitting in the open space at the back of the Hilux.
The police team persuaded him to sit in the first cabin.
The ding-doing over his relocation to the FCID lasted about 25 minutes.
Magu was later allowed to go to the FCID in his official car.
A source said: “In the light of the ongoing investigation, it became expedient to detain Magu at the FCID. We do not want him to return to the office while he is being questioned, because he is likely to have another session with the Justice Salami panel.”
It was also learnt last night that Magu might be suspended from office.
“By not allowing him to go back to his office was an indication that he might be suspended.
“It is obvious that the Presidency has concluded plans to look for a new candidate for the office,” the source said.
At the FCID around 10.50pm, Magu rejected an offer to take him into an office to stay the night.
He told the officers in charge to treat him like a suspect by putting him in a cell.
Sitting on a chair, he said: “I won’t go and sleep in any office, I prefer to be in a cell. Kindly put me in a cell. That is what Allah wants for me. I can’t question God.”
There was drama to Magu’s invitation earlier in the day. He was intercepted on the road along Fomella Street while moving out of the Wuse II office Annex of the EFCC in Abuja.
Invitation was then extended to him by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
The CSP’s vehicle had a backup comprising a three-man security team, who closely watched the encounter.
Magu was on his way to the Force Headquarters. He pleaded with the officer to allow him to honour the scheduled appointment.
But he was told the invitation by the panel was superior to his appointment.
At about 1.35pm, Magu arrived at the Villa.
The EFCC chairman, who went to the Villa with his full escort and security detail, was not arrested or molested.
While the session lasted, Magu had unfettered access to his mobile phones.
The panel was also polite as he was allowed to pray and given a free lunch.
A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “The CSP was polite. He even allowed Magu to speak with an officer in the FCID to ensure that the invitation was genuine.
“Instead of going to the Force Headquarters, Magu called his lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, and headed for the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.”
The travails of the EFCC chairman started on Sunday night when a source, suspected to be a former EFCC official, posted on Facebook that “next week, Monday-Friday are black days to (sic) Mr. EFCC.”
The facebook post confirmed intelligence at Magu’s disposal that he might be arrested or prosecuted.
Another source added: “With the post on Facebook, Magu already had a mindset that yesterday might be rough.
“And true to his prediction, he got the invitation to appear before the panel.”
Investigation by our correspondent revealed some of the allegations against Magu by Malami.
Some of the 22 allegations are as follows:
- Alleged discrepancies in the reconciliation records of the EFCC and the Federal Ministry of Finance on recovered funds
- Declaration of N539billion as recovered funds instead of N504b earlier claimed
- Insubordination to the office of the AGF by not seeking his approval on some decisions
- Not providing enough evidence for the extradition of ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke
- Alleged late action on the investigation of Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) leading to legal dispute
- Not respecting court order to unfreeze a N7billion judgment in favour of a former Executive Director of First Bank
- Alleged delay in acting on two vessels seized by Nigerian Navy leading to the loss of crude
- Alleged favouring of some investigators called Magu’s Boys
- Reporting some judges to their presiding officers without deferring to the AGF
- Alleged sales of seized assets to cronies, associates and friends
- Alleged issuance of investigative activities to some media prejudicial to some cases.
A top source said: “Magu and his officers had spent the last two weeks looking at all the allegations and compiled appropriate responses to them with documents.
“It is the compendium of evidence that he took to the panel to prove his innocence. Whatever you may accuse Magu of, it is not corruption or self-enrichment.
“All those who have worked with Magu know him for his incorruptibility. He is also a hardliner who stepped on many toes. It is good that a panel is looking into the allegations.
“Take the case of sales of assets, Magu never sold any assets since he came into office. Instead, the seized properties were allocated for use by government agencies.
“The P&ID matter preceded Magu in office because the judgment debt was during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Magu only investigated the criminal aspect instead of supporting Settlement Agreement. And he gave the case all his strength to get the best for the nation.
At the appropriate time, the details of what Magu did in office and what really transpired before the panel will be known to Nigerians for posterity.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) denied arresting the EFCC boss.
