Social media users have condemned the detention of a Nigerian woman, Rhoda Jatau, who has been detained for 18 months for allegedly protesting the gruesome murder of Samuel Deborah.

Deborah was a Christian and a 200-level student of Home Economics at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was murdered by Islamic extremists and set ablaze after she advised her classmates against posting religious materials on their WhatsApp page.

She was killed by a mob on May 12, 2022.

The detention of Jatau in Bauchi State led to the hashtag #FreeRhoda on the X platform.

A few days after Deborah was lynched, the police announced the arrest of two suspects; Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci, in connection to Deborah’s murder, and they were arraigned on May 16, 2022, at the Sokoto Chief Magistrate Court for their alleged participation in the crime.

On May 17, 2022, The PUNCH reports that the Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Command, declared fleeing suspects captured in the viral video of the killing and subsequent setting on fire of Deborah Samuel wanted for culpable homicide.

The command further explained that those arrested at the scene of the incident while dispersing the mob had been charged to court and the court remanded them in prison.

On August 28, 2022, the PUNCH reported the State Police Command had said its men were still searching for the suspected killers of Deborah.

The command added that those arrested by the police were not the prime suspects.

However, on the 14th of May, 2023, the police command said prime suspects in Deborah’s murder were at large.

However, Jatau, a mother of five has reportedly been arrested and detained since 2022.

She was charged with “inciting public disturbance, contempt of religious creed and cyber-stalking” under the Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Nigerians on social media X, (formerly Twitter) have continued to slam Jtau’s continued detention.

Taking to social media yesterday (Tuesday), Nigerian, Modupe Odele with the X handle tweeted, “Rhoda Ya’u Jatau is a Christian from Bauchi State who has spent over 18 months in jail for sharing a video condemning the lynching of university student Deborah Emmanuel. She was accused of blasphemy…”

Another Nigerian, @Uncle_Onos, expressed concern saying, “She has so far spent over 18 months languishing in Police detention. This is the height of wickedness and cruelty. Meanwhile, no word has been of how the killers of Deborah were treated by the Police. They are probably walking the streets freely. RHODA JATAU MUST BE FREED!!!”

Also, popular skit maker, Mr Macaroni decried the continuous detention by tweeting, “Rhoda Jatau is a Christian. A Mother of 5. She has spent over 18 months and counting in a Prison in Bauchi for condemning the gruesome and barbaric murder of Deborah; a fellow Christian. This is a crime against humanity and this madness must come to an end! FREE RHODA JATAU!!!”

Reacting to one of the several tweets calling for the release of Jatau, another netizen with the handle @king_Bello7 decried the failure of the police to apprehend the murders of Deborah but “Deborah’s killers are walking free”

A music executive, @ChubieUjah questioned if the constitution of the nation has been swapped for Sharia law without the knowledge of Nigerians. He posted, “I don’t understand how this is happening in a civilised society that claims to be a secular state. What are they not telling us? Has our constitution been swapped for Sharia law without our knowledge?” while @ProsperLuis2 expressed that “Christians are suffering in northern Nigeria.”

Another netizen @addel_cares blamed the Christian community for the detention of Jatau.

He tweeted, “Something would happen in Nigeria, and you would ask yourself, do we even have Christian leaders in Nigeria? I don’t even blame them, but the gullible Nigerians who see them as God, and when it’s time for them to stand up, they won’t. Arrest a Muslim and put him or her in prison and see if everyone would rest.” Another X user named @GoodPikins said, “Please release the innocent woman.”

@Real_Ekaf called for justice, adding that “Enough is Enough” on the detention of Jatau and @Cutefabulous02 added, “The injustice against Christians in the north is uncalled for. I wish the secularity of the Nigerian state is applicable to all the states of the federation. The day we would understand as people that humanity begot religion may mark the day of our liberation. #FreeRhoda”

When contacted for his reaction on the case by our correspondent, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bauchi State, Ahmad Wakili, said “Call the PRO of the DSS,” at the mention of Rhoda Jatau.

However, all efforts made to reach the DSS proved abortive. Also, when contacted on steps and actions taken to secure the release of Jatau, the apex Christian body in the country was unavailable as of the time of filing this report as the line of the organisation could not be reached.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/deborah-samuel-netizens-slam-continued-detention-of-jatau/

The Rivers State Police Command has urged the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State, SP Bako Angbashin, to submit himself for investigation.

The police said Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, the wanted leader of the Iceland cult gang, should come forward and prove his innocence in the killing of Angbashin in the Odumuedie community, Ahoada East, by suspected cultists.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and made available to newsmen.

we reports that the notorious cultist in a voice note aired on a popular Radio Station, 92.3 Nigeria Info, Port Harcourt, on Monday morning denied, any involvement in the crime.

Iringe-Koko was responding to a recently released viral voice note by 2Baba in which he denied involvement in the killing, even as she asserted that the principle of justice demands a fair hearing for all parties.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has taken note of a recent radio announcement in which Gift David Okpara, also known as 2Baba, a notorious cultist and murder suspect wanted in connection with the killing of Superintendent of Police, SP Bako Angbashim, former DPO of Ahoada Police Division in Rivers State, denied his involvement in the tragic incident.

”The police understand the importance of listening to the other party, and it is crucial to note that everyone is considered innocent until proven otherwise.

“As such, the Rivers State Police Command urges Gift David Okpara, aka 2Baba, to come forward and submit himself to the authorities, providing the opportunity to present evidence that could support his claims of innocence.

“The police are committed to upholding the principles of due process and are open to receiving any information that can aid in the ongoing investigation.

“It is imperative for Gift David Okpara to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a thorough and transparent resolution to this serious matter.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/slain-dpo-submit-yourself-for-investigation-police-tell-prime-suspect/

The Ijaw Monitoring Group has warned against any attempt to undermine the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalaye Fubara, amidst the ongoing crisis between the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike.

The group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to mediate in the ongoing feud between Fubara, who hails from the Ijaw ethnic group, and his predecessor, Wike.

The group’s coordinator, Joseph Evah, made this known while speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday.

He said, “What is happening in our River State, fire is on the mountain in River State. We want the President to intervene in this matter. Call the FCT minister to order. We don’t want fire on the mountain in River State. That is our demand.

“Ijaw people will never fold hands. Just like Ikwerre people would not fold hands if they want to mess up their own son. The Urhobo people will not fold hands. The Yoruba people never folded their hands when annulment of June 12 took place.”

The PUNCH reports that Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party governors in October intervened to stop the impeachment moves against Fubara.

On the night of October 29, an explosion occurred at the state House of Assembly, causing significant damage to assets worth millions of naira.

Law enforcement agents also reportedly fired tear gas at the governor during his visit to the Assembly on the morning of October 30.

The relationship between Wike and Fubara reportedly turned sour amid the looming threat of impeachment against the governor by the Assembly.

Some have accused Wike, a former governor of the state, of masterminding the impeachment move.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/rivers-crisis-call-wike-to-order-ijaw-group-tells-tinubu/

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presented the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget proposal to a joint session of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja — his first since assuming office exactly six months ago.⁣

Read the full speech below:

- In furtherance of my sacred duties and obligations as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is my honour to be here today to present my administration’s 2024 Budget Proposal to this Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly. This moment is especially profound and significant to me because it is my first annual budgetary presentation to the National Assembly.

- Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, I commend your swift consideration and passage of the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bills and the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Your prompt action underscores your devotion to economic development and to the greater welfare of our people. It also highlights your desire to work in close collaboration with the Executive branch. We do not serve ourselves. We must always strive to work together to serve and benefit the people of our beloved country.

- I am confident that the National Assembly will continue to work closely with us to ensure that deliberations on the 2024 Budget are thorough but also concluded with reasonable dispatch. Our goal is for the Appropriation Act to come into effect on the 1st of January 2024.

- It is, by now, a matter of recorded history that my very first fiscal intervention as President of this great nation was to end the fuel subsidy regime which had proven to be so harmful to the overall health of our national economy. The second was to negotiate and subsequently present a supplementary budget to enable my government to fund the items needed to restore macro-economic stability and mitigate the harsh impact of subsidy removal.

- The third was to secure a second supplementary budget, this time to enable us to keep our promises to promote national security, invest in infrastructure and provide much-needed support to the most vulnerable households in our society.

