NNPC Ex-GMD, Yakubu Sues EFCC, CBN, GTB Over Alleged Non-Release Of $9.8M

Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has sued the EFCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, over alleged refusal to release his 9.8 million dollars after a court judgment.

Mr Yakubu, through his counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, filed the suit before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

The originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/231/2023, was dated and filed on March 8, with EFCC, CBN and GTB listed as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed had, on March 31, 2022, discharged and acquitted ex-NNPC GMD of money laundering charge.

Justice Mohammed held that the EFCC failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt but the anti-corruption agency had appealed against the judgment.

Mr Yakubu, in the suit, asked whether “the court did not become dominus litis of the respective sums of $9,773,200 and £74,000 belonging to” him when same was put in issue, and in evidence before the court in charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/43/2017 between Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Engr Andrew Yakubu, and in respect of which judgment was delivered on the 31st of March, 2022.”

He said if the question was answered in the affirmative, he further asked whether the EFCC ought to still have in its custody his seized monies after a sister court gave a judgment in his favour on March 31, 2022.

Mr Yakubu, therefore, asked whether the monies ought not to be released to him forthwith, or paid into an account under the control of the registry of the court, pending the outcome of the appeal lodged by the EFCC against the said judgment.

He sought an order directing the defendants to immediately release the monies to him in view of the court judgment.

Alternatively, he sought an order directing them to immediately transfer the said monies into an account under the control of the FHC chief registrar or into an account to be operated by the chief registrar, the EFCC and him, pending the determination of the appeal.

But the EFCC, in a notice of preliminary objection, prayed the court to dismiss Yakubu’s application.

In the motion dated March 20 and filed April 12 by Faruk Abdullah, the anti-graft agency argued that the suit constituted an abuse of court process.

It said that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The commission said it also relied on the earlier processes filed before the court where it raised jurisdictional issues and urged the court to strike out the entire suit

In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Sambo Mayana, a detective with the commission, EFCC averred that most of Yakubu’s depositions did not reflect the correct position of the case.

It said that an appeal had already been file in appeal number: CA/ABJ/CR/653/2022.

Besides, it said that there were other appeals arising from the case pending at the Supreme Court with appeal number:. SC/CR/241/2020, between the Federal Government and Yakubu, and appeal number: $C/CR/223/2020 between Yakubu and FG.

The EFCC argued that while parties were awaiting date for hearing of case SC/CR/223/2020 at the Supreme Court, Yakubu brought an application before the apex court to direct the commission to deposit the monies in a bank account to be managed by the registry of the Supreme Court.

It said Mr Yakubu, by this present suit, replicated his application at the Supreme Court and seeking same to be determined by this count.

The EFCC urged the court to discountenance Yakubu’s application and uphold its preliminary objection in the interest of justice.

https://dailynigerian.com/andrew-yakubu-sues-efcc-cbn/

Previous Thread:
https://www.nairaland.com/7056123/andrew-yakubu-court-acquits-ex-nnpc#111530266

All Known PDP & APC Members Are Not Welcome In LP”

All known PDP and APC members are not welcome in Labour Party” this billboard reads.

I wonder what state this is?

I would want to guess it’s Abia where power has gone into the hands of Labour Party and career politicians would want to migrate their so they can continue having a bite of the public pie.

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Court Convicts False Emergency Caller, Uzuokwu Solomon, In Lagos

The Magistrate sitting at the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos has yesterday convicted one Uzuokwu Solomon of the two counts charge preferred against him by the State.

Magistrate Bambo Odueke committed him to a month imprisonment with an option of a fine and a month of community service that includes campaign against false calls within the jurisdiction of the State. Whereas the convict opted for the fine.

The Magistrate who tempered justice with mercy passed the minimum sentence of the law on him after the defendant showed remorse and wasted no time of the court by pleading guilty to breaching the public peace and making hoax Fire emergency call.

The ruling also follows the court's acknowledgement of the noble firefighting profession and the effective service delivery of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service that required the encouragement of all and sundry.

The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye expressed her delight at the swift prosecution of the case to serve as a deterrent to other misguided citizens who are in the habit of making false calls and misleading emergency responders.

Adeseye also used the occasion to note the seemingly reduction in false calls since the advent of the case and pledged to work with the culprit in using his community service as another medium to reach a large audience among other efforts being champion by the Agency.

Recall the culprit had reportedly placed a call on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 17:35 hours to Harmony Estate, Langbasa, Ajah, Lagos and reported a Fire emergency within the estate leading to the dispatch of the Lekki Phase II fire Service Station. On arrival of the Fire crew at the estate, every efforts to trace the acclaimed Fire outbreak proved abortive.

