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Air force

Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar visited the engineers
working on the aircraft to see the level of work done
on them
- The Do-228 aircraft was delivered to NAF by the
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIM)
- NAF says one of the aircraft is beyond fixing
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has revealed that
the ongoing reactivation of the Do-228 aircraft
recently handed over to it by a sister agency, the
immigration service, has reached an advanced
stage. Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar inspected
it.
Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who is the Chief
of the Air Staff (CAS) saw the level of work done
on it when he carried out an on-the-site
inspection visits to some units in Kaduna on 4
June 2018.
NAF said Abubakar also inspected the ongoing
construction of headquarters complex for the Air
Training Command in Kaduna and was pleased
to observe that work was progressing as
scheduled.
One of the aircraft being fixed by the Nigerian Air Force.
Credit: NAF
READ ALSO: Breaking: FG goes tough on smoking
of shisha in public, orders police to arrest
culprits
A statement by the NAF also noted that the air
frame of one of the three aircraft received from
the NIS had been heavily corroded before it was
handed over and therefore was beyond economic
repairs.
“Furthermore, preliminary inspections have been conducted
on the remaining two aircraft by NAF engineers and
technicians at 431 Engineering Group, NAF Base Kaduna.
One of the aircraft during inspection. Credit: NAF
“One of the 2 repairable Do-238 aircraft that was at Kaduna
civil airport has already been ferried to the Kaduna military
airfield following initial maintenance activities by the NAF
maintenance crew.
“In addition, the faded paintings on both aircraft have been
replaced with military paint schemes to minimize corrosion
and in preparation for subsequent deployment to
operational theaters.
“The NAF is now awaiting the delivery of the required time
change Items and other aircraft spares to enable the
conduct of mandatory outstanding scheduled inspections on
both aircraft.

“Apart from its usefulness as a light liaison transport
aircraft, the Do-228 could be employed for intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the
counterinsurgency and other operations in the country.
The Chief of Air Staff addresses some officers of the
Nigerian Air Force. Credit: NAF
“Consequently, by the time the reactivation is completed,
the operational effectiveness of the NAF would be further
boosted and the hitherto grounded aircraft prevented from
total decay,” the NAF statement said.
Adegokblog earlier reported Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo is currently addressing new graduates
of Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna state as
they pass out of the training institution.

Breaking: FG goes tough on smoking of shisha in public, orders police to arrest culprits

The Nigerian government, on Monday, June 4,
declared the banning of the use of flavoured tobacco,
especially shisha, in public places. Minister Isaac
Adewole directed security agencies to arrest anyone
found inhaling the substance.
Adegokblog .com learnt that Adewole, a professor and
health minister, made the announcement in
Abuja at an event organised to mark the 2018
World No Tobacco Day celebration in Nigeria.
According to the minister, Nigeria loses $800
million annually to stroke, heart disease and
diabetes with a projected accumulated loss of
$7.6 billion to tobacco in 2015.
The New Telegraph quoted Adewole as saying
that evidence had shown that for every $1 gain
from tobacco business about $3 was expended on
healthcare cost.

He said a work plan to be implemented by
stakeholders before the approval of the NTC
regulations to curb the use of tobacco products
in the country had been developed and launched
by the minister on the National Tobacco Control
(NTC) act.
“The work plan outlines education, enforcement and
monitoring for compliance including the ban on sale of
tobacco products to and by anyone below 18 years of age;
ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship of
any kind; ban on smoking in public places; and ban on sale
of tobacco products in piecemeal quantity but in packs of 20
sticks for cigarettes or 30g for smokeless tobacco.
“The FMOH is also looking beyond the work plan as we are
developing a comprehensive five-year national tobacco
control strategic plan that will provide the roadmap for
complete tobacco control.
“In addition to this, the FMOH participated actively in the
review of the Nigeria industrial standard for tobacco
products convened by Standards Organisation of Nigeria
(SON) in collaboration with Consumer Protection Council
(CPC).
“A key outcome of this review was the ban on all
characterizing flavours including the addition of menthol
into tobacco products. This decision is to protect our
children from getting enticed by flavoured tobacco
products.
“Let me stress that the ban on tobacco products with
characterizing flavours is still in place and the ban includes
shisha because it has flavour. I therefore urge the CPC and
the law enforcement agencies to intensify arrest of
defaulters,” he said.
He added: “Data from 2014 WHO - NCD Global Status
Report showed that heart related diseases, cancers, diabetes
and chronic respiratory disease killed 38 million (68%)
persons out of the 56 million global deaths recorded in
2012, and sadly, more than 40% of these deaths occurred
before the age of 70 years. It is generally agreed that
tobacco will kill more than 50% of its users when used
exactly as recommended by its manufacturers.
“Globally there are more than 1 billion smokers, and more
than 7 million people are killed by tobacco annually. Of
this, more than 6 million die from direct tobacco use, and
close to 900,000 from exposure to second-hand smoke. I
must add that the low and middle income countries
including Nigeria bear nearly 80% of the global burden.
“This indeed calls for increased awareness on the impact of
tobacco use and exposure to second-hand tobacco on
cardiovascular health.
“May I inform you that we are not oblivious of the
conscious efforts by the tobacco industry to project their
business above the health of the public. In view of this we
are duty-bound to protect government laws, regulations and
policies from commercial and other vested interests of the
tobacco industry in accordance with the WHO FCTC Article
5.3 and the NTC Act 2015.
“Recently, Philip Morris International (PMI) under the guise
of the ‘foundation for a smoke-free world’ is persuading the
public to partner with the foundation.