- In swearing in my cabinet and reflecting on the unique challenges facing us, I invited the Ministers to imagine that we are attempting to draw water from a dry well. Today, I stand before you to present our Budget of Renewed Hope; a budget which will go further than ever before in cementing macro-economic stability, reducing the deficit, increasing capital spending and allocation to reflect the eight priority areas of this Administration. The budget we now present constitutes the foundation upon which we shall erect the future of this great nation.

PREVAILING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

- Economic conditions remain challenging both abroad and at home. Despite lingering post-COVID supply and production bottlenecks, armed conflict in various parts of the world and restrictive monetary policies in major economies, we expect global growth to hover around 3.0 percent in 2024. This relatively low rate has significant implications for our economy due to our current reliance on importation.

- Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members: despite the global headwinds, the Nigerian economy has proven resilient, maintaining modest but positive growth over the past twelve months.

- Inflation has trended upward due to weak global conditions. To contain the rising domestic prices, we will ensure effective coordination of fiscal and monetary policy measures, and collaborate with sub-national governments to address structural factors driving inflation in Nigeria.

- The Budget proposal meets our goal of completing critical infrastructure projects which will help address structural problems in the economy by lowering the costs of doing business for companies and the cost of living for the average person, The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning will provide full details of this proposal.

PERFORMANCE OF THE 2023 BUDGET

- Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, an aggregate revenue of 11.045 trillion naira was projected to fund the 2023 Budget of 24.82 trillion naira with a deficit of about 6.1 percent of GDP.

- As of September 30, the Federal Government’s actual aggregate revenue inflow was 8.65 trillion naira, approximately 96 percent of the targeted 8.28 trillion naira.

- Despite the challenges, we continue to meet our obligations.

THEME AND PRIORITIES OF THE 2024 BUDGET

- Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, permit me to highlight key issues relating to the budget proposals for the next fiscal year. The 2024 Appropriation has been themed the Budget of Renewed Hope. The proposed Budget seeks to achieve job-rich economic growth, macro-economic stability, a better investment environment, enhanced human capital development, as well as poverty reduction and greater access to social security.

- Defence and internal security are accorded top priority. The internal security architecture will be overhauled to enhance law enforcement capabilities and safeguard lives, property and investments across the country.

- Human capital is the most critical resource for national development. Accordingly, the budget prioritizes human development with particular attention to children, the foundation of our nation.

- To improve the effectiveness of our budget performance, the government will focus on ensuring value for money, greater transparency and accountability. In this regard, we will work more closely with development partners and the private sector.

- To address long-standing issues in the education sector, a more sustainable model of funding tertiary education will be implemented, including the Student Loan Scheme scheduled to become operational by January 2024.

- A stable macro-economic environment is important to catalyse private investment and accelerate economic growth. We have and shall continue to implement business and investment-friendly measures for sustainable growth.

- We expect the economy to grow by a minimum of 3.76 percent, above the forecasted world average. Inflation is expected to moderate to 21.4 percent in 2024.

- In preparing the 2024 Budget, our primary objective has been to sustain our robust foundation for sustainable economic development. A critical focus of this budget and the medium-term expenditure framework is Nigeria’s commitment to a greener future.

- Emphasizing public-private partnerships, we have strategically made provisions to leverage private capital for big-ticket infrastructure projects in energy, transportation and other sectors. This marks a critical step towards diversifying our energy mix, enhancing efficiency, and fostering the development of renewable energy sources. By allocating resources to support innovative and environmentally conscious initiatives, we aim to
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/full-text-tinubus-2024-budget-speech/

⁣President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said his administration is poised to maintain the January-December implementation cycle laid down by the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari. ⁣⁣“Our goal is to ensure that the Approbation Act comes into effect on January 1, 2024,” Tinubu said when he presented the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget proposal to a joint session of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja — his first since assuming office exactly six months ago.⁣⁣Tinubu spotlighted national security, local job creation, and poverty reduction as the top priorities of the 2024 Appropriation Bill which he called the ‘Budget of Renewed Hope.’ ⁣⁣This was as he said the administration is targeting a 3.76 per cent economic growth in the next fiscal year. ⁣⁣“A critical focus of this budget and the medium-term expenditure framework is Nigeria’s commitment to a greener future…We expect the economy to grow by a minimum of 3.76 percent, above the forecasted world average. Inflation is expected to moderate to 21.4 percent in 2024,” Tinubu said. ⁣⁣
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/2024-budget-tinubu-harps-on-january-to-december-implementation-cycle/

Marlian Music record owner, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, known as Sam Larry, have made their first public appearance following after their release from custody.

This was revealed in videos shared on TikTok on Tuesday night by Sam Larry.

In the videos which have now gone viral, the two of them were seen in the company of another singer on the record label, Oniyide Azeez, aka Zinoleesky, and others.

The duo were in October arraigned and remanded over their alleged involvement in circumstances surrounding the death of a musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

They were, however, released on November 17, by the Lagos State Police Command after they met their bail conditions.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/video-naira-marley-sam-larry-make-first-appearance-after-regaining-freedom/

PRESENTED with another opportunity to raise the bar of democratic governance to global standards, Nigeria’s political leadership, instead dug the country further into a rut. For six months, governance has alternated between abeyance, inertia, and auto-pilot in Ondo State, following the illness of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who has been absent from duty and the state capital, Akure. Whereas decorum, and respect for the five million residents of the state demand that the governor step down, party leaders, led by President Bola Tinubu, have elevated party conviviality over public interest.

The charade is nauseating; the governor should immediately surrender the reins of government to tend to his health, failing which the state executive council or the legislature should remove him in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

The drama is another setback for Nigeria’s democracy. For over one year, Akeredolu has been very ill. For some time, he relocated to Ibadan, Oyo State, from where he and his inner circle were running Ondo. Later, he flew to Germany for treatment, spending three months in the European country.

On his return, his family and aides took him to Ibadan, from where they are pretending that he is running Ondo State.

The crisis has deepened with the harassment of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, by Akeredolu’s supporters over internal disagreements, including attempts to impeach him by the Ondo State House of Assembly.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, should respect the law. The 1999 Constitution is clear; he has the option of handing over to his deputy and transmitting that he is taking medical leave of absence to the ODHA. In the alternative, he should resign to tend to his health.

Public office calls for selfless public service. His exit now on account of his incapacitation is more beneficial to the state than the current intrigues and administrative gridlock at a time of grave economic, security and social adversity.

Tinubu’s and the ruling party’s intervention however elevated party interest above public interest, and global best democratic practices. Their ‘resolution’ asking the Ondo partisans to maintain the status quo; retain the absentee Akeredolu as governor, and stop impeachment moves against Aiyedatiwa, resolves nothing.

Governance in Ondo remains in abeyance. Nigerian politicians fail to learn from past mistakes. Nigeria witnessed political gridlock in 2009 when the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s aides and some family members similarly hijacked the Presidency during his sojourn in foreign hospitals. Eventually, it was the invocation of the “doctrine of necessity” that facilitated the elevation of his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, to the presidency.

His successor, Muhammadu Buhari, similarly took frequent foreign medical trips without transmitting power to his deputy, whose sterling performance during the first two trips impressed Nigerians, but infuriated Buhari’s exclusionary inner circle. In one instance, he was away for 171 days. Former Governors Sullivan Chime (Enugu), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River), also each departed their states for long periods.

This ghoulish spectacle should be terminated. Illness can afflict anyone. Everyone sympathises with Akeredolu and wishes him full recovery. But it is time to step down from the exacting functions of governor for everyone’s sake. As NBA leader, student union, and civil society activist, he had always insisted on governance best practices.

The NBA stoutly called on Yar’Adua to step down in 2009/2010; its recent backing of Akeredolu therefore amounts to double standards.

Akeredolu should step aside. Failing that, the ODHA, and the SEC should remove him.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/akeredolu-should-step-aside-or-be-removed/

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has expressed confidence in his victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Shaibu said he would definitely defeat the preferred candidate of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Shaibu stated this during a TVC programme on Monday evening.

This is coming barely 24 hours after he made a formal announcement, expressing his desire to compete for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket in the forthcoming party primaries.