He however first appeared in court penultimate Wednesday, April 19 which was adjourned till today for the conclusion of the matter in record time to ensure that justice is not denied.

Agboola Ololade
Deputy Director, Public Affairs,
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service
April 28, 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Crk2ZTLLjmY/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D


See previous thread here: Lagos Government To Prosecute Uzuokwu Solomon, False Emergency Caller

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Buhari: In Eight Years, We Equipped Security, Subdued Terrorists, Bandits

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that his government since inception in 2015 has succeeded in adequately equipping the security agencies, as well as subduing the activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country. 

Speaking in Abuja Thursday at a ceremony attended by two former leaders of the country, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the president declared that upon his assumption of office in May 2015, the nation’s security situation was greatly challenged by the activities of violent non-state actors. 

According to him, “Today, I am pleased to specially note that the situation has tremendously improved and I wish to also proudly highlight that we have made remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country.

This administration has achieved a remarkable transformation of the military in the areas of fighting power, training, operations, manpower, remunerations and medical services.These are in addition to maintenance efficiency, accommodation and expansion of forces. The improvements in these areas have collectively enhanced the Army’s capacity to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.’’

He noted that the robust plan to improve the security architecture of the country had been realized, with the upgrading of hardware, building of facilities, training, and equipping of staff and officers, and structuring of a welfare system that caters for more than 50,000 children of fallen heroes. 

The president said he instituted the recruitment of 60,000 soldiers into the Armed Forces, and thousands graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy and other security institutions to tighten security. 

Buhari presented 81 new, symbolic flags to the various units of the Nigerian Army. 

His words: “As an administration, we have demonstrated commitment to increasing the strength of the Armed Forces in my resolve to secure the country’s challenges. It is instructive to state that from 2015 when I was sworn in as the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, I facilitated the recruitment of over 60,000 soldiers from Depot Nigerian Army aside from thousands commissioned from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna.’’ [/b]

The president, who endorsed 81 flags for the various units of the Army, noted that the fighting power of Nigeria’s military was at a low ebb as of May 2015, adding that: “However, seven years later, its fighting power has increased significantly making it fourth in ranking among African militaries as against seventh in 2015.’’

He said interventions and yearly budgetary allocations to the Army, between 2020 and 2022 alone, had been able to procure hundreds of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Troops Carrying Vehicles, utility vehicles, tanks, and Armoured Personnel Carriers to augment those earlier procured. 

From 2017 to 2022, significant numbers of new fighting and utility vehicles along with supporting artillery guns, machine guns, rifles and corresponding ammunition were acquired and inducted into various theatres of operations. This translates to a significant increment in the Army’s equipment holding since 2015.

“With the significant improvement in the fighting power as a result of the procurement of equipment and mission-specific training, the Army was empowered to rejig its operations. Accordingly, the Army has restructured the conduct of its operations to meet current realities. 

The quantum of platforms inducted into the Army since 2015 had enabled troops to take the battle to the terrorists and criminals, particularly in the North-east resulting in the recapture of territories hitherto held by the insurgents,’’ the president stated.

Buhari told the gathering of top security chiefs, traditional rulers and top government officials, who witnessed the ceremony, that the creation of the Army Aviation was one of the major aspects of the ongoing expansion process in the Nigerian Army.

The quantum of platforms inducted into the Army since 2015 had enabled troops to take the battle to the terrorists and criminals, particularly in the North-east resulting in the recapture of territories hitherto held by the insurgents,’’ the president stated.

Buhari told the gathering of top security chiefs, traditional rulers and top government officials, who witnessed the ceremony, that the creation of the Army Aviation was one of the major aspects of the ongoing expansion process in the Nigerian Army. 


According to him, “The renewed vigour for the operationalization of the Army Aviation emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country. This unit, when fully operationalized, will provide rapid deployment, close air support, casualty evacuation and prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.”

The president said the efforts of the administration paid off with records of unprecedented successes, evident in the increased number of neutralized insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families for deradicalization and rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor. 

According to him, “The renewed vigour for the operationalization of the Army Aviation emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country. This unit, when fully operationalized, will provide rapid deployment, close air support, casualty evacuation and prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.”

The president said the efforts of the administration paid off with records of unprecedented successes, evident in the increased number of neutralized insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families for deradicalization and rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor.

According to him, “The renewed vigour for the operationalization of the Army Aviation emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country. This unit, when fully operationalized, will provide rapid deployment, close air support, casualty evacuation and prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.”