The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya said: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media.
“The Service has since 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest.”
The EFCC confirmed that Magu went to the Villa to honour an invitation.
A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale said: “Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ibrahim Magu on Monday honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
”He was served the invitation to the Panel, while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting.
”The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation. A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the Panel.”
(The Nation)
Nigeria Records 575 New Coronavirus Cases
Nigeria record 575 new cases of the novel COVID-19 which took the total infection case to 29,286, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said on Monday.
According to the health agency, Lagos state recorded the highest number with 123 as it reduced from yesterday's 199 cases. FCT followed with 100 as Delta recorded 58 new cases.
Check out the breakdown of the number of new cases of COVID-19 recorded today as stated by NCDC on their official Twitter page.
575 new cases of COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-123 FCT-100 Delta-58 Edo-52 Ogun-42 Katsina-24 Bayelsa-23 Rivers-22 Borno-19 Plateau-18 Ondo-18 Oyo-17 Kwara-15 Osun-13 Enugu-9 Nasarawa-7 Abia-6 Cross River-5 Kaduna-3 Ekiti-1 29,286 confirmed 11,828 discharged 654 deaths.
Monday 6 July 2020
TROOPS OF OPERATION HADARIN DAJI NEUTRALIZE BANDITS IN KATSINA AND ZAMFARA STATES, RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION- AS REPENTANT BANDITS EMBRACE PEACE, SURRENDER WEAPONS
On 3 July 2020, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI stormed a bandits' camp at Sanu village in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State sequel to actionable Human and technical intelligence on the heavy bandits’ presence in the vicinity. Adopting aggressive tactical maneuvers, troops stormed the hideout and engaged the cowardly bandits who fled in disarray, scores with gunshot wounds. Troops pursued the bandits and made further contact with them, overwhelming them with heavy volume of fire. Exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of one AK47 rifle and one SMG rifle. It was also revealed that several bandits suffered heavy injuries and most likely died, as evident in the vast pools of blood along their withdrawal route.
In a related development, troops made contact with bandits at Bawan Daji village and neutralized one bandit while many others were fatally wounded. Troops further raided bandits’ enclave at Gidan Zamfarawa about 10km from Mashanyin Zaki. The bandits fled on sighting troops from afar but were pursued by the determined troops who engaged them with aggressive firing. Troops exploited the general area and destroyed 7 major bandit camps while one AK47 rifle, and 2 Motorcycles, amongst others were equally recovered.
Similarly, on 5 July 2020, troops stormed an identified bandits camp at Salihawa village in Batsari LGA of Katsina state following credible intelligence on their activities in the village. Troops overwhelmed the bandits with superior firepower and neutralized one of the criminals while several others escaped with fatal gunshot wounds. Troops also apprehended a suspected bandits’ logistics supplier, Mohammed Illela at Illela village on 4 July 2020 following a tip-off. The suspect was arrested while attempting to convey 13 jerrycans and 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit concealed in an ash-coloured Volkswagen wagon car, to suspected bandits.
Still on 5 July 2020, troops conducted a Cordon and Search operation within Bawar-Daji village. During the operation, troops neutralized one bandit and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one magazine, amongst others.
Furthermore, owing to intensified operations, projected by aggressive presence and posture of troops in the theatre, 3 notable bandits have surrendered to troops along with their weapons. The repentant bandits submitted one Light Machine Gun and 2 X AK 47 rifles.
Ojudu defies Buhari, insists Presidential Directive on withdrawal of political court cases not applicable to him
This was revealed in the Federal High Court, Abuja today when the matter of Ojudud & ors V APC, Ekiti State came up for hearing.
Senator Ojudu's insistence is in defiance of the directive given by President Muhammadu Buhari that APC party members who had instituted cases against individuals or party structures across the country withdraw same in the interest of enabling peace and reconsolidation within APC. In his speech at the recently concluded APC NEC meeting President Buhari had proposed that this directive be enforced including providing for punitive measures against erring members.