Following his announcement, Shaibu inaugurated his campaign office in Benin City, the capital of the state. The event witnessed a large gathering of party supporters.

“The problem I have with the governor is that he has allowed certain individuals that have interest in governance to come between us.

“He is managing in his own style and the way he feels he can manage it. I am also managing it the way I feel I can manage it.

“When I said I was pressed, but not distressed, I understand the kind of intimidation and oppression I have gone through,” the governorship hopeful said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/ill-defeat-obasekis-candidate-says-shaibu/

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 18 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in connection with the killing of two officers at Ahiara Junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

The Online gathered that the officers were attacked by the suspects, who were dressed in military camouflage when they stopped to refuel their vehicles on Monday,

It was also gathered that the suspects swooped on the unsuspecting officers in three vehicles while shooting sporadically.

The spokesperson for the police command, Henry Okoye, said the two officers killed in the incident have been identified as the divisional police officer of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an inspector.

“Police operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.

“The operatives were swiftly reinforced by the military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/imo-police-arrest-18-for-killing-dpo-inspector/

Eleven people have been killed in an incident at a platinum mine in South Africa, according to the mining company Implats.

The accident happened on Monday afternoon at Impala Rustenburg in the North West province.

Company spokesperson Johan Theron told the BBC that 86 people were involved in the incident and that 11 of those had died.

Some of the other people affected have sustained very serious injuries.

The mine rescue operation has concluded and investigations into the incident have commenced, the spokesperson added.

He said the incident involved a winding rope connected to a lift which hoists people up and down the mine shaft.

The lift started moving downwards unexpectedly, he said.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=184725

A gas plant located in the Rumukurusi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, went up in flames early on Tuesday, causing panic among residents and business owners in the area.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 5 am when most people were still asleep.

Residents said they woke after hearing people shouting from the location of the gas facility owned by Hydropet Oil Services Limited.

A shop owner in the area who simply gave her name as Grace, said she saw the fire when she woke up around 5:20 am

She stated, “So I quickly came out to the road leading to Eneka, lo and behold it was Hydropet gas plant that was on fire. The fire was huge. I was so afraid because My shop is close to that place.”

Our correspondent who visited the scene at about 9 am saw men of the Federal Fire Service trying to put out the fire.

A resident told our reporter that it was the Shell fire service that extinguished the fire which lasted for about four hours.

“Thank God for the Shell Fire Services because we don’t know maybe the tank would have exploded.”

Meanwhile, many residents and business owners thronged out to catch a glimpse of the fire, while some expressed worry over a possible explosion.

Scores of policemen and the fire service team cordoned off the area with red lights and prevented vehicles from further accessing the road.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would find out from the police division and get back to our correspondent.

She had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday morning
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/panic-as-fire-guts-gas-plant-in-rivers/

A comment by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, that the Binis founded Lagos State, has sparked debate on social media.

During a visit to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, the monarch said, “It is in the history books that the Binis founded Lagos. When some people will hear it now, they will go haywire, what is the Oba saying there again? But it is true. Go and check the records. Maybe not all over Lagos as we know it now but certain areas in Lagos, maybe the nucleus of Lagos, was founded by my ancestors. The Oba of Lagos will say so.”

Following the comment, notable personalities and netizens have taken to social media to air their views on the matter.

A Lagos Chief, the Balogun of Eko, Abisoye Oshodi, disagreed with the monarch, stating that Lagos was not founded by the Binis.

He partly said, “Point of correction Sir, Lagos was never founded by the Binis. I am glad that you said some parts of Lagos, not the entire Lagos. You are right, your ancestors settled on a small Island that was called Eko then, before the creation of Lagos. On this very Island, they never created it.”

Comedian, Seyi Law, said on X, “The distortion of our history in the South West will never cease to amaze me. What is the sin of South-westerners that make some tribes want to revise our history? Maybe we just have to revisit our liberalism.

“The same way some Itsekiri warriors settled in Epe was the same way some Benin warriors settled in Isale Eko of Lagos Island. The journey of the Binis to Lagos was a joint war of the Binis and Itsekiris against my ancestor, the King of Mahin Kingdom, Oba Alagwe.

Knocking the Yorubas, an X user, B0lutife said, “You ridiculed our traditional leaders before and during the election. The Ooni of Ife and Oba of Lagos were your regular punching bags but small ‘clearance’ by the Yorubas when your Oba misyarned on Lagos history, you are threatening us with curses.”

“Oba of Benin is 70. Oba of Lagos is 80. There are certain things you wouldn’t say to your 70 years old father or 80 years old grandfather. Please control your emotions, moderate your language and disagree in a civil manner. It’s the right thing to do,” OgbeniDipo said on X, warning netizens about their comments on the issue.

The agelong controversy on the founders of Lagos State has always sparked debate among the Yorubas and the Binis.

A prominent Lagos Prince, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, in 2019 stated that the Binis were the first settlers in Lagos, adding that Lagos was part of the Bini Empire.

This came after a former Chairman of the Island Club, Lagos, Chief Musiliu Anibaba, claimed that the Aworis were the first persons to settle in Lagos.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/__trashed-13/

A Kenyan court has declared as unconstitutional a 1.5% housing levy that was imposed by the government as part of a finance law in July.

A three-judge bench ruled that the tax lacked a comprehensive legal framework and was irrational.

The introduction of the housing levy, among other taxes, fuelled protests amid a high cost of living.

The government has asked the court for a stay of the judgement for 45 days as it decides on the next course of action.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/kenya-court-declares-1-5-housing-tax-unconstitutional/

Willian scored an injury-time winner from the penalty spot as Wolves were on the wrong end of more video assistant referee controversy in their Premier League defeat at Fulham.

With the score at 2-2 referee Michael Salisbury awarded the match's third penalty after a VAR review.

Salisbury had initially waved play on after Harry Wilson and Joao Gomes came together in the box, but overturned his call after the VAR advised him to look at the pitchside monitor.

Willian then dispatched his second spot-kick of the half.

Alex Iwobi had opened the scoring in the seventh minute for the hosts, side-footing Antonee Robinson's cutback through the legs of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Matheus Cunha equalised for the visitors after 22 minutes, heading in Jean-Ricner Bellegarde's cross after the Frenchman skilfully beat Robinson down the right.

Willian restored Fulham's lead with the first penalty of the game just before the hour mark after Nelson Semedo had caught Tom Cairney on the edge of the box.

But Wolves soon had a spot-kick of their own inside the final 20 minutes when Tim Ream bundled over Hwang Hee-chan and the South Korea winger struck Wolves' second equaliser from 12 yards.

Fulham rode their luck and benefitted from another late penalty call to sneak all three points.

It was a tale of three penalties at Craven Cottage.

The first spot-kick referee Salisbury awarded was when Semedo caught Cairney in the area, although the VAR took a lengthy look at the call.

It upheld the on-field decision, even if Semedo did touch the ball as he made contact with Cairney.

About 15 minutes later Wolves won a penalty of their own when a long ball over the top had Hwang sprinting in on goal, but he was caught by Ream inside the area. The VAR had a quicker look at the decision, although the call appeared to be clear-cut.

Salisbury had initially waved play on in stoppage time when Fulham's Wilson hit the deck, but was sent to his pitchside monitor by the VAR and awarded a third penalty which Willian dispatched.

There was time for a late penalty shout in the dying seconds of the match, when the ball struck the arm of a Fulham defender - albeit accidently - and play was rightly waved on.

The result ended Fulham's four-match winless run in the Premier League as they recorded their first league victory since beating Sheffield United 3-1 on 7 October.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/willians-penalties-help-fulham-beat-wolves/

The traditional ruler of Otulu community in the Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Joe Ochulor, has been murdered.

The monarch who was kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Saturday morning was killed in the evening of the same day.

A source who doesn’t want to be mentioned told our correspondent on Sunday that the king’s lifeless body was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in the neighboring Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night.

The source said, “The traditional ruler of Otulu community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has been killed. The lifeless body of the king was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night. He was abducted from his palace on Saturday morning.