The president said the efforts of the administration paid off with records of unprecedented successes, evident in the increased number of neutralized insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families for deradicalization and rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor. 

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/04/27/buhari-in-eight-years-we-equipped-security-subdued-terrorists-bandits-other-criminal-elements/

LP Is Going Into Extinction: Prophet Olujobi Warns Sanwo-olu, Others

Prophet Bisi Olujobi on Friday shared his vision on happenings that may occur in Nigeria in the coming months.

The cleric, in a statement, commented on the Labour Party (LP), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Silekunola Naomi.

Others are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun, Ladi Adebutu and Leke, son of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCC) leader, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

“The present Labour Party will go into extinction…in a matter of time,” declared the General Overseer of Wisdom Church of Christ International in Ketu, Lagos.

The septuagenarian said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term will bring about “more improvement”, but advised him to be wary of “praise mongers”.

“He should not segregate any tribe. Some people would want to mislead him into doing that, especially segregating the Igbos, who didn’t vote for him during the election.”

On Adeboye’s son, Olujobi said he would enter “spiritual confusion” and needs fervent prayers “as there are thick conspiracy against him”.

The clergyman predicts the attacks will manifest in the nearest future and take a new dimension “immediately his father passes on”.

On Queen Naomi, he said she has no chance with any other man than Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi whom she had a child with; “Any step aside this will result in tragedy.”

Olujobi, however, prophesied Naomi and the traditional ruler will reconcile, while “other women with the Ooni will evaporate one after the other”.

On Ogun politics, he said though Adetutu has “a crown on his head,” he will not have an upper hand in his legal action to unseat Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking on Sudan, the prophet stated that the war is targeted at East African countries, urging the continent’s leaders to unite and serve with the fear of God.

“Many blood will still be shared. I see the war lingering for another two years. Uganda, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia will be affected, except they pray and work harder”, he noted.

https://dailypost.ng/2023/04/28/prophet-olujobi-says-lp-going-into-extinction-warns-sanwo-olu-rccgs-adeboye/

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Frank Lampard, Expected To Stay As Interim Coach Until The End Of The Season

Chelsea plan has not changed despite poor results. Frank Lampard, expected to stay as interim coach until the end of the season. 

Negotiations between Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino continue in order to complete the agreement.

Remember, Frank Lampard has become the first Chelsea manager in the club's 118-year history to lose his first five games in charge.

Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge on April 6 for a short-term spell until the end of the season following the dismissal of Graham Potter.

However, matters certainly haven't gone to plan so far, and Lampard has now broken an unwanted record, as reported by The Mirror.

Source: https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1651971799003824130?t=RZmHPHsLezb06bODIn_UUw&s=19

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Yea 

Impose visa ban on Buhari after May 29, PDP urges international community

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday demanded an international travel ban on President Muhammadu Buhari after the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

PDP’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, made the call in reaction to Buhari’s comment that PDP and the Labour Party, LP, lost the presidential election due to overconfidence.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Ologunagba said Buhari was “gloating over the All Progressives Congress, APC, reckless rigging,” while demanding “international sanctions and travel ban after May 29.”

Ologunagba said:
“We have called you up again today to address the unfortunate, reckless, unpresidential conduct and subjudice comment credited to the President, General Muhammadu Buhari which is already causing apprehension and capable of destroying our corporate existence as a Nation.

“As you are aware, the February 25, 2023 Presidential election has been adjudged across the nation and Globally as the worst in the history of our country.

“The Presidential election was marred by brazen violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2023, INEC Regulations and Guidelines; manipulation of processes, alteration of genuine results from Polling Units, announcement of fabricated figures and climaxed by the vexatious declaration of the defeated candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Winner.

“The general despondency, resentment and anger across our country; the damning reports by election observers and the pervading international contempt against Nigeria since the declaration of the APC candidate as President-elect are ominous testaments that he does not have the mandate of majority of Nigerians derivable ONLY from a credible electoral process.

“As you are also aware, the PDP is already at the Tribunal with the prospects of reclaiming the mandate freely given to our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar at the Presidential election.”

Daily Post 

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Nigerians Should Back Tinubu, Politics Time Is Over – Wike

 

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is asking Nigerians to rally around President-elect Bola Tinubu, saying the time for politics is over.

Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) to clinch the seat in the hotly-contested February poll.

Although Wike belongs to the PDP (did not support the party’s candidate but worked for Tinubu), the Rivers leader is asking Nigerians to back the incoming administration which is set to be sworn in on May 29th, 2023.

