Corporate yahoo boy : Saraki’s Corruption Acquittal; Federal Govt Completes Record Transmission To The Court Of Appeal

The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) yesterday completed the transmission of the record of proceedings at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to the Court of Appeal in Abuja in relation to the appeal it filed against the acquittal of Senate President Bukola Saraki by the CCT.

The record and briefs of argument to be filed by parties form what the Court of Appeal will consider and review in deciding the appeal filed by the AGF (on behalf of the Federal Government) against the CCT judgment of June 14.
It was learned yesterday that the transmission of the record started on Wednesday, but was completed yesterday, following which the Appeal Court entered the appeal on its list and allocated a number to it. The number is: CA/A/460/2017.

With the appeal now entered and number allocated, the appellant, by the Rules of the Court of Appeal, is to proceed to file its brief, serve on the respondent, who in turn, will file its response and serve the appellant (the process of briefs exchange), following which the court will fix a date for hearing of the appeal.
In a notice of appeal it filed on June 20, 2017, the appellant stated that the judgment “effectively” overruled previous decisions of the Court of Appeal delivered with respect to Saraki’s trial and other criminal cases.
“The judgment of the lower tribunal is unwarranted, unreasonable and against the weight of evidence,” the notice of appeal read in part.

The notice of appeal was signed by the lead prosecuting counsel,  Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), and an Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Pius Akutah.
The appellant described the judgment as “unconstitutional and without jurisdiction.”
It stated that the CCT erred in law by upholding Saraki’s no-case submission “when the onus of proof” was on the Senate President to show “that there was no infraction in the Code of Conduct Forms.

The appellant argued that: “By the provisions of paragraphs 11 (2), (3) and (13) of Part 1, 5th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), once the Code of Conduct form filled by the public officer is investigated and found to be false or that some assets are beyond the legitimate income of the public officer or that the assets were acquired by means of corrupt practices, the public officer concerned is deemed to have breached the Code of Conduct and it is for him to show to the Tribunal that there is no infraction in the form.

“The honorable tribunal wrongly placed the onus of proof on the prosecution contrary to paragraphs 11 (2), (3) and (13) of Part 1, 5th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) clearly excluded the presumption of innocence on the allegation of infraction of the Code of Conduct by public officers and the Tribunal wrongly applied the presumption of innocence contrary to the constitutional requirement.
“The tribunal’s decision is unconstitutional and without jurisdiction.”

The appellant is praying the appellate court for “an order setting aside the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal delivered on June 14, 2017 upholding the no-case submission raised by the respondent (Saraki) at the close of the prosecution’s case” and  “an order calling upon the respondent to enter his defence.” - The Nation

Man charged with brutally beating 14-month-old twins

A 23-year-old New Jersey man is in custody after authorities say he brutally beat his girlfriend's 14-month-old twin sons.

Jersey City police arrested Terrance Pernell after a two-month investigation by the Hudson County prosecutor's office. The Jersey Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2tZWaOL ) Pernell had his first court appearance Thursday, where the state motioned to detain him before his trial.

The boys were hospitalized in May for severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma and damaged kidneys.

One of the boys had to be airlifted to a specialized hospital for his severe injuries. Both boys have since been released from the hospital.

Pernell is charged with two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault. His next hearing is Tuesday.

It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney to comment on his behalf. - AP

Everton want £90m for Lukaku

Everton are waiting on Manchester United to meet their total demands over the sale of Romelu Lukaku, which could amount to £90m, according to Sky sources.

United are confident of landing the Belgium striker and have agreed an initial fee of £75m, but the Toffees want a number of add-ons that will take the total price even further.

Lukaku is currently in Los Angeles, where he has been training with United midfielder Paul Pogba and is expected to undergo a medical with his potential new club ahead of their US tour.
But Sky Sports News HQ understands Lukaku does not have permission to be away from Everton's training base at Finch Farm, and was supposed to report back for pre-season training on Thursday.

Lukaku's future at Goodison Park has been in doubt since he rejected a lucrative new contract offer back in March and said during duty with the Belgium national team that he knew where his future would be.

The 24-year-old has also been a target for Chelsea this summer but United boss Jose Mourinho has also been keen to add a new high-profile striker to his squad after losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury.
United had been in talks with Real Madrid over a possible deal for Alvaro Morata and saw a number of offers rejected, but Sky Sports  News HQ understands their interest in bringing the Spain international to Old Trafford has now come to an end.