“May I caution in strong terms that all ministries,
departments, agencies, academia, professional bodies, non-
governmental organizations and members of the public not
to accept support from or enter into partnership agreement
with this foundation or any tobacco industry or their front
groups as this might lead to irreconcilable conflict of
interest. If the tobacco industry means well they must stop
manufacturing tobacco products.”
Adegokblog .com earlier reported that a Technical
Working Group (TWG) on tobacco taxation has
urged the federal government to exclude tobacco
companies from benefiting from the Export
Expansion Grant (EEG) and other incentives.

We are re-activating aircraft handed over by immigration service - NAF gives update

A statement by the NAF also noted that the air
frame of one of the three aircraft received from
the NIS had been heavily corroded before it was
handed over and therefore was beyond economic
repairs.
“Furthermore, preliminary inspections have been conducted
on the remaining two aircraft by NAF engineers and
technicians at 431 Engineering Group, NAF Base Kaduna.
One of the aircraft during inspection. Credit: NAF
“One of the 2 repairable Do-238 aircraft that was at Kaduna
civil airport has already been ferried to the Kaduna military
airfield following initial maintenance activities by the NAF
maintenance crew.
“In addition, the faded paintings on both aircraft have been
replaced with military paint schemes to minimize corrosion
and in preparation for subsequent deployment to
operational theaters.
“The NAF is now awaiting the delivery of the required time
change Items and other aircraft spares to enable the
conduct of mandatory outstanding scheduled inspections on
both aircraft.

“Apart from its usefulness as a light liaison transport
aircraft, the Do-228 could be employed for intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the
counterinsurgency and other operations in the country.
The Chief of Air Staff addresses some officers of the
Nigerian Air Force. Credit: NAF
“Consequently, by the time the reactivation is completed,
the operational effectiveness of the NAF would be further
boosted and the hitherto grounded aircraft prevented from
total decay,” the NAF statement said.
Adegokblog earlier reported Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo is currently addressing new graduates
of Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna state as
they pass out of the training institution.

Badaru leads APC convention committee members to meet with Dogara

Members of the APC national convention committee
have met with speaker Yakubu Dogara to brief him of
the committee's progress
- The committee met with the speaker on Monday,
June 4, at the House of Representatives in Abuja
- The committee was led by the chairman, Governor
Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state
The speaker of the House of Representatives,
Yakubu Dogara, was visited at the National
Assembly on Monday, June 4 by members of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) national
convention committee.
The chairman of the convention committee,
Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state, led
the committee to meet the speaker in Abuja,
Nigerian Tribune reports.
adegokblog .com notes that after being received by the
APC leadership in the House led by the speaker,
they had a closed-door meeting, which lasted for
about 50 minutes.

According to Governor Badaru, the committee
was at the speaker’s office to brief him on the
progress made so far by the committee.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state is
serving as the deputy chairman of the committee
while Senator Ben Uwajumogu is the secretary.
Meanwhile,

previously reported that the
Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress on
Sunday, June 3, said it would sue the National
Working Committee (NWC) for overruling its
state congress. The assistant publicity secretary
of the party, Abiodun Salami, issued the threat in
an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Lagos.

He was reacting the overruling of the main
congress of APC at ACME on May 19 by the NWC
over issues of legality. Another congress was
convened the same day by a chieftain, Fouad
Oki, on the grounds that the ACME congress
lacked legal basis as it was conducted based on
wards in 57 council areas instead of 20 approved
by INEC.

Buhari is a phenomenon that has come to stay - Senate leader

Senator Ahmed Lawan has showered praises on
President Muhammadu Buhari
- Lawan, who is the Senate leader, said the president
is a phenomenon that has come to stay
- According to him, Buhari is a movement which
means delivery of services in transparent and
accountable manner
The Senate leader and lawmaker representing
Yobe North in the upper chamber, Ahmed
Lawan, has said that President Muhammadu
Buhari is a phenomenon that has come to stay,
saying that Buhari is not in the presidency to
accumulate wealth but to transform Nigeria.
He made this statement when he received
leaders of the North East Youths Coalition for
President Buhari at the National Assembly
complex in Abuja, Leadership reports.
adegokblog .com notes that Lawan, who was made the
grand patron of the group, said Buhari contested
for the presidency four times before he won due
to his drive to serve Nigerians and change their
living conditions.

He said: “Buhari is a phenomenon, he’s a movement, and
he’s not a man. What I mean here, let me not be misquoted
when I said Buhari is not a man. Buhari is an attitude to
life, what is that attitude? Integrity and commitment.
“ Buharism means delivery of services in transparent and
accountable manner. We are not only asking President
Muhammadu Buhari to run in 2019, we want Buhari to
finish in 2023 and then another Buhari should come .
“We need to remind our zone that this president and his
administration have done wonderfully well in so many
ways. It is our duty as citizens not to allow the president to
do it alone. No matter how you are, how equipped you are,
when it comes to leadership and administration, especially
of a country that is as complex Nigeria, you need every
hand to be on deck.
“I congratulate you and commend you for coming together
as a coalition of youths to ensure that we go round and
propagate what this administration has done for us in the
northeast and indeed in the country."

