September 2024 | Page 6 of 26

Tinubu set to reshuffle cabinet

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed readiness to reshuffle his cabinet. Bayo Onanuga, who is Senior Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Wednesday. Onanuga stated that the move is aimed at ensuring improved governance for the citizenry. “Some of the Ministers are media shy and it appears the government is not doing anything while a lot have been achieved. So there is need to let Nigerians know what have been done in the last one year and few months. “I don’t know if the President is going to do it on October 1 or at any other time but I know he is ready to effect the changes,” Onanuga hinted.

Premier League player who grabbed Jesus’s bum ruled out for rest of season

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The player who shocked fans by grabbing an opponent’s bum during a Premier League game has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury. Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera bizarrely grabbed Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus’ bum during their Premier League opener at the Emirates Stadium last month. Jesus, who was bending down to put his boot back on, was understandably surprised and annoyed by the act and reacted by pushing Mosquera to the ground before complaining to referee Jarred Gillett. But while Jesus was then shown a yellow card for the shove, Mosquera escaped punishment for the bizarre incident in the 2-0 home win. Mosquera has featured heavily for Wolves this season, starting all five of the club’s Premier League games after spending last year on loan at La Liga club Villarreal. But the 23-year-old is now set to miss the rest of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury in Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa. Mosquera had to be carried off on a stretcher after twisting his knee following a challenge by Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Scans showed damage to his ‘medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament’, with an operation required that will sideline the player for many months. Wolves head of high performance Phil Hayward said: ‘Yerson has now had all of the various assessments and scans which unfortunately confirm injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ‘We will be visiting specialists in the coming days to finalise the plan for surgery; this will take place in the next two weeks. ‘Clearly there is a long recovery period ahead for Yerson, and the club will be providing all the support he needs to ensure a successful rehabilitation and a return to competition in due course. ‘Timescales are difficult to state prior to surgery but it is highly unlikely he will feature again this season.’ Wolves have endured a dismal start to the season, taking just one point from their first five matches to sit bottom of the Premier League at this early stage. The games do not get any easier for Gary O’Neil’s side, who face in-form Liverpool this weekend.

EFCC tackles Yahaya Bello’s non-appearance in Court

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago07 mins

Lead prosecution counsel in the trial of former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Adoza Bello, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja that the recent appearance of Bello at the parking lots of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was out of place as both the trial court and Court of Appeal clearly ordered him to present himself for arraignment in the N80.2billion money laundering charges preferred against him by the EFCC. “There is nowhere my Lordship or the Court of Appeal ordered that Yahaya Bello present himself at the EFCC car park, but rather to appear before my Lordship for arraignment. What is even more worrisome and disconcerting is that the defendant went to the EFCC car park holding the hands of a person with immunity who came with all the full security of his office” “The implication, my Lord, is if there was an attempt to get him from the person of immunity, there would be an invitation to anarchy. The invitation by the EFCC later in the day for Yahaya Bello to come alone, not with a person with immunity, security persons and other people was resisted again on their own admission”, he said. Speaking further, Pinheiro pointed out, “My Lord, we wrote a letter to the defendant’s lawyers drawing our colleagues’ attention that arraignment is not conducted in EFCC’s car park, but the defendant should be in court today according to the judgment of the Court of Appeal and this honourable court’s ruling”. Pinheiro also urged the judge to demonstrate his might and exercise his power to show Bello’s counsel A.M Agboyi that the court is not a vaudeville for entertainment but for serious business. “This court is not a vaudeville, a vaudeville is a place of diverse entertainment. I want to borrow the words of Justice Uwaifo that no party should make a court a place of entertainment. The court must resist it. It is a place of serious and solemn business”, he said. He specifically sought the order of the court for Agboyi to be sanctioned and referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, for turning the court to a vaudeville. My Lord, it is against this backdrop that I will make this assertion that my learned friend wants to turn this place to an entertainment place or a casino. I want the court to use its power against him because his senior advocates have left and they pushed him so that it will serve as a lesson to others,” he said. He also sought leave of the court to proceed to the trial of Bello in absentia. Meanwhile, Abdul Mohammed SAN, counsel to Adeola Adedipe SAN, craved the indulgence of the court to exercise its discretion not to charge Adedipe for contempt. “Our application is filed on the 18th of July 2024, it is supported by an 11-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the applicant Mr. Adeola Adedipe. That affidavit has an exhibit marked A, and in compliance with my Lord is a written address. “We are urging my Lord to exercise his discretion, we are on bended knees begging you to exercise your discretion and grant the prayers that are contained in the affidavit”, he said. After listening to the counsels, Justice Nwite stressed that “the matter is slated for arraignment, and it seems it has gone back to square one. It’s been over five months now and I don’t know how the case is going. With the submission made by counsels this morning, it’s quite unfortunate, but I have to reserve my comments, I have to reserve judgement on the submission of these counsels”. He thereafter adjourned the matter till October 30, 2024, for arraignment and ruling. The EFCC is prosecuting Bello on 18-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2billion.

