An entrepreneur, Mike Emerah, has slammed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, for opposing the purchase of a new presidential jet for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Recall that a committee of the National Assembly reportedly recommended the purchase of new aircraft for the Presidential Fleet.

The lawmakers noted that aircraft in the Presidential Fleet had deteriorated, placing the lives of the President and Vice President at risk.

The recommendation was opposed by several Nigerians, including Peter Obi who argued that Nigerians cannot be dying of hunger and starvation while the Presidency is budgeting billions of Naira to procure a new jet for the President.

Reacting to the development, Emerah described Obi’s utterances as extremely negative.

“I am disappointed with Obi’s utterances because it seems to me that he wants the President of a whole country like Nigeria to die in a plane crash, just as some Presidents of other countries have died in the past while using rickety jets.

“Before now, I used to have much regard for and respect for Obi but with his latest utterances, my respect and regard for him has watered down.

“Even if the old jet must be sold, the presidency should first and foremost procure a sound jet before disposing off the old ones or repairing them and not vice versa.

“By the way, if I may ask, is Obi saying that the presidency should stop performing its statutory functions until the old jets are sold before a new one is procured or is he saying that the old ones must be repaired before the presidency will start performing functions and besides, what is the guarantee that the old ones are properly repaired and the yardstick that the repair has been properly carried out,” he said.

Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood, was at the club’s Carrington base on Monday but did not join training with the team.

Greenwood’s future with the Premier League club remains uncertain since he was suspended by the club in January 2022.

This followed allegations of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his partner.

Although the charges against Greenwood were dropped in February 2023, the player was loaned to Getafe in LaLiga last summer.

He is expected to move on permanently now the transfer window is open again.
Following the expiry of his loan, Greenwood reported to Carrington on Monday.

According to The Athletic, Greenwood was there for negotiations regarding his departure from Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old left without joining the rest of the squad on the grass.

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, fixed Sept. 26 for the arraignment of another two senior staff of Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC for alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

The officials, who are being prosecuted separately, are Aminat Asuni and Laure Abdullahi.

They were part of the five others already arraigned by the ICPC before sister courts.
Justice Nkeonye Maha fixed the date after ICPC’s counsel, Mrs P.N. Emeka, sought an adjournment to enable the commission to serve the defendants with the charges.

When the two matters were called, Emeka informed the court that the defendants were evading arrest.

She, however, applied for an adjournment to enable her effect the service of the processes on Asuni and Abdullahi before the next adjourned date, and Justice Maha fixed Sept. 26 for the defendants to take their plea.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the ICPC had filed two separate charges against Asuni and Abdullahi.

In the first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/207/2024, the anti-corruption commission filed a four-count charge dated May 8 and filed May 10 against Asuni, while Abdullahi was also preferred with a four-count charge numbered: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2024, and filed same day.

Asuni was alleged to have, sometime in March 2023 or thereabout while being a public officer in the employment of REA Abuja and with intent to defraud the agency, received the sum of N336 million in different tranches through her Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account number: 0022457813 under the false pretence of project supervision.

On his part, Abdullahi was alleged to have, within the same period and with intent to defraud the agency, received N433 million in different tranches through his GTB account number: 0023343114 under the false pretence of project supervision.

The act was said to have contributed to the economic adversity of REA.

The offence is contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, among others.
The two officials were being charged for diverting the N336 million and N433 million belonging to the agency.

NAN reports that the money formed part of the N1.84 billion allegedly misappropriated by seven top officials of REA, including Abubakar Sambo, Director of Finance and Account of the agency.

The Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, in Kano, Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has said those behind the purported suspension of the National Leader and Presidential Candidate of the Party, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State were long ago expelled from the Party.

“Let me be clear to you that these people who say they have suspended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were long ago expelled from the Party for several anti-party activities and connivance with opposition to create problems in the NNPP”.

Dungurawa responding to the alleged extension of suspension time of Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf, by one Umar Jibrin and Omalara Johnson in a Communique they signed, Monday, said, “you can see that there is a missing link in their actions”.

He said the missing link is that as a Party that has only one single Governor and the Presidential Candidate of the Party, who nurtured it to its present position, you are saying you suspended them, can this make any sense to anybody?

Dungurawa alleged that he knows those behind the crises in the NNPP. “they are the opposition who are afraid of the emergence soon of Kwankwaso as the next President of Nigeria, in 2027, God willing”.