There are also negotiations ongoing between the two north-west clubs over Wayne Rooney's potential return to Merseyside, with a willingness on all sides to get the deal done, according to Sky sources.

Toulouse sign former Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo

Toulouse have completed the signing of Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer after the striker was allowed to leave Arsenal.

Sanogo, who scored just one goal in 20 appearances over four seasons at Arsenal prior to his exit last month, signed a three-year deal with Ligue 1 side Toulouse on Friday.
The 24-year-old started his professional career in France with Auxerre and returns to his homeland after unsuccessful loan spells at Crystal Palace, Ajax and Charlton Athletic.

Toulouse finished 13th in Ligue 1 last season and they will open the new season away against champions Monaco on August 4. - Goal

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker to retire at end of the season and take up academy role

Arsenal have confirmed German defender Per Mertesacker is to take over as academy manager in a year's time.

The 32-year-old World Cup winner is the club captain and will continue to be part of the first-team squad this season “while developing his knowledge and understanding of the Academy”, the Gunners said in a statement on their website.

Luke Hobbs is set to continue to lead the Arsenal Academy through the 2017/18 campaign.
Mertesacker, who joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen in August 2011, is excited about his new role.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family,” Mertesacker said.
“This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who penned a new two-year contract extension after guiding the team to FA Cup success over Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley, believes Mertesacker is well suited to taking his first steps of a coaching career.

“Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players. He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential,” Wenger said.

“He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy.”

Badoo: Police arrest 87 suspects, declare 20 wanted

In continuation of its clamp down on suspected Badoo members, Lagos State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and local security volunteers have arrested 87 suspected Badoo members while declaring 20 other people wanted in connection with activities of the group in Ikorodu.

The 87 suspected Badoo members were arrested in an all-night operation on their hideouts in Owutu and Odongunyan in Ikorodu.
Those declared wanted for cult related killings include: Moshood (a.k.a Mosho); Alfa (a.k.a King of Boys); Papa; Fela; Alakoto and  Chukwudi.
The police also declared 14 others wanted for kidnapping in Ikorodu. They include: Agbara; O/C; Femi (a.k.a FM); Pencil, Odidan; Jaru; Allen; Bush; Happiness; Fagbo; Junior; Nuru and Jamiu.

The police called on the suspects to come out of their hideouts and report themselves to the nearest police station.
The Command equally advised members of the public with useful information on the suspects who are all residents of Ikorodu to assist the police.

The raid was an extensive operation on the two areas – Odongunyan and Owutu. The operation was necessitated by more intelligence on the membership of the dreaded cult group and their mode of operations.

Before the operations, the police in conjunction with members of the Department of State Security Service, representatives of the Nigerian Army, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps and Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) met with herbalists and Babalawos in Ikorodu and its suburbs on the need to collaborate with the police to wipe out the cult group in Ikorodu.

Representing the Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Fatai Owoseni at the meeting, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Imohimi Edgal warned the herbalists and Babalawo and local vigilantes to eschew jungle justice, stressing that the Command would not tolerate further excesses from the security stakeholders.

Edgal solicited for more information that would help the police to speedily end the activities of the group in the area.
The Police Commissioners later met with Obas and traditional rulers in Ikorodu.
Also involved in the exercise were the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), ACP Olatunji Disu; Acting Area Commander, Ikorodu and all DPOs in Ikorodu among other senior police officers.

Woman loses marriage for cooking pork for Muslim mother-in-law

An Idi-Ogungun Customary Court at Agodi, Ibadan, on Friday dissolved a 16-year-old marriage, following a petition that the woman’s offered pork as meal to her Muslim mother-in-law.

A fashion designer, Mr Kolawole Adegoke, sought the divorce, accusing his wife, Adeyinka, of deliberately flouting his instructions.
In his evidence on Friday, Kolawole said: “My lord, the major grudge I have against her is that she intentionally bought and cooked pork for my mother who is a Muslim.
“Her action is disgusting; I see no reason for her to cook such meat which is forbidden for my mother, a Muslim.

“The court should separate us to avoid unpleasant occurrence because I can no longer stay with a woman who perpetrates such a thing.“
He said that Adeyinka lacked respect for him and was being controlled by her parents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeyinka was not in court.
The President of the court, Chief Mukaila Balogun, ruled that the respondent had failed to honour the summons of the court.

Balogun held that the court would dissolve the union based on the evidence given by the plaintiff.
“Parties cease to be husband and wife henceforth, and the court registrar should serve the defendant a copy of the judgment,” he ruled.