‘Time for Governance’

“Elections have come and gone. The winner has emerged and therefore is it necessary for all Nigerians to give him the necessary support for the interest of Nigeria,” Wike told journalists after meeting with Tinubu at the Defence House in Abuja on Friday.

“I am confident that he has what it takes to turn Nigeria around,” the governor added.

Wike was accompanied by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who also re-echoed his Rivers counterpart’s comment.

“I came here to basically pay homage to the President-elect and to let him know that elections are over and this is [time for ]governance and we would do our best to give him support for the good governance of Nigeria,” the Oyo governor noted.

Makinde, Wike and other members of the PDP G-5 did not back Atiku for the presidency, insisting that the position should return to southern Nigeria after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

They, therefore, argued that Atiku from the northern region of Nigeria, same as Buhari, is unqualified to contest the election with Wike and Makinde backing Tinubu instead.

On his part, a member of the G-5, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State supported Labour Party’s Obi (who is from southern Nigeria) but lost his senatorial bid.

Source: https://www.channelstv.com/2023/04/28/wike-asks-nigerians-to-rally-around-tinubu-says-politics-time-is-over/

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Sperm Donor Who Fathered 550 Children Ordered To STOP

 

Dutch judges have ordered a man suspected of fathering more than 550 children through sperm donations to stop donating, in the latest fertility scandal to shock the Netherlands. 

The man, identified in Dutch media only as Jonathan M, 41, was taken to court by a foundation protecting the rights of donor children and by the mother of one of the children allegedly fathered from his sperm.

Dutch clinical guidelines say a donor should not father more than 25 children in 12 families, but judges said the man had helped produce between 550 and 600 children since he started donating sperm in 2007.

The court therefore “prohibits the defendant from donating his semen to new prospective parents after the issuing of this judgment”, judge Thera Hesselink said on Friday.

Jonathan M may also not contact any prospective parents “with the wish that he was willing to donate semen … advertise his services to prospective parents or join any organisation that establishes contact between prospective parents”, Hesselink said in a written judgment.

Should he continue with his donations, he would face a €100,000 (£88,000) fine for each transgression, as well as additional fines, the judge ordered.



The mother of one of the children in the court case, identified only as “Eva”, said she was grateful that the court had stopped the man from “mass donations that [have] spread like wildfire to other countries”.

“I’m asking the donor to respect our interests and to accept the verdict, because our children deserve to be left alone,” she said in a statement.

More than 100 of Jonathan M’s children were born in Dutch clinics and others privately, but he also donated to a Danish clinic – named as Cryos in court papers – which then dispatched his semen to private addresses in various countries.

“The donor deliberately misinformed prospective parents about the number of children he had already fathered in the past,” the district court in The Hague said.

“All these parents are now confronted with the fact that the children in their family are part of a huge kinship network, with hundreds of half-siblings, which they did not choose,” it said.

The court considered it “sufficiently plausible” that this has or could have negative psychosocial consequences for the children.

This included psychological problems around identity and fears of incest.

FG Secures Court Leave To Bring Nine New Grounds Against Kanu’s Release

FG secures court leave to bring nine new grounds against Kanu’s Release.

by Justina Mboho 1 hour ago

FG secures court leave to bring nine new grounds against Kanu’s Release

Key highlights

The Supreme Court has granted the FG leave to file nine new grounds of appeal against Nnamdi Kanu.

The apex court also granted the FG leave to add the nine grounds as part of its amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.

The FG through the AGF had approached the Apex court seeking to restore the criminal charges against Kanu.

The Federal Government has been granted leave by the Supreme Court to bring nine new grounds of appeal against the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.


Justice John Okoro who led a five-member panel of justices granted FG the leave on Thursday while ruling on a motion by the FG’s counsel, Tijani Gadzali (SAN).

Recall that Kanu had before now approached the court challenging his continued detention at the Department of State Services facility.

The court proceeding
When the matter was called up, Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s lawyer told the apex court that they had two motions before the court.

He said one is seeking his client’s bail and the other is seeking the transfer of Kanu to the Kuje Correctional Facility from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to enable him get proper medical attention.


He told the court that his client’s health was deteriorating in DSS custody, as he also went ahead and contended that both the Court of Appeal Rules of 2021 and Court of Appeal Act, 2004, “did not make any provisions of stay of execution of a Court of Appeal judgment in a criminal appeal.”

He prayed the court to set aside that stay of execution order as well as restrain the further detention and prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu.

FG’s Response
FG’s lawyer stated that his client brought a motion seeking to introduce nine new grounds in its amended notice of appeal against Kanu.


