Fuel scarcity looms, as PENGASSAN begins indefinite nationwide strike

 

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has ordered all its members nationwide to begin an indefinite strike over Federal Government’s breach in agreement on IPPIS implementation and redundancy in Baker Hughes.

IPPIS means Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). It is an information Communications Technology (ICT) project initiated by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of payroll administration for its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The association had on November 2, 2020, issued 7-day ultimatum and further extension to the relevant government agencies and institutions on IPPIS.

However, PENGASSAN, in a statement to all branch chairmen and signed by Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary, said said it was regrettable that upon the expiration of the ultimatum, nothing concrete had been done with regards to the outstanding issues as enumerated in the letter.

“In view of the above and with expiration of the ultimatum and subsequent extension, you are hereby advised to withdraw your services effective 12 midnight on Sunday, November 8, 2020.

“Please ensure that your branch members fully comply with this directive while you await further directives,” the statement said.

The statement urged all zonal offices to monitor compliance and report same to the National Secretariat.

- PM NEWS

Galadima: #EndSARS protest tip of the iceberg — revolution is coming

 

Buba Galadima, a former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, says the demonstrations against harassment and brutality by the police are just the tip of the iceberg.

In an interview with PUNCH, Galadima said the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is setting the stage for a revolution.

In October, many citizens took to the streets across the country for 12 days to call for the reformation of the police and disbandment of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the police.

Buhari’s former ally said the government is “causing the revolution by excluding, disenfranchising people not on the basis of competence but on the basis of ‘they don’t belong”.

He said Nigeria needs a leader who has a large heart and would carry everyone along.

“When #EndSARS started, they didn’t know that the sons and daughters of average Nigerians, who could not get food to eat, (could) make them lose sleep. And they’ve just seen a tip of the iceberg,” Galadima said.

“They are leading this country into a revolution that they don’t want to accept. They are the people causing the revolution by excluding, disenfranchising people not on the basis of competence but on the basis of ‘they don’t belong’.

“That is why we need a leader that is a large-hearted Nigerian who will carry us all along, not because he is an Idoma man or a Barde man. Do they know? One of my friend’s sons wanted to join the police force. He was asked by these faceless people to pay an amount of money for him to be recruited.

“My friend told his son, ‘even if I had the money, I won’t pay, besides, I don’t even have the money. If you are recruited because I paid the money, you are also going in there to help yourself to make the money back.”

He said he has worked for Buhari more than any other person yet his children are not employed in the public service.

“Now, I have about seven children with master’s degrees. I have medical doctors, but none of them could be employed (into the public service) because I don’t have the money to give,” Galadima said.

“Even my friends in the government are running away from me because they wouldn’t want to be seen with me, let alone for me to ask for a favour.

“A favour from a government formed by Buhari, whom I worked more than any human being, including Buhari himself, to bring into office, that I can’t even bring a son or a daughter to be employed?”

- THECABLE

Nigeria ‘unwilling to implement’ UN resolution on security

 

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), a regional peacebuilding organisation, says Nigeria is unwilling to implement a resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 to drive peace and security in the country.

Speaking at a virtual conference on Sunday, Patricia Donli, a professor and former board chairman of WANEP, while presenting findings from a study, said the federal government has failed to fund the National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325.

The federal government launched an action plan on the UN resolution about six years ago but no action has reportedly been taken.

The professor said Kaduna, Delta, Kogi and Plateau are among 13 out of 36 states with a state action plan.

“Challenges in the implementation of UNSCR 1325 are; inadequate number of women in decision making position, UNSCR 1325 and NAPs seen as a women only document, and weak monitoring mechanism, inadequate sensitization on UNSCR 1325 and NAPs, poor coordination among stakeholders and lack of technical skills among women (negotiation, mediation, advocacy, lobbying skills, etc.) required for active and strategic participation,” she said.

“To address the challenges; the study recommended that allocation should be provided in the annual budget for SAP implementation, the need to strengthen coordination among stakeholders, increase awareness among the populace.”

Donli said the states without SAPs should set up panels to put up modalities for a plan.

Bridget Osakwe, WANEP national coordinator, said the opportunities the country missed in implementing the UN resolution has highlighted the absence of women in decision making processes.

- THECABLE

TB Joshua could not save my wife from breast cancer, says BBC reporter Andrew Gift

 

Andrew Gift, a Nigerian journalist working with BBC has lamented how his wife, Grace died from breast cancer, just after 13 months of marriage.