Wife stabs husband, 4 children to death

A 33-year-old woman, Isabel Martinez, has allegedly stabbed her husband and four of their children in their home

Officers of Gwinnett police station, in Atlanta, USA were called to a Loganville residence at about 11 a.m. on Thursday, when neighbours found the man and the children dead from apparent stab wounds.

Police said the woman was inside the home with the bodies of her husband, Martin Romero, 33, and the remains of the four children: Axel, 2, Dillan, 4, Dacota, 7, and Isabela, 10.
A sixth victim, 9-year-old Diana, was another of the couple’s children. She was airlifted to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta and was in serious condition.

A Court order was obtained which directed that Martinez be held in police custody without bond after she was quickly charged with five counts of murder, six counts of aggravated assault and five counts of “malice murder.”

After taking the mother into custody, the Police said they were not searching for additional suspects.
A motive in the stabbings has not been established, but a neighbour, who spoke under anonymity, told reporters that the mother had been depressed in recent weeks following the death of her father

Clichy: Basaksehir like a mini Manchester City

Gael Clichy says he turned down Fenerbahce and Galatasaray to sign for Istanbul Basaksehir, who he describes as a mini Manchester City.

Clichy swapped the Premier League for the Super Lig on Friday as he put pen to paper on a three-year deal with last season's runners-up.
The 31-year-old was released after six seasons in Manchester, where he won the league and EFL Cup on two occasions.

He says his dealings with Basaksehir convinced him it was the right project to join - rather than the more established duo of Fener and Gala - and that his new club has a similar feel to the one he has just left.

"Basaksehir gave me the impression of Manchester City," he told a media conference.
"City is a club that's been improving for the last eight years. I've told my Basaksehir team-mates that this team could become a mini-City.
"Fenerbahce was interested but there were no offers. I've met people from Galatasaray and Basaksehir. 

"Once I'd met both sides, it was an easy decision. From Galatasaray, only one person came to see me. When I met people from Basaksehir, I saw it was a great project. It's not always about business, money and trophies, it's sometimes about the human side." - Goal

Chelsea in pole position to sign £80m rated Morata

Chelsea are battling with Premier League rivals Manchester United for the signature of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, who is valued at £80m by the Spanish champions, according to a report on the Express.

The Spanish giants are refusing to lower their valuation of the striker as they look to cash in on him this summer to fund a move for Monaco youngster Kylian Mbappe. But the Madrid club are not desperate to sell and will remain patient before agreeing a deal.

Morata has been out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu all season, making many of his appearances as a substitute, which is not what the striker wants at this stage in his career.
The 24-year-old Spaniard is looking for first team action on a weekly basis and is open to a move away from the Madrid club to ensure this.
Morata netted 15 times in the La Liga last season in 26 appearances, with 12 of his appearances being from the bench which showed his eye for goal and killer instinct inside the box.

The forward is open to a move to the Premier League and was set to join Manchester United before the club made their move for Romelu Lukaku, which has now put Chelsea in pole position to secure his signature.

Chelsea are desperately in need of a forward before the start of the new season and manager Antonio Conte has his eyes set on Morata.

The striker wants to play regularly to ensure that he has a starting spot for the Spain national team in the upcoming 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Lukaku trains with Pogba

Manchester United target Romelu Lukaku has trained at UCLA with potential new team-mate Paul Pogba.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Lukaku is expected to undergo a medical with United in Los Angeles, with widespread reports that medical has already taken place at UCLA itself.
Lukaku has been on holiday with France international Pogba in the Californian city, posting a series of updates together.

Sky sources reported on Thursday that United had agreed a £75m fee with Everton to sign the Belgium striker, but Everton sources insisted the deal was not yet complete.
United hope Lukaku, who scored 25 Premier League goals last season, can join United for their tour of the United States, with the team to return to training on Saturday before flying off to LA on Sunday.

Lukaku's future at Goodison Park has been in doubt since he rejected a lucrative new contract offer back in March and said during duty with the Belgium national team that he knew where his future would be.

Lukaku has also been a target for Chelsea this summer but United boss Jose Mourinho has also been keen to add a new high-profile striker to his squad after losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury.
United had been in talks with Real Madrid over a possible deal for Alvaro Morata and saw a number of offers rejected, but Sky Sports News HQ understands their interest in bringing Morata to Old Trafford has now come to an end.