Meanwhile, adegokblog .com previously reported that the
Nigerian Senate said it was in support of the
President Muhammadu Buhari-led anti-
corruption fight.
The Senate said it was transparent in its words
to prove that the lawmakers were working to
strengthen the anti-corruption process and
institutions.
According to a statement signed by the
spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi
Abdullahi, Senators recognised the successes and
achievements recorded so far by the Buhari
administration in its bid to eradicate corruption

Where is Nigeria's $16bn power project? - Buhari inquires

The president has asked for the $16 billion (N5.76
trillion) power plant project authorised by the last
three administration
- Buhari made the inquiry at the Presidential Villa on
Tuesday, May 22
President Muhammadu Buhari has inquired
about the $16 billion (N5.76 trillion) power
project authorised by former president Olusegun
Obasanjo, Daily Trust reports.
Speaking while receiving members of the Buhari
Support Group, led by the comptroller general of
the Nigerian Customs Service, Ahmed Ali, the
president said he wondered where the power
project is since its launch.
Although the president did not mention
Obasanjo's name, the former president had
during his tenure approved the spending of $16
billion on a power project.

However, in 2008, the House of Representatives
described the $16 billion spent on power as a
colossal waste. The lawmakers blamed such
'waste' on poor budget planning and a lack of
proper oversight by relevant bodies.
Also, a civil society organisation, Socio-Economic
Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), urged
the acting chief justice of Nigeria, Walter
Onnoghen, to launch an investigation into the
project.
SERAP in a statement issues in 2016 asked the
CJN to appoint an independent counsel to
investigate allegations of corruption in the
spending of $16 billion on electricity by
Obasanjo's government.
NAIJ.com earlier reported that the federal
government is set to establish a nuclear research
centre with ROSATOM.
The centre will offer nuclear technology and
knowledge, with which insects could be
controlled through: Sterile Insect Technique.

It was also gathered that the centre will mainly
benefit Nigeria's agricultural sector especially in
the production and safety of groups.

Metuh was asked to sit down but he decided to fall down on his own - Justice Abang

Justice Okon Abang has said that the former
spokesperson of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, fell down on
his own
- Abang at the resumed trial on Tuesday, May 22, said
he did not direct any doctor to attend to Metuh when
he collapsed before the court on Monday
- According to the judge, he rose briefly upon hearing
that the defendant fell down on his own
A judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja
has suggested that the former national publicity
secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
Olisa Metuh, is faking 'ill health'.
Justice Okon Abang said Metuh deliberately fell
down as the court’s proceedings were about to
start on Monday, May 21.
Punch reports that Justice Abang at the resumed
hearing of the N400 million suit against Metuh
by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission on Tuesday, May 22, said, "the first
defendant fell down on his own".

While speaking on a submission made by the
defence counsel, Tochukwu Onwubufor, for an
adjournment of the matter due to his client's
absence, Abang said the court did not direct any
doctor to treat Metuh.
The judge said: “The court did not direct the doctor to
attend to the defendant. I would not know the person that
directed the doctor to see the defendant when I rose briefly
upon hearing that the defendant fell down on his own.
“The court directed him to sit down where he was but he
decided to fall down on his own," Abang added.

The judge also interrupted the prosecuting
counsel to make the same clarification when the
prosecution was opposing the request for
adjournment by the defence.
Metuh is absent from today's ruling over ill
health issues.

earlier reported that Metuh during his
hearing on Monday, May 21 , fell down while
trying to enter the dock.
It was gathered that the former PDP
spokesperson was immediately attended to by a
doctor residing within the court.

Following the collapse of the former PDP
spokesperson, the trial judge, stood down the
matter to enable medical officials attend to him.
The medical officials who entered the courtroom
at 9.19am were still attending to Metuh till about
9.25 am before directing that he be taken to the
hospital for immediate attention.

2018 Budget: Why NASS included additional funding for Primary Healthcare - Tejuoso

The reason why the National Assembly included
funding for basic health in the 2018 Appropriations
Bill has been revealed
- Senator Lanre Tejuoso said it was a clear
demonstration of the commitment and responsiveness
of the 8th Senate
- He said he hopes Nigeria's health care system will be
a model for other African countries
Chairman, Senate committee on health, Senator
Lanre Tejuosho has revealed why the National
Assembly, included funding for the Basic
Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in the 2018
Appropriations Bill.
In a press statement to NAIJ.com on Monday, May
21, Senator Tejuoso stated that: “While the Executive
did not include the BHCPF in the 2018 Appropriation Bill
submitted to the National Assembly, the Senate embarked
upon a phenomenal task of ensuring the inclusion of BHCPF
in the 2018 appropriation and its effective implementation.”
According to him, the Senate mandated its
committee on appropriation to work out a
modality for accommodating the fund in the 2018
appropriation.

He also informed that his committee through the
Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the legislative
network on Universal Health Care (UHC) held
series of sensitization, capacity building and
media parleys to galvanize support towards
implementation of the BHCPF and reiterate the
commitment of the National Assembly towards
the cause.
Tejuoso added that the push to ensure that there
was increased funding in the 2018 budget was a
clear demonstration of the commitment and
responsiveness of the 8th Senate, under the
leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Senate
President, who is also a medical doctor, to ensure
that the healthcare needs of Nigerians are met.
“I am happy to inform you that the Senate President and
the Senate committee on health have lived up to their
promise to Nigerians by including the BHCPF in the 2018
Appropriation Bill. By this important milestone, we have
demonstrated our collective and sustained will to harness
and align our human and other resources towards
transforming the health landscape in Nigeria.
“We have to remain vigilant to ensure that nothing scuttles
our collective will towards actualizing the dream of
affordable universal health care for all Nigerians. It is my
vision that one day, Nigeria health care system will be a
model for other African countries and the country will be a
reputable destination for medical tourism,” the senator,
who is also a trained medical doctor said.