“There is fear everywhere. Villagers are afraid because the traditional ruler was taken from his home on Saturday morning only for his lifeless body to be found on the same Saturday. This is horrifying.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the monarch’s killing stating that, “The story is true. It is an unfortunate circumstance but the state Commissioner of Police has declared the suspects wanted. We are on the trail of the suspects and we are doing everything possible to close in on the suspects and bring them to book.

“The command is open to anybody with useful information that will lead to the swift arrest of the suspects. We are assuring the public that this development is not above us. The CP is on top of the situation.

Our correspondent recalls that the abduction and killing of the traditional ruler came just a few days after the ward chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Ife/ Akpodim/ Chokoneze ward in the same Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA , Chiedoziem Anyanwu, was assassinated in the presence of his wife.

The gunmen had arrived and demanded to see him. Upon confirming that he was the one they were looking for, they shot him and confirmed that he was dead before they left the scene.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/gunmen-murder-imo-monarch/

The Ijaw National Congress Worldwide has urged Rivers State’s immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, to make peace with Governor Siminialayi Fubara for peace and prosperity.

The group, which expressed its discontent with the state’s political problems, particularly between Fubara and his predecessor, stated that it would always be on the side of truth and good administration.

This was said in a statement released by the group’s President, Prof Benjamin Okaba, and made available to newsmen in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday.

In the statement, the group commended the people of Rivers State for standing up to the alleged planned impeachment of Fubara and encouraged Wike not to destabilize the state’s existing administration.

The statement read, “We urgently call on all political players in Rivers State to play their duty to their constituents and forthwith cease from any further acts capable of slurring the sanctity of the office, institution, and person of the Governor of all Rivers people.

“We specifically appeal to Chief Nyesom Wike, to retrace his steps from stoking division of any sort against the government of the day under the guise of protecting his ‘structure’. The political structure to which he refers should not be rolled up with the structure of the government of Governor Fubara as one entity under anyone’s thumb.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/rivers-political-crisis-ijaw-group-urges-wike-to-make-peace-with-fubara/

No fewer than 32 bills have been tabled before the Senate and the House of Representatives for the creation of new universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, an investigation by The PUNCH has revealed.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities and other experts, however, warned the government against the establishment of new institutions while failing to fund the existing ones.

The reports that Nigeria has a total of 52 federal universities. The official data from the National Universities Commission also revealed that the country has 63 state universities and 147 private universities.

The National Board for Technical Education also puts the number of Federal Polytechnics at 40; state-owned at 49 and private at 76. There are 70 federal and state-owned colleges of health; while the number of private colleges of health is 17.

Also, the National Commission for Colleges of Education put the number of colleges of education in Nigeria at 219.

Analysis of the bills revealed that the Speaker of the House of Representatives led the pack. The Speaker pushed for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Kaduna, which had its first reading on July 6, 2023. Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, pushed for the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende in Abia State.

There is also Benjamin Kalu Federal Polytechnic, Rano, Kano State; Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State, among others.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Chairman of ASUU, Federal University of Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, described the move by the lawmakers as misplaced priorities.

He said, “Misplaced priority. You have institutions that are trying to stay afloat yet the only thing you can think of is to create more institutions so that your people would think you are working. They should concentrate more on projects that would impact the lives of their constituents instead of creating more problems for the nation.”

Also speaking with our correspondent, the Programme Director, Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, said the lawmakers were merely trying to score political goals.

Oluwatoyin said, “It is so unfortunate that we live in a country where lawmakers use matters like education to score cheap political goals. This is unheard of in any part of the world. How will you propose bills for new institutions when the existing ones have been shut down? Who advises them.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/lawmakers-push-for-32-new-federal-varsities/

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has summoned heads of aviation regulatory agencies over safety concerns in the sector.

The minister said a thorough assessment of recent incidents will be carried out during the meeting.

Recently, the Lagos-Abuja flight of United Nigeria Airlines was diverted to Asaba, Delta State capital, due to poor weather conditions.

The flight, NUA 0504, took off on Sunday (yesterday) from the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Terminal 2, and was headed for Abuja.

However, the pilot grounded the aircraft at the Asaba International Airport, and that caused some confusion among the passengers.

“Due to safety concerns in the aviation sector expressed by members of the public, I have summoned the heads of the regulatory agencies to my office later today to review the incidents that are the causes of these concerns and to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to forestall future occurrence and to apply sanctions, where necessary, regarding the past incidents,” Keyamo tweeted.

The report mirrored the harrowing experiences of air passengers who have recently escaped episodes of runway excursions, crash landings, and other slips.

It also revealed the concerns of several aviation stakeholders and the challenges faced by the sector regarding infrastructure, management and navigational safety, amongst others.

In 14 days, the country witnessed three runway excursions in two international airports.

So far, there have been no fewer than 10 reported incidents this year.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/keyamo-summons-heads-of-aviation-agencies-over-safety-concerns/

Data from the website of the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body for universities in Nigeria, revealed that there are currently 147 private universities spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of the federation.

As the demand for quality university education rises owing to industrial crises and issues of poor funding in the public tertiary education sub-sector, there seems to be a growing demand for private universities in the country.

Between January 1, 2023 and June 27, 2023, the NUC gave provisional licences to 37 private universities.

we highlights the 147 private universities as approved by the NUC.

- Babcock University, Ogun State

- Madonna University, Anambra State

- Igbinedion University, Edo State

- Bowen University, Osun State

- Benson Idahosa University, Edo state

- Covenant University, Ogun state

- Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos State

- American University of Nigeria, Adamawa State

- Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State

- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State

- AI-Qalam University, Katsina, Katsina State

- Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun State

- Bingham University, New-Karu, Nasarawa State

- Caritas University, Enugu, Enugu State

- Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State

- Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State

- Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State

- Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State

- Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State

- Renaissance University, Enugu, Enugu State

- University of Mkar, Mkar, Benue State

- Novena University, Ogume, Delta State

- Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State

- Veritas University, Abuja, FCT

- Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State

- African University of Science & Technology, Abuja

- Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State

- Fountain University, Oshogbo, Osun State

- Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State

- Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State

- Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo State

- Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State

- Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State

- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State

- Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State

- Nigerian-Turkish Nile University, FCT Abuja

- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State

- Paul University, Awka, Anambra State

- Rhema University, Obama-Asa, Rivers State

40 Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State

- Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

- Baze University, FCT Abuja

- Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State

- Glorious Vision University (formerly Samuel Adegboyega University), Ogwa, Edo State

- McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo, Ogun State

- Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State

- Southwestern University, Oku Owa, Ogun State

- Evangel University, Ebonyi State

- Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State

- Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos State

- Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State

- Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State

- Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State

- Kings University Ode-Omu, Osun State

- Michael & Cecilia Ibru University, Owhode, Delta State

- Mountain Top University, Makogi/Oba, Ogun State

- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwalbom State

- Summit University, Offa, Kwara State

- Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State

- Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State

- Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State

- Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State

- Clifford University, Abia State

- Coal City University, Enugu state

- Ojaja University, Ilorin, Kwara state

- Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State

- Kola Daisi University., Ibadan, Oyo State

- Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State

- Spiritan University, Neochi, Abia State

- PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

- Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo State

- Eko University of Medical Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos

- Skyline University, Nigeria, Kano, Kano State

- Greenfield University, Kasarami-Kaduna, Kaduna State

- Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo State

- Trinity University, Laloko, Ogun State

- Westland University, Iwo, Osun State

- Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa-Ibom State

- Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State

- Maranatha University, Lekki, Lagos State

- Ave-Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State

- AL-Istigama University, Sumaila, Kano State

- Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State

- Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State

- Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State

- Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State

- Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State

- James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos state

- Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano, Kano State

- Capital City University, Kano, Kano State

- Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State

- University of Offa, Offa, Kwara State

- Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State

- Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State

- Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja

- Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State

- Baba-Ahmed University, Kano, Kano State

- Saisa University Of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto, Sokoto State

- Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State

- Peter University, Achina-Onneh, Anambra State

- Newgate University, Minna, Niger State

- European University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT

- Northwest University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

- Rayhaan University, Kebbi State

- Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, Kwara State

- Sam Maris University, Supare, Ondo State

- Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State

- Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State

- Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State

- Peaceland University, Enugu, Enugu State

- Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State

- Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State

- Azman University, Kano, Kano State

- Huda University, Gusau, Zamfara State

- Franco British International University, Kaduna, Kaduna State

- Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT

- Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT

- Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-ljebu, Ogun State

- British Canadian University, Obudu, Cross River State

- Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State

- Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State

- Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State

- Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti State

- University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State

- Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano Kano State

- Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State

- Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State

- The Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River State

- Mercy Medical University, Iwara, Iwo, Osun State

- Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, FCT

- Iconic Open University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

- West Midland Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State

- Amaj University, Abuja, FCT

- Prime University, Abuja, FCT

- El-Amin University, Niger State

- College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, Kaduna State

- Jewel University, Gombe, Gombe State

- Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State

- Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, FCT

- Al-Bayan University, Kogi state
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/full-list-147-private-varsities-in-nigeria/

To combat rising inflation in the country, companies increased the salaries of their staff members by 18.35 per cent to N29.45 trillion in the first six months of 2023.

