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  • Sheikh Gumi’s call to arm Igbo youth malicious and divisive — IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor

    Sheikh Gumi’s call to arm Igbo youth malicious and divisive — IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor

    Onitsha — Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s recent proposal to arm Igbo youths as a counterforce to IPOB.

    Ejiofor described the suggestion as malicious, misguided, divisive, and inflammatory.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Ejiofor accused Gumi of being complicit in worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria, alleging that the cleric has consistently defended elements responsible for terrorism and banditry.

    “Gumi’s proposal is both divisive and dangerous,” Ejiofor remarked. “His questionable obsession with monetary benefits has led him to fuel insecurity in the North, while acting as a defender and negotiator for criminal elements.”

    Ejiofor criticized Gumi’s perceived immunity from prosecution despite his affiliations with those undermining national security. He pointed out that one of Gumi’s emissaries is currently in custody under investigation for promoting banditry.

    “Gumi’s inability to address the rampant terrorism in his own region makes his advice to arm youths in the Southeast hypocritical and reckless,” Ejiofor noted.

    He further clarified that IPOB has consistently distanced itself from criminal activities in the region, emphasizing that the violence in the Southeast is perpetrated by opportunistic criminals masquerading as freedom fighters.

    “Gumi’s suggestion would only serve to create division among the Igbo people, plunging the region into chaos,” Ejiofor warned. “IPOB remains committed to collaborating with local security outfits to eliminate criminal threats.”

    The lawyer accused Gumi of harboring a hidden agenda aimed at destabilizing Igbo land and fostering internal conflict.

    “The Igbo people have learned from painful experiences and will not fall for such manipulative tactics,” Ejiofor stated. “Our message to Gumi is clear — his divisive mission is dead on arrival.”

    He called for unity among the Igbo to resist external threats and reaffirmed the community’s resolve to chart its path forward despite political conspiracies and marginalization.

  • Police say owner of exploded dynamites in Niger still at large

    Police say owner of exploded dynamites in Niger still at large

    Niger State Police Command has confirmed that the owner of the dynamites that exploded in the Mashegu Local Government Area on Monday, killing one person and injuring six others, is yet to be apprehended.

    The explosion, which occurred at Sabon-Pegi in Mashegu LGA, was reportedly caused by dynamites stored in a residential area by an individual identified as Yushau, allegedly for mining activities. The blast claimed the life of Fatima Sadauki, left six others injured, and destroyed 12 residential buildings.

    Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman, said, “On January 26th, 2025, at about 7.30am, there was an explosion of some suspected dynamites at Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu LGA, which was reportedly kept in a residential area by one Yushau for purported mining activity.

    “The explosion led to the unfortunate death of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to general hospital Kainji for medical attention.

    “The incident affected about 12 houses in the area, and an investigation into the incident has commenced. The EOD-CBRN unit of the Command has been dispatched to the scene for assessment, but the said Yushau is currently at large. However, normalcy has been restored in the area while monitoring continues.”

    The police commissioner emphasised the importance of community cooperation in preventing such incidents.

    “If the community had identified the owner of the dynamite and informed the police of the kind of business he does, we would have arrested the suspect and evacuated the items, and the incident would have been avoided,” Danmamman said.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to law enforcement.

  • Trump ‘not 100% sure’ he’s barred from third term

    Trump ‘not 100% sure’ he’s barred from third term

    US President Donald Trump once again hinted at the idea of serving a third term, saying he was “not 100 percent sure” he was barred from doing so under the Constitution, which forbids it.

    Trump has repeatedly alluded to the possibility that he might go beyond the current two-term limit for US presidents — but while he often strikes a light-hearted tone the remarks remain provocative.

    “I’ve raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself, but I’m not 100 percent sure, because I don’t know… I think I’m not allowed to run again,” Trump told an audience of Congressional Republicans in Miami.

    To laughter, Trump turned to Republican House Leader Mike Johnson and added: “I’m not sure, am I allowed to run again? Mike? I better not get you involved in that argument.”

    Trump was inaugurated for his second spell in the White House a week ago, becoming just the second president in US history to serve two non-consecutive terms.

    US presidents are limited to two terms in office by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1951 — partly as a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms as president from 1933-1945.

    A Republican in the US House introduced a super-long-shot resolution last week to change the constitution to allow Trump to get another term.