Gonorrhoea is becoming untreatable – WHO

Gonorrhoea infections are on the rise and doctors are running out of antibiotics capable of fighting the increasingly resistant bacteria causing the sexual disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Friday.

The sexually-transmitted infection affects an estimated 78 million people each year and disproportionately affects women, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility, as well as increasing the risk of HIV.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus.
It is mainly found in discharge from the manhood and in vaginal fluid and can easily pass between people through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Two-thirds of the countries that report resistance data to the WHO have seen cases in recent years in which their antibiotics of last resort no longer worked against gonococci bacteria.
“These cases may just be the tip of the iceberg since systems to diagnose and report untreatable infections are lacking in lower-income countries where gonorrhoea is actually more common,” WHO expert, Teodora Wi, said in Geneva, Switzerland.

She added:”Gonorrhoea is a very smart bug.
“Every time you introduce a new type of antibiotic to treat it, this bug develops resistance to it.”
She spoke of three cases of the disease.
“These cases may just be the tip of the iceberg, since systems to diagnose and report untreatable infections are lacking in lower-income countries where gonorrhoea is actually more common.”

A WHO study found that from 2009 to 2014 there was widespread resistance to the first-line medicine ciprofloxacin, increasing resistance to another antibiotic drugs called azithromycin, and the emergence of resistance to last-resort treatments known as extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs).
Britain and the United States reported increases of more than 10 per cent in 2015.
Cases among gay men in France doubled between 2013 and 2015.

Rates are highest in Africa, where one in 10 men is infected annually.
The main reasons for the increase are decreasing condom use, increased mobility as well as poor disease monitoring and inadequate treatment, according to the WHO.
Gonorrhoea can infect the genitals, rectum and throat. It can lead to inflammation of the pelvis and to infertility.

Currently, only three new drugs are being developed, because pharmaceutical companies know that the bacteria will soon become resistant to any new antibiotic.
To control gonorrhoea, doctors not only need new medicines, but also a rapid diagnostic tool and a vaccine, which are yet to be developed, WHO Antimicrobial expert, Marc Sprenger, said

Hopeless country !!! Anger over Lagos-Ibadan road vote slash

Federal lawmakers, especially those from the Southwest, got some knocks yesterday over the slashing of the vote for the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in the 2017 budget.

Power, Works and Housing Minister  Babatunde Fashola raised the alarm over the vote slash from N31 billion to N10billion. He also complained about the cutting of the votes for other crucial projects and the vote diverted to boreholes and primary healthcare.
The lawmakers said the budget was lopsided in favour of the Southwest. They also chided the minister for breaching  their legislative privilege.

Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West), responding  to a question on facebook, said he aligned himself “with the position of the Senate.”

Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG)  Mr.  Olawale Oshun described as callous the decision to slash the fund for the project.
He said: “It’s been quite a long time the legislative  and the executive arms of government have not been serious about the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Up to 70 per cent of goods imported through Apapa port go through that road to other parts of the country.”

The former whip of the House of Representatives berated the lawmakers from the Southwest for allowing such decision to stand.
He said Nigerianswould  one day judge between those who serving them and those against their interest.

“If the Yoruba members of the National Assembly cannot even defend a project of interest to their constituents, what would they expect from lawmakers from other regions? It is even goes beyond the Yoruba lawmakers because this road is the most important economic link in terms of the transport system of the country and beneficiaries are spread across the country. The economic downturn would affect a lot of people. It shows a sense of callousness on the perception of duty call among the lawmakers,” he said.

He attributed the lawmakers’ action to the politicisation of President Muhammadu Behari’s ill-health.

“It is unfortunate because of the fallout of the politicisation of Mr President’s ill-health. Were Mr President around, his personality is enough to deter the lawmakers from tampering with the budgetary allocation to the road.
“Nigerians have suffered enough on that road on a daily basis. The economy of the country stands to benefit more if the road is completed. This is a country where unemployment rate is exploding and when we should be talking of improving infrastructure and the most important project is being neglected, undermined all in the name of politics? It is undesirable,” he said.

Human Rights Activist Debo Adeniran urged caution, saying the National Assembly only took a decisive action, following the faulty implementation of past budgets.
He said if the cost of implementation of the project was inadequate, there is room for supplementary budget or virement.
Adeniran added: “It is not the reduction of the cost that matters no: it is the capacity of the ministry to implement the project. It is not the fault of the National Assembly, but a product of experience of how the project was handled in the past.