This is based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics ‘Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report (Expenditure and Income Approach): Q1, Q2,’ report. Compensation of employees, which is the total remuneration in cash or in kind payable by employers to employees for the work done rose from N24.88tn as of the first half of 2022 to N29.45tn as of the first half of 2023.

This increase coincides with worsening economic conditions in the country, with workers faced with higher prices and cost of living.

Commenting on the compensation of employees in the period under review, the NBS said, “In Q1 and Q2 of 2023, the Compensation of Employees grew by 15.08 per cent and 19.41 per cent respectively in real terms year-on-year.

“These growth rates were higher than the Q1 of 2022 and Q2 of 2022 rates recorded at 6.48 per cent and 3.93 per cent respectively. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the CoE in real terms fell by 3.33 per cent in Q1 and grew by 11.25 per cent in Q2 of 2023. In nominal terms, the compensation of employees grew by 16.03 per cent and 20.50 per cent in Q1 and Q2 of 2023 respectively.”

The NBS defined compensation of employees as “the total remuneration in cash or in kind payable by employers to employees for the work done.

“Direct social transfers from employers to their employees or retired employees and their family, such as payments for sickness, educational grants and pensions that do not set up an independent fund, are also imputed to compensation of employees.”

In the period under review, firms, including SMEs, grew their operating surplus to N67.56tn, an 11.93 per cent increase from the N60.36tn that was recorded in the first of 2022.

Defining operating surplus, the NBS said, “This is equal to the profit that remains for firms after costs have been covered. It includes the profit of those who are self-employed, which is often included in the national accounts under the entry “Mixed Income”. It is calculated as a residual.”

In 2022, the World Bank warned that Nigeria’s increasing inflation growth had eroded the N30,000 minimum wage by 55 per cent and widened the poverty net with an estimated five million people in 2022.

Chief Economist at World Bank Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, highlighted, “The cumulative inflation between 2019 and 2022 was 55 per cent, households’ purchasing power has slumped and the real minimum wage in 2022 after discounting for inflation is N19,355 while in dollar value is $26 after discounting for both inflation and exchange rate depreciation.”

He said the minimum wage, which was $82 in 2019, had dropped to $26. In 2023, four million Nigerians were pushed into poverty between January and May 2023, the lending institution recently disclosed.

It said, “The loss of purchasing power from high inflation has increased poverty in the short-term, pushing an estimated 4 million Nigerians into poverty between January and May 2023.”

2.8 million more Nigerians are expected to fall into poverty before the year ends by the Bretton Woods Institution.

Recently, an Abia State-based banker, Irene Smith, told The PUNCH, “My salary doesn’t even last up to two weeks anymore. When you get to the market you can’t even buy anything because of the way prices keep increasing.”

High inflation has eroded minimum monthly minimum wage by more than 40 per cent since 2019, a new report by Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, disclosed earlier in the year.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/companies-raise-salaries-by-n4-6tn-in-six-months-nbs/

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the posting and redeployment of 40 senior police officers comprising 14 Assistant Inspectors General of Police and 26 Commissioners of Police to various commands and formations in the country.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Thursday, said the postings and redeployments were part of a mandate to have a professionally competent, service-driven, rule of law-compliant, and people-friendly police force, and to reflect the new status of senior officers who were recently elevated to their next ranks.

The reports that the move followed the approval of the Police Service Commission.

The AIGs posted and redeployed are;Zone 7 Abuja – AIG Ogundele AyodejiZone 11 Osogbo – AIG Patrick EdungBorder Patrol FHQ – AIG Badru LawalZone 8 Lokoja – AIG Bartholomew OnyekaDOPS FHQ – AIG Suleiman YusufFCID Annex Alagbon Lagos – AIG Idowu OwohunwaMaritime Lagos – AIG Rhoda OlofuZone 13 Ukpo Dunukofia Awka – AIG Godwin AghaulorONSA Abuja – AIG Effiom EkotCTU FHQ Abuja – AIG Anene InnocentZone 16 Yenagoa – AIG Odama OjekaZone 4 Makurdi – AIG Ebong Eyibio,Zone 17 Akure – AIG Adebowale Williamsxiv.Investment FHQ Abuja- AIG Sahabo Yahaya.

Benue State-CP George ChukuJigawa State-CP Ahmed TijaniNiger State-CP Dan Mamman ShawuluGombe State-CP Usman HayatuImo State-CP Danjuma AbokiRivers State-CP Disu Olatunji RilwanTaraba State-CP Joseph EriboOsun State-CP Isyaku MohammedSafer Highways FHQ-CP Mohammed BardePPP DLS FHQ-CP Polycarp EmekaAnti-Human Trafficking -CP Shehu AbubakarBorder Patrol FHQ-CP Lawal AyodejiMaritime Lagos-CP Emmanuel AgeneAdmin Airwing-CP Jude AzukaCommandant Police College Kaduna- CP Dan IdiForce Provost Marshal-CP Ibitoye OlajideINEC-CP Adamu IsaProcurement DLS FHQ-CP Nwanosike OkochaPSO to IGP-CP Johnson AdenolaPAP Western Port Lagos-CP Olanrewaju SholaInt’l Investigation INTERPOL -CP Shelleng YusufSEB FCID Abuja-CP Emmanuel AinaInfo-Tech ICT FHQ Abuja-CP Miller DantawaiyeDirector NPF-NCCC-CP Henry UcheDOPS FHQ Abuja-CP Vungmoh KwaimoCommandant Police College Ikeja – CP Fasuba Olabode.

While noting that the posting was with immediate effect, Adejobi added that the IG has charged the newly posted/redeployed officers to work in tandem with the force’s policy and support the agenda of government for economic recovery and growth as well as sociopolitical development of the country.

Egbetokun also stressed the importance of entrenching professionalism and diligent policing services to all officers and men under their command, while calling on them to partner with all relevant stakeholders to bring policing closer to the people.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/shakeup-in-police-as-ig-deploys-14-aigs-26-cps/

Emeka Chochoo, the former manager of actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has disclosed the reason one of the actor’s legs was amputated.

He said the amputation became necessary because of an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not detected early enough.

PUNCH reports Monday that the actor has had seven successful surgeries, including an amputation of one of hi’s legs.

However, speaking with our correspondent in a phone interview on Thursday, Chochoo confirmed that the actor was responding to treatment.

“I was with him up until yesterday. I worked as Mr Ibu’s manager for over a decade.

“He is responding well to treatment; he is gradually healing.

“The doctors are treating everything one after the other. What led to the amputation of one of his legs was an infection that affected one of the arteries at the ankle.

“Blood wasn’t flowing into the leg, which was not detected on time. When it was, it had become too late, causing the doctors to decide on the amputation.

Chochoo also stated that the surgery was done in Nigeria, but the actor will soon be flown abroad for further treatment.

“The surgery was done in Nigeria. He will soon be flown out of the country for further treatment but for now, he is being cared for in Nigeria.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/why-mr-ibus-leg-was-amputated-ex-manager-chochoo/

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday distributed electoral materials to all 27 Local Government Areas of the Imo State ahead of the governorship election holding on Saturday.

At the Central Bank of Nigeria’s branch in Owerri, the state capital, the electoral body distributed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines, ballot papers and result sheets for the election to the 27 LGAs.

The Southeast National Commissioner, Kenneth Ukeagu, who briefed journalists while the distribution of the sensitive materials was ongoing, said the electoral umpire was ready for Saturday’s poll in the state.