He however asked the court for an adjournment to enable him file a counter affidavit, as he just took over the matter.

He further told the apex court to afford his office time to respond to certain processes filed by Kanu’s lawyers.

Court ruling
The judge stated that seeking the transfer of Nnamdi Kanu may likely delay the hearing of the main suit, as he advised Ozekhome to withdraw the pending motions so as to focus on the main appeal.

The court also granted FG leave to include the nine new grounds as part of their amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.

In addition, the court also granted FG’s prayer and adjourned till May 11 for a hearing on the pending motion and the main appeal.

Backstory
On October 13, 2022, the court of appeal cleared Kanu of Alleged treason and terrorism charges leveled against him, as the court also dismissed the remaining six counts leveled against him by the Federal Government.

However, on October 28, 2022, the court reversed the decision and ordered a stay of execution pending a hearing and determination of the appeal from the supreme court.

The FG filed an appeal before the Supreme Court urging it to restore the criminal charges against the IPOB leader.

https://nairametrics.com/2023/04/27/fg-secures-court-leave-to-bring-nine-new-grounds-against-kanus-release/

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Massive Jubilation As First Flight Lands In Ebonyi International Airport

There was massive jubilation as Air Peace 5N-BXF landed safely today at the Ebonyi International Airport at about 03:50pm, IGBERETV reports.

According to Ebonyi state governor, Dave Umahi, the plane which departed the Abuja Airport at 11am landed in Ebonyi state as part of the test flight of the completed International Airport.

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Buses That Dumped Nigerian Students At Sahara Desert Finally Move

Abike Dabiri Erewa gives update on the Nigerian students that were dumped at the Sahara Desert over non-payment of buses.

I have just spoken to the @nemanigeria . They have started moving and the issues between NEMA and the transport company have been resolved.

https://twitter.com/abikedabiri/status/1651603250469117955?t=bnaii3D33HxusUTXrlvqCA&s=19

Previous thread https://www.nairaland.com/7668644/sudan-buses-evacuating-nigerian-students

N4,600 TVT: Customs Agents Kick As Lagos Slams New Charge On Imported Vehicles

Customs agents have kicked against a new charge of N4,600 imposed by the Lagos State government on all imported vehicles coming out of ports in the state.

Known as the Temporary Vehicle Tag, TVT, the charge was introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation; Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, MVAA.

Vanguard gathered that this development is generating tension as port users and vehicle importers have vowed to resist the introduction of the new charge.

It was also gathered that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has reportedly linked TVT payment to the Terminal Delivery Order, TDO, and directed terminal operators not to release any vehicle without evidence of payment.

Confirming the development, the Managing Director of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Fee Collection Authority, Mr. Gboyega Savaldor said the introduction of the charge is for the security of everybody living in Lagos.

Savaldor also said the new charge will check the use of unregistered vehicles by dealers who sometimes use these categories of vehicles for criminal purposes.

Savaldor also disclosed that after payment of N4,600, the clearing agents would be issued a sticker that would be placed on the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be driven within Lagos for the period of one month.

Reacting to the development, clearing agents at the port lamented that they were being overtaxed by the Lagos Government because already, Wharf Landing Fees are being collected on all cargoes, including vehicles.

Salvador however said: “The Wharf Landing Fee is being operated under a law. The money collected is not for Lagos State Government, it is to assist the operators. The Lagos government is inconveniencing itself to do this, the money is being collected to eradicate area boys harassing truck drivers on Lagos roads, and the money is shared among local government areas” he said.

But the Youth Leader of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Tin Can Island Port, Comrade Remilekun Sikiru counted Salvador, saying that the Lagos State Government first came to the port in December 2022 and claimed that the TVT would replace the Wharf Landing Fees.

“They came around last year around December, they claim this will replace the Wharf landing payment, I called and spoke with the coordinator whose phone was on the flyer, he told me that with the sticker which cost about 4,600 the vehicle can be driven within Lagos for the period of one month

“I told him this sticker should be directed to the dealers who take their vehicles around before they are sold.

“The truth remains that they want to take advantage of the fact that lots of vehicles come out of the port and want to compel the clearing agents to make this payment, furthermore they will begin operation with task force to enforce payment for the sticker” he said.

He added that “They have been forcing terminals to include TVT receipt and confirmation as part of the documents for TDO (Terminal Delivery Order).”

Another Customs agent, Emeka Mba, General Manager, Zenith Customs Brokers said that the introduction of the new charge will be resisted adding that there are some charges with no services rendered.