She died not because there were no efforts to give her medicare, but because of her belief in religious leaders such as TB Joshua, who preach faith healing.

Gift’s story was published Sunday by BBC.

Read the heart rending story:

My journey to widowerhood began three years ago in an oncologist’s office in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

Had my wife, Grace, followed the doctor’s advice rather than seek the help of religious healers, I believe that she would have survived breast cancer and still be with me and our three-year-old daughter.

She had gone for tests on a large lump on her breast and the doctor said they had revealed that there was an “invasive carcinoma”.

I did not understand what this meant and he explained that “the tumour is cancerous and we need to begin the process of managing it immediately to avoid a spread”.

Grace looked fearful and weak, and I remember taking our baby – who was then just one month old – out of her arms as I was afraid of what she might do next.

Andrew and Grace Gift

There was a solution
But the specialist assured us that with treatment she would survive. He advised a course of chemotherapy and then possibly a mastectomy, or surgery to remove her breasts.

Through the fog of that day I tried to hold on to that idea that a solution was possible and that I would still have a life with Grace, who I had only started dating just over a year before.

We first met in the unromantic setting of a hectic bus terminus in Abuja. She was having a row with a bus conductor who had overcharged her for her luggage and I went over to calm the situation. We ended up chatting on the journey and then exchanging numbers.

I was 33 at the time and feeling very lonely. As the eldest son, I was constantly being reminded that where I come from in eastern Nigeria, the tradition is to marry young and my junior siblings had already beaten me to it.

Nevertheless, I waited a few months before I got back in touch with Grace and discovered we lived close to each other. We became very close friends and then agreed to marry.

But 13 months on from our wedding came the cancer diagnosis.

There is no free cancer treatment here and Grace’s medical insurance would not cover the costs, so I had to make plans to borrow the money.

In total the bill would come to 600,000 naira ($1,500; £1,200) and I got a loan to pay for the first round of treatment.

My worst ever decision
But on my way to the pharmacy to buy the first set of chemotherapy drugs, Grace called to tell me that she was not going to proceed. Rather she had faith that God would heal her.

She told me that the chemotherapy would kill the healthy cells in the body as well as the cancerous ones, and she preferred to put her trust in religion. It is true that the drugs can damage healthy cells, but experts say this damage does not usually last.

I tried to convince Grace to change her mind, but it was made up and I felt compelled to agree to seek alternative solutions – the worst decision I ever made.

Most Nigerians are very religious and when it comes to health issues many prefer to seek help from places of worship rather than the hospital.

Grace’s decision to refuse chemotherapy was informed by the advice she received from friends and family. Many here believe that it can kill you and Grace got scared.

She did agree to have an operation to remove the tumour but this was a temporary solution as the cancer returned in a very aggressive manner.

Most of these healers took money and promised us miracles. Some told her that the day she visits a hospital would be the day that she would die”

My wife was a very strong woman and she bore the pain for two years without seeing a doctor.

We did however visit churches and prayer centres, including that of the famous prophet TB Joshua, yet no solution came.

Most of these healers took money and promised us miracles. Some told her that the day she visits a hospital would be the day that she would die.

We also explored traditional treatments, recommended by friends and relations.

Not allowed to mention the cancer

We prayed together and did regular exercise, she took herbs and fruits, and denied herself some other foods and yet the pain did not end.

I tried to convince to talk to a doctor, but she refused. Even when she went to get treated for malaria in the hospital, she insisted that I did not mention the cancer.

By June last year, it was obvious that she was losing weight and was becoming weaker.

Then in July, her health had deteriorated so much that I had no option other than to take her to hospital as she was struggling to breathe and unable to stand up.

The first two hospitals where I tried to get her admitted would not take her on, but a third one agreed to manage her case.

Tests confirmed that the cancer had spread, including to the second breast, her lungs and her bones. And the doctor told me that there was no treatment that could save her.

Chemotherapy was recommended to manage the situation and Grace accepted this. But between July and November she was in and out of hospital on a regular basis.

At times, I lived in my car that was parked in the hospital grounds. When I woke up early in the morning, I would wash in a place hidden from view and then dress and go to work from there.

At that point, although she was distraught herself, Grace’s mother gave me a lot of support.

Often when I was working, the doctors would call to tell me that Grace was having a seizure and I would have to rush to the hospital.

I fell into debt in order to pay for the hospital bills, but I wanted to make sure that money was never going to be a reason for poor medical treatment.

I could tell that our daughter, Princess Gold MmesomaChukwu, who was staying at a friend’s house, was also suffering and she missed the warmth of her mother’s embrace.

