July 27, 2022

[GIST] National Agency, NEMA Receives Fresh Batch Of 175 Stranded Nigerians From Libya

[GIST] National Agency, NEMA Receives Fresh Batch Of 175 Stranded Nigerians From Libya

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Another batch of 175 stranded Nigerians from Libya has been received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State.
It was learnt that the returnees are 77 male adults, 64 female adults, 11 male and 12 female children, five female infants and six male infants.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, who was represented by the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development.
According to the Director-General, the stranded Nigerians were received at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 23:58 p.m, with Boeing 737-800 Al Buraq Air, with registration number 5A-DMG.
"The returnees were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme.
"The programme was meant for the distressed Nigerians who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries but could not afford to return when their journey became frustrated.
"The returnees are 77 male adults, 64 female adults, 11 male and 12 female children, five female infants and six male infants.
"Among those brought into the country, two females and two males had medical issues," Farinloye stated.
He however urged the returnees to turn a new leaf in looking for ample opportunities in the country that were enough for everyone to achieve their desired goals.
He appealed to them to avoid vices that they must have been exposed to from the country of departure.
 

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[GIST] Christian Association, CAN Gets New President, Daniel Okoh As Ayokunle Bows Out

[GIST] Christian Association, CAN Gets New President, Daniel Okoh As Ayokunle Bows Out

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The Christian Association of Nigeria has elected Most Reverend Daniel Okoh as its new President, ending the tenure of Reverend Olasupo Ayokunle.
The announcement of Okoh’s election is contained in a statement by the CAN General Secretary, Joseph Daramola.


Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church, also called Nation Builders (Odozi-Obodo).
CAN comprises of five blocs; the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN); Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN); Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship.
The umbrella Christian body in Nigeria is scheduled to hold its General Assembly on July 27, which will usher in the new administration.
The assembly also marks the end of the tenure of Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and other members of the National Executives in his team.
The outgoing CAN president thanked all Nigerians for their support and prayers, which he said led to his successful tenure.
The handover ceremony and beginning of a new regime will take place on July 29.

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July 26, 2022

[GIST] No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi

[GIST] No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, said he entered the “match” of the 2023 general elections and his only aim is to win and not to work for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Obi while speaking on Channels TV on Monday evening, noted that he had all what it took to defeat Atiku.

The former Anambra State governor, Obi was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 general elections and despite his acclaimed eloquence, the duo lost to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Obi had “divorced” Atiku and opted to run on the platform of the Labour Party as its presidential candidate.

Atiku, however, said last Friday in an Arise TV interview that Obi could not perform any miracle to win the presidential election in 2023.

However, when Obi was asked on Channels TV about the possibility of him working with Atiku if the chance arose, he said he was in the contest to win, adding that he had all it took to win.

Obi said, “Nobody goes into a match thinking of what will happen. Everyone is going into it to win. I’m going into this contest to be the next President of Nigeria… I think I have all it takes to win.”

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[GIST] 2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina

[GIST] 2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina

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The President of the African Development Bank (ADF), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has made a case for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in the 2023 general elections to decide the leadership of the country.
Adesina, who was Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the appeal in his speech at the celebration of Nigeria's diaspora day, delivered virtually.

While eulogising Nigerians in diaspora and their contributions to the development of the country, the AfDB president disclosed that in 2021, Nigerians in diaspora remitted $20billion to the country which represented four times more than the foreign direct investments in the same 2021 and half of the nation's crude oil export.
He said, "Today Nigerians in diaspora send home over $20 billion a year as remittances. Now to put this in perspective, you are going to think of the following - Nigeria's foreign direct investment in 2021 was $4.8 billion according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD). That means remittances by Nigerians in diaspora are four times the total foreign direct investment to Nigeria.
"Nigeria export revenue from crude oil average is about $40 billion annually. Now that means that remittances by Nigerians in the diaspora are half of the crude oil exports of Nigeria, is like the new oil for Nigeria.
"Without any doubt, Nigerians in diaspora are Nigeria's second largest source of revenue after crude oil. Nigeria should therefore provide policies that support Nigerians in diaspora regardless of where we live or work; home is home.
"Nigeria will achieve greatness if the diasporans will play a great part in our country's greatness. That is why it is important for Nigerians in the diaspora to be allowed to participate in the political processes of Nigeria.
"It is time that Nigerians in the diaspora are allowed to vote other nations do this. America allows its diaspora citizens to vote. Several African countries now allow their diasporan citizens to vote. Nigeria should do the same.”
"Then Nigerians at home and Nigerians outside the country, we can share in the shaping the future of their homeland Nigeria. May Nigeria thrives and prosper in peace unity and shared prosperity," he added.
 

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[GIST] Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’

[GIST] Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’

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President Muhammadu Buhari, known for frivolous foreign trips, will on Tuesday depart Abuja for Monrovia, Liberia to, among other things, deliver a lecture
Buhari, according to a statement on Monday, will also address issues bordering on West Africa’s security, free and fair elections and respect for rule of law. 