    Trump has alluded to extending his stay on a number of occasions and joked about it as recently Saturday, during a rally in Nevada.

    “It will be the greatest honor my life to serve not once, but twice — or three times or four times,” he said with a laugh, before adding to cheers from the audience: “Headlines for the fake news.”

    In November, in another speech to House Republicans shortly after his election win, Trump said: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else.’”

    Trump told an audience of conservative Christians in July: “Christians, get out and vote. Just this time… Four more years, it’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore.”

  • Chidi lauds Oborevwori’s leadership as Governor of the Year

    Chidi lauds Oborevwori’s leadership as Governor of the Year

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Tech, Mr Chidi Ikediashi, has congratulated the Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on his well-deserved “Governor of the Year” award, organized by THISDAY Newspaper and Arise Television.

    Ikediashi commended Nigerians, Deltans, and the organizers for recognizing Governor Oborevwori’s outstanding achievements.

    “Governor Oborevwori’s policies have positively impacted millions of youths across the state, and his administration has achieved impressive feats in just 18 months, despite challenges.” he said

    “Notably, the governor has ensured fairness in the development of the state, touching every local government area.

    Ikediashi thanked the governor for his dedication to the people of Delta State and expressed gratitude to Deltans for their support.

    “This award will undoubtedly motivate Governor Oborevwori to achieve even more for the state.” he said

  • Federal Civil Service Commission announces nationwide recruitment

    Federal Civil Service Commission announces nationwide recruitment

    The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has announced the commencement of its 2025 recruitment exercise for various positions across the Federal Civil Service.

    In a statement released on Monday, signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, the Commission invited eligible Nigerians to submit applications for available vacancies.

    The announcement, published on the Commission’s official website, calls on interested applicants to submit their applications online via the portal https://recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng.

    Candidates are allowed to apply for only one position and must submit their applications before the deadline of Monday, March 10, 2025.

    The Commission also encouraged physically challenged individuals to apply, asking them to indicate the nature of their disability.

    Applicants are required to upload relevant documents such as their curriculum vitae, degree certificates, birth certificates or declarations of age, local government identification, and NYSC discharge or exemption certificates.

    The FCSC assured Nigerians of a transparent process aimed at recruiting qualified candidates to serve in the Federal Civil Service.

    For more details, applicants are encouraged to visit the Commission’s official website.

  • Band A: Soaring electricity bills, blackouts crippling NIMR’s research activities, DG laments

    Band A: Soaring electricity bills, blackouts crippling NIMR’s research activities, DG laments

    The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, on Monday said it is facing a crippling electricity crisis, with exorbitant bills reaching tens of millions of Naira each month.

    The challenge which it ascribed to the to the new billing system, (Band A) by Eko Electric, is, also threatening the institute’s efforts to combat both endemic and emerging diseases through medical research in Nigeria.

    Currently, the institute has been forced to implement drastic measures, including load shedding and seeking international assistance through donor funding of medical research to cope with the unsustainable costs.

    Disclosing this during the monthly of journalists in Lagos, the Director General of the Agency, Prof John Obafunwa who gave detailed challenges they face called for increased funding for local research.

    “The first bill in August was a staggering N49 million, followed by 48 million in September and N44 million in October. These exorbitant costs have severely impacted our research activities,” Obafunwa said.

    He said in the process of sorting out the problems, the institute discovered illegal connections within their premises, prompting them to alert the government. Despite this, they continue to receive exorbitant bills and face threats of disconnection.

    “We’ve had to resort to unconventional measures.  We’ve been indirectly appealing to foreign donors for assistance to offset the bills. Internally, we’ve implemented strict energy-saving measures; including switching off fans and lights in labs, and implementing scheduled power cuts in residential areas.”

    He said recently, the institute is now exploring alternative solutions, such as installing solar systems in phases. “Some researchers have even contributed their own funds to install inverters and solar panels.”

    “By the time  I came in, there was a backlog of about N38M, N39 million. But I can tell you that all the subsequent bills of 48 million, 49 million, 44 million, whatever, have been paid. Even the one that came January this year, I’ve approved it to be paid.  Our foreign funders, through our principal investigators, came to our aid.”

    We have a problem with the electricity companies. When you hear statements like, we will shut you down,disconnect you, it’s not one thing. It’s that people don’t understand what it means.