He assured that the Party remains one of the biggest emerging parties in the country saying, ”a party that will present the next president of the nation, we know those who are behind the purported suspension, the forces are sponsored by the ruling government and the ruling Chairman of APC”.

A non-governmental organization, Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against contemplating the model adopted by the Kenyans in their recent anti-tax protest.

Chairman Board of Trustees of CCC, Retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave the warning while addressing newsmen on the centre’s Conflict Trends Analysis (CTA) for the second quarter on Monday in Abuja.

Kolade said the centre was concerned about the antics of those who are mooting the idea of re-enacting in Nigeria, the recent anti-tax crisis that rocked Kenya.

According to him, they believe that such destructive protests in Nigeria will be the surest way of getting the government to solve our current economic challenges.

He said that much as the right to protest was guaranteed in the nation’s constitution, any form of destruction and violence in the name of protest should be avoided.

According to him, the Kenyan experience is not and should not be our democratic model.

“Violence has no redeeming quality and any action that will lead to violence and destruction should be discouraged.

“Nigeria is already assailed by multifaceted internal security challenges, and any call for violent protests will simply open the country up for opportunistic criminals.

“They will take advantage and cause mayhem, destroy public facilities and endanger our peaceful existence.

“The aftermath of ‘EndSars Protest’ is still fresh in our minds and we therefore call on our youths to shun anything that will engender crisis and destruction in any part of our country,” he said.

Kolade called on the government to do more to de-escalate the tension in the polity by proactively addressing all the prevailing challenges confronting the nation.

He said the centre was deeply concerned about the rising tension and restiveness in some parts of the country.

A man who climbed a radio mast in an attempt to commit suicide on Monday in Abuja has been rescued.

The man identified as Shuaibu Yusuf, from Borno State, descended from the mast after numerous pleas from emergency responders, and was subsequently apprehended by the police.

Shuaibu had vowed to sacrifice his life for the nation’s pressing issues, while pleading for fellow Nigerians to join his cause, emphasizing his readiness to sacrifice his life for what he termed critical issues.

He demanded the restoration of fuel subsidies and declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity, and the government to take immediate action in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, and Borno to combat terrorism and restore peace.

The man also requested opening of borders for food importation to tackle the food shortage crisis, and that the government should address the issue of out-of-school children.

DAILY POST reports that Fire Service operatives, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and FCT officials were present to intervene.

According to the report, the man climbed the mast allegedly belonging to Aso radio after leaving a note detailing his intention.

DAILY POST reports that the nation has seen an upsurge in suicide cases recently.

Some health experts have blamed it on the biting economic hardship and hunger.

Nigerian football star, Kayode Olanrewaju, has slammed a ₦1 billion lawsuit on controversial UK-based Pastor, Tobi Adegboyega for emotional trauma, financial loss and loss of goodwill occasioned by his alleged adulterous affair with his wife Dora Ezinne Kayode, and asking the court for an official divorce.

The cross-petition marked Suit Number PET/304/2024, citing several allegations involving infidelity, financial misconduct, and a dramatic family fallout, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

Olanrewaju, in his cross-petition, claimed that since their marriage in 2013, Ezinne has repeatedly committed adultery, including his earlier claim of an ongoing affair with Pastor Adegboyega.

He alleged that his wife’s relationship with Adegboyega has not been secret, with the pair seen openly attending parties and sharing intimate moments in public.

The footballer also alleged that Ezinne has had similar relations with other men, which has made it intolerable for him to continue living with her as husband.

Olanrewaju further alleged that Ezinne diverted significant funds and rental proceeds from properties he purchased, stressing that she is using them to sustain her extravagant lifestyle and her alleged relationship with Pastor Adegboyega.

According to the lawsuit, the plot included collusion with Ezinne’s alleged ex-lover, Ugochukwu Igboanugo, who helped her misappropriate property documents.

The footballer further accused Ezinne of abusing alcohol and living a life filled with late-night parties, which contributed to the deterioration of their marriage.

Olanrewaju accused his estranged wife of undermining their joint business ventures. He stated how he incorporated DE-J-S Concept Ltd., intending it to be a vehicle for their investments. However, he alleged that Ezinne exploited this opportunity to siphon funds and benefit from the company’s assets, facilitated by her alleged ties with Ugochukwu Igboanugo.

The footballer mentioned emotional and financial tolls, trauma and losses incurred due to the alleged infidelity, financial misappropriation and misconduct, including the abrupt termination of his international football contract, driven by his need to address the crisis for seeking N1 billion in damages.

