Breaking News Today Friday 11 Sept 2020

Traders flee as youth protest turns violent

Shop owners at Opobo road junction and their counterparts on Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway in Abia State were forced to close business on Thursday as a peaceful protest turned violent.

Youths of Umuokpo village in Obingwa Local Government were protesting the alleged murder of one of them, Onyekachi Nwaogu, by Robinson Abel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom State. It was gathered some boys began looting shops. It was said that the traders hurriedly shut their shops.


Policemen and soldiers stopped them from entering the city centre with Nwaogu’s body in a wheelbarrow. They recovered the body from the youth.

#* FG lawyer lied against me in Italy, says Adoke




A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke ( SAN), on Thursday protested what he called deliberate false statements made against him on Wednesday by the Federal Government's lawyer, Lucio Lucia, in the ongoing proceedings against Shell and Eni and other named individuals before the Milan Court in Italy over the OPL 245 transaction.

He therefore called on the Federal Government to debrief Lucia for “his embarrassing conduct, deliberate falsehood and dishonesty in a court of law.”

Adoke made his position known in a statement titled,‘ OPL 245 case: Nigeria's lawyer contradicted FGN officials in Italian court.’

The former minister recalled that his lawyer, Femi Oboro, had on July 6, 2020 drawn the public’s attention to “the deliberate and malicious falsehoods” contained in the statements made by the Milan prosecutor in the ongoing proceedings over Malabu.

He said Lucia, while representing the interest of the Federal Government as the injured party entitled to civil compensation, had on Wednesday allegedly “reaffirmed the indictment of Mr Adoke and others in the heist” in connection with the OPL 245 Resolution Agreement.

#* Abdulsalami panel wades in Edo violence




Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee has stepped in to stem further violence ahead of the September 19 Edo State governorship election.

The leading parties are to be made to sign a peace pact, it was learnt on Thursday.

Before the latest effort, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II last week chided political leaders in the state for the continuous violence and urged them to rein in their thugs.

The Abdulsalami panel played a big role in preventing bloodshed ahead of last year’s general election.

Its intervention in the Edo election is in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it was gathered.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Governor Godwin Obaseki and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, are expected to sign a peace accord on Tuesday.

INEC has ruled out poll postponement under any guise. It has deployed three National Commissioners and five Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Edo State to supervise the September 19 poll.

According to a top source in INEC, the electoral agency is set for the poll except for threats of violence by politicians.

The source said: “We are worried about violence, the inability of some critical segments to raise the red flag and the conduct of security agencies.

#* Imo Assembly member - Speaker lied, Ihedioha gifted us 2019 SUV




The lawmaker representing Oguta state constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly, Frank Ugboma, has described as false, a statement made by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Collins Chiji, that former governor Emeka Ihedioha gave lawmakers refurbished vehicles as official cars.

The speaker made the claim at a state function in Owerri, on Wednesday.

However, Ugboma who is the deputy minority leader of the House, on Thursday urged the speaker to stop“ bootlicking. ”Ugboma said,“ I refuse to believe that the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Mr.Chiji Collins, actually made such statement as credited to him, but if he did, I say , that it is most unfortunate, appalling and embarrassing to the entire 9 th House because that statement is false.

#* Detained IPOB member getting treatment




Enugu State Police Commissioner Ahmad Abdurrahman has said the detained member of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is being treated to be fit for trial.

Abdurrahman, in a statement on Thursday by the spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said allegations the suspect was chained and left to bleed to death was misleading.

#* Kebbi farmers urge govt, CBN to suspend anchor borrower’s loan repayment till 2022




The 225 Wards of Rice Farmers Association of Kebbi State, have appealed to the Federal and State Governments, as well as the Central Bank to suspend the anchor borrower’s loan repayment until 2021 to 2022.

Chairman of the association, Shehu Abubakar-Zaki, appealed Birnin Kebbi yesterday while briefing reporters on the effects of the flood to farmlands across the state. He said rice farmers had lost all their planted crops to the flood, and could not, in any way, sustain the repayment of the loans.

Abubakar-Zaki stated that the farmers were committed to the repayment, adding that almost all the farmers had reduced the bulk of their loan after the dry season harvest.

#* FG makes a u-turn over ban on football




The Federal Government says it has not lifted the ban on contact sports, including football, amid preparations by Nigeria Professional Football League clubs ahead of the 2020/21 season.