Randle hospital urges students to speak up against Sexual abuse, domestic violence

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Students of Adebola Baptist Senior High School and residents have been enjoined to speak up against Domestic and Sexual Violence, as a way of preventing abuses and vices that can affect their progress in life. The advice was given by various speakers at a two-day programme organised as part of activities marking the Y2024 Domestic and Sexual Awareness Month by the Randle General Hospital, Surulere. A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency, Honourable Desmond Elliot, in his address at the event, explained that the programme was designed to educate as many people as possible on the menace. He said that in Nigeria, lots of people are suffering domestic violence, either physically or through abusive words. Hence sensitisation is needed for people to have respect for each other. While advising that the victims have a right to report cases when they occur, the Honourable stressed that domestic violence is not only about women but concerns everyone, irrespective of age or gender. The Medical Director/CEO of RGH, Dr. Olumide Sojinrin declared that the hospital is ever ready to support everybody, adding that all staff have been enjoined to do everything in their power to assist victims of SGBV in the community. The Head of Department, Social Welfare in the Hospital, Mr. Mojeed Olabode took the students on an interactive session, detailing the meaning of SGBV, causes and harmful effects of domestic and gender-based violence. A Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Dr. Shakirat Smith-Okonu appealed to the students to see themselves as leaders of tomorrow, and as such, should avoid vices that could hinder their progress. She said they should avoid going out with strangers or allowing the opposite sex to touch their private parts and delay any form of sexual activity till they are adults or married. “You are also not to dress indecently or inappropriately or follow friends to parties. Ensure to always inform your parents of your whereabouts”, she advised. On her part, Apex Nurse Boateng Elizabeth pointed out that domestic violence also includes force marriages, child genital mutilation and right violation, adding that the hospital health workers are always poised to help survivors and protect their dignity. Other speakers, at the event that witnessed a large turnout of students and teachers, encouraged participants, especially the students, to say something, when they see something, to say NO to Sexual Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence, and to report cases appropriately, in line with the dictate of the Month’s slogans.

Yahaya Bello must have his day in Court, says EFCC

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago08 mins

It is public knowledge that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello had made several unsuccessful attempts to throw spanners in his ongoing trial through some irresponsible and utterly rascally efforts. The appropriate place of surrender would be before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, before whom his legal team had undertaken to produce him to answer to the 18-count charges of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists. To even insinuate that he was the target of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC made efforts to effect his arrest at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge where he had been hiding, is preposterous. It is the first time in the Commission’s more than two decades existence that such a jejune claim would be made. This is no more than scaremongering, intended to scandalise the Commission. But EFCC is not deterred by this, and other shenanigans by the ex-governor. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the law takes its course in the money laundering charges already filed against Yahaya Bello in Court. EFCC is eager to engage the former governor in the courtroom where the avalanche of evidence so painstakingly assembled can be presented and arguments marshalled for justice to be served to all parties involved in this saga. The true test of Yahaya Bello’s willingness to abide by the law in the criminal proceedings instituted against him at the Federal High Court Abuja by the EFCC is to present himself to the court in obedience to the order of Justice Nwite. His presence in court is the only step that will convince Nigerians that his touted submission to the EFCC which was widely reported in the media on September 18, was not a stunt. Till date, Bello is yet to take his plea in the alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges preferred against him before Justice Nwite. His invasion of the corporate headquarters of the Commission with a retinue of security details, hand-to-hand cahoots and carriage with a sitting governor having immunity, unwarranted media blitz, scripted sleight of hands unknown to the public and other backend intelligence available to the Commission, compelled a tactical rebuff of his touted surrender offer. The incident of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, regarding the orchestrated antics of the former governor to surrender himself to the EFCC, having denied being invited by the Commission and operating underground as a fugitive for several months, expectedly raised concerns and curiosity of many Nigerians who had been waiting frantically for his arrest and trial. As a responsible anti-graft agency, the EFCC is sensitive to public opinions, especially if they are in tandem with its operational codes and Standard Operating Procedures. However, no hysteria, blackmail, sentiment or coordinated attacks in some section of the media would make the Commission compromise its integrity. Yahaya Bello’s matter cannot define the success or failure of the works of the EFCC, as the scorecard of the Commission is remarkable and undeniably impressive. The EFCC is not unaware of the fact that corruption fights back. Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage. Within the year, the Commission had arraigned three former ministers, two ex-governors, several top government officials, captains of industries, internet fraudsters and many more would be arraigned in due course. Every former governor, minister, head of ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs being investigated by the Commission would soon be charged to court. The EFCC is not running a circus show. Corruption issues should not be turned into a theatre of the absurd. Those who harbor a criminal suspect should know that the act is also a criminal offence which is also punishable in law. While the EFCC is assuring the public of its unfaltering focus and commitment to continue to tackle every issue of economic and financial crime without fear or favour, there is need to remind Nigerians that corruption does fight back and caution and restraint should always be exercised in responding to the operational mechanics and dynamics of the Commission. The EFCC would continue with its no sacred cow policy, no matter whose ox is gored.