The Presidential aide had taken the Ekiti chapter of the party to court, challenging the composition of the state exco of the party, up to the ward level, arguing that the structure was imposed in contravention with the constitution of the APC.
At the resumption of the hearing today, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until 30th July 2020 to enable all parties file necessary papers.
BREAKING: WAEC Examination To Commence On August 4 – Education Minister
Nwajiuba made this known at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing on Monday.
The minister said the examination will end on September 5.
Details later...
UPDATE: Journalists barred as panel grills Magu in Aso Rock
The panel is sitting at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa (Old Banquet Hall) Abuja.
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami had recently written to President Muhammadu Buhari on why the EFCC boss should be replaced having been rejected many times for confirmation by the National Assembly.
The former Director-General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Lawal Daura had also written what was said to be damaging report against Magu to the senate.
However, journalists who went to cover the event at about 3.20 pm, were turned back by security personnel.
Even when the journalists who cover the State House decided to go to the press center at the Old Banquet Hall, they were politely told to excuse the place for a while.
“They said you people should excuse the use of this place for today,” a security official detailed to the venue, politely told reporters.
Magu was said to have been arrested by the DSS in Abuja on Monday, following allegations that he owns four properties and was allegedly transferring funds abroad through a third party.
He was said to have been stopped in traffic while moving out of the Wuse II Annex of the EFCC in Abuja and the invitation was extended to him.
(Vanguard)
Breaking: DSS arrests EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu
Following allegations that he owns four properties and transfers funds abroad through a third party, the Department of the State Service, DSS, Monday, arrested the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.
In a seven paragraphs statement disclosed by DSS, obtained by SaharaReporters stated that the anti-graft agency chairman was said to have been found guilty of prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer.
Read the full statement below:
“In December 2010, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer, and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment.
“Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40m at N20m per annum. This accommodation was not paid [for] from the commission’s finances, but by one Umar Mohammed, air commodore retired, a questionable businessman who has subsequently been arrested by the secret service.
“For the furnishing of the residence, Magu enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43m.
“Investigations show that the acting EFCC chairman regularly embarked on official and private trips through a private jet owned by Mohammed.
“In one of such trips, Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed with a bank MD who was being investigated by the EFCC over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
“Furthermore, the EFCC boss has so far maintained a high-profile lifestyle. This is exemplified by his preference for first-class air travels. On 24 June, 2016, he flew Emirate airlines first-class to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj at the cost of N2.9m. This is in spite of Mr President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.
“Magu has fostered a beneficial relationship with Mohammed who by his confession approaches clients for possible exploitation, favours and associated returns”.
Recall that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), had on the 19th of June recommended to President Muhammadu Buhari the sacking of Magu.
Malami, in a memorandum to the president, anchored his recommendation on several grounds “raging from diversion of recovered loot to insubordination and misconduct”.
Weeks after his letter, DSS arrested Magu.
Nigeria records 544 new coronavirus cases, total now 28,711
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced 544 confirmed new coronavirus cases in the country on Sunday.
The 544 cases announced by the Centre for Disease Control takes the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 28711.
The NCDC also announced the discharge of 203 patients from isolation centers across the country with 11 new deaths reported.
Lagos state, the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria topped the number of confirmed cases with 199 new cases taking the total number of confirmed cases in Lagos alone to 11244.
Ebonyi state recorded 65 new cases, Oyo reported 47 new cases while Ondo, Ogun, and Edo recorded 46, 31 and 30 new cases respectively.
Other states are FCT-28, Katsina-25, Plateau-15, Bayelsa-11, Kaduna-10, Adamawa-10, Akwa Ibom-8, Gombe-7, Kano-4, Taraba-3, Rivers-2, Abia-2 and Ekiti-1.
NCDC reports that there are 28711 cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria with 11665 discharged and 645 deaths.
Sunday 5 July 2020
Christians exhibiting reckless confidence in face of Coronavirus pandemic – SGF
Mustapha who spoke at the Interdenominational Church Prayer Service, organised by the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC) in Abuja on Sunday evening, said all Nigerians must realize that the pandemic has come to stay.