He disclosed that elections would take place in all the local government areas in the state having been assured of topmost security by operatives.

Ukeagu said with the commission on top of its plans for the election, he doesn’t foresee any hitch.

He, therefore, urged the electorate in the state to come out en mass to elect a governor of their choice on Saturday.

He said, “We are ready for the election. We are distributing sensitive materials to all the LGAs in the state because elections will take place in all the LGAs in the state. We have received assurance from the security agents for the provision of adequate security during and after the election.

“On our part, we are ready and on top of our plans. The people of the state have to come out on Saturday and elect a governor of their choice.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/inec-begins-distribution-of-sensitive-materials-in-imo/

The Anambra State Government said 2.3 million children under the age of 0-59 months have received the polio vaccine in the first phase of the Outbreak Response Exercise in September.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference to flag off the second phase of the polio immunisation campaign in Awka.

Obidike said the first phase of the campaign, which was held from September 16 to 19, targeted over 1.5 million children, but it recorded 140 percent coverage as over 2.3 million children got vaccinated.

According to him, the campaign is implemented by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with the World Health Organisation and other partners.

He added that the second phase of vaccination was still in response to the outbreak of the polio virus in a neighbouring town, Nkanu West, in Enugu State.

He said, “We encourage parents and caregivers to present their children to be immunised to strengthen their immunity against the virus.

“We are also integrating routine immunisation during this four-day exercise as well as birth registration for children to help the state government with data to plan for their healthcare.

“So, it is an all-encompassing campaign. The vaccines are safe and free of charge. We are hopeful that the campaign will be as successful as we had in the first phase.

“We urge the media to take the news out there so that people can understand the need to vaccinate their children against the disease. Vaccinated children live healthy and longer.”

Also speaking, the state Coordinator of WHO, Dr Adamu Abdul-Nasir, congratulated Anambra for exceeding the target and recording top in the South-East in the first phase of the vaccination exercise.

Abdul-Nasir said, “We want to commend the state government for its political will and proactive measures in preventing the polio virus from spreading to the state.

“In this second phase, WHO is supporting the state with logistics and allowances for over 9,000 personnel who will be going to homes, churches, markets, streets and schools to administer the vaccines.

“We are also supporting hard-to-reach communities to ensure that all eligible children get vaccinated”.

Earlier in her address, the Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Chisom Uchem, said the state had taken delivery of over two million doses of the polio vaccine for the OBR-II campaign.

Uchem said the vaccination would start on Saturday, November 11, and end on November 14 in the 21 local government areas of the state.

“These few days, we will go all out to the nooks and crannies of the state to strengthen and surpass what we recorded in the first phase of the vaccination,” she said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/2-3m-children-receive-polio-vaccine-in-anambra-commissioner/

The leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has distanced itself from a communiqué released by the group’s General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, where the organisation was said to have faulted the Supreme Court judgment upholding President Bola Tinubu’s election.

According to a statement on Thursday by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, the group’s leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and other leaders were not aware of Ebiseni’s press release and did not authorise it.

The statement read, “The world will recall that the Leader of Afenifere himself, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, had congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on his election into office, and also expressed solidarity over his victory at the apex court.

“It is then clearly underhanded and mischievous to have such preposterous attack on the judiciary by intemperate elements within the fold, fanning the embers of national discords with political motives, using the name of Afenifere.”

The statement noted that, as the acting leader of the group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in the natural and traditional order of Afenifere, is expected to defer to his leader, who appointed him, Fasoranti, without reservations.

“To do otherwise is to tread such ignoble path in national discourse as this unfortunate release reveals,” the statement added.

The communique partly read, “Nigeria is a federation of entrenched ethnic nationalities which has failed to evolve into a nation because of the deviation from the foundational principles of federalism.

“Except Nigeria is ruled based on true federalism which guarantees inclusiveness, fairness, egalitarianism, justice and a sense of belonging to all its constituent groups, it will remain a mere geographical expression with no sense of common nationalism and patriotism.

“In this connection, the only way forward is to change the military constitution now and re-enact a constitution in line with the foundational federal principles.

“Except this is done now and quickly, all the errors that occasioned the type of electoral shenanigans witnessed during the 2023 general elections and the technical judgement by the Supreme Court legitimising the same will fester ad infitum.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/afenifere-disowns-statement-faulting-tinubus-supreme-court-victory/

Traders and consumers are currently groaning as prices of food commodities keep skyrocketing.

Some of the consumers who spoke with us also bemoaned the scarcity of some foodstuffs in the market.

Our correspondent who visited Magboro Market in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Tuesday, gathered that prices of food items, such as melon, onions, frozen foods, and tomatoes have doubled.

A trader, who gave his name simply as Mr Najanko, told us that the abrupt change in the price of onions was becoming unbearable

He said, “I can’t just believe that I sold these same onions five months ago. Some months ago, I bought a bag of onions for N30,000, when I got to the market last two months, I purchased the same bag for N50,000.”

“I barely make a profit again. A bag of onions last month was N70,000. But to my shock, when I got to the market last Saturday, a bag of onions is now N120,000. How will one make a profit?” he wondered.

A buyer, who simply identified herself as Mummy Bright, said, “All the food items are too expensive. Before, a paint of melon was N4,500. Today, what I bought last week has increased to N5,000.

“Tomatoes are now becoming as expensive as gold. We hardly see it in the market again. The government should help to improve the agricultural sector in Nigeria.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/consumers-groan-as-food-prices-skyrocket/

Afrobeats singer, Davido has called on his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, to ‘abort mission’ over a promise to help a physically challenged hawker captured in a viral video a few days ago.

Recall that comedian Brainjotter shared a clip from a hawker selling bottled water on the street in Lagos a few days ago. He also urged netizens to support the hawker.

Reacting to the video, Davido tagged Gov. Adeleke in a post on X after the hawker mentioned Osun State in the video.

The governor responded in a tweet and said, “Thanks for sharing the video, Eniola’s dedication to making an honest living is inspiring. She embodies the qualities that represent Osun. I’ve directed my office to get in touch with her & explore possibilities to assist in advancing her education or improving her makeup skills.”

However, the singer has called on the governor to ‘abort mission’ after reports emerged that the hawker is a ‘crossdresser’. Brainjotter, in a post on Instagram, expressed his shock after discovering the hawker is a male who disguised as a female.

His words: “Excellency dem job us !! Dem say nah man ABORT MISSION”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/abort-mission-davido-tells-adeleke-over-viral-video-of-hawker/

Yesterday, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, declared an immediate and total strike in Imo State from Tuesday midnight over last Wednesday’s attack on the NLC President, Joe AJaero, and other labour leaders.

Also, a blackout has continued in the state for over seven days due to the said attack on Jeo Ajaero.

It was gathered on Wednesday that the blackout had continued to generate tension and panic in Owerri.

Meanwhile, it is only three days to the governorship election in the state.

A visit to some streets in Owerri, the Wethedral, World bank, observed that banks were open.

Also it was the same situation in Owerri-Port Harcourt, Owerri-Onitsha, Owerri-Umuahia roads.

ScaredFurthermore, workers were seen at the state secretariat attending to their official assignments.

However, this was not without panic as some workers were seen looking worried.

One of them, who introduced himself as Igwe, told Vanguard: “We are afraid. We do not know what will happen next.

Another worker, who introduced herself as Mrs Blessing Uwa, said: “The most paiful part of it is the continue blackout.

“This is more than a week now. Imo people are sufferings. We are in pains. We are dying of hunger. The Federal Government should come to our aid.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/imo-were-scared-dont-know-what-ll-happen-next-workers/

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor explained yesterday that no fewer than 14,000 Nigerians living in Germany risk deportation.

Scholz said this during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Tuesday, where he attributed it to the spike in the number of Nigerians seeking asylum, with a great number of them without identification cards.

The German Chancellor noted that approximately 12,500 Nigerians are in a condition of tolerance in Germany as a result of the Nigerian government’s reluctance to admit people without the necessary identity documents.

Scholz said, “The current spike in Nigerians filing initial asylum claims in 2023 has sparked worries. Nearly 14,000 Nigerians might be deported, and the great majority of them do not have the necessary identification cards.

“We are prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration,” the statement stated, adding that Germany would be happy to send back any Nigerian national who has behaved well.