    No electricity meters

    “Up till now, NIMR has no meters. Letters have been written four times, asking for the so-called panel here to be repaired, nothing has happened. We have been asking people to switch off fan in their labs before going home, whether it’s AC, electric bulbs, or whatever. Even in the residential area, by 9 a.m., we disconnect. Then we reconnect at about 4 p.m. So it’s not actually the NIMR staff who are responsible for this.”

    The biggest problem that we have is power supply. While highlighting these challenges and the need for government to urgently intervene to resolve the electricity crisis, he expressed hope that President, Bola Tinubu will swiftly address the issue and expedite the implementation of the  National Agreement to improve power supply across the country.

    Obafunwa further called for increased local research funding to help address the nation’s health challenges and improve the quality of lives.

    Making the  call at a media chat organised by the institute in Lagos, he said that 95 per cent of research works carried out by the institute was funded by foreign donors, thereby limiting its scope of research.

    Stating that NIMR has the facility and human capacity to explore some of the health challenges and proffer solutions, he said: “The running of NIMR so far has depended to a large extent, 95 per cent on foreign donors like the World Health Organisation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, West Africa Health Organisation and others.

    “It is said that he who pays the piper dictates the tune, what this means is that most of this research will be what the foreign donors are interested in. We need to recalibrate and focus a lot more on issues pertaining to our health conditions and this is why the government and indeed our legislators need to approve money to concentrate on local research,” he said.

    Lassa fever vaccine under way

    He further disclosed that the institute was working on Lassa fever vaccine in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, NCDC.  He said they are also working on diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart attack which falls under non-communicable diseases would help to reduce its burden in the country.

    “We can do research to know if there are any special genetic predispositions to hypertension in our environment, and identify genetic constitutions in any part of the country that favours the development of diabetes.

    “A lot is said about chronic renal diseases and renal failure with dialysis, kidney transplant in the country, we need to find out if there is anything in our water and food that we need to revisit to know and the genetic

    “We have facility to explore these things, NIMR is that expert at the background that people don’t see, we hope that a forum like this will help us to get across, to not just the average man on the street, but also legislators.”

  • Defamation: How Ooni, Yoruba monarchs resolved Afe Babalola, Farotimi feud

    Defamation: How Ooni, Yoruba monarchs resolved Afe Babalola, Farotimi feud

    ADO-EKITI — FOLLOWING the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola has agreed to drop all criminal defamation suit against human rights activist, Mr Dele Farotimi.

    The traditional rulers arrived on the campus of Afe Babalola University, located on the outskirts of Ado-Ekiti, at about 10:30 pm, on Sunday, evening and immediately proceeded to a closed-door meeting with the legal luminary, who was on hand to receive them.

    Other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, who were on the entourage of the Ooni of Ife were, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro; the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Alagbado; the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Adebayo, and the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Emmanuel Agunsoye II.

    At about 11 pm, they emerged from the meeting and invited newsmen, waiting outside and eagerly expecting news of what transpired inside the meeting, for briefing.

    Recall that Farotimi had published a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’, where he alleged that the elder statesman corrupted the judiciary.

    The Ooni of Ife, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers at the meeting, said it has become very imperative to apply alternative dispute resolution methods used in the old era to resolve disputes.

    His words: “We came to appeal to Aare Babalola to forgive his son, Dele Farotimi. What we want from him is to withdraw the criminal charges against Farotimi.

    “Aare Afe Babalola, you are an elder statesman and have seen it all. You are one of the iconic voices in this country, a great man of excellence. You are a rare breed who has excelled in everything you have touched in this life, a very God fearing elderstateman. Above all, you are one of the proponents of the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi which has been your strongest value that you hold in our country.

    “This is what we are using to bring down the tempo of what happened between you and your son Dele Farotimi. We are proud of you as a great Yoruba elder statesman. You have done great things for this race and Nigeria such that your name can never be forgotten.

    “We’ve all come together as traditional rulers to discuss with you this issue and this gentleman. Dele Farotimi is your son and you must forgive him and withdraw the criminal charges against him.”

    I rejected pleas from OBJ, Kukah —ABUAD founder

    In his response, the legal luminary said he decided to drop the charges against Farotimi following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi and other prominent traditional rulers in the country.

    He said: “The Ewi of Ado has come here to meet me on this matter, former president Obasanjo has intervened. The same goes for Bishop Matthew Kukah and a host of other prominent Nigerians to ask for the exact thing you have come to ask for this evening. My answer to them has been no, but today my answer is yes.

