Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

Scores of residents, particularly youths in Ondo State, have protested the sting operation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at some night clubs in Akure, the state capital. Over the weekend reported, operatives of the EFCC stormed the popular Alba Royale Club and Signatures Club located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, raiding the fun-seekers. The anti-graft agency also arrested a groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve, confiscated mobile phones and seized vehicles belonging to those arrested. However, in a swift reaction, the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate said it arrested 127 persons who are suspected to be internet fraudsters.  In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, claimed that the suspects were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the clubs. “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC,” Mr Oyewale said. But the invasion of the operatives of the EFCC did not go down well with residents of the state, who have been protesting the action of the anti-graft agency. Protesting against the EFCC invasion, Mr Olawale Odeyemi said the midnight raids on the clubs, the arrest and assaults of the youths were illegal and unacceptable. A renowned youth advocate in the state, Oluyemi Fashipe, condemned the action of the operatives of the anti-graft agency, describing the invasion as an abuse of citizen’s rights. Another protestor, Ewatomilola Emiola explained that the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation. She demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally. Meanwhile, Abiola Makinde, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, has condemned the raid on the nightclubs and lounges in the state. Hon Makinde, who also is the Chairman, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria. In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, and made available in Akure, Makinde urged the residents of the state to remain calm while the invasion is investigated and resolved. He specifically noted that the EFCC as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes. “However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights. “Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency. “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals. “The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies. “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies,” he said.

APC Suspends Assistant Woman Leader In Niger

An Assistant Women Leader of the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Amina Shehu, has been suspended for six months, over alleged political appointments and job racketeering. This is the outcome of the 5-member committee set up by the party Deputy Chairman, Zakariyya Aramm, to investigate the matter and come up with possible findings. In a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Musa Sarkinkaji, the suspension was handed down to her by the State Working Committee under the chairmanship of Aminu Bobi. It was gathered that the State Assistant Woman Leader’s suspension is in line with Article 21, sub-section (5) xii of the APC Constitution 2022 as amended.

BREAKING: Reps seek six-year tenure for president

A group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives are seeking alterations to the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the rotation of the Presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country. They also want an amendment to the Constitution to provide for “A single tenure of six years for the President and Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Speaking on behalf of the group on Monday in Abuja, the member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said, “The reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors,” will go a long way in cost-cutting measures.”

JUNE 12: FG Presents Programme Outline For 25th Democracy Day Celebration

The federal government has unveiled a lineup of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Democracy Day, marking twenty-five years of continuous democratic governance in Nigeria. The announcement was made in a notice issued by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, acting on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The notice outlines that the celebration will start on Tuesday, June 11, with a symposium held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, commencing at 9:00 am. Following the symposium, a youth conference is scheduled to take place at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, starting at 6:00 pm. The agenda for Wednesday, June 12, includes a grand parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, at 8:00 AM, followed by a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM. “The programmes lined up for the celebration include a symposium on Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 AM at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. “Later that day, a youth conference will hold at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00 PM. “A grand parade will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 8:00 AM at Eagle Square, Abuja,” followed by “a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM,” the noice read. Furthermore, the notice assured to provide additional updates as the celebration comes closer.

Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

Leader of Kwankwasiyya movement and the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the opposition in Kano of distracting government for one year. Kwankwaso reacted to the development during the occasion of the declaration of the State of Emergency on education in Kano State. He said, “Let me start by congratulating him on this historic day, the day the governor is declaring a State of Emergency on education. For those who are aware that the governor has been working from day one you can see his footprints everywhere across the state. “Despite the fact that the governor was distracted for about one year. Immediately after election, enemies of the State took him to Court – Tribunal, Appeal Court to Supreme Court. We have seen what happened even when they knew that there is no need to go to any Court or tribunal. Everybody knew that he won his election. “Even the enemies were saying that they wanted to take it by force because they believe they have a government. Despite all that, the governor has been working and obstacles after obstacles, we don’t know what is happening and what has happened in this state but the governor is moving. “In fact that reminds me of our situation during my second term when two months after my swearing in as governor, we had Boko Haram attacks in mosques, attacks in markets, police stations, schools and everywhere we were focused and ensured that we were not distracted.”