While seeking an official divorce, Olanrewaju said he was shocked when he got a credit alert from his father-in-law sometime in May 2024, indicating a refund of the Bride Price paid during their wedding.

He said Dora Ezinne later took to social media to declare herself traditionally free as her bride price was refunded.

Olanrewaju asked the court to dissolve his marriage with Ezinne and grant him custody of their children because his estranged wife could not be a good role model for the children of the marriage.

The suit has been adjourned to 24th September 2024 for a hearing.

The Abia State Government has banned street trading in Aba and other parts of the city.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Chairman of Abia State Harmonized Taskforce, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu.

The Government also banned illegal motor parks, roadside mechanic workshops, conversion of streets and public roads for religious, social and commercial functions.

According to the statement, “The executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti is leading a new government and doing new things in new ways for quality governance in our dear state, Abia.

“Please be informed that the Governor has harmonized all approved taxes and levies previously handled by different task forces from different ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.

“Therefore, no more touts operating and illegally issuing tickets to motorists on public roads and streets.

“Be further informed that the Harmonized Task Force is working with all the security agencies and is mandated to arrest and prosecute offenders in designated mobile courts.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed”.

There was tension in the Kelebe area of Osogbo on Monday morning when soldiers stormed a gathering of the Kelebe-Omu Landowners Association.

In the ensuing mayhem, one of the drivers of the caterpillar employed by the landowners and another member of the association was whisked away by the soldiers.

The landowners had gathered to enforce the judgment of an Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife.

Recall that Justice A. O. Ayoola had on January 10, 2023, affirmed that the association members were the rightful owners of the land in dispute.

Without an appeal from the NiNigeriangeria Army, the court also gave the association the go-ahead to possess the land through a warrant of possession.

The Chairman of the Association, Chief Amodu Akanbi reacting to the development revealed that two of their members have been abducted and taken to the Nigerian Army Engineering Construction Command, Ede, Osun State.

Amodu called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Ademola Adeleke and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja to intervene to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary tension.

He said, “After the judgment, we discovered that the Nigerian Army was selling plots on the property. We approached the court with the evidence and it was tendered as exhibits in contempt of court.

“We came here again to enforce the court judgment and the soldiers attacked us. Two of our members have been abducted and taken away. Phones have been seized and several of our properties confiscated.

“We want Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and make the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja see the reason why violence should be avoided. Osun State is known for peace and peace is what we want.”

The landowners had in a protest early in the year asked the Osun State House of Assembly to intervene in the matter.

The Nigerian Army had also reacted to the ongoing land dispute with the Kelebe-Omu Landowners Association early in the year.

The Nigeria Army through the Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said it has appealed the judgment ordering the service to relinquish possession of 3,646 acres of land located between the Kelebe area and Omu Stream in Osogbo/Olorunda Local Government Areas of Osun State.

In the statement in February 2024, General Nwachukwu said the service had filed an appeal to overturn the high court decision in Osun at the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal.

The Nigeria Army spokesperson maintained that following the appeal, all parties were advised to maintain status quo till the appellate court delivers its verdict on the matter.

He assured that “the Nigerian Army will continue to work in collaboration with relevant authorities to address any legitimate concern and ensure that justice prevails.

“We appreciate the very apt and timely intervention of Honourable members of the House of Representatives and the Osun State House of Assembly in the matter. We also solicit the understanding and support of other stakeholders and the public, as we strive to maintain peace and security in our nation.”

The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra has issued a warning to the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele.

The family warned him to steer clear of the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Kanu’s younger brother, Kanunta Kanu, gave the warning in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a supposed prophecy recently released by the clergy regarding Kanu’s continuous incarceration by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Recall that Primate Ayodele, during the launch of his 30th “Warning to the Nations” at his church in Lagos, said that “Kanu should beg the government before he is released or else he will die in jail.”

However, piqued by the comment, Kanu’s family asked the clergy to focus on his church and stop making provocative utterances against their son.

The family claimed that Ayodele’s prophecies have nothing to do with God, asking the clergy to stop using their son’s name “to seek public attention and draw traffic.”

According to the statement, the “God whose mouthpiece Ayodele is claiming to be is a God of justice who does not punish the innocent.”

“Ayodele should be courageous enough to tell the world what God said about the murderous invasion of our family home that resulted in the death of our parents and the murder of 28 other innocent visitors to our home.

“The righteous God I know cannot count the masterminds of this atrocity guiltless and hold their victims accountable,” the statement added.