    “Your coming is unquantifiable in terms of money, who Am I? When the colonialists came here in the 17th century or thereabouts, they found as a fact that Yoruba land was a highly organised society with an advanced system of government with each town headed by an Oba who was regarded as a replica of God on earth. His words were commands.

    “I was a lawyer who defended the EFCC law, yet I’m corrupt, I was given an oil bloc; when I looked at the money and saw that it was too much, I rejected it, yet I’m corrupt, I was offered ministerial appointments twice, I rejected it, yet I’m corrupt because whatever I am, I don’t want anybody to say I made it through corruption.

    “I have given lectures against corruption with my papers in many universities globally. For someone to allege that I have won my cases through corruption, it’s an attempt to defame me. That was why I rejected all appeals earlier made to me.

    But when I heard that Ooni was coming, I knew I was in a fix today. There is nothing I’m going to gain from his imprisonment and there’s nothing I want from the so-called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth; I’m rather concerned about managing the one I have already. Dele Farotimi is hereby forgiven. On this occasion, I say yes.”

    It’s a welcome devt —Obi

    Reacting to the Babalola’s withdrawal of the case against Farotimi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flag bearer, Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, stated that the decision demonstrated that he (Babalola) is committed to finding peaceful solutions to the conflict.

    Obi, who spoke through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, said: “We are pleased that this matter has been resolved amicably, and we believe that this outcome is a testament to the power of dialogue, and constructive engagement. Let me set the record straight: Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola was not about begging for pardon for Dele Farotimi, but rather a genuine effort at intervention and conflict resolution.

    “As a leader, Obi recognises the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, and his actions were guided by this principle. Now, with the news that Afe Babalola has agreed to withdraw the suit against Dele Farotimi, we welcome this development as a positive outcome of Obi’s intervention.

    “This decision demonstrates that Chief Babalola is also committed to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, and we commend him for this gesture. It’s worth noting that Mr Obi’s actions were driven by his desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution that would allow all parties to move forward positively and constructively.”

    Afenifere commends Babalola, monarchs

    Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organnisation, Afenifere, yesterday, commended Chief Babalola for defering to the Yoruba monarchs on Mr Farotimi.

    Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, in a statement, commended Babalola for demonstrating some ethos of Omoluabi by respecting the wishes of foremost Yoruba Obas.

    Ajayi said: “By so doing, Aare Afe Babalola has demonstrated, as a true Yoruba son, certain core ethos of being an Omoluabi. “He came to defend his reputation and when he was appealed to by our foremost traditional institutions, he dropped the gauntlet. This is highly commendable.”

    Afenifere also applauded Ooni and other monarchs “for the bold step they took.”

    He said: “They acted as true elders in line with the saying that elders would not sit by in a marketplace to watch the dangling head of a child.

    “This act has further demonstrated the valuable roles that our Obas – who are the custodians of our culture and tradition – can play in the society, if given the chance.”

  • Bandits’ influx: Ondo Amotekun arrests 300 suspects

    Bandits’ influx: Ondo Amotekun arrests 300 suspects

    THE Ondo State Security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, said it has arrested and paraded over 300 suspected criminals in the last three months.

    Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were arrested across 15 locations in the 18 council areas of the state.

    Adeleye said the development followed the increased influx of bandits into the South-West region, which has kept Ondo State authorities on high alert to ensure the safety of lives and property.

    He said: “We rely heavily on grassroots intelligence. In the last three months, we arrested and paraded over 300 suspects across approximately 15 locations in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    “Most of them were apprehended in connection with crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, housebreaking, and other minor offences.

    “Some of these suspects have been prosecuted in court, while others had their cases resolved. Many of them remain in correctional centres across the state.

    “We also have what we call Amotekun ambassadors, who operate discreetly within communities as part of our intelligence unit.

    “These ambassadors move across towns and villages, gathering grassroots information to help identify bad actors who collaborate with criminals.

    “This system has been yielding remarkable results for us. All the criminals we have apprehended so far were a result of the grassroots intelligence reports we received from villages and towns within the state.

    “We have put in place some strategy that will make the state too hot for them to stay.”

    Ondo youths lash Senator over silence on insecurity

    Meanwhile, the Ondo North Youth Alliance, ONYA, yesterday, lashed the lawmaker representing the Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, for being insensitive to the security challenges faced in his constituency.