“There is no need for frustration, until the National Assembly fails to approve the supplementary budget, if the current budget is exhausted.”
Pro-democracy activist Moshood Erubami also knocked the lawmakers.
The President, Nigeria Voters Assembly, said: “Nigerians condemn the dangerous experiment which the huge cut in the budget allocation to the Ibadan / Lagos Express road carried on the their  lives.

“There is need for a united front among lawmakers to immediately call for a supplementary budget to return the huge deduction made from the allocation to the lbadan/ Lagos Express road and forget the needless invitation to the minister of works for stating the obvious

“It is imperative that united action must be taken by Nigerians to ensure safety and security on the most important road that links Lagos to other parts of the country.
“It is ironic and unpleasant that southern senators were being indifferent, apathetic and ambivalent when a huge slash was being taken from the allocation to the only road that the South can be proud of in the federation.
He added: “It is quite indifensible and unrepresentative for the National Assembly to be indifferent to the huge cut of N21 billion from the allocation of N31b vote for the project.  Where then lies their oversight, good legislation and representation of the people? Their action is not only misguided but also devoid of genuine motives.

Senator Lekan Balogun called for caution on the row between the executive and the lawmakers.
Balogun, who is a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, said though the road is a major one, stakeholders should encourage both parties to find  an amicable solution to the disagreement.
He expressed regret that most political decisions in Nigeria were  not based on objectivity.

“Lagos-Ibadan expressway is a major road in Nigeria. It has to be completed because it links Lagos with other parts of the country,” he said. - The Nation

 

Executive yahoo boy : What I will do to EFCC Chairman, Magu for accusing me of embezzling over N500m – Governor Yari

Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has threatened to report the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to the Federal Government for intimidating governors, “for no just cause.”

Yari made the disclosure against the backdrop of allegations by the EFCC that he allegedly used N500m from the Paris refund loan to offset his personal loan obtained from First Generation Mortgage Bank Limited

The anti-graft agency also alleged parts of the Paris Club loan refund were diverted from the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF’s account on Yari’s instruction.
But, Yari, who is the Chairman of NGF berated the agency, for not “tidying its work” before going to court.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Yari said all the allegations are lies, adding that, “all EFCC wants is for Nigerians to know it has invited a governor or that one former governor is arrested.”

He said, “I am going to write to the federal government that enough is enough; that either the EFCC should do its work or we should ‘do showdown’ with them (EFCC) because nobody became governor to be intimidated, to be harassed, to be abused by a DCP.

“You can’t fight corruption that way and forever, they (EFCC) will not achieve anything.
“In the case of my humble self, I have no idea why the EFCC is actually interested in the issue of the London Paris Club refund. It has been on this since inception up till now. It has been repeating, contradicting so many things especially about personalities.

“So, if there is anything wrong there, it should approach the person whom it suspects did something wrong, and not to be making noise about it. I challenge the chairman of EFCC to open up and say if he has ever come to me and interviewed me about what happened.
“We didn’t commit any fraud. I am not a signatory to that account but I am the head. So, it is what governors agree that I, as chairman, append my signature on. So now, they are saying $86m fraud, N19bn fraud, $3m hotel; which one do we believe?.” - Daily Post

Shocking !!! Married ex-police commits suicide after catching girlfriend in bed with another man

A married ex-police officer, Walter Musakaruka, has committed suicide after he caught his girlfriend in bed with another man at Beitbridge Town in Ross Camp Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

According to The Chronicle, Musakaruka, who was cheating on his wife, allegedly drank poison and died.

According to the report, he unfortunately caught the girlfriend entertaining another man and assaulted her and after the assault he drank poison and died, the Police said.

Spokesperson of the Matabeleland South police, Inspector Philisani Ndebele said that Musakaruka was married to a police officer who was stationed at Mzilikazi Police Station.
“He left the police force in 2008 and was now a retiree. It’s shocking that a married man can end his life over a girlfriend, the police added.

Also reacting to his death, some his friends took to Facebook to express their shock at his sudden death.

Madzibaba Ernest Imbayarwo Wachi, wrote, “Rest In Peace Walter Musa Musakaruka very sad what happened? You took your life my dear why ‘poison’ but why.”

Chelsea manager Conte a fan of Benteke

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is a fan of Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke, according to the Telegraph.

The report claims that Conte is an admirer of the Palace forward but is unlikely to make a move for him this summer.
Chelsea are looking for a new striker with Diego Costa set for a summer exit but Crystal Palace fans should not worry about an approach for their top goalscorer.
Manchester United have pipped Chelsea to the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton but the Blues have a number of other options to consider.
Juventus’ Alvaro Morata and Torino’s Andrea Belotti are said to be their next targets, with Benteke not thought to be of a high enough calibre for the Premier League champions.