The President, Bola Tinubu underlined that his administration is ready to allow people to return, especially those who are recognised as fellow citizens and have behaved well.

“Nigeria is prepared to welcome them back “as long as they have behaved well,” but only if they stand to gain something from it. Rather, we ought to cease providing the 640 million euros in development funding.

“If someone is a compatriot and has ‘behaved well,’ we are willing to accept them back.

“We’re prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration,” he declared.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/14000-nigerians-living-in-germany-risk-deportation-chancellor/

Travellers and airlines navigating through Imo State might need to explore alternative options, given the aviation unions’ decision to initiate a complete withdrawal of workers at the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri.

This came even as the unions declared the State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, persona non grata at all airports nationwide until further notice.

The unions which include, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, ANAP, actions is coming against the backdrop of brutalisation of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President Joe Ajaero last week.

Vanguard reported that Ajaero, was beaten and brutalised by some unidentified persons who claimed to have gotten the directive from the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

The NLC leader was beaten up in the state, while operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, allegedly watched, a development that has raised concerns nationwide over the state of the nation.

However, in a statement signed by the unions executive, titled, Special Bulletin To All Aviation Workers Notice Of Strike Action, it reads: “Following the escalation of the imbroglio created by the mayhem unleashed on workers by the Imo State Government of Uzodimma and continued insensitivity of the government over the matter; and in compliance with the directive of the joint NEC session of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, the above named unions, being affiliates of NLC and TUC, hereby direct all aviation workers (both public and private) to withdraw all services to all Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria with effect from today,

“In addition, the person of Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State is hereby declared persona non grata at all airports in Nigeria until he purges himself of bestial tendencies.

“Our unions will make further efforts through our international affiliations to blacklist Hope Uzodimma worldwide.

“Furthermore, all aviation workers in Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri are hereby directed to stay at home, also with effect from today as directed by NLC and TUC.

“Based on the above, the State Councils and all branches of the unions will meet today at 5pm in Lagos and Abuja to agree on modalities for carrying out the above directive.

“By this notice, the airports’ managements, airlines operating into and out of Owerri, intending airport passengers into and out of Owerri, and the general public are hereby advised about this situation so as to be forewarned.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/airport-workers-begin-strike-in-imo/

Imo State capital, Owerri went agog Tuesday, November 7 as the Labour Party (LP) crew put up a massive curtain-drawn campaign ahead of the Saturday, November 11 governorship election.

The LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Abia State governor, Alex Otti, Imo State LP Chairman, Callistus Ihejiagwa, and a host of others stormed the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Center, Owerri to solidify the victory in the making of Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, LP flagbearer in the State.

Obi who was accompanied by other Party chieftains, including Chief Chime Nzeribe and Hon. Tony Okere, Director General and Chairman of the Achonu/Nwulu Campaign Council, created a town-shaking sensation as they trekked through the Owerri popular Alaba market amidst shouts of ‘we want Saturday now!’

As usual, the power-bikers led the way with a colourful display of ridding skills followed by the campaign crew and party faithful comprising the ‘Aku Ruo Ulo’ women who turned up in their uniforms with scintillating dances, amidst multiple traditional gun salutes.

Without much ado, the Abia Labour Party chairman noted that the task before the people was simply to change a non-performing government. He added that there was no living being in Imo State that do not see the danger in the state. He urged them not only to vote but to also convince and bring others to come out and vote.

“We must pull our people from their homes to vote. Intimidation has expired. We have only one head, and we can only die once. Be determined. Their thugs will be afraid if we come out en masse. They can’t kill anybody. When you come en masse, you can’t be overwhelmed. They cannot kill everyone but nobody will die,” he said.

Also speaking, Hon Tony Okere charged the people to deliver the governorship to Labour Party, as they did during the last Senate and House of Representatives elections.

Governor Otti noted that he entered Owerri with great thanks, telling the people that the die is cast. He added that no rat could collect something from anybody that is awake. So, he urged the people to remain vigilant.

“Cast your vote and monitor it; do not go to sleep. If you like sleep from now till Friday but stay awake on Saturday till the vote count up to the collation centre. Nothing is better than a good government.”

In his short remarks, Obi in his usual data-based speeches, noted that suffering is just starting, citing the United Nations that predicted gloom for millions of Nigerians next year. He made it clear that there is hunger in the land and the need for change, “yet, the government is busy making budget for cars and First Lady. Imo needs a caring governor like Otti in Abia. Good government is good for Nigerian,” Obi said.

“There is hunger everywhere. Bread that used to cost N250 now sells for N1000. A bag of rice now costs N70000 – N80000. The Labour Party is for Papa, Mama and Pikin; we care for human beings while other parties have drawings.

“On Saturday, go and vote for LP, Papa, Mama and Pikin,” he counselled the crowd, who erupted with applause.

The LP flag bearer, Sen Athan Achonu, while acknowledging the massive crowd, reiterated his commitments to sanitise Imo State of insecurity to bring peace.

He said: “Did I not tell you that anybody pointing at me will make a mistake. As soon they tried it last Sunday, the Commissioner of Police was removed. The Tiger Base where they torture some innocent Imo people will certainly be desolate .

“I promised that I would protect your votes. There will be enough security to help protect your votes. Do not just vote; also follow your votes the to the ward collation centres to ascertain your vote counts.

“You can see the good work Otti is doing in Abia. I shall begin mine in Imo State in January. I have already told you what I shall do. There shall be local government autonomy; constant electricity within one year among other things in the line of action,” Achonu said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/imo-guber-obi-otti-achonu-in-a-curtain-drawn-campaign/

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke has been elected Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries in recognition of his contribution to science and its promotion in the developing world.

According to a statement, Okereke is a professor in Global Governance and Public Policy at the School for Policy Studies, Bristol University, UK, and Director of the Center for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.

It stated that Okereke was a globally recognised leading scholar on global climate governance and international development, specialising in the justice dimensions of the international climate regime and just societal transitions to the green economy.

According to the statement, he had a track record of high-impact research focused on understanding and addressing systemic barriers to economic and social inclusion in the context of climate policy and green economy transitions,

“He drafted a climate change law in Nigeria, modelling Nigeria’s long-term low-carbon development strategy, designing African Unions’ Adaptation Initiative, and drafting the first-ever national green growth plan in Africa, for the Government of Rwanda,” it said.

Okereke said, “I am delighted to have been elected Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries. It means a lot to me because I have always been driven by a desire to highlight the challenges faced by developing countries in addressing climate change while also pursuing economic growth as well as the opportunities to leverage climate action to build resilience and achieve economic growth.

“Developing countries face multiple challenges related to colonial legacy and unjust international economic order which work to the advantage of advanced countries.”

According to him, approaching climate governance from the framework of justice enables us to tackle, not just the issue of climate pollution, but also the more fundamental question of global equity and fairness needed to ensure that everyone can lead a decent life regardless of where they are born.

“This recognition encourages me to continue to work as there is still quite a long way to go to achieve climate justice for the vulnerable countries of the world,” Okereke added.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/okereke-elected-fellow-of-world-academy-of-sciences/

Ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has declared that he would create 23,000 job opportunities in his first 100 days in office if elected as governor of the state.

This is as he revealed that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate-past Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, influenced his emergence as the PDP national secretary.

Anyanwu spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt during a chat with journalists after meeting with traders of Igbo extraction at the popular Ikoku Spare Parts Market in the Rivers State capital.

He decried the level of insecurity in the entire South-East geopolitical zone and particularly Imo State, saying that over 40 hotels operating in the state have been forced to close down.

The PDP governorship candidate said: “The former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, is my friend. He was part of the people who enabled my emergence as the National Secretary of the PDP.

“In the next few days, Imo State will wear a new look. Imo State will work. Come to Rivers State, you can see physical developmental infrastructure, Rivers State is an oil producing state just like Imo State, but where are the infrastructure in Imo State from oil derivatives? Imo State gets an allocation of over N5billion every month and there is nothing to show for it.

“Over 2,000 youths have been killed in Imo State, in Orsu LGA, Oru East LGA young men are being killed every day in the name of IPOB and ESN. Every young boy is being killed there and tagged IPOB and ESN.