I did take her to the hospital once, but I could tell that she was very disturbed and she was not sure how to react to the situation.

Finally, in November Grace’s painful headaches indicated that the cancer had spread to her brain and she went into a coma and never woke up.

She died at the age of 33.

Tasting the sweetness of marriage and then losing it like this was very painful.

I am now lonely, depressed and find it hard to concentrate. There are tears every day.

I started a Facebook page in Grace’s memory and to try and raise awareness about cancer, as it seemed to me that many in Nigeria did not know much about it.

People need to be better informed about the best means of managing the disease and more money needs to be spent on getting this message across to ordinary people.

I still hear stories, including that of the wife of a friend of mine, of people refusing chemotherapy in favour of religious healing.

Yes, religion and our traditions still have a very big role to play in our lives, but that should not come at the cost of losing a love one.

- PM NEWS

BREAKING: First COVID-19 vaccine is 90 percent effective, says Pfizer

 

Pfizer and BioNTech say the first vaccine they have developed against COVID-19 can prevent more than 90 percent of people from getting infected.

According to the BBC, the vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised.

Two doses, three weeks apart, are needed and trials in US, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Turkey show 90 percent protection is achieved seven days after the second dose.

The vaccine is believed to be a way out of all the restrictions imposed on people around the world.

Nigeria and many other countries imposed restrictions as a means of curbing the spread of COVID-19 that have killed 1,263,787 across the world, according to Worldometer.

The broadcaster said the companies plan to apply for an emergency approval to be able to use the vaccine by the end of November.

Pfizer was quoted as saying that it will be able to supply 50 million doses by the end of 2020, and around 1.3 billion by the end of 2021.

Albert Bourla, the chairman of Pfizer, said they are one step closer to bringing an end to the COVID-19 global crisis.

“We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis,” Bourla was quoted as saying.

- THECABLE

EPL: Mourinho names six teams that can win title this season

 

Tottenham manager, Jose Mourinho, has revealed the six teams that can win the Premier League this season.

Spurs briefly went top of the table on Sunday after their 1-0 victory over West Brom, before they were replaced by Leicester City, who beat Wolves 1-0.

Mourinho’s men have lost just once this term, with many considering them as serious title contenders.

However, the Portuguese appeared to rule his side out of the race, by naming six teams he thinks are the most likely to go all the way.

“The Premier League is the most difficult one to be, because in the Premier League you can do a good season, can have lots of points, but in the end, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Man United, Leicester, Arsenal.

“So you can have a good season and not be champion. So what can we do? We go match after match. We try to win, we don’t care about the others,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

- DAILY POST 

Robbers Invade six churches in Osogbo, cart away millions of naira property

 

No fewer than six churches in Osogbo, Osun State were recently invaded by armed robbers who carted away a multimillion Naira public address system.

The men of the underworld were said to have stole Mixers and Slave Engine Amplifiers at the affected churches which include Methodist Church, Isale-Aro; Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Bishop’s Court, Jaleyemi; Catholic Church, Popo; Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Isale-Aro; and Anglican Church, Balogun-Agoro.

A member of one of the affected churches who spoke under condition of anonymity, said it was unfortunate that the robbers chose to target the House of God to carry out their nefarious activities.

Narrating the development, the source said: “We woke up on the fateful day to discover that about six churches have been robbed by the criminal elements who invaded the said churches.

“At Methodist Church, Isale-Aro, the robbers broke three security doors to access the church building after which they carted away one big Mixer worth about N600,000 and three Slave Engine Amplifiers worth N80,000 each.

“The robbers also stole similar sets of public address equipment at Anglican Church, Balogun-Agoro; Catholic Church, Popo; Christ Apostolic Church, Isale-Aro; Anglican Church, Bishop’s Court and another Christ Apostolic Church around Old Secretariat axis.”

Another church member told our correspondent that the matter had already been reported at Police Station, Oja-Oba, while the police officers immediately swung into action.

“We have lost equipment worth millions of naira. After we reported the matter at Oja-Oba Police Station, police officers came to our church to make some findings. As a matter of fact, Anglican Church is the worst hit as the robbers stole several items there.

“The police officers came and asked some questions about who we suspected could be responsible, but added that for them to go further with investigation, especially to trace the fingerprint of where the robbers touched will cost the church money.

“So, the church had to abandon pressing ahead with the investigation since it will cost us money. We have resolved to leave the matter to God and pray that the robbers will have no peace in their lives until they return the stolen items.