He will also join other African leaders as Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule; making it the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
The Presidency disclosed these in the statement by Garba Shehu.
Shehu noted that Buhari’s visit to Liberia, Tuesday, July 26, “signifies the importance attached to the security and wellbeing of Liberia and the rest of West Africa.”
The statement read in part, “On this day, Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule, with the country being the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
“President Buhari is the Special Guest of Honour at the celebration and will deliver an address. The trip to Liberia comes at a time when political instability and the return of coups-d’état have upended two to three decades of democratic order in the sub-region.
“Liberia, Sierra-Leone along with Nigeria are going into elections in 2023 and President Buhari is expected to emphasise to them the importance of free, fair and credible elections.”
“In his address, the President is expected to stress the importance of the respect for rule of law rule throughout the sub-region. Without rule of Law and constitutional rule, there cannot be security, peace and development.” 
Further justifying the President’s trip, Shehu said “Peace and security of Liberia (and Sierra-Leone) is important to Nigeria given the enormous investments in men, material and resources expended by this country to secure the two states.
“Without the leadership of Nigeria in the context of ECOWAS to secure these two, there would not have been a Liberia on the map in its present configuration today.
“Bilaterally, Nigeria and Liberia may bring to the table issues of cross-border terrorism, bolstering defence and trade ties. The warmth of the relationship and personal chemistry between President Buhari and George Weah of Liberia is no less significant and will play a key role in the events of tomorrow.”

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[GIST] Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha

[GIST] Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha

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The Nigeria Police Force has detained the Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja.

It was gathered Oloye was detained because of a petition by the lawmaker representing the Taraba South Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye

Bwacha had earlier submitted a petition to the police to investigate the journalist in Taraba State over alleged cyber-stalling, defamation of character, and frustration of ambition among others.

Daily Post reports that Ayodele had, prior to his detention, raised an alert in a text message forwarded to media colleagues on Monday morning.

He said, “I’m Ayodele Samuel, Publisher of Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper and CEO of Rock FM Jalingo, the first private FM radio station in Taraba State.

“I’m honouring a police invitation at the FCID, Abuja over a petition (I don’t know who the petitioners are or the content of the petition) but as a law-abiding citizen, I have honoured the invitation with a lawyer provided by the Media Rights Agenda, MRA.

“I feel it’s necessary to inform you and seek your support in case things go south.”

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[GIST] Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration

[GIST] Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration

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A group of people living with disabilities, under the platform of the National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Benue State Chapter, on Monday, stormed the Benue State Government's House to protest the lack of employment opportunities and nonpayment of bursary allowances to their members.

The members of the association were seen gathering in large numbers in front of the state government house.

SaharaReporters gathered that the protesters were at the Government House since 10am and defied the rain to demand to see Governor Samuel Ortom for failing to address their needs for over seven years now.

"We are demanding to see the governor because none of the letters we wrote to him was approved. It is high time we took this move because he is not only representing the able persons, he also represents the disabled," the group’s spokesperson told SaharaReporters.

He continued, "Among us, we have graduates, we have undergraduates. No job has been given to people with disabilities in Benue and we are finding it hard to cater to our families.

"If you can recall in 2018, 5% of jobs in Benue State were given to our members. But since then, nothing has happened again. Maybe he is not aware. So we decided to come to this gate to relate our challenges to him.

"The other one is disability commission; we want it to be domesticated in Benue. If he doesn't do it, we don't have the power to do it for ourselves. The students amongst us have not received bursary (scholarships) awarded to others since seven years back," he added.

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July 25, 2022

[GIST] Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video

[GIST] Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video

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The Nigerian Presidency has reacted to the flogging of abducted Kaduna-Abuja train passengers by terrorists.
The victims were abducted when bandits attacked the Kaduna-bound train on March 28.


Eight passengers were killed during the train attack, while a yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons were kidnapped.
In a viral video lasting two minutes, 50 seconds sent by the terrorists to family members of the abductees on Saturday, the male victims are seen crying as they were being flogged by the terrorists.
As the flogging stopped, female captives came into the frame. One of them cried out and rued voting for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to the video in a statement on Sunday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the use of violence by ‘terrorists” is not new.
Shehu said President Buhari has gone beyond expectations in supporting security operatives, and he expects results.


He said, “Terrorist activity using propaganda and the use of violence to force governments to accept or submit to political demands is not new all over the world. The country’s security and defence forces are not clueless or helpless. They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.
“The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages? They have committed no offence. All they did was to board a train.
“It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them. Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.
“Terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors – the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers. This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.
“To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.
“The Presidency, in the meantime, wishes to reassure the public that the President has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-in-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.”News AddThis :  Original Author :  saharareporters, new york Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer

[GIST] Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer

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The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Sonny Echono, who is a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, is not running down the agency through unwholesome practices as alleged, a lawyer, Felix Ayanruoh has said.
Echono was appointed in March by President Muhammadu Buhari as TETFUND boss.