Reacting to the development at the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, the port economic regulator told our Correspondent that the Council is not aware of the introduction of the charge.

Speaking to Vanguard, Chief Agu Cajetan, Director, Consumer Services of the NSC said that the Council still views the development as a rumour adding that until the affected people come with their complaints.

He said: “We are not aware of the development, we have heard it like a rumour, and we are waiting for complainants to come forward. This is a country where anybody can wake up in the morning and impose any charge without recourse to the Nigerian Shippers Council.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/customs-agents-kick-as-lagos-govt-slams-new-charge-on-imported-vehicles/

Harry Belafonte Dies At 96

Harry Belafonte, the singer, actor and human rights activist has died at home in Manhattan, New York, aged 96.

He is one of the most successful African-American pop stars in history, he scored hits with Island In The Sun, Mary's Boy Child and the UK number one Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).

But his greatest achievements were as a campaigner for black civil rights in the US.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/25/arts/music/harry-belafonte-dead.html

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Why Many Ladies Remain Unmarried – Mike Bamiloye

The Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has revealed reasons some ladies remain unmarried even at the age of 28.

The 63-year-old said many ladies are not qualified to be wives because they prepare more for the wedding day than for marriage life.

Bamiloye added that many ladies lacked deep studies on what marriage entails, were too hasty, and not ready to learn the principles of marital life.

Bamiloye via his Instagram page said many ladies can not cook good dishes except fast food at the eateries but spend six months studying the wedding gowns and the accessories for the bridal trails.

He further stated that they are beautiful but not spiritually strong in prayers and knowledge of God’s words to withstand the spiritual challenges that would come against their home.

Bamiloye maintained that many ladies are materialistic with little knowledge of home management.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/mike-bamiloye/

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Ambrose Albert Owuru Asks Appeal Court To Stop Tinubu’s Inauguration

A fresh motion on notice seeking to stop Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from being inaugurated as Nigeria’s new President on May 29, 2023, has been instituted at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The fresh suit marked CA/CV/259/2023 is instituted by a Presidential candidate in the 2019 Presidential election and constitutional lawyer, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru and his political party, Hope Democratic Party (HDP).

Owuru, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, is praying the Court of Appeal in Abuja to prohibit President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from inaugurating the 2023 President-elect on May 29.

The politician, who participated in the 2019 presidential poll on the platform of Hope Democratic Party (HDP) wants Buhari, the AGF and the INEC stopped from taking any further steps on the 2023 presidential election that produced Tinubu as winner.

Owuru, who claimed to be adjudged constitutional winner of the 2019 presidential election predicated his grouse against inauguration of Tinubu or anybody else as successor to Buhari on the ground that he is the constitutionally adjudged winner of the 2019 election and has not spent his tenure as required by law.

Among others, Owuru insisted that President Buhari has been usurping his tenure of office since 2019 because the Supreme Court has not determined his petition filed in 2019 in which he challenged the purported declaration of Buhari as the election winner.

In his motion on notice marked CA/CV/259/2023 just filled at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Owuru applied for “An order of prohibitory injunction compelling Buhari, AGF and INEC, their servants, agents and privies to preserve and give due cognizance and abstain from any further undertaking or engaging in any act of usurpation of adjudged acquired Constitutional rights and mandate as winner of the 2019 presidential election.”

He also applied for another order directing and placing on notice that any form of handover inauguration, organized and Superintended by Buhari on 29th May 2023 outside the adjudged winner of the 2019 presidential election, subject of the pending appeal, remains and is viewed as an “interim place holder” administration pending the hearing and determination of his substantive appeal on constitutional interpretation thereof.

Listed as respondents in the motion on notice are President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 3rd, respectively.

The motion on notice filed on his behalf by Mr Odion Peter has been served on President Buhari and AGF through their counsel, Mrs Maimuna Lami Ashiru of the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, while that of the INEC was served through the Head of Legal Department and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr S. O Ibrahim.

DAILY POST observed that the motion is supported with an 8-paragraph affidavit praying the Court of Appeal for expeditious hearing before the inauguration of Tinubu.

The affidavit deposed to by an Abuja based legal practitioner, Adebayo Anafowode and filed at the Court of Appeal in Abuja expressed apprehension that Owuru’s suit against Buhari would be rendered nugatory unless given quick hearing.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the suit by the Court of Appeal.

DAILY POST 

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Multichoice Increases Subscription Rates For DSTV, Gotv Packages

Multichoice says the upward review of DStv and GOtv packages was due to the rising costs of business operations.

The new rate which will begin from May 1, 2023, was announced in a text message to its customers.

