Breaking News Today 30 of July 2020

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oba of Benin, CUPP preach moderation, peace, unity










Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged Lagos residents to “calm down” and avoid being carried away by the Sallah merriment, reminding them that the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much around.


Demanding self-restraint, the governor urged Lagosians to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and faith in Allah, besides feasting moderately within the confines of the safety guidelines.

“We need to moderate our celebration and also observe prescribed protocols towards defeating the deadly coronavirus, which are, maintaining social distancing, washing and sanitising our hands, and using our face masks,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu, who adopted the phrase “calm down” from a viral video of a young boy being flogged by his mother for misdeeds, reiterated the need for extreme caution in order not to jeopardise the gains of past months.

Similarly, Oba of Benin, HRM Oba Ewuare II, has challenged Muslims on obedience to the will of God as they party. He beseeched the believers to pray for politicians to play by the rules for a peaceful governorship election in Edo State on September 19,2020.

The monarch, in a statement yesterday in Benin City, admonished the faithful on love, forgiveness, harmonious co-existence and obedience to constituted authorities.

Also yesterday, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) called on Nigerians to remain united amid prevailing challenges in the country.

In a goodwill message issued by its chairman, media committee, Chukwudi Ezeobika, the group reiterated that Nigeria remains the “very light and hope of the African continent” on account of its rich endowments.

The coalition distanced itself from the purported attack on the leadership of the ninth National Assembly, particularly on the person of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Unknown Gunmen kill family of 13 in Kogi State






Fourteen persons were hacked to death in the early hours of yesterday by gunmen at Agudu, a Bassa community in Kogi/ Kotonkarfe Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Commissioner of Police, Ede Ayuba, while briefing journalists on the activities of his command, said 13 of the victims were from the same family. He added that six other persons, who sustained injuries, had been moved to hospitals for treatment.

Ayuba explained that on receipt of the distress call, he immediately moved to the scene, but the bandits had left before he got there with his men. According to him, normalcy has been restored to the area.

The commissioner who said that the attack could have been triggered by an aged-long feud in the community, described the attack as unfortunate. “For a man to lose his life and 12 other members of his immediate family, leaving a son as survivor is a tragedy which calls for concern.”

The police chief further disclosed that the killers of the late Innocent Ofodile, owner of the popular Chuck’s Supermarket in Lokoja, who was brutally killed on Lokoja-Abuja road, had been revealed.

Ayuba explained that on receipt of discreet information on kidnappings and robbery incidents on the Lokoja –Abuja road, one Vincent Omogor was arrested and in his confession, he said his cohorts, now at large, killed Ofodile.

According to Omogor, the gang carried out the killing on the order of one of Ofodile’s shop attendants, who complained that he was not attended to by his boss when he approached him for financial assistance when his father died.

Parading 23 other criminals, the Command Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), William Aya, said the hoodlums were arrested in different parts of the state for armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, possession of illegal fire arms and impersonation by wearing military camouflage to commit crimes. Others were nabbed for snatching of cars and motorcycles and being in possession of human skulls.

Items recovered from the hoodlums include one AK 47 riffle, seven locally fabricated pistols, one locally made Baretta pistol, one single barrel gun, ammunitions, four motorcycles, three Toyota cars and human skulls.

Aya disclosed that the command achieved the feat through synergy with the public who gave useful information that led to the arrest of the criminals.

Governor Godwin Obaseki signs N128.8b revised budget into law






Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has signed the Revised 2020 Appropriation Bill into law with a pledge to ensure the sustenance of critical sectors of the state’s economy amid disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The budget, which was reduced by 30 per cent from N179b to N128.8b, was signed into law after the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, and some lawmakers presented it to Obaseki at Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki said the budget was coming at an unusual time when the COVID-19 pandemic had imposed certain challenges, noting, “The challenges may be difficult now, but in the medium and long-term, this administration would need to re-think the state’s economy.

He, however, assured the people of the state that in spite of the reduction in the 2020 Budget by 30 per cent, his administration would focus on important and critical areas for the development of the state.

Speaking earlier, Okiye said the world had found itself in rare circumstances as COVID-19 pandemic had brought the world to its knees.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike described former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole’s apology, in which he claimed to have supported Governor Obaseki in error four years ago, as an insult to the people of Edo State.

Wike, who made the assertion in Port Harcourt, declared that Oshiomhole’s apology was a pointer that Obaseki, who is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 19, 2020 governorship election, had no opponent.

