Six Nigerian asylum seekers die as Cameroon forcefully repatriates them

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has expressed shock about the tragic death of six Nigerian asylum-seekers, among them three children, who reportedly died in a blast in the far north of Cameroon.

The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees has learnt that on 29th of July, 12 asylum-seekers were being forcibly returned to Banki, Nigeria, in a Cameroonian army truck which drove over an improvised explosive device that exploded.

Six Cameroonian soldiers and six other asylum-seekers were also injured in the incident, which took place in Homaka, Mayo Sava Division.



“This tragic incident is a disappointing testament of continuing forced returns (refoulement) of refugees and asylum-seekers from Cameroon, despite numerous appeals by UNHCR to the Government of Cameroon to respect its obligations,” said Valentin Tapsoba, Director of UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Africa.

“The forced return of refugees and asylum-seekers is in violation of the principle of non-refoulement which constitutes the cornerstone of international refugee law to which the Cameroonian State is party.”

UNHCR noted that over 800 Nigerian refugees and asylum-seekers in Cameroon have been forcibly returned to Nigeria since the beginning of 2018.

It therefore called upon the government of Cameroon to refrain from carrying out further forced returns of Nigerian refugees and asylum-seekers.

It also reminded Cameroon of its obligations under international law relating to the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers and the commitments it made by signing the Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon in March 2017.

UNHCR reiterated its appeal to authorities to provide Nigerian refugees with unhindered access to asylum and also expressed its readiness to support Cameroon to ensure that all individuals seeking safety have access to efficient screening, registration and documentation procedures.

Some 96,000 Nigerian refugees have sought safety in the Far North region of the country, with more than 8,000 new refugees registered since the beginning of 2018, UNCHR noted; stating that Cameroon currently hosts more than 367,000 refugees and asylum-seekers

Punch

PDP Make Saraki National Leader

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has been appointed the national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at the party’s NEC meeting on Thursday.

Being the highest office holder in the party at the moment, Saraki will replace his deputy, Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, who held the position until the defection of Saraki and other top APC members to the PDP.

The arrival of Saraki was heralded by loud ovation as he was led into the venue of the meeting by PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and other top leaders of the party.

Saraki, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal and Benue State governor Samuel Ortom were all present at the meeting.

The NEC meeting attended by the four former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in celebration mood as the politicians exchanged banters.

Apart from the former APC chiefs, the meeting hall had key figures in the PDP, including governors, lawmakers and some of the presidential aspirants.

AMAECHI VISITS AMBODE, SAYS APAPA PORTS PHASE OF LAGOS-IBADAN RAIL PROJECT TAKES OFF NEXT WEEK

...Movement of Cargo By Rail Will Reduce Traffic Congestion- Gov

...Commends FG’s Approval For Reconstruction Of Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

AgegePulse Magazine

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday visited the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, revealing that work on the Apapa corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Rail project would commence next week.



Amaechi, who spoke to journalists after a strategic meeting with the Governor and his team at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said it was gratifying to report that contractors would move to site to continue the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project from Apapa as part of efforts to bring about permanent solution to the perennial traffic gridlock in the axis.

He said: ‘You would recall that the Federal Government had commenced construction of the Lagos-Ibadan railway and the focus was more on