Meanwhile, the director general of the WHO, Dr.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has commended
Saraki, on his commitment towards ensuring that
Nigeria’s primary healthcare system is
strengthened by the inclusion of one per cent of
the country’s Consolidated Revenue Fund is used
to provide basic primary healthcare services
across the nation.
Dr. Ghebreyesus who commended the Senate
president in a tweet on his personal Twitter
handle, @DrTedros, also stated that political will
is needed to provide universal healthcare
coverage.

Addiction: PCN starts recall of codeine cough syrup

Following federal government's directive, the
Pharmacists Council of Nigeria has started recalling
cough syrup containing codeine from its stakeholders
- Regulatory bodies were directed by the minister of
health, Professor Isaac Adewole, to supervise the
recall
- This is because the drug is being abused by some
Nigerian consumers
The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) says it
has started recalling cough syrup containing
codeine from its stakeholders in compliance with
federal government's directive.
The registrar of PCN, Elijah Mohammed, revealed
this in an interview with the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, May 19 in Abuja.
The minister of health, Professor Isaac Adewole,
had directed PCN, NAFDAC and other regulatory
bodies to supervise the recall of codeine from the
market, NAN reports.
NAIJ.com notes that Mohammed reaffirmed that
codeine is an opioid drug similar to morphine
which has been approved and accessed over the
counter in low doses for relieving patients of
symptoms associated with dry cough.

According to the registrar, codeine in such
preparation, usually in smaller doses, serves as a
cough suppressant and relieves pain associated
with the stress of coughing.
He said: “However, due to its inherent properties when
used in high doses over a long period, it has been associated
with dependence and powerful addictive propensity
especially when used for recreational purpose."
Mohammed noted that the council in view of the
ministerial directive has carried out enforcement
exercise in Ogun, Sokoto and Nasarawa states,
adding that same activities were currently going
on in Adamawa.
The registrar noted that the council had met with
the leadership of the National Association of
Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors
(PPNVs), among other stakeholders, in the
pharmaceutical industry in order to facilitate the
recall.
Mohammed, who emphasised that codeine
containing cough preparation was not included
in the approved medicines list of PPMVs,
however urged them to desist from the sales of
codeine and other unethical drugs in order to
guard against sanctions.
According to him, the council as part of efforts to
rid off codeine in the society had also met with
the leadership of the Association of Community
Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and they made a
strong commitment to enforce the recall process
as well.
the registrar said: “In continuation of various efforts of
implementing the ministerial directives, PCN enforcement
team has been strengthened to ensure strict compliance
with regulations and extant policies as they relate to the
council’s mandate.
“PCN is the agency of the federal government established by
Cap P17 LFN 2004 and charged with the responsibility of
controlling and regulating pharmacy education, training
and practice in all aspects and ramifications."
Mohammed, however, appealed to
manufacturers, importers and distributors of
drugs to display more sense of ethical and moral
responsibilities in the production, supply and
sales of codeine.
He added: “Economic interest and financial
considerations should not override the health implications
associated with the abuse of these preparations. The health
of Nigerians must come first before any other interest."

Meanwhile, adegokblog .com previously reported that the
National Agency for Food and Drug
Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was
directed by the federal ministry of health to ban
with immediate effect further issuance of
permits for the importation of codeine as active
pharmaceutical ingredient for cough syrup
preparations.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday,
May 1 by the minister of health, Professor Isaac
Adewole.

Sokoto court remands Shagari, 4 PDP chieftains in police custody over N500m money laundering

- A Federal High Court in Sokoto has remanded Alhaji
Mukhtari Shagari, and some top officials of the PDP in
police custody
- The suspects were accused of misappropriating about
N500 million
- Their case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 24,
by Justice Saleh Idrissa, the presiding judge
A former deputy governor of Sokoto, Alhaji
Mukhtari Shagari, and four chieftains of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been
remanded by a Federal High Court sitting in the
state which was presided over by Justice Saleh
Idrissa on Tuesday, May 22, over alleged money
laundering
The looted fund amounted to N500 million from
former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-
Madueke’s alleged loot, This Day reports.

The rest four suspects were Ibrahim Gidado, the
former state commissioner for information, the
party's state treasurer, Nasiru Dalhatu, its
chairman Ibrahim Milgoma and Abdallah Wali, a
PDP governorship candidate in the 2015 election.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) prosecuting counsel, Johnson Ojogbane,
said the it preferred the five-count charge
against the accused persons bordering on money
laundering and cash transaction outside
regulated financial institution which contravened
Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 and
punishable under section 16 (2) (b) of the act.
Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari on his way to court with EFCC
officials (Photo Credit: EFCC)
One of the accused heading to court (Photo Credit: EFCC)
Another accused person arriving the federal High Court in
Sokoto (Photo Credit: EFCC)
Ojogbane said that the offences were committed
in March 2015, and the money was handed over
to the accused persons by one Abdulrahman
Ibrahim a day before the polls.
He said: “The Money Laundering Prohibition Act frowns
on money laundering and financing of illegal activities.
"There is a threshold to transact a cash business and when
you cross that threshold, it is an offence and there is
punishment for that. This issue has to do with the N500
million Diezani money that was given out for elections.”
Ojogbane further said that the charges came with
the affidavits, list of witnesses, summary of
evidences as well as proof of evidence.
However, after the reading of the charges, the
accused persons pleaded not guilty, denying the
allegations.
In reaction to this, Ojogbane opposed their
application for bail because the administrative
bail ended when they were served with charge
sheets.
He pleaded with the court to adhere to due
processes and sought for adjournment to
commence full trial.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the counsel to Gidado and
Dalhatu and Milgoma, applied for an interim bail
for the accused persons pending the moving of
formal bail application filed by the defendants.
Abdullahi said that the defendants had been on
EFCC administration bail since 2016, emphasising
that the accused were not likely to endanger any
investigation.