“From 15th January, when I am sworn in, I will live in Imo State to solve the problem of Imo State. Within six months, I will conduct LGA election, people will be employed.

“I will give amnesty to our brothers in the bush, I will dialogue with them and reinteragte them into the society. That is what Late Yar’adua did in Niger Delta. You don’t use bombings to fight crime, you use dialogue and peace.”

Anyanwu lamented non-conduct LGA election in Imo State for the past eight years, including lack of employment for the people, noting that the last medical doctors in Imo were employed in 2009.

Also speaking, the National President of Ikoku Spare Parts Dealers, Mr Festus Onyekwe, assured that Ikoku Spare Parts Dealers will mobilise enmasse to vote for the PDP candidate next Saturday.

Onyekwe expressed the support of Motor Spare Part dealers and Imo Citizens in Rivers State for the Imo governorship candidate of PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, citing his leadership qualities and tranformational agenda.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/imo-guber-pdp-candidate-promises-23000-job-opportunities-in-first-100-days/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has expressed fears over the appointment of two security advisers by Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying a supremacy battle may ensue in tackling insecurity in the state.

This was contained in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Bemgba Iortyom.

“According to media reports, on Friday, 3rd November 2023, at a press briefing following a meeting of stakeholders from Mbaivur and Mbasombo areas of the state at Government House Makurdi, one Joseph Har had introduced himself to journalists as Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs.

“The same Joseph Har similarly introduced another, by the name Alexander Igbaya Ashungu, said to be a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigerian Army, as Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Strategic Liaison.

“PDP finds this development as not only shocking but unacceptable considering the fact that the governor has not made any such appointments despite the ultimatum the Benue State House of Assembly issued to him,” Iortyom said.

“The party recalls that precisely on Tuesday, 24th October 2023, the Benue State House of Assembly, worried by worsening insecurity in the state, handed a 3-day ultimatum to Governor Alia to appoint a Security Adviser to his office.

“The ultimatum from the legislature underscored the worrisome fact of the governor’s inexplicable failure to appoint a Security Adviser after close to six months in power, in spite of the severe security challenges confronting his administration, notably herdsmen terrorism and banditry.”

He said the governor snubbed the ultimatum from the state Assembly and has to this day not said a word in response to it, even after concerns were raised from several quarters, including from our great party.

“PDP once again reminds Governor Alia of the duty of accountability and transparency he owes the people as of right, and insists that he follows the right procedure in making appointments to sensitive positions such as that of Special Adviser on Security,” he said.

He said an Adviser is a public servant hired under the lawful procedure stipulated by the taxpayer who bears the cost of his remuneration and maintenance and accordingly reserves the right to know who is hired in that capacity.

Iortyom demanded that Alia subject himself to the law and adhere to the procedure for appointing a Security Adviser and making the appointment public through official government communication channels.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/benue-pdp-expresses-concern-over-appointment-of-two-security-advisers/

Israeli airstrikes have so far claimed the lives of at least 10,022 Palestinians, Gaza’s Ministry of Health has said.

It added that among the casualties, 4,104 were children, and 2,641 were women, While 2,200 more, including 2,150 children, are still trapped beneath the rubbles.

The Health Ministry also stated that the siege by Israel had deprived Palestinians of necessities such as fuel, food, and electricity.

“The number is expected to go up as at least 2,000 people remain under the rubble. The problem is, with lack of heavy equipment and machinery, the rescue teams on the ground are unable to remove and pull out these bodies from under the rubble,” it noted.

Ashraf al-Qudra, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that Israel had carried out 18 attacks in the past hours, resulting in the deaths of 252 people, saying that since the war commenced on October 7, 25,408 people had been wounded, including at least 6,360 children and 4,891 women, adding that about 4,000 Palestinians had been detained in Israeli prisons since then.

The Ministry had previously disclosed that a child was killed and two others were injured every 10 minutes in Gaza.

On the other hand, the Israeli army had reported at least 1,430 casualties, including 341 soldiers and 58 police officers, with an additional 25 military officers killed since the ground invasion began. At least 5,600 persons have been injured, with 242 taken captive or still missing.

About 89 staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were among the casualties in Gaza, with many of them accompanied by their family members.

This was revealed by Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, in a news briefing at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday, describing Gaza as “becoming a graveyard for children,” stating that hundreds of children were killed and injured daily.

“More journalists have reportedly been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades.

“More United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization.

“I joined the UN family in mourning 89 of our UNRWA colleagues who have been killed in Gaza, many of them together with members of their families.

“They include teachers, school principals, doctors, engineers, guards, support staff and a young woman named Mai. Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or wheelchair confine her dreams. She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for UNRWA”, Guterres stated.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/israeli-airstrikes-claim-over-10000-palestinian-lives-in-four-weeks/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday launch a birth, death, and marriage registration portal.

The registration system includes all civil registrations such as birth registration, stillbirth registration, birth attestation, adoption, marriage notification, divorce notification, migration and death.

Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, made this known at a pre-launch briefing on Monday.

“The launch of the e-CRVS by Tinubu marks the commitment of the current government and leadership to strengthen civil registration data capturing, collation, processing, dissemination and timely access to statistics on vital events in the country.

“It aims to accelerate the improved civil registration and vital statistics systems in Nigeria over 10 years, from 2023 to 2030 in a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal,” he said.

The chairman stated that the commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), developed the e-CRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report, which showed the potential of digital technologies in providing transformative outcomes in CRVS and integrating data from multiple systems to securely store data at scale, in a cost-effective way in Nigeria.

The NPC chairman noted that the system provides a digital certificate in all cases, an accessible verification platform to registered organizations, and a central management system (dashboard) that depicts and analyses collated civil registrations into vital statistics for proper decision-making.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/tinubu-to-launch-birth-death-marriage-registration-portal/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted the claim by Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, that the Supreme Court judgment on the 2023 presidential election was doctored in favour of President Bola Tinubu.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, in a statement in Abuja, said court cases are not won on public opinion but on evidence and the law.

“At his press conference, Obi again blamed our democratic institutions, particularly the courts, for not awarding him victory.

“Not because he won the election, not because he proved his case in court as required by law, but because he is Peter Obi.

‘’Such haughty sense of entitlement seems to pervade Obi’s vitriolic attack on our institutions, his gross inability to distinguish between his warped version of public opinion and reality has been his greatest undoing throughout the electioneering season,’’ he said.

Morka added: ‘’As someone who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, Obi’s acerbic attack on the judiciary only shows his arrogance and vainness.

‘’When the same court decided in Obi’s favour and affirmed him as duly elected Anambra governor, it was a beacon of democracy, but the court has betrayed democracy now that it decided against him.

‘’It cannot always be about Obi, but about our country.

‘’Court cases are not won on public opinion, they are won on evidence and the law, you failed on both counts.”

He added that although the APC welcomed Obi’s decision to engage in opposition politics going forward, he should do so maturely and constructively. (NAN)
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/court-cases-not-won-on-public-opinion-apc-replies-peter-obi/

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Kebbi has decorated two new Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and 80 other senior officers with new ranks.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Chris Aimionowane, who decorated the officers in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, said the promotions followed the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and approval by the Police Service Commission.

He congratulated the newly-promoted officers on behalf of the IGP and charged them to be more committed in discharging their duties.

Aimionowane urged the officers to consider their promotion as a recognition of their hard work and dedication to duty, as well as motivation and additional responsibility.

He equally advised them to be disciplined and loyal to constituted authority to deserve more promotions while in the Force.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, DCP Ali Yusuf thanked Allah for sparing their lives with sound health to witness the “memorable day”.

He further expressed their profound gratitude to the IGP and the PSC for graciously recommending and approving their promotions. He promised that the officers would double their efforts in discharging their responsibilities optimally.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Nura Fingila, applauded the tremendous successes recorded by the CP in his determination to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminality.

He also commended the CP’s open-door policy and civility to the members of the public, as well as the visibility policing approach across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the decorated officers included two ACPs who were elevated to Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to the rank of ACP, and two Superintendent of Police (SPs) to the rank of CSP.

Others are one DSP promoted to the rank of SP, and 76 ASPs to DSPs.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/11/police-decorate-82-senior-officers-with-new-ranks-in-kebbi/