National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19 Dr Sani Aliyu, while answering questions at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, said the PTF had only removed restrictions on non- contact sports.

“On the issue, I'm a football fan, but sadly, we have not allowed contact sports at the moment. We have only allowed non- contact sports, and so, football is not included. All those football fans, it’ s not yet time, but we are looking at this, and we will continue relaxing when the time comes and it is safe to do so," Aliyu said.

#* Ebonyi: How PDP swept LG polls

UCHENNA INYA writes on the just-concluded local government elections in Ebonyi State in which the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state swept all the chairmanship and councillorship seats The long awaited local government and councillorship elections across the 13 local government areas and 171 wards in Ebonyi State has come and gone, following …



#* Abia is suffering from hangover of borrowing – Chukwu


Hon. Chijioke Chukwu is the member representing Bende North in the Abia State House of Assembly. In this interview with IGBEAKU ORJI, he bares his mind on governance in the state As a first timer in legislative business, how is your experience in the Abia State House of Assembly? Actually, I am a first timer …


#* Ngige, Eze in battle of wits


OKEY MADUFORO reports on the political battle between a former governor of Anambra State and current Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze The raging battle of wits between a former governor of Anambra State and current Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and business mogul, …

#* You proved to be competent, made us proud, Buhari tells AfDB President

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told the newly elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, that he supported his re-election bid because he proved to be competent and made Nigerians proud in his first term. “I congratulate you on your second and final term in office. Congratulations on winning the election. Nothing …

#* COVID-19: How we’ll conduct Edo, Ondo polls, by Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the policy it developed on the conduct of elections during Coronavirus (COVID-19) would assist in the conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, who appeared at the media briefing of Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, said the policy had been test …

#* Edo guber: INEC Commissioner colluding with APC to rig poll –PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the September 19 governorship election in Edo State. This is coming barely two weeks after the APC accused Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, …

#* NCC raises the alarm over rising internet fraud

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecommunications subscribers in the country to be wary of the latest wave of internet fraud known as phishing. NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, who gave this warning in a statement released yesterday, said this is being perpetrated through voice calls to the victims. According to him, …


#* Fuel price hike: JAF, others to commence nationwide protests Sept 16

The Joint Action Front (JAF) yesterday urged Nigerians to brace up for mass actions to protest the latest hike in prices of fuel, electricity tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT). The labour movement said it would commence a nationwide protest to reject the hike on Wednesday, September 16, and demand the immediate and unconditional reversal …

#* COVID-19: Manufacturers spend over N8bn on palliatives –MAN

Manufacturers under the auspices of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said they have donated about N8 billion in cash and N300 million worth of palliatives to both federal and states governments during the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. MAN President, Mansur Ahmed, made this known at the MAN 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos …

#* Flooding: Sokoto urges FG to desilt Goronyo, Bakolori Dams

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has called on the Federal Government to desilt Goronyo and Bakolori Dams to forestall and checkmate the problem of perennial flooding that occurs in parts of the state. The governor made the call while commiserating with the people of Goronyo and Rabah Local Government Areas of the state over the …


#* BBNaija 2020: Why Nengi Will Be Responsible If Housemates Lose Wager Task- Prince

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate Prince Enwerem says Nengi will be held responsible if the house loses wager task on Thursday as a result of fines from Biggie.

Hot9ja Blog reports that Biggie earlier fined Nengi over microphone infringement. .
#* Buhari, Governors Meet Over Rising Prices Of Foodstuffs

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in a meeting with some Governors and other stakeholders over the increase in the price of food commodities in the country.

The meeting is holding inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. .
#*. Nigerian, Chelsea Player Victor Moses Donates To Wigan Athletic To Prevent Bankruptcy

Nigeria, Chelsea player, Victor Moses has donated £20,000 to Wigan Athletic to prevent the club from going bankrupt and possible extinction of the club.

Fans have been raising money to the club to keep the Latics up and running in League One after they entered administration in July. .
#*. Fani-Kayode Kicks As Tinubu Sits To Greet Ooni Of Ife

Ex Aviation minister and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Femi Fani-Kayode has frowned at Bola Tinubu, a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC)for not standing up to greet the Ooni of Ife at an event that held in Lagos.