“These are public address items that we use during our services and it is unfortunate that the robbers targeted worship centres and God’s sanctuary to perpetrate their evil trade,” he said.

When contacted, Public Relations Officer of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola clarified that the money requested for fingerprint investigation was not an extortion, but that it has to be paid where the investigation would be carried out.

“It is not the investigating police team that is responsible for the fingerprint test. They will have to take it to the State CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and they don’t do it free there. It is not the police that will pay for what they will use for the fingerprint test and that was why they told them to fund the investigation.

“The investigating team can as well tell the victims to go and conduct the fingerprint test in Alagbon, Lagos, and so it is not as if they are being extorted,” she said.

- PM NEWS

Suspected Kidnappers kill NSCDC official, vigilante, abduct 2 PhD students

 Security and independent sources have confirmed that one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a member of a vigilante group have died of gunshots from suspected kidnappers in Adamawa State.

The sources said the gun wielding attackers stormed a residential house in Mbamba in Yola South Local Government Area allegedly to kidnap a prominent occupant but ended up abducting two PhD students of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) residing there and shooting two of the security operatives who resisted them.

While the vigilante died at the scene of the attack, the NSCDC official died later, the sources said.

The attack happened on Thursday. Report hit that it was the residence of the Adamawa State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Iya Abbas that was attacked.

Refuting this version of the story in an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of the state House Committee on Information, Hon Japhet Kefas, said, “I want to make it clear that nothing like that happened (at the speaker’s residence). How can you write such a lie about somebody who represents a community and represents the whole Assembly? We are not happy.”

It had become clear by Sunday, however, that the Speaker’s residence was mistaken by sources for where the attack took place because the two residential buildings are not far apart.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Adamawa State Command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, reiterated on Sunday that the vigilante died at the scene of the attack while the NSCDC official died afterwards from wounds he sustained from the gunmen. The PPRO could not disclose the owner of the house that was attacked.

On his part, the Adamawa Command Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mansur Sajor, affirmed that one Solomon Joshua, an Inspector, was the NSCDC officer who died as a result of gunshots from the attackers.

“We understand that some gunmen went to a house to kidnap somebody. Our officer was among security operatives from different outfits drafted there under Operation Farauta. Our officer was shot during an exchange of fire against the kidnappers,” Mansur said.

The AUN could however not confirm that those abducted were its students.

The Vice President in charge of Public Relations of the University, Prof Abba Tahir, said the school was yet to resume and the school management had no information that any students had been abducted.

- DAILY POST

FG trying to silence me by freezing my account, says #EndSARS activist

 Racheal Oduala, a promoter of the #EndSARS campaign, says the federal government is trying to silence her by freezing her bank account.

TheCable had reported how the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) obtained a court order to freeze the accounts of 19 individuals and a public affairs company linked to the #EndSARS protests.

Oduala is one of those affected by the court order.

In an article, the activist decried the development saying it is a wrong way of treating young people demanding a better country.

Oduala said she is not afraid of the government’s plot as the demands of young persons are not beyond their constitutional rights.

“I am not afraid—I am only disappointed that this country will treat me this way. Nigeria is all I have, and I have a right to demand that it works for all of us, not just those with influence, wealth, or a government position,” she said.

“In a country that people have been voiceless for a long time, people holding the government accountable is being seen as too much? How can we ensure that this sort of thing will encourage people to build a new Nigeria?

“A Nigeria that will be filled with accountable government officials, where all forms of oppressions and injustice is a thing of the past. How do you expect me as a part of the future of this country to still believe in a country who thinks they have the right through CBN to freeze my account for no just cause.”

Oduala said she agreed to be a youth representative on the Lagos judicial panel to show that the protest was not to fight the government.

She lamented that the government sees her existence as a threat despite how she struggles to make ends meet.

“We called for among other things, a probe into the killings and torture of people and the government agreed by setting up judicial panels. In order to assure young people of the independence and fairness of the panel I took up the role as a youth representative at the detriment of my education, personal life and family,” the activist said.

“I did this to make peace. I did to ensure our young people understood that the only way to create a better and safer Nigeria is to do things lawfully. Why am I still being targeted for lending the government my good will.

“I study, selling hoodies and other clothing for ₦5,000 to pay my school fees. I also do the odd bit of freelancing, taking on some brand influencing work to ensure my family doesn’t suffer. Somehow, however, my existence threatens my government, the fact that I have a voice is enough for them to try to silence me.