Benteke scored an impressive 15 Premier League goals as he helped Palace survive in his first season at the club.
The forward signed for £27m from Liverpool last summer. - Read Sport

''Speaking in tongues'' !!! Nigeria can’t go back to issues settled during civil war – Osinbajo

Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has stated that Nigeria cannot go back to issues settled during the civil war.
He said this following agitations for secession by different Igbo groups and counter accusations by Arewa youth groups.

Osinbajo said that the Federal Government was planning to come out with policies to address perceived marginalisation, lack of inclusiveness and inequity.
The Acting President spoke yesterday at the official presentation of the book, entitled “Nigeria, The Restructuring Controversy,” written by Chairman, Police Service Commission and former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Mike Okiro.

Osinbajo, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojodu, said the Federal Government was taking serious note of all the talks, debates and discussions about the issue.

He said, “The beauty of Nigeria as a nation, unlike other countries, is that we don’t quickly take to any arms and fight over issues. It is good to talk, debate and bring out possible solutions, which are what is happening.
“We can assure Nigerians that we are looking at all the contributions being made, and very soon, we are going to come out with policies that will address some of these agitations.

“I know for a fact that we all believe in this country. No matter who you are, we are all committed to Nigeria. Yes, there is challenge of lack of inclusiveness. Many are unemployed, many others don’t have food to eat. Others are having issues with identity of whom they are and where they belong.

“But we cannot go back to issues we resolved during the civil war. We are working to achieve equity, justice and fairness. We want a situation where every Nigerian wakes up and is able to feed himself, every Nigerian wakes up and are employed. Then all these issues will be over.” - Daily Post

Land of madness : Only 9 out of 305 drivers arrested in 5 days passed psychological test – FRSC boss

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on Thursday said it had arrested 305 motorists for 345 life-threatening traffic offences since the launch of its Operation Cobra on July 1.

Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who disclosed this in Abuja, said nine of the arrested offenders passed the psychological test administered on them.

This, according to Oyeyemi, meant that their actions were as a result of willful violation of regulations.
Oyeyemi spoke at a one-day national workshop organised by the FRSC for driving school operators.
He reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to enforce the new policy of subjecting life-threatening traffic law offenders to psychological test.

According to him, the actions of such violators was a deviation from the true nature of Nigerians as a “cultured, disciplined and enterprising people who have faith in life and those of others”.

Operation Cobra is a new road safety enforcement policy of the FRSC designed to subject violators of certain traffic offences to mental stability evaluation.
The offences are the use of phone while driving, route violation, traffic light violation, dangerous driving and overloading.

Oyeyemi said the policy was in response to rising incidence of the identified offences, adding that investigating the mental stability of violators would help to check the trend.
The Corps Marshal reiterated that the FRSC was not embarking on psychiatric test, neither did it intend to do in the near future.
He said the agency could not shy away from its responsibility of checking the lawlessness of road users, adding that the exercise had reached a point of no return. - Daily post

Police arrest DSP in Cross River for allegedly defiling 9-year-old girl

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa has paraded a Deputy Superintendent of Police (rtd.), Christopher Archibong for allegedly raping a 9-year-old girl. 
Parading the suspect alongside 62 other suspects, the Commissioner said the suspect committed the crime on May 31, 2017 in Calabar.

Inuwa said that Archibong, 55, lured the victim into his uncompleted building to pack woods for him and later defiled her after threatening to kill her spiritually if she resisted.
“On May 31 2017, one traffic warden officer who retired as a DSP, Mr. Christopher Archibong, 55, defiled a 9-year-old girl and raped her.
“On June 5, 2017, when the victim could no longer bear it, she informed her mother of the incident and the case was reported to the police on June 7.

 “Upon his arrest, the suspect confessed to the crime and he will be charged to court soon’’, Inuwa said.
Archibong, however, told newsmen that “the whole matter was a set-up. I was set up by my close neighbours who got jealous of me after I bought a piece of land to build my house.”
“I retired as a DSP in February this year; I am a law abiding citizen of Nigeria; I did not rape the girl as alleged’’ he said.

The commissioner also paraded 10 other suspects for allegedly killing four people during a clash between two rival cult groups- `clans and baggers’ confraternity in Ochong community in Obubra Local Government Area of the state.
“On June 8, 2017, we received an intelligence report in our Ikom Area Command that two rival cult groups, clans and baggers confraternity clashed in Ochon community and the conflict led to the killing of four persons.