Ibrahim Idris and Aiyelabegan Abdulkadiri,
counsel to Shagari and Wali respectively, aligned
themselves with Abdullahi’s submission on
granting the accused persons bail in continuation
of the administrative bail granted earlier.
Justice idrissa, therefore, adjourned the case to
Thursday, May 24, for hearing of bail application
for the accused persons and ordered that they
should be remanded in police custody in Sokoto.
Earlier, adegokblog .com had reported that Shagari, and
the PDP chiefs were to be arraigned before a
Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto on Tuesday,
May 22.

Ondo deputy speaker sacked, replaced

Ondo state House of Assembly deputy speaker lroju
Ogundeji has been Impeached
- The impeached deputy speaker staged a walkout
while the plenary was ongoing
- The reason for the action of the lawmakers against
Ogundeji has not been observed
The Deputy speaker of the Ondo state House of
Assembly Iroju Ogundeji was on Tuesday, May
23 impeached by his colleagues in the House
during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Punch reports Ogundeji, who represents Odigbo
Constituency II in the Assembly and member of
the APC was removed after 18 out of the 26
lawmakers had signed for his removal and the
signature was received by the Speaker of the
House Bamidele Oloyeloogun, during the session.
The reason for the action of the lawmakers
against Ogundeji was not known yet as of the
time of filing this report; but a source told our
correspondent that the former deputy speaker
was removed following some allegations of
“gross misconduct” leveled against him.

Another source in the Assembly said that
Ogundeji ‘s impeachment came as a result of the
“misunderstanding that ensued between him and
the speaker.”
The former deputy Speaker was among the 18
lawmakers who defected to the ruling party from
the Peoples Democratic Party shortly after
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu became governor in
February 2017.
Ogundeji was immediately replaced by Bimbo
Fajolu, who represents Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo state
Constituency.

Fajolu’s nomination for deputy Speaker was
moved at the plenary session by Israel Olajide,
and was seconded by a former Speaker, Jumoke
Akindele.
The new deputy speaker was immediately sworn-
in by the Clerk of the House Bode Adeyelu.
Meanwhile

had reported Ondo state
House of Assembly appointed an acting Speaker,
Malachi Coker, following the resignation of the
Speaker, Jumoke Akindele in Akure.
The legislators at the plenary session, also
appointed Arowele Samuel from Owo l
Constituency, as the deputy speaker.
Others are Olamide George, representing Akure
North Constituency as the Majority Leader and
Mukaila Musa as the Minority Leader.

You’re not with us, APC chairman attacks Buhari’s minister

The chairman of the APC, Plateau state chapter,
Latep Dabang has disclosed some secrets about the
minister of youth and sport development, Barrister
Solomon Dalung
- Dabang said the minister has never attended any of
our meetings since he was appointed minister in spite
of several invitations to our meetings
- Dalung could not be reached for his reaction on the
accusations leveled against him by the APC chairman
in the state
The chairman of the All Progressive Congress
(APC), Plateau state chapter, Latep Dabang said
the sports minister, Solomon Dalung who hails
from the state, has never attended any function
of the party since he was appointed minister.
Premium Times reports that Dabang made this
known Monday, May 21 at the party secretariat
in Jos, during a press conference where he
briefed journalists on the activities of the party.
Dabang said: “The minister of youth and sport
development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has never attended
any of our meetings since he was appointed minister in
spite of several invitations to our meetings.

“During the ward congresses, the minister was in Daura, in
Kastina state. If the president of the country, President
Buhari, can go to his party ward to participate in the
congresses, I wonder what the minister was doing in the
country home of the president.”
The APC chairman also said the minister did not
attend the just concluded state congress of the
party held last Saturday in Jos.

The APC state congress in Plateau state were held
under tight security. The state governor, Simon
Lalong, and his deputy, Sonni Tyoden,
participated in the congresses.
Dalung could not be reached for his reaction on
the accusations leveled against him by the APC
chairman in Plateau state.
He did not return calls and did not respond to
text massages sent to him via his mobile
telephone about 24 hours ago.
Meanwhile, adegokblog .com had reported that the
Plateau state chapter of the APC denied
endorsing Governor Simon Bako Lalong for
second term in 2019.
The state chairman of the party, Latep Dabang,
made the statement on Sunday, April 15, when
reassuring all governorship aspirants of a level
playing ground ahead of the APC primary
election.
The APC leader said despite the standing ovation
Lalong received from stakeholders when he
declared his intention to seek a second term, the
governor will not be given an automatic ticket.

Breaking: Olisa Metuh collapses in court

Former national publicity secretary of the PDP, Olisa
Metuh, has collapsed in court
- As a result of this, Justice Okon Abang had to stand
down the matter to enable medical officials attend to
him
- It was reported that medical officials who entered
the courtroom at 9.19am were still attending to him at
about 9.25am
Olisa Metuh, a former national publicity
secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
has collapsed in court on Monday, May 21.
Metuh is being prosecuted by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over
allegation that he fraudulently received a sum of
N400m in 2014 from the office of the National
Security Adviser (NSA).
Punch reports that the incident occurred about
9.01am in the courtroom and the trial judge,
Justice Okon Abang had to stand down the
matter to enable medical officials attend to the
defendant.