The company said the upward review of DStv and GOtv packages was due to the rising costs of business operations.

The text message reads, “Please note that from May 1, your monthly subscription (premium) will be N24,500. To retain your old price of N21,000 for up to 12 months ensure you are active by April 30”.

With this development, Pulse understands that the price on the Compact Plus bouquet will increase from N14,250 monthly N16,600.

Monthly subscription for Compact will increase from N9,000 to N10,500, while subscribers on Confam package will pay N6,200 compared to the previous N5,300.

The subscriptions for DStv Yanga and Padi bouquets will rise to N3,500 and N2,500 respectively, as against N2,950 and N2,150.

For Gotv subscribers, the price for Supa package will increase from N5,500 to N6,400, while GOtv Max increases from N4,150 to N4,850.

More so, the subscription for GOtv Jolli package price will increase from N2,800 to N3,300, while the GOtv Jinja and GOtv Lite packages will rise from N1,900 to N2,250; and from N900 to N1,100, respectively.

This is coming barely a year after the Pay TV firm increased its subscriptions rates.

In March 2022, the company said the prices were increased due to the rising costs of inflation and business operations in the country.

https://www.pulse.ng/business/local/multichoice-increases-subscription-rates-for-dstv-gotv/ljfvr82?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=pulsenigeria247-profile

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Peter Obi Slams INEC For Backing Tinubu At Presidential Tribunal

In his reply to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s preliminary objection against his petition at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Court in Abuja, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the electoral umpire for not maintaining neutrality in the case.

THE WHISTLER earlier reported that INEC in its objection filed by A.B Mahmoud SAN, had disagreed with Obi’s assertion that the 2023 presidential election results ought to be transmitted electronically through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine to a public result viewing portal known as the IReV.

INEC had also countered Obi’s submission that Tinubu, having not scored 25% of votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory, does not qualify to be declared winner of the 2023 polls in line with Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution.

The section reads: “(1) A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected, where, there being only two candidates for the election – (a) he has the majority of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

In FCT, Obi scored 281,717 votes to defeat Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar who had 90,902 and 74,199 votes, respectively (less than 25%).

But INEC’s lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud SAN, had told the court that “FCT has no special constitutional status over and above the other 36 states of the federation to require a candidate in the presidential election to obtain at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in the FCT before being declared winner of the presidential election.”

Meanwhile, the electoral umpire admitted that while it is true that collation officers are required to ascertain that the number of accredited voters match the number captured in the BVAS and that the votes of parties correspond with the result electronically transmitted directly from the polling units before collation of results, it’s collation officers are allowed by law to use INEC’s copy of the results from the polling unit in the event that no results have been electronically transmitted from a polling unit.

In his response before the court, Obi took a swipe at INEC, accusing it of forgetting its role as an impartial umpire.

“INEC, forgetting its role as an electoral umpire, gave a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the alleged incompetence of the petition.

“The global best practices for electoral umpires in national elections is that an electoral umpire must avoid creating the impression that it has no respect for neutrality in an electoral contest between candidates,” Obi’s reply stated.

Obi’s legal team further contended that previous rulings and decisions of the Court of Appeal repeatedly admonished INEC to remain neutral in electoral proceedings, adding that it amounts to “embarrassment” for INEC to “adorn the garb of a contestant” in an election it conducted.

In respect to INEC’s argument that 25% percent votes from FCT is not a requirement in 2023 presidential election, Obi’s team maintained that the electoral umpire’s contention is “not true” and that the 1999 constitution makes it mandatory.

Regarding the mode of collation and result declaration, Obi cited a Federal High Court judgement which held that the BVAS is “core” to the election.

“It is not true that INEC compared the results of the election with any hard copies and counter-part copies issued to Nigeria Police and the political party agents as claimed in paragraph 73 of the 1st Respondent’s (INEC) reply,” Obi’s team submitted.

https://thewhistler.ng/just-in-peter-obi-slams-inec-for-backing-tinubu-at-presidential-tribunal/amp/

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Senator Shehu Sani Reacts To Air Peace Owner Offering To Fly Muslim Students

Senator Shehu Sani has reacted to the news of Airline owner, Onyeama Allen, offering to fly Nigerian students stranded in Sudan back home. 

In a post shared on his Facebook page today April 24, Sani pointed out that the many once opposed to the Christian Igbo man helping muslims fly to Saudi Arabia. He said that those who were against him preferred an airline owned by a Muslim to airlift them to Saudi Arabia. 