The governor, who is chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, said based on what Oshiomhole had said about the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu four years ago, Edo people already knew his personality.

“From all indications, it is obvious that there is no strong opposition against Obaseki and he will win convincingly,” Wike said.The Governor explained that he and his team accepted to lead the campaign because they were satisfied with results already coming out from Edo State.

He stressed that the PDP had continued to take steps in strengthening the nation’s democracy through promotion of internal politics and resolving members’ conflict of interests to achieve common goals.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi signs revised 2020 budget of N146b into law






The Enugu State Government, yesterday, signed its revised 2020 appropriation bill of N146b into law. The previous budget of N169.5b was reduced by N23b representing 13.67 per cent slash.

It explained that the decision became necessary following the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which had affected government earnings, arising from the collapse of global demand for crude oil.

During the signing ceremony in Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who signed the budget in company of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and members of the House of Assembly led by its Speaker, Edward Ubosi, stated that the budget estimate was over N146b, while savings and additional sum required amounted to N53b and N27b respectively.

She disclosed that the 2020 budget approval of recurrent and capital expenditures of N68b and N100b were reversed to N69b and N76b representing 48 and 52 per cent of the budget.

While seeking the cooperation and inputs of Enugu people, he assured that the revised budget would guarantee the state government’s capacity to address the development and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ezeilo further pointed out that the public session with citizens underscored the state government’s commitment to participatory democracy and transparency.

“It is also in fulfillment of our obligations under the fiscal responsibility act 2007 and the conditions of the World Bank budget policy support partnership, as well as our Open Government Partnership (OGP) obligations,” he stated.

Ugwuanyi noted that the new appropriation bill was the business of all stakeholders and opinion leaders in the state and commended the lawmakers, State Executive Council (SEC) and other top government officials for their diligence and speedy passage of the budget.

Passengers without face masks will not be allowed into railway complex ― Amaechi





The minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said security at the train station should not allow anyone to board a train if he is not wearing face mask. The minister said the law is effective immediately.

The minister stated this while on a visit to the Idu, Abuja train terminal to inspect passengers compliance to COVID-19 safety measures, following the reopening of the Abuja – Kaduna train services after a four-month lockdown occasioned by the pandemic.

Azura-Edo: Nigeria not liable to pay $1.2bn, says Presidency


The Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Mr Ahmed Zakari, said on Wednesday that no documents signed from 2013 to 2015 stated that Nigeria would be liable to pay $1.2bn if it defaulted on the contract for the Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant.

The station is set to produce 450 mega watts of electricity but the scheme is still yet to be completed despite signing the contract in 2013 by the Nigerian government.


Dogara not in tune with happenings in Bauchi — Gov


Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has responded to corruption allegations levelled against him by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Dogara defects to APC last month but the opposition PDP accused him of betrayal. The former speaker has since engaged the Bauchi state governor into a battle of worlds


Man rapes 20 year old girl with down's syndrome in Ogun



Men of Ogun state police command, have arrested a 24 year old man, Godwin Akpan, for forcefully having carnal knowledge of a 20 year old girl with down syndrome.

The victim was reported rape on Tuesday, when she was sent by her elder sister to close go and close the gate, in Ota, Ado/Ota local government area of the state.

The public relations officer in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, he said the the suspect, who lives with the victim and her sister at, Avenue, Sango Ota, was apprehended following a statement following a complaint by the victim's sister at the Sango Divisional headquarters.

- Man beats pregnant wife to death in Ondo

A man Oluwaseun Olabode, has been arraigned before an Ondo state Magistrate's court sitting in Apure, for allegedly killing his wife, Blessing.

The defendant was arrested by the police of Oke Agba area of Apure, for allegedly killing the deceased by hitting her in the abdomen.

The defendant was arraigned on one count of murder.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr N. T. Aladejana, ordered that Oluwaseun be remained in the police custody, pending legal advice from the DPP and adjourned the case till September 8, 2020.

- Lagos State government approves 1billion Naria as loan for torism business

Governor Babajide sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 1 billion Naria, as seed capital for investment and torism business.

He said the investment was required to bolster the hospitality sector by providing key operators with soft loans to boost, to boost their capacity in driving growth.

The governor spoke on Wednesday at the 6th Lagos cooperate assembly at the state House in Alausa.

sanwo-Olu observed that the initiative was necessary to position torism business as a new Frontier for job creation and economy prosperity in the post covid-19 era.