Going further, the news outlet reported
that medical officials who entered the courtroom
at 9.19am were still attending to him at about
9.25am., however gathered that Metuh was
already trying to access the box before the judge
asked him to come back, he fell as the walker he
was using slipped while he was trying to adjust
himself at the entrance of the dock.
The court registrar rushed to the medical
department to inform medics of the situation. A
Dr from the court examined him where he was
writhing in pain and reported to the court that
he should be sent to a hospital
Meanwhile, adegokblog .com had reported that a
presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, mocked the
former ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
over Olisa Metuh's appearance in court.
Onochie, a personal adviser to President
Muhammadu Buhari on social media, described
what happened in the court as something to
complement Nollywood.
“Weak, tired and bandaged to the neck on a stretcher and
ambulance to complement the Nollywood drama,” she
said.
However, the second vice president of the
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Monday
Onyekachi Ubani, described Metuh’s appearance
in court as unfortunate and “not too good.”

“I am aware that some of the accused persons facing
criminal trials, especially high profile corruption cases in
Nigeria feign ill health most times in order to delay their
trials for reasons best known to them but the picture of
Olisa Metuh as he was brought to court today in Abuja to
continue his trial appeared not too good."

Buhari has the right to visit Rivers state - Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state says President
Buhari is welcome to visit Rivers state
- He insists Rivers state is not faced with security
challenges and does not need presidential solidarity
visit
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has
denied saying President Muhammadu Buhari
was not welcomed to visit the state.
Wike made the statement on Monday, May 21,
when he he appeared on Channels TV
programme, Sunrise Daily.
He said President Buhari had the right to visit
Rivers state but not if its a solidarity visit due to
insecurity.

He said: “ I never said that President Buhari should not
come to Rivers State and I can never say it. The President is
the President of the country. He has the right to come to
Rivers State.”
The governor stated that Rivers state is not faced
with security challenges and does not need
presidential solidarity visit.
He said: " What I disagreed with is that, if you (Buhari)
are coming because of insecurity. No. An armed robber
operated and killed 15 people. This is not the same thing
that daily herdsmen are attacking people and could lead to
religious or ethnic war. That is the point I made.
“For example in Lagos State, armed robbers have killed
about five people at a time. In Ogun State, people have died,
cultists have killed people. So, I never said that the
President should not come to Rivers State and I can never
say that.”

the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom
Wike, has alleged that there are plans to
assassinate him in a crowd and claim accidental
discharge.
The governor while speaking at the third year
anniversary thanksgiving service of his
administration at the Living Faith Church in Port
Harcourt on Sunday, May 20, said there are
intelligence reports available to support his
claims.
Wike said no level of intimidation by the All
Progressives Congress or the federal government
would deter him for carrying out his
responsibility as the governor of Rivers state,
Punch reports.

Dino Melaye breaks silence on failed attempt to recall him

Embattled senator, Dino Melaye, has finally broken
his silence after weeks of keeping mum, saying he has
bounced back.
Melaye representing Kogi West at the National
Assembly, in a message tagged, " THANK YOU
NIGERIANS" posted to Daily Trust via WhatsApp,
said he would continue to speak the truth.
It reads: "Someone once said that rock bottom is good
solid ground and a dead-end street is just a place to turn
around. In the last few weeks, I have been taken to the good
solid ground at the rock bottom and they couldn’t go
further.
I have been brought to the dead-end street but with you
standing by my side, I have turned around and bounced
back to the chagrin of those who sought to seal my lips
from speaking out against tyranny, politics of oppression
and blackmail.
"They, unleashed an endless barrage of physical,
psychological, metaphysical and emotional torture and
assault on me, but, through the power of the Most High,
and you the good people of Nigeria, we have once again,
seen the triumph of truth over lies and good over evil.

"It was Edmund Burke who was quoted as saying that when
bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will
fall one by one.... In a contemptible struggle. I am of all
men, a blessed man, to have courageous and dependable
people like you as my fellow soldiers in the struggle to free
us from the shackles of political strongholds and tyranny. It
is to you and my most wonderful and ever knowledgeable
people of Kogi State, especially Kogi West, that I owe my
deepest gratitude. You stood by me against the state and
your own ‘best political self-interest’.
"The state unleashed its raw power on me and released a
200 man-strong fully armed policemen - on a man without
a knife nor a bullet. It did this because I called injustice by
its name and called for accountability. For this they sought
to break my spirit and destroy me permanently.
"In their moment of reign, I was fully shackled. With my
hands tied to my back, and hurled into a dark solitary
confinement waiting for the butchers knife, you, my people
stood by me. You came against a raging fire and stood up
against tyranny, lies, filthy lucre, injustice, persecution and
greed."
On the failed move to recall him, Melaye said:
"While in the dark and unable to fight for myself, they
sought to take my mandate, which you had freely given to
me. But you answered back and quenched deceit in its
wake. You stood resolute and unflinching and defended your
mandate to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In their attempt to break me, they have made me stronger.
"To you my indefatigable leaders; my irremovable President
of the Senate, a man of immeasurable vision for Nigeria and
true fighter for the enthronement of true democracy and the
rule of law, Sen. (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
"The fearless Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.
Hon. Yakubu Dogara, I thank you both for your
steadfastness in the defence of the Nigerian Constitution and
the enthronement of the Rule of Law, justice and equity and
the emasculation of anti-democratic forces and tyranny
everywhere in Nigeria. I am eternally grateful to you.
"To the entire National Assembly Membership, especially
my colleagues in the Senate, I am eternally indebted to you
for not playing politics but standing courageously against
oppression and terror. You have shown yourself leaders on
whom Nigeria’s hope for tomorrow can be assured."