“In the Nigeria I am fighting for, it wouldn’t matter that I am a child of nobody coming from the average Nigerian home. The Nigeria I am fighting for is one that prioritizes every voice, protects every inalienable right, even mine.

“I decided to use the only currency I have, my voice to speak up against extrajudicial killings, torture, extortion and unjust harassment that is still happening in a democratic nation in the 21st century! The government also agreed that reform is inevitable and promised us they were going to listen so why punish the same people that are speaking up?”

- THECABLE

Biden: Trump’s defeat devastating, perpetual agony for PDP, IPOB – Ohanaeze

 The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, OYC Worldwide, has described President Donald Trump’s defeat in the just concluded US presidential election as devastating to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The apex socio-cultural group of Igbo youth said this while congratulating the President-elect, Joe Biden on his victory. They urged him to support the Africa project.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, President General of OYC and Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, Secretary-General and made available to DAILY POST on Sunday.

OYC urged Africans, especially Nigerian residents in the US to give their total support to Biden.

The group said Trump’s defeat has allegedly put members of the PDP and the IPOB leadership “in perpetual agony and total devastation.”

It added, “We saw some PDP chieftains openly supporting President Donald Trump’s reelection and relying heavily on his second election in office for international pressure on 2023 general elections, surprisingly the same politicians are now dishing out congratulatory messages to Joe Biden.

“IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu was seen in one of President Trump’s rallies and committed huge donations to Trump’s campaign council, hopefully for Trump’s support for referendum in Nigeria during his aborted second term in office. It’s quite devastating for IPOB.”

OYC urged Biden to abolish all anti immigration laws and policies initiated by President Trump’s government, strengthen economic ties and tactical security support to African countries especially Nigeria during his tenure.

“We urge President Trump to emulate Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan to congratulate Biden and accept defeat,” it stated.

- DAILY POST

IPOB plotting another civil war – South East Governors’ Forum

 The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has warned that the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) is trying to push Igbo people into another civil war.

The Governor made the assertion during a meeting between South-East Governors, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo and the Igbo community with Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Kelvin Ebiri Special Assistant (Media) to Wike said the meeting was convened in reaction to the rumours that the Governor has been chasing Igbo people out of Rivers State in the wake of Oyigbo crisis.

Umahi who said the Igbo leaders were in Rivers State to ascertain the veracity of the news circulating in the social media over alleged killing of Igbo people living in the State, said their findings prove prove that the claim is not true.

Umahi warned Igbo people to be wary of IPOB as the group was bent on instigating another civil war that will result in the murder of Igbo people.

The governor said he finds it nauseating that IPOB could go to Benue and Rivers State to foist its flag and claim the territories belong to the Igbo people.

According to him, Igbo leadership are opposed to this stance by IPOB.

Umahi, who revealed that he has huge investment in Rivers State, urged Igbos living in the State to respect the Government and people of Rivers State in order to continue to live and do business in the State peaceful.

According to him, Ndi-Igbos cannot support any form of criminality.

Speaking earlier, Wike said the state will continue to be home to people of the Igbo ethnic nationality, but for members of outlawed IPOB.

“Tell your people, Rivers people will continue to live together with Igbo people.  Don’t allow your sons to tell you lies. Igbo are innovative and hardworking.  There can’t be Nigeria without Igbos. Nobody should take them for granted. But that doesn’t mean you must allow criminals to spoil your name.

“If I hate Igbos, I won’t appoint your son into my state cabinet two times. But you have to obey rules. Don’t allow criminals to dictate to you”.

Also speaking, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo said the meeting has reinforced the existing affinity between Igbos and the people of Niger Delta.

He described Governor Wike as a champion of restructuring of Nigeria and a man who loves justice.

He explained that the leadership of Igbos cannot remain aloof while some misguided few who did not experience the brutal reality of the last civil war continue to fan the ember of disunity.

Nwodo, said he was elated to hear from Igbo leaders that under the leadership of Governor Wike Igbo businesses have continued to thrive.

Former Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili, lauded the Igbo leaders for the peace initiative and decision to visit Governor Wike.

He stated that every governor desires peace to govern and Governor Wike is no exception. He stressed that the people of the State endorse every measure taken by Governor Wike to ensure lasting peace in the State.

Present at the meeting were the Governor of Abia State, Dr  Okezie Ikpeazu, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Other dignitaries are: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia; the chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amanayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, among others.

- PM NEWS

Lagos records 255 new COVID-19 infections — highest since Aug 22

 

Lagos state recorded 255 new COVID-19 infections on November 8, data reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has shown.