Nigeria 2023 elections: a show of shame – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party and second runner up at the 2023 presidential elections, Mr. Peter Obi has described the 2023 general elections as a show of shame, which he said was plagued by allegations of fraud and irregularities that were widespread. In a series of posts via his X page on Saturday, the former Governor of Anambra State said the election was marred by glitches despite the enormous amount of money that was spent to conduct the exercise. Obi said Nigeria’s election is a sharp contrast to the recent South African election, which he described as transparent and seamless. He added that the differences between the two countries’ electoral processes are lamentable. He wrote: “The outcome of the recent South African election results remains a shining example of what a transparent and efficient democratic electoral process should look like. “With about 60% voter turnout, over 90% of polling open on time, allowing diaspora voting, the results and updates were real-time without any form of technical glitches during the election. “This demonstrated the robustness and transparency of their system. The seamless online dissemination of results further highlights their commitment to democratic principles and technological advancement. “This is in stark contrast to the show of shame that the giant of Africa, Nigeria, gave the World in 2023. Nigeria’s 2023 election, with less than 30% of Voter turnout, over 60% of the polling stations starting late, and no diaspora voting, the elections were plagued by allegations of fraud and widespread irregularities, all forms of glitches, despite an enormous expenditure to the tune of about a billion dollars (direct allocation of =N=313 Billion and donor agencies support). “The process has been widely discredited. The differences between the two countries’ electoral processes are both stark and lamentable. South Africa’s Election Results Centre, with its state-of-the-art electronic board, showcased results with unparalleled precision and speed.” Obi asserted that Nigeria’s electoral process is mired in controversy and lack of transparency, saying that it is a painful reminder of the country’s ongoing struggles with democratic governance. Therefore, he called for urgent comprehensive electoral reforms and for the establishment of a system that would restore the people’s faith in the country’s democracy. He added: “Meanwhile, Nigeria’s electoral process is mired in controversy and lacks transparency. This glaring juxtaposition is a painful reminder of our country’s ongoing struggles with democratic governance.] “It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure that our elections are free, fair, and credible. We must learn from South Africa’s example and strive to build a system that restores the people’s faith in our democracy. “The time for action is now, and we can not afford to delay any longer in addressing these critical issues for a new Nigeria is POssible!”

Labour Party Renames ‘Obidient’ Directorate After Backlash, Announces Inauguration Date

The Labour Party (LP) leadership has renamed the ‘Obidient’ directorate, following the backlash it received over the naming and composition of the directorate’s leadership structure. Recall that over 200 support groups, which comprise the ‘Obidient Movement’, had denounced the LP leadership for setting up the directorate and naming some persons as directors. In a statement dissociating themselves from the new directorate, the support groups accused the National Working Committee (NWC) of the LP, under the leadership of Comrade Julius Abure, of trying to use the directorate to strip the movement of its independence. In response to the controversy, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, in a terse statement on Thursday in Abuja, announced the party’s decision to rename the directorate. According to Ifoh, the Obidient Directorate will now be known and referred to as the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration. He added that the inauguration will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the National Secretariat in Abuja. He said, “Following the controversies arising from the creation of the Directorate of OBIDIENT Affairs, in the party, the Directorate is hereby renamed the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration. “The inauguration will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the party’s National Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, by 10 a.m. Party members and the general public should take note.”

10th Senate Passes Anti-Doping Bill

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, June 6, passed the “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024.” This legislation, requested by President Bola Tinubu, seeks to prohibit Nigerian athletes’ consumption of performance-enhancing substances both during and after sporting competitions. President Bola Tinubu had requested the Senate to enact the law penultimate week in a letter read on the floor by the deputy Senate president, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary. The bill’s passage comes as part of Nigeria’s efforts to align with international sports standards ahead of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in France. In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigeria to domesticate and enforce the international convention against doping in sports. The bill also proposes the establishment of a Nigeria anti-doping centre tasked with implementing Nigeria’s obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code. The bill was reviewed by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Monguno. After thorough consideration, the committee’s recommendations were adopted, and the bill was approved for a third reading following a voice vote led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. This legislative step marks a critical development in Nigeria’s sports governance. It ensures that athletes adhere to fair play and integrity, thereby fostering a clean sporting environment nationally and globally.

Senate Approves 300% Salary Increase For Judicial Officers

The Senate has approved a bill seeking improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial officers at the federal and state levels. Towards this effect, a bill approving 300 per cent, pay raise for this category of judicial officers, scaled the third reading at the senate yesterday. The Senate approved a report presented by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC- Borno North), to the lawmakers. In the report, Senator Monguna said adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint. “Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision-making skills, and fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.” he noted. The bill is expected to be assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

2027: PDP Speaks On Peter Obi, Atiku Alliance 

The Peoples Democratic Party has revealed that it is not engaged in any merger, fusion or amalgamation talks with any other political party or interest. Recall that 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi visited some PDP bigwigs including Atiku Abubakar in Abuja. The visit had sparked rumours of a proposed merger ahead of the 2027 election. But during its 587th meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party said the party is open and welcoming to all Nigerians including our former members who left for other parties. Debo Ologunagba National Publicity Secretary of the party in a statement said: “Our Party remains strong and formidable, capable of winning elections in a free,fair and transparent electoral process in our country. “The NWC acknowledges the influx of millions of Nigerians into our Party in the on-going Party Membership Drive in all the Electoral Wards across the country; which further confirms that the PDP remains the Party of choice for majority of Nigerians.  “The public, teeming members of our great Party, Democracy Institutions and of course the International Community should therefore disregard any report suggesting any form of merger between the PDP and any other political Party as such is not in the contemplation of our great Party”.