Reaffirming his position, he said: " To my people, I
promise you this and this only. I have taken my position, I
will not hold back, I will not hold my peace, I will not be
shut down, neither will I shut-up, not as long as injustice
and falsehood continues to reign, as long as I will live, I will
not bow to Baal ."
In a previous report by NAIJ.com, the lawmaker
representing Kogi west at the National Assembly,
Senator Dino Melaye, lamented over his situation
under the current administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari.
Melaye who subtly threw a dig at the current
administration in an Instagram message on
Sunday, May 20, posted that he was never
framed up for fighting former president Goodluck
Jonathan.
"I was never framed up for fighting Jonathan.Never
arraigned! Aluta continua victoria asata," the outspoken
senator said.

Not Too Young To Run movement gives Buhari 8 days ultimatum to sign age reduction bill

The Not Too Young To Run movement has given
President Muhammadu Buhari 8 days ultimatum to
sign the age reduction bill
- The movement gave the ultimatum today, Monday,
May 21 in a press conference in Abuja
- They warned the president that not signing the bill
will amount to political suic*de
The Not Too Young To Run movement has given
President Muhammadu Buhari 8 days ultimatum
to sign the age reduction bill.
The movement gave the ultimatum today,
Monday, May 21 during a press conference in
Abuja as concerns mount over the president's
refusal to assent to the bill 14 days after it got to
his officer from the National Assembly.
Section 58 of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999, (as
amended), provides inter alia 'the power of the
National Assembly to make laws shall be exercised by
bills passed by both the Senate and the House of
Representatives and, except as otherwise provided,
assented to by the president. '

The group stated that the imperative for youth
inclusion in the forthcoming 2019 general
elections is not a matter of debate but a
constitutional imperative for democratic
development.
The movement therefore demanded:
1. That the president gives his assent to the age
reduction bill within the next eight (8) days as a
democracy gift to young Nigerians whose only
demand is to be included in the democratic
process.
2. That the president fulfils his commitment to
youth development by assenting to the Not Too
Young To Run bill and the other constitutional
amendment bills.
“The movement also wishes to state here that the support
from the youth will only come if the Not Too Young To Run
bill is speedily passed into law,” the group said.
They stated that the 2019 elections present an
opportunity for young people in Nigeria to assert
their constitutional right not only as voters or
campaign merchants but as qualified electoral
candidates.
They informed that young people will only be
giving their support to political parties who
uphold internal party democracy to safeguard
the emergence of more youth candidates in the
2019 general elections.
Speaking further, one of the conveners of the
movement, Samson Itodo, said it will amount to
political suic*de if the president does not sign
the bill.
Young people in Nigeria constitute over 52 per
cent of voters in Nigeria and the president
himself acknowledged that young people
supported him in 2015.
Majority of the state Houses of Assemblies and
the National Assembly passed this bill which
means it enjoys wide support from Nigerians.
Delaying or not assenting to the bill is going
against the will of majority of the people.
Itodo urged the president to sign the bill and
open up the political space for young people to
participate in the political space.

, YIAGA Africa, a civil society group in
Abuja in partnership with INEC has commenced
a nationwide youth development meeting in a
bid to mainstream the participation of young
people and other marginalised groups in the
electoral process.
The youth consultation meetings which provides
a safe and collaborative space for youth to
contribute to the development of the INEC youth
strategy, kicked off early this month with over
400 young people cutting across various states in
Nigeria.

BBNaija: Controversy as Alex mistakenly posts picture of herself and mystery man in bed

BBNaija finalist Alex is currently trending on the
internet after a raunchy photo of her with a man in
bed surfaced online
- She however has taken to the social media platform
to reveal that her Snapchat account was hacked
- Many people on social media believe the mystery
man is Tobi
For those who have always believed that the
relationship between BBNaija finalists, Alex and
Tobi is more than platonic, they just might be
right. Alex is currently the topic of discussion on
the internet following a 'leaked' raunchy photo
that surfaced online.
The picture which was posted on Alex's official
Snapchat account, shows her with a mystery
man lying on her bare chest. The caption of the
photo reads, "Sleepy head, im in love with you"
Alex however has taken to social media to deny
having a photo like that on her phone. According
to her, her Snapchat account was hacked.

Many people on social media believe the mystery
man in the photo is no other person but fellow
finalist and her bestie, Tobi Bakre.
He however, is yet to speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, Miracle is currently bearing the
brunt as he continues to receive major backlash
due to his alleged breakup with fellow ex-
housemate and love interest, Nina.

He is a doting father - Annie Idibia gushes about her husband 2baba

Annie Idibia, wife of popular Nigerian singer, Innocent
Idibia, says her husband is a doting father. She
expressed that her husband loves the children and
likes to get involved in their various lives.
The singer popularly known by his stage name
2baba tied the knot with Annie in 2012. They
have two beautiful children together. 2baba is a
father to seven children.
During an interview with The Punch, Annie
gushed about her man, stating that he is a doting
father. She noted that despite him being a loving
father, he can be firm when the occasion calls
for it.
She said: “2face is a very doting father. He loves his
children so much and he is very caring towards them. He
spends a lot of time with them and they play together a lot.
He can also be firm though when the occasion calls for it.
He is very involved in their lives. They have a very good
relationship and it is obvious to those around us.”
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Annie who recently became a brand ambassador
for various companies also stated that she
doesn't endorse products that she can't make use
of herself.
The singer's wife further added that the brands
have similar values to hers that's why she is
happy to encourage fans to use them.
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annieidibia1 You Already Know I Cast A Spell On You..
lol... And I Just Love The Way You Look At Me Like Am
So Unreal “Like Magic” . Happy “proposal” Day 2 Us .
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She said: “These are brands that I share similar values
with. I cannot endorse a product that I cannot use myself.
Being a brand ambassador means that I have to believe in
the product and also encourage my fans to use it. I am
happy that those brands decided to partner with me and we
have been having a wonderful relationship.”
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🖤🖤 📷: @amfrankiej
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42-year-old Innocent Idibia is a singer,
songwriter and one of the most decorated Afro
pop artists in Africa.