This is the highest cases of new infections to be reported by the state since August 22.

Lagos did not record any new cases on November 7.

In total, Nigeria recorded 300 new infections.

After weeks of reporting low number of new infections, the NCDC said the 300 new cases bring the total number of infections in Nigeria to 64,090.

The health agency also announced the discharge of 26 patients from isolation centres across the country.

The federal capital territory (FCT) recorded 27 infections; Oyo, 10; Kaduna, 5; Ondo, 2 and Kano, 1.

According to the NCDC, 26 COVID-19 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours with 59,910 as the total number of successfully treated cases in the country.

The public health agency said that no new COVID-19 deaths were reported during the period as the national death toll remains 1,154 for the fourth consecutive day.

The agency said that it had activated a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), at Level III, to coordinate the national response activities in the country.

- THECABLE

UAE convicts 6 Nigerians for wiring $782,000 to Boko Haram, FG official indicted

 An Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has convicted six Nigerians over alleged funding of Boko Haram.

The conviction was upheld by the appellate court after they lost an earlier appeal at a lower court.

Daily Trust reported on Monday that Surajo Abubakar Muhammad and Saleh Yusuf Adamu were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The rest, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, AbdurRahman Ado Musa, Bashir Ali Yusuf and Muhammad Ibrahim Isa, got ten-year imprisonment each.

Court documents show that between 2015 and 2016, the convicts were allegedly involved in cash transfers totalling $782,000.00 to Boko Haram.

The act was contrary to Article 29, Clause 3 of UAE’s Federal Anti-Terrorism Law No 7 of 2017.

National Security Bureau said investigation of the Nigerians “confirmed their involvement and membership of the Boko Haram”.

They were arrested between April 16 and 17, 2017, and their homes searched according to the search warrant issued by the National Security Prosecution office dated April 16, 2017.

Abubakar and Adamu were charged for joining Boko Haram knowingly.

This negates Article 22/2 of UAE’s Federal Anti-Terrorism Law No 7 of 2017 punishable by death or life imprisonment.

Alhassan, Musa, Yusuf and Isa were charged with assisting the sect knowingly.

The crime, under Article 31, Clause 1 of the same law, is punishable by life imprisonment or at least five years in jail.

Most of the transactions were facilitated by two undercover Boko Haram agents based in Nigeria. One of them is “Alhaji Sa’idu”.

The other “Alhaji Ashiru” was described as “a Nigerian government official”.

He also reportedly funnelled misappropriated public funds to terrorists.

Sa’idu’s modus operandi is using unidentified Arab persons on a visit to Dubai from Turkey to hand over US Dollars to one of the convicts, who then remit Naira equivalent to the agent.

Families of the convicts say they were “framed up”, insisting their bureau de change business in the UAE was legitimate. 

- DAILY POST 

South West kings blame politicians’ greed for money for #EndSARS, youth unrest

 

Monarchs in the South West of Nigeria have blamed politicians for the recent #EndSARS protest and unrest in the region that led to the destruction of properties in Lagos and other parts.

They also called for the urgent restructuring of the country to give more powers to the states.

The kings spoke at a post mortem meeting at the weekend in Lagos on the protests.

Governors and ministers from the region attended the meeting, hosted by the Lagos State Government.

A Presidential delegation, led by the Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu was also in attendance.

The monarchs expressed disappointment at the manner politicians had turned politics into money making venture at the expense of the interest of the youth.

They said that the high rate of unemployment among youths caused the agitation in the EndSARS protest.

“The governors have taken the right steps with this meeting. However, they have been far away from we monarchs. You should not wait till election days before you reach out to us. This type of meeting should come regularly.

“We know the good and the bad in our communities but we are under-utilised,´´ Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, said.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, said the destruction had put the region in a complex situation.

“It is a complex and complicated matter. Our children are jobless and many are hungry. The problems are too much for the states.

“The states are not independent. The structure we run in Nigeria cannot allow state governors to do much for their states,´´ he said.

The Oluigbo of Ugbo, Oba Akinruntan Obateru, urged the Inspector General of Police to conduct detailed investigation into the incident and fish out those behind the protest.

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu said that “truth is very bitter,´´ noting that majority of the problems were caused by politicians.

“The power with the federal government is too much. The security architecture of the country needs to be restructured.

“The problem we have in Lagos is security and unemployment. The youths have to be looked after. What happened is pure case of security breach. The entire system needs reformation,´´ Akiolu said.

- PM NEWS