Olukoyede orders probe of N15m Bobrisky’s allegation against EFCC Officers

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has ordered immediate investigation of alleged bribery allegations imputed to some officers of the Commission by Idris Okuneye (a.ka.Bobrisky) in a viral video circulating across the country. Okuneye, an ex-convict had alleged in the video powered by Martins Vincent Otse (a.k.a VeryDarkMan) that some unnamed officers of the EFCC collected the sum of N15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira) only from him to drop money laundering charges against him. In a swift reaction, the EFCC’s boss has constituted a team of Investigators to critically look into the allegations. To this end, the Commission hereby invites both Okuneye and Otse to make themselves available at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators unearth the alleged bribery. The EFCC wishes to assure the public that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated and the result of the findings made public accordingly. The Commission is committed to its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration at all times.

I’m no longer interested in buying Arsenal -Dangote

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has given up hope of buying Premier League football club Arsenal after its value shot up while he was building the continent’s largest oil refinery. The billionaire, an ardent fan of the London team, said in 2019 that he would consider buying Arsenal after completing his 650,000 barrel-a-day refinery outside Lagos, Nigeria. This year, the $20 billion plant has started producing diesel and jet fuel and refining gasoline. “I regret not buying it before but my money was needed in completing my project then,” the tycoon said in an interview on Bloomberg Television in New York on Monday. “I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion,” which he suggested was about Arsenal’s current valuation, adding that he would have bought it for $2 billion a few years ago. Arsenal is owned by American billionaire Stan Kroenke, whose son Josh takes an active role in the club. There is no suggestion that Kroenke would sell the club. In 2021, Spotify founder Daniel Ek — also an Arsenal fan — said he had an offer rejected. Either way, Dangote believes completing the refinery was a good decision considering the value of the petroleum project to Nigeria — even if it affected his sporting ambition. The billionaire and the government have long said the project will finally wean Africa’s largest crude producer off imported fuel and help it end a subsidy that costs billions of dollars annually. Dangote believes the dollars saved from importing gasoline will boost supply and support the West African nation’s currency. The naira has come under pressure, losing about 70% of its value since reforms last year, intended to attract inflows, enabled it to trade freely. “I think the best decision was for us to go and complete our refinery,” Dangote said. “I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal.” The Gunners finished second behind Manchester City for the last two seasons, with manager Mikel Arteta vying to win its first Premier League title since 2004.

San Siro loses 2027 Champions League final due to uncertain future

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The 2027 Champions League final will be moved away from the San Siro in Milan due to uncertainties over potential renovations, UEFA said on Tuesday. European football’s governing body said that the San Siro had lost the showpiece fixture as the city of Milan could not guarantee that the ground and the surrounding area “would not be affected by refurbishment works”. “It was decided not to assign the final to Milan and to re-open the bidding process to appoint a suitable venue, with a decision expected in May/June 2025,” added UEFA. Earlier this month AC Milan and Inter Milan, who both play their home matches at the San Siro, rejected a project to modernise and restructure the iconic stadium, which is owned by the city of Milan. Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala said both clubs would be ready to relaunch their initial project of a new stadium in the immediate vicinity of San Siro, which had been abandoned last year after political and bureaucratic wrangles. Earlier this year AC Milan bought land in the suburb of San Donato Milanese, to the south-east of the city, as part of a plan to move outside the official boundaries of the city of Milan in the hope they would more easily gain building approval. Reigning Serie A champions Inter have their sights set on the towns of Rozzano and Assago, just south of Milan, after sounding out the possibility of building on former industrial land in populous northern suburb Sesto San Giovanni. In 2026, San Siro will host the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.