Kano APC congress: After stiff contest, Emir Sanusi’s cousin emerges as chairman

The first cousin of Emir Lamido Sanusi, Prince
Abdullahi Abbas, has emerged as the chairman of APC
in Kano
- Abbas secured 2,982 votes to take over the party
chairmanship in the state
- He promised party members in the state that he will
work hand-in-hand with the state governor, Abdullahi
Umar Ganduje
Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the first cousin to Emir
of Kano, Lamido Sanusi after a keenly contested
election, emerged as the chairman of the state's
chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alhaji Abbas, who is the son of the Galadiman of
Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi before now served as
commissioner of special duties to the state
governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje posted a
landslide victory over Mohammed Shehu, his
opponent, Vanguard reports.

Prince Abdullahi Abbas secured 2,982 votes to
clinched the party top job, on a day Alhaji
Ibrahim Sarina polled 2,817 to emerged as the
state secretary of the party.
The fallout of APC congress on Saturday, May 19
now thrust absolute control of the party
structures on the shoulders of Ganduje whose
candidates swept all the 31 position in the state,
and 21 zonal officials at the polls.
The congress, described by voters as being free
and fair, took place at the sports hall of Sani
Abacha in the state.
Speaking on the polls to newsmen, Senator Barau
Jubril of Kano north on Sunday, May 20: “I was
happy over the peaceful way the state Congress was held,
it’s signs of good things to come.”
Chief Austin Eweka, the chairman of the congress
committee, stated that he was impressed over the
peaceful conduct of the exercise, and appealed to
the losers to accept congress's results.
Prince Abbas, the new chairman, in his
acceptance speech, said that his team would
work in tandem with the state government.

Abbas remarked: “We are ready to accept new entrants
and we want to assured them that they would be treated
the same way old party members are being treated. We are
democrats and we believed in true democratic culture.”
Meanwhile, adegokblog .com reported that the Kano
state chapter of the APC had urged Nigerians not
to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
coming elections.
The deputy chairman of the APC in Kano state,
Alhaji Shehu Maigari, told newsmen on Monday,
April 9, that Nigerians had enough reasons not to
vote the PDP in subsequent elections.

Linda Ikeji reveals baby bump photos

Popular Nigerian Blogger Linda Ikeji is pregnant. The
about to be mum took to her blog to share photos of
her baby bump.
Linda Ikeji who recently got engaged also shared
the story of how she found out about her
pregnancy and how she reacted to the good
news.
The blogger revealed that she was so excited to
be pregnant. She also revealed that she has
always loved babies.
According to her, she was a resident babysitter
when she was a teenager. She stated that her
love for babies was a gift she inherited from her
father who also loves babies.
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READ ALSO: He is a doting father - Annie Idibia
gushes about her husband 2baba
"2018 started with me finding out I was pregnant. When I
missed my period and my friend and I did a home
pregnancy test and it read positive, my friend began to cry
with happiness but I was just there staring at the stick like,
you’re not messing with me, are you? This is real and not a
joke on me, right? I refused to believe it and asked my
friend to drive me to a lab for another test. And there it was
confirmed, I was pregnant. Me, Linda, I am going to have
my own child. Please don’t wake me up from this lovely
dream..lol
So many women have had children, so what’s the big deal,
huh? Lol. Well, you see me, I’m somewhat of a different
case. There’s something about me that I have never talked
about publicly before and that’s the fact that I love children
so much (I took that from my dad), and I am particularly
obsessed with babies, and I mean that literally. Their
pureness, innocence, little beautiful faces, tiny hands and
soft cheeks make me just want to be around them.
I grew up in a compound with a lot of neighbours and
believe it or not, as a teenager/young woman, I was the
unofficial resident babysitter. I swear, ask my siblings. I
literally carried all the new born babies born in that
compound at a period of time until they grew up to a
certain age. Their mums used to come drop the babies at
our house whenever they were tired or wanted to go out,
this was, of course, to the annoyance of my family…lol."
Linda Ikeji reveals baby bump photos Photo source: Linda
Ikeji's blog

"Linda also revealed that she would be having a bouncing
baby boy. In her post, she stated that she has already
started ordering baby things for him.
Sometimes when I’m lying down and I feel him moving
around inside me (he’s so hyper already, constantly moving
around…lol), I just get up and cradle my tummy and smile.
Lol. I can’t wait for these months to go by so I can meet
him. My own son!
Dear son, of every dream I have had, every achievement,
every milestone, out of all my accomplishments and titles,
all the money and worldly possession I have, nothing
compares to you. You are my greatest blessing, my gift
from heaven, my greatest dream realized. I love you more
than life itself and I can’t wait to meet you and give you so
many kisses. And of course, spoil you! You will hear 'I love
you' loud and clear so many times, you will beg me to stop.
I can't wait to hold you in my arms. .
I know I’m going to be the best mum ever! I was born for
this and I am finally ready! And now I want to do more,
achieve more, so lil man will be proud of his mama."
Linda Ikeji is pregnant Photo source: Linda Ikeji's blog

About a month ago, It was reported that Linda
Ikeji had gotten engaged to a man she used to
date. He had reportedly relocated abroad, but
the two reconnected when he finally came back
to Nigeria.