Sani stated that it is the Christian Igbo man that is now offering to airlift the stranded students, most of them Muslims, from Sudan to Nigeria, 

‘’Some people were not happy when Air Peace owned by a Christian Igbo man was considered to Air lift pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.They reasoned that the ones owned by Muslims should be.Today,most of those students stranded in the Sudan are Muslims;I have been to Sudan and I sponsored many students to study there.The Airline owned by the Christian Igbo is there to freely fly them out of danger.Eye glasses tinted with ethnicity or religion will never give you a clearer vision of any plain object." 

https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2023/4/senator-shehu-sani-reacts-to-news-of-igbo-airline-owner-offering-to-fly-muslim-students-stranded-in-sudan-back-home.html

Other Nigerian Airlines are only generous when it comes to discounting passengers for Turbaning Ceremonies,Weddings and campaigns.Thank you Allen’s Air Peace for your patriotism and sacrifice.

https://twitter.com/ShehuSani/status/1650761098281336832

The Airlines who were bitterly competing to fly people to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem for religious purposes are not interested in helping to save lives of Nigerians in stranded Sudan.

https://twitter.com/ShehuSani/status/1650763044526383104

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Trump Doesn't Want To Debate Ahead Of The 2024 US Presidential Election

Republicans hoping to see Donald Trump debate Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy or possibly Ron DeSantis in a GOP primary debate are going to be disappointed by this development: The former president is suggesting he might not participate.

On Tuesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social network to say that while “everybody is talking about the Republican Debates” ahead of the 2024 presidential election, nobody got his approval, “or the approval of the Trump Campaign, before announcing them.”

Trump apparently doesn’t see any reason to debate primary opponents when “you’re leading by seemingly insurmountable numbers,” especially when “you have hostile Networks with angry, TRUMP ... hating anchors asking the ‘questions.’”

He wondered, “Why subject yourself to being libeled and abused?”

Donald Trump appears to offer reasons for potentially skipping GOP primary debates ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

But while Trump hinted that those are the reasons he may not participate in the primary debates, Twitter users couldn’t help but speculate that there were other, perhaps more likely, explanations.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.yahoo.com/amphtml/trump-suggests-hell-skip-gop-194632600.html

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Why Cubana Chief Priest & Davido Unfollowed Each Other

Details have emerged regarding the alleged ongoing rift between afrobeats singer, Davido and his friend, Cubana Chiefpriest.

According to blogger, Stella Dimorkorkokus, the duo fell out after Cubana Chiefpriest made a disrespectful statement about Davido’s late son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.

It was also gathered that the controversial barman made the statement in the presence of Davido and his wife, Chioma. Stella wrote:

Popular Crooner David and his friend Cubana chief priest have unfollowed each other on Instagram and are presently not in talking terms over alleged disrespect over a statement the Chief priest allegedly made regarding late Ifeanyi Adeleke.
.
According to sources, the statement Cubana Chief Priest made was disrespectful, very careless and insensitive and made Chioma and Davido weep painful tears.
This made them fall out and Davido unfollowed Cubana Chief priest.Insiders allege that the Chief priest made the statement in presence of his wife and she also chided him for what he said....
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Please note that I cannot repeat what was said because it is too sensitive and i dont want them to cry more .....
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So my people this is the reason they unfollowed each other......
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May God settle the quarrel.........

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrafcyiMhdK/

Shedding more light on the situation, Blogger, Gistlovers’ claimed that Cubana Chiefpriest had called Davido to congratulate him on the expected birth of his child with baby mama, Amanda.

While speaking with Davido, Cubana allegedly mentioned that he hopes the baby is a boy so he would replace Chioma’s late son, Ifeanyi.

Reports claim Chioma heard it and burst into bitter tears while feeling pained and Davido in turn blasted Cubana, stating that he suspects he leaked the gist about his expectant baby mama.

Sudan's Warring Factions Agree To A 72-hour Nationwide Ceasefire - Blinken

Following intense negotiations, the SAF and RSF have agreed to implement and uphold a 72-hour nationwide ceasefire starting midnight, April 24.We welcome their commitment to work with partners and stakeholders for permanent cessation of hostilities and humanitarian arrangements.

Antony John Blinken, US Secretary of State

Allow Me To Rest, Eat Amala And Sleep, Work Will Continue Tomorrow - Bola Tinubu

Allow me to rest, eat Amala, and sleep. 

Work will commence tomorrow"
🤩🤩🤩
~The President-Elect, @officialABAT to his supporters at his Asokoro Residence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKdF9DIP0us

https://twitter.com/StFreakingKezy/status/1650559554885672981



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxurE-rBsFA

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