Sources earlier told SaharaReporters that Echono had turned the agency into a fiefdom where contract splitting and padding was the order of the day.
"The situation in TETFUND in less than four months is worrisome; the ES has done what no other chief executive has done in terms of splitting contracts to favour his cronies and fronts. A situation where the ES brags about extensive knowledge of procurement is disgusting. I can say that the rot he perpetuated while he was Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry is what he is repeating here,” one of the sources had said.
"The ES is in the habit of asking for advance payment in dollars before grants are released. You know he was the former PS in the Education Ministry, and he knew most of the Vice-Chancellors of the universities. So it has been business as usual with how these Vice-Chancellors respond to his monetary demands before grants are released.”
“One of the antics of the ES of TETFUND is insisting that most TETFUND projects are executed by firms he recommended. He has a list of firms under his direct control that he uses in executing TETFUND projects.
“There is a list of anointed firms that must execute projects. In some instances, these firms are not qualified and what happens is that they end up engaging firms with capacity but for a lesser fee. One of the federal universities in the Southern part of the country was a case where TETFUND released the sum of 250 million (naira) for constructing twin lecture theatres. The firm that was awarded the contract later engaged another firm for the same project at the sum of 150 million (naira),” another source had noted.
Reacting, Ayanruoh described the allegations as false.
The lawyer described Echono as a true and dedicated civil servant and an epitome of what a public administrator should be.
He said, “Mr. Echono is a testimonial of a dedicated and incorruptible public administrator that our dear nation deserves.  He has not been investigated or questioned of his decades of service to our great nation.
“He inspires governance and administration of all shades of government to action. And while inspiration alone isn’t enough to get the job done, it is a necessary ingredient to begin the hard work.
“His unwillingness to cross the line into the dark side of public administration has touched a fundamental place in the hearts of many who are eager to work with him and believe that public service is not entirely cynical.
“However, it is imperative to state that Mr. Echono turned down an extension offered by the Federal Government as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, the supervisory Ministry of NECO referred to in the article. 
“It is instructive to note that Sony Echono is a true and dedicated civil servant – an epitome of what a public administrator should be. He has traversed public service and propelled successes from the administration of the likes of Akinwumi Adesina the former Minister of Agriculture, Oby Ezekwesili (Madam Due Process) and former Minister of Education among others. 
“Never allow the transitory evanescence demands of men to take precedence over eternal demand of the Almighty God.” 

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[GIST] Anger As Shi'ites Group Honours Members Killed By Nigerian Army During 2015 Zaria Massacre, Marks Annual Quds Day In Abuja

[GIST] Anger As Shi'ites Group Honours Members Killed By Nigerian Army During 2015 Zaria Massacre, Marks Annual Quds Day In Abuja

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Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as "Shi'ites" at the weekend gathered in Abuja to mark Quds Day, a day set aside by the movement in Nigeria in support of the Palestinian struggle.
The movement also used the event to honour


their fallen 'heroes’ and ‘martyrs’ killed by security operatives in Zaria in 2015 by the Nigerian military.
The sect said they would never give up the struggle in demanding justice for the victims and exercising their right to practise their religion.
The event was marked soberly with portrait photographs of the victims including three children of the leader of the movement, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, on display. 
Speaking at the event, the Patron of the Academic Forum of the movement, Prof. Isah Mshelgaru said irrespective of the killings, harassment and intimidation by the Nigerian government and security agencies, the movement would not be forced into silence. 
"It is a day to remember these our heroes and also tell the world that these people that have sacrificed their lives, there are still some other people that are ready to make similar sacrifices until the aims of those people who sacrificed their lives are achieved," he said. 
He lamented the illegal detention of many Shi'ites by security agencies across the country since 2015, adding that the movement would do everything legally possible to ensure their release.
He also added that the sect would sustain the procession and protest against the continued seizure of the passports of their leader, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat
by the Nigerian government which has prevented the couple from travelling out of the country for medical treatment.
"When Sheik and his wife were detained, we protested for over six years and most of the time on a daily basis. We didn't get tired even when the government was saying we would be tired and abandon the struggle.
"The issue of fighting for our rights is a continuous process and there is no way we will abandon our rights. We will continue to pursue our rights using all legal means until we get our rights. So the protest and all other things will continue," he added. 
Another scholar of the forum, Ahamad Shuaib said the aim of the Nigerian government not to release the passport of their leader was to eliminate him.
"Why will they seize his passport? Seizing his passport, they mean bad for Sheik. Since he has bullets in his body system and bullets emit lead poison and lead is very poisonous. It is the only miracle that has made Sheik to survive till this time. 
"He has stroke twice while in detention without proper care. His wife is suffering from a knee problem and other complications."
He explained that the event was also done in solidarity with the people of Palestine, saying they are being terrorised by the Israeli government with support from the USA.
IMN added that the international community has turned a blind eye to the increasingly transparent reality on the ground for too long.
 

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