“As a result of investigation, 10 suspects believed to be principal actors in the murder case were arrested. Investigation is still on while those arrested will soon be charged to court,’’ he said.
Similarly, the commissioner also paraded one Nnamoso Okon and Victor Edet for allegedly stealing a car battery from the vehicle of a police officer who was on night duty on July 2.
He said that during search, the police recovered 12 stolen car batteries from the two suspects.
Inuwa said that between May and June, the police command had arrested 63 suspects for various offences committed across the state.

“So far, we have recovered nine locally made pistols; seven live cartridges; 12 car batteries; four rounds of 9mm ammunition; three machetes; 10 motor batteries; armored cables and three plasma television sets,’’ he said. - Daily Post

The Illegality Of The Senate Resolution On Ibrahim Magu By Femi Falana

Mr. Ibrahim Magu was appointed as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in November 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari. The appointment was made by the President sequel to section 171 (1) of the Constitution. After Mr. Magu had acted in that capacity for over a year the Senate refused to confirm his appointment as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC. However, as President Buhari was satisfied with the performance of Mr. Magu he decided to retain him as the Acting Chairman of the EFCC. 

A couple of days ago, the Senate revisited the matter. In a rather bizarre move, the Senate decided to combine legislative powers with executive functions by passing a resolution which purportedly directed the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to remove Mr. Magu from the post of the Acting Chairman of the EFCC forthwith. The resolution of the Senate was alleged to have been anchored  on  section 2(3) of the EFCC Act which provides as follows: 
“The Chairman and members of the Commission other than ex-officio members shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation of the Senate.”

Before passing its resolution the Senate ought to have known from the clear and unambiguous provision of section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act that the it has not been vested with the power to confirm or approve  any person appointed by the President to hold office in an acting capacity.  To that extent, the resolution of the Senate constitutes an affront to section 171 (1) of the Constitution which stipulates that:
“Power to appoint persons to hold or act in the offices to which this section applies to remove persons so appointed from any such office shall vest in the President.”

The offices involved are those Head of Service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of extra ministerial departments of the Government.  It is further submitted that Section 2 (3) of the  EFCC Act relied upon Senate to justify the confirmation of the Chairman of the EFCC is inconsistent with section 171 (2) of the Constitution. Indeed, of all the positions listed in subsection 2 of the Constitution it is only in the appointments of ambassadors and high commissioners made by the President which require the confirmation of the Senate. See section 171(4) thereof. Since the EFCC is an extra ministerial department of the Federal Government the appointment of its Chairman does not require the confirmation of the Senate. In other words, section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act is inconsistent with section 171 (2) of the Constitution. To that extent, the  resolution of the Senate based on the  EFCC Act is an exercise in futility.

Although neither the Presidency nor the Senate has deemed to seek interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Constitution from the Supreme Court the power of the President of the Republic to make certain appointments without the confirmation of the Senate had been challenged. In Festus Keyamo v The President & 4 Ors. (See www.premiumtimesng.com) the plaintiff challenged the appointment of service chiefs without the confirmation of the Senate. The trial court set aside the appointments as the power of the President to appoint service chiefs under section 218(2) of the Constitution is on the ground that the appointments were qualified by section 218(4)(b) thereof which provides that the National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the regulation of "the appointment, promotion and disciplinary control of the members of the armed forces of the Federation."

As the Constitution has made the appointments of service chiefs subject to laws enacted by the National Assembly the court was on a terra firma when it ruled that the appointments so made required confirmation in line with the section 18 of the Armed Forces Act. But in the case of Ebun Adegboruwa v Attorney-general of the Federation  (Unreported) Suit No:FHC/L/CS/1405/2012 the plaintiff had challenged the appointment of Colonel Hameed Ali (retd) as the Comptroller-General of Customs  on the ground it was not made by President Buhari in consonance with a Federal Government Gazette of 1985. The Gazette in question had provided that a new Comptroller-General of Customs must be appointed from the pool of Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs. 

In dismissing the action the Federal High Court (per Hassan J.) held that by the combined effect of sections 5 and 171 of the Constitution the provisions of the Gazette could not restrict or limit the powers of the President to appoint the Comptroller-General of Customs from outside the public service.  In the same vein, it is crystal clear that section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act cannot subject the appointment of the chairman of the EFCC to Senate confirmation contrary to the provisions of section 171 of the Constitution. 


