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

Detectives on Tuesday searched the personal house of the embattled Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu.

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

Nigeria’s confirmed cases of coronavirus reached 29,879 on Tuesday night following 503 fresh infections, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in an update.

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

Federal Government has released official website for Nigerians who are willing to enroll for 774,000 special public job recruitment across the country.

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)

Buhari suspends EFCC chair, Magu

President Muhammadu Buhari may have suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, The Nation has learnt.

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

EKITI COVID-19 UPDATE: We can confirm that one (1) of the samples sent to the State molecular laboratory has returned positive result of the #COVID19 virus infection.

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.