    They, however, threatened to mobilise his recall over his failure to attend to the development of the area since his inauguration two years ago.

    ONYA’s President, Ojo Bright Eniafe, expressed concern that the senator “has been insensitive to the rising insecurity caused by cultists in Ondo North, particularly Owo town, our lawmaker has been insensitive to the killings in the ancient town.”

    Eniafe said: “The Senator’s silence on this issue is deafening, and shows his lack of concern and care about the welfare and safety of his constituents. As youths, we are tired of living in fear and uncertainty.

    “We demand that Senator Ipinsagba show a modicum of responsibility to the wishes and aspirations of our senatorial district by playing a pivotal role and collaborating with institutions to ensure his constituents are safe.

    “A little show of concern can be the deal breaker. We are poised to ensure that our communities, local government and the senatorial district are safe and secure.”

    Speaking on the non-performance of the lawmaker, the youths alleged that he failed to execute meaningful projects in the constituency.

  • Kidnapping, banditry: DSS officer testifies against NSCDC officials in court

    Kidnapping, banditry: DSS officer testifies against NSCDC officials in court

    Mr Stephen Okolo, a Department of State Service (DSS) official, has said that the deployment of technology aided the arrest of three security personnel facing charges of kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State.

    Okolo said this in his testimony before Justice N.E. Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, on Monday.

    He was giving evidence as first prosecution witness (PW1) in the trial against the three officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and one other.

    The three NSCDC’s officers are, Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale and Asmau Omar while the fourth defendant, Emmanuel Olatunji, is an unlicensed arms dealer.

    “My lord, following the increase in the cases of kidnapping and banditry in Okeogun area of Oyo State and parts of Kwara, the DSS fashioned out how to address the issue by deploying our technical expertise, that is equipment.

    “With sustained surveillance, we were able to detect, trace, and arrest the criminals involved.

    “My lord, two kingpins; one Baguda and the other Banshile, who were the most dangerous terrorists operating in that axis were identified in the process.

    “The operation which led to the arrest of one Lawan Buhari, and one of the NSCDC’s officials believed to be supplying ammunitions to the terrorists commenced in January 2023.

    “Further operation led to the arrest of the other three defendants; Okesola, Olatunji and Adewale,” Okolo told the court.

    The PW1 tendered before the court, a bag containing 1000 rounds of live ammunition as an exhibit collected from Buhari,.

    He said the command was able to break the chain of supply of ammunition to terrorists, which reduced the high rate of kidnapping and banditry in the areas.

    In his own testimony, Lawan Buhari, the PW2, said that he received thousands of naira supplying AK47 guns and bullets to the defendants who sent same to their terror links.

    “Before I was apprehended and detained at the 81 battalion barrack at Mokola, I was serving with the Operation Burst security outfit where the trio approached me to start supplying them arms,” Buhari said.

    The DSS prosecution Counsel, Mr T.A. Nurudeen told the court that the defendants were arraigned on a 15-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful arms dealing, aiding and abetting terrorism.

    The four defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Maha adjourned the suit until Feb. 11 for continuation of trial.

  • Death of 2-yr-old in school’s pool: We’re cooperating with Police — School’s mgt

    Death of 2-yr-old in school’s pool: We’re cooperating with Police — School’s mgt

    THE management of Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo area of Lagos has expressed sadness over the death of a two-year-old pre-school child, who died in the school’s pool on January 15, 2025, saying it was cooperating with the Police for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.

    Recall that there had been controversy over the actual cause of the pre-school child, Raphaella Ogbodo, as her parents claimed that she was electrocuted and thrown into the pool to make it look like drowning.

    The school in a statement, yesterday, by its management, expressed remorse over the tragedy, describing it as devastating.

    The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that Smiley Kids Montessori School announces the tragic loss of one of our pre-school pupils, two-year-old Raphaella Ogbodo, who passed away following an incident at our swimming pool.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to the Ogbodo’s family, whose pain and grief we cannot begin to imagine. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies and government authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into it. Following this tragic incident, our school is under closure while investigations are ongoing.”

    “We understand that this tragedy has raised questions and concerns among parents and the public and we remain committed to sharing updates as new information becomes available.

    “In the meantime, we ask for patience, understanding, and privacy for the grieving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ogbodo’s family during this time of unimaginable loss.”