In view of the foregoing, the implementation of the resolution of the Senate on the removal of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Acting Chairman of the EFCC should be ignored by the Presidency on account of its apparent illegality. However, the distinguished Senators who are desperate to institutionalize official corruption and impunity in the country by removing Mr. Magu from office may have to wait for the planned installation of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki as the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria! 

You need behavioural guidance on parliament, Fashola replies Goje

Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works and housing, says Danjuma Goje, senator representing Gombe central, needs “behavioural prescription about legislative function”.

Fashola said this in response to Goje’s comment that he should resign if the work is too much.
Goje made the statement while reacting to Fashola’s criticism of the national assembly over the insertion of some projects into the 2017 budget.

In a statement personally signed by him, the minister said it was important for Goje to have “temperament of debate and disagreement”.
Decrying the senator’s admonition that he should learn how to “behave like a minister” and the reference to the senate awaiting how he would be “handled” by the house of representatives, which summoned him, Fashola said, “I think first that the language is unparliamentary and therefore not deserving of a reply.

“It seems that it is such people who need a behavioural prescription about legislative function.”
The minister said he aired his views on the budget because he wanted to have a tool that he could work with.

“Let me reiterate that I see parliament as a house where very vigorous debates about development should take place and it is important for Goje to acquire the temperament of debate and disagreement,” he said
“I need a better budget as a tool to do my work and that is why l am speaking out.

“In this context, it is left for Nigerians to then decide whether budgeting for constituency roads is more patriotic than budgeting to complete the Kano-Maiduguri road that connects five states, the Lagos-Ibadan road that connects three states and helps to move food, imported goods and fuel across the country; or the second Niger bridge that connects the east and west geo-political zones of at least 11 states together.

“I will also leave Nigerians to judge whether it is more patriotic to budget for the Mambilla power project that will contribute to more power across Nigeria or reduce the budget to build street lights in legislative constituencies.”

Attempted Murder: Submit Yourself For Investigation, Court Orders Kashamu

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu, to submit himself to the police for investigation into an allegation of alleged his attempt to murder a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikene/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Mr. Oladipupo Adebutu.

Delivering judgment in a suit instituted by Kashamu, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba ordered that the senator must honor all invitations extended to him by the Special Investigating Panel set up by the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the allegations contained in Adebutu’s petition.

Justice Dimgba, who noted that the same special investigating panel had been directed by the Inspector-General of Police to investigate Kashamu’s counter-petition against Adebutu, ordered that the police must ensure that the police must conduct the probe in their facilities and not the houses of private citizens.

But the judge ruled that any attempt by security agencies, particularly the police and the Department of State Service to capitalise on the said investigation by arresting the senator, incarcerating him and transport him to the United States of America to face illicit drugs charges would be unlawful.
Adebutu had alleged that the Senator had along with some thugs made attempted to murder him during Peoples Democratic Party’s convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 16, 2016.

The member of the House of Representatives then sent a petition dated August 22, 2016, reporting the alleged attempt ‎on his life to the Inspector General of Police.

But in response, Kashamu wrote a counter-petition dated August 26, 2016, to the IGP alleging that Adebutu was instigating the police and the DSS to abduct and transport him to the US in relation to illicit drugs charges he had been cleared of and in violation of court orders stopping him from being extradited. - Punch

Federal High Court Refuses To Stop INEC On Melaye’s Recall

Embattled Senator Dino Melaye failed on Thursday in his bid to stop the ongoing recall process by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice John Tsoho in an ex-parte ruling rejected Melaye’s motion for a temporary injunction restraining INEC from proceeding with the recall process until the determination of suit challenging his recall.
Instead, the judge ordered parties in the case to “maintain status quo pending the hearing of the motion on notice.”

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued Melaye’s ex-parte motion.
The judge adjourned till September 29 hearing of Melaye’s motion on notice and applications filed by three individuals, led by Chief Cornelius Olowo, who applied to be made parties in the suit.
In the main suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/587/2017, with INEC as the only defendant, Melaye faulted the recall process, saying it was tainted with political malice and initiated by his political enemies.

The Senator denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was being targeted for standing up for the oppressed in Kagi State and the many workers who have not been paid salaries by the state government.
Melaye is praying the court to declare the petition submitted to INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, as “illegal, unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional, invalid, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

He also wants the court to void the recall process because it was commenced in breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing. - The Nation