Particularly, the SGF called on Church leaders to be at the vanguard of enlightening their followers on the truth about the deadly virus and how they can stay safe in their families and communities.
Speaking about stay at home directive by various governments, Mustapha who doubles as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, said: “If you have no business going out, stay at home, it is scriptural and I will undertone this with a quotation from Proverbs 14:16 where the bible says the Wise are cautious and avoid danger, fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. I see a lot of Christians exhibiting reckless confidence and the Bible describes them as fools.
“Stay at home, if you don’t have business going out. That is the safest place you have. If you have every genuine reason to go out, as mandatory, wear a face mask.
“My admonition to the church is that we must stop the exhibition of reckless confidence and tell our people the truth and ask them to do the proper things so that they can stay safe for their families, communities and for the body of Christ”.
Mustapha also stressed that the national response that the federal government has put in place was intended to protect the people of Nigeria.
(Vanguard)
Oyo deputy governor denied access to Ajimobi’s 8th day fidau
The family had announced the fidau prayer as a private programme, urging the public to watch through virtual channels including Zoom, YouTube and Facebook.
Olaniyan arrived the residence at about 11:20 am in a convoy of five vehicles. On getting to the gate of the road leading to Ajimobi’s residence, the convoy was stopped by policemen and members of other security agencies manning the gate.
They insisted that only the deputy governor’s vehicle could be allowed into the street to join the prayer.
The deputy governor’s security details initially rebuffed the idea but when their argument was degenerating, a senior policeman intervened and they eventually agreed that only the deputy governor’s vehicle should go in.
But on getting to Ajimobi’s house, the gate was also locked. The deputy governor’s aides introduced their principal but they were told that the gate had been locked, and that Mrs Ajimobi was in possession of the key. Olaniyan waited, believing that the issue would be sorted in no time.
After waiting for about 15 minutes, however, without any positive development, Olaniyan left the residence.
Nigeria records 603 new coronavirus cases
Nigeria has recorded 603 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country, as total infections from the virus climbed 28,167.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known on its official twitter handle on Saturday.
The NCDC said that as at the June 4, 603 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in the country.
The health agency said that no new state reported a case in the last 24 hours.
According to NCDC, till date, 28,167 cases have been confirmed, 11,462 cases have been discharged and 634 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
NCDC stated that the 603 new cases were reported from 19 states- Lagos(135), Edo(87), FCT(73), Rivers(67), Delta(62), Ogun(47) and Kaduna (20).
Others were Plateau (19), Osun(17), Ondo(16), Enugu(15), Oyo (15), Borno (13), Niger(6), Nasarawa(4), Kebbi (3), Kano (2), Sokoto(1), and Abia(1).
FG assures payment of N-POWER beneficiaries
Minster of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq made this known during a virtual meeting with some of the Batch A and B beneficiaries.
In a statement by her Special Adviser, Strategic Communications, Halima Oyelade the Minster thanked the beneficiaries for their contributions towards the success of the programme.
According to the statement, the Minster reiterated the president’s vision of uplifting 100 million people out of poverty and expressed happiness that, at least, 109,823 beneficiaries of Batch A and B of N- Power have established businesses in their communities.
The commencement of the enrolment of Batch C was predicated on the need to give more Nigerian youth the opportunity to benefit as keeping only 500,000 beneficiaries for 4 years defeats the purpose of Mr. President’s vision.
Some of the beneficiaries thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity given to them.
“Saddiq Mustapha, a beneficiary from Katsina State and graduate of Ahmadu Bello University said he was idle after his National Youth Service Corp, but with the experience gained and training in video production and editing, he has set up a multimedia company and runs the largest online media business in Katsina with thousands of followers.
Similarly, Ali Dapil from Plateau State who is physically challenged applied for N-Teach and was sent to Gindiri DEM as his Primary place of Assignment with provision of necessary device to aid him.
The Minister remained focused on President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision of lifting 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years by creating opportunities to Nigerian Youths through entrepreneurship.
(Radio Nigeria)
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