- Ondo deputy governor dumps PDP, moves to ZLT.

There is a strong indication that the Info state deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has concluded plans to dump the people's democratic party to join the Zenith Labour Party, to contest the forthcoming governor sh election in Ondo state.

Ajayi, who lost the PDP primary to Ejitayo Jegede, last Wednesday, reportedly held meetings with leaders of the ZLP, as well as the national leader of the Party, who is a former governor of the state, Dr olusegun Mimiko, to work out the details.

A close associate to the deputy governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on Wednesday said Ajayi has settled for the ZLP, to run against governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC and the PDP's candidate Ejitayo Jegede.

When contacted the chief press secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Tope Okeowo, said he was not aware of the development.

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7: Critics won’t derail our transformation plan, says Ganduje.

8: Transferring FG roads to states not feasible – Gbajabiamila.

9: Diri assures security agencies of support.

10: Bayelsa communities give Shell 21-day notice over $14m debt.

11: Warring C’Rivers APC factions settle rift in Abuja.

12: Of COVID-19 cure and demon sperm.

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14::Curbing medical brain drain during COVID-19 pandemic.

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16: Amotekun, Ogbunigwe and Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces.

17: School reopening: So God.

18: Osimhen quarantined after sealing €80m Napoli deal.

19: Why academies outshine NPFL clubs in talents export – Agents.

20: FG releases schedules for SSCE, NECO, NABTEB exams, others.

21: Ondo deputy governor dumps PDP, moves on to ZLP.

22: APC kicks as Wike says Obaseki has no opponent.

23: PDP, ADC knock FG on N800bn recovery fund claim.

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27: Environment ministry, DPR differ on tank farm approvals.

28::Magu ordered my detention after I demanded N763m legal fee – SAN.

29: Afenifere, Ohanaeze, M’Belt Forum reply Daura on 2023 comment: Your uncle didn’t emerge President in 2015 on competence but zoning.

30: Ndume faults FG’s amnesty for repentant Boko Haram fighters.

# NECO Exams To Hold October 5 - FG

# National Common Entrance Examination Holds October 17 - FG

# Basic Education Certificate Examination For JSS Pupils Start August 24 - FG

# NECO: Registration For NECO(SSCE) Exam Ends September 10 - FG

# President Buhari Cancels Sallah Homage, Trip To Daura, Remains In Abuja For Sallah.

# Governor Sanwo-Olu Asks Residents To 'Calm Down', Show Restraints During Eid-El-Kabir

# Ogun State Government Plans To Reopen Worship Centres August 14

# Pupils In Primary 6 , JSS3 , SS3 To Resume August 4 in Ogun State

# Experts Call For Polices To Avoid Food Crisis

# PDP Postpones Primaries In 4 States

# Ohanaeze Tackles Daura, Insist On Igbo Presidency

# INEC Has Power To Deregister Parties - Appeal Court

# Edo2020: "Don't Focus On Me, I'm Not A Candidate" - Oshiomhole Tells PDP

# "Dogara Is Too Small For Me To Fight" - Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed

# Obaseki Signs N128.8B Revised 2020 Edo Budget Into Law

# "Nigerian Students Are Now Beggars In The UK , NDDC Should Settle Their Scholarships " - Abike Dabiri

# "I Cannot Understand How Dogara Left PDP For APC" - FFK

# Governor Ugwuanyi Signs Enugu State Revised 2020 Budget Into Law

# Ex-Delta Governor, James Ibori Appointed As Patron Of 'Former Governors Forum'

# Ondo Deputy Governor Set To Join Zenith Labour Party

# Akeredolu Thanks President Buhari As Bitumen Exploitation Commences In Ondo

# Governor Sanwo-Olu Wants To Meet Boy In Viral Video 'Mummy Calm Down '

# Edo2020: "Nobody Can Rig Edo Election " - Wike

# Empowerment: Senator Jika Empower Constituents With Cars, Motorcycles, Tricycles, Generators In Bauchi

# Ondo2020: 17 Candidates To Contest For Ondo Governorship Election- INEC

# Court Orders NDDC To Consult Rivers Government Before Executing Project In The State

# Edo2020: "Don't Turn Edo To War Zone", Monarch Warns

# NDDC: "I Didn't Secure Any Contract From NDDC" - Senator Urhughide

# Hushpuppi: Woodberry Charged Again , Pleaded Not Guilty

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