Fani-Kayode who was unhappy with the incident said that the former Governor of Lagos insulted the sons and daughters of Yoruba land. .
#* Lagos: Tertiary Schools To Resume On Monday, Only For Final Year Students

The Lagos State Government has said that only final year students at tertiary institutions will be resuming classes, while other students will follow at a later time.

This was disclosed by Tokunbo Wahab, the Special Adviser on Education to state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. .
#* Buhari Setup Committee For Vision 2050, Promises To Lift 100 Million Nigerians Out Of Poverty

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday inaugurated a national committee that will be overseeing the development of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and Medium-Term National Development Plan to succeed Vision 2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, 2017 – 2020.

Making this disclosure in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said that the new development plan will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.” .
#* Jay-Jay Okocha Voted Greatest African Footballer Of All-Time

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been voted the Greatest African Footballer Of All-Time.

In a weekslong poll by Nigeria's fast-evolving news website, Hot9ja Blog, the two-time BBC African Footballer of the Year convincingly triumphed, collecting 68.87% of the total votes cast. .
#* Ondo Decides 2020: Agboola Vows To Defeat PDP, APC

Ondo state deputy governor and the candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) at the forthcoming Governorship election Agboola Ajayi has boasted that he will emerge victorious ahead of his principal Rotimi Akeredolu and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Eyitayo Jegede.

Giving reasons why he will win the forthcoming governorship election, Jegede said that his boss Akeredolu had failed the people. .
#*. BBNaija 2020: Vee Reveals Only Reason She Would Reconcile With Tolanibaj

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate Vee still appears to have beef for Tolanibaj, over alleged feelings for Neo.

Hot9ja Blog reports that the beef came up after Erica told the show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu that Tolanibaj who was the 7th housemate evicted from the show, had feelings for Neo. .
#* Edo Decides 2020: Oshiomhole Accused of Threatening Shaibu's Wife

The wife of Edo Deputy Governor Maryann Philip-Shaibu has raised alarm over an alleged threat to her life.

Raising the alarm in a petition to the Edo Commissioner of Police, Maryann accused the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole of sending thugs to monitor her movement. .






#* Nigeria Records 197 New Cases Of COVID-19, Total Cases Now 55,829



The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 197 new cases of coronavirus infections across the nation. The new cases now bring the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 55,829. This was made known by NCDC via its verified Twitter handle on Thursday night,

"197 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;

Plateau - 83

Lagos - 48

Kaduna - 17

FCT - 16

Ogun - 11

Katsina - 7

Imo - 4

Edo - 3

Nasarawa - 3

Rivers - 2

Bayelsa - 1

Oyo - 1

Osun - 1

55,829 confirmed

43,810 discharged

1,075 deaths", NCDC tweeted.

#* . Ondo INEC Office On Fire, Over 5000 Card Readers Destroyed



The Ondo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is currently on fire.

The fire outbreak which started around 8:45 pm at the ICT unit of the commission is yet to be contained at press time.

Over 5000 card readers have been destroyed in the inferno.

The Ondo state fire service is less than 500 meters from the commission.

The commission is situated in the Alagbaka area of Akure, the state capital.

#* WAEC Conducts Exams In Chibok Schools After Six Years



The West African Examination Council has successfully conducted the 2020 Senior School Certificate Examination in senior secondary schools in Chibok in Borno six years after closure due to insurgency.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim, Acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this while playing host to members of Education in Emergency Working Group Nigeria on Thursday, in Maiduguri.

Ibrahim, who is also the commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, was represented by the Chief of Staff of the Division, Brig. Gen. Ifeanyi Otu.

He said the insurgency conflict had its foundation on the detest for western education by the Boko Haram sect, adding that it had an unimaginable impact on education in the North East.

According to him, we thank God that the conflict in the entire North East has been under control.

#*. Kwara To Rename Stadium After Rashidi Yekini - Government



Kara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday said the State Stadium Complex, Ilorin will be named after the late Rashidi Yekini

AbdulRazaq, who held a meeting with the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, in his office in Abuja said the progress has been made in immortalizing the football icon.

He said, "we will send a bill to the State House of Assembly to immortalize Rashidi Yekini, with the name of the stadium changing after approval".

The governor also discussed prospects in youths and sports development with the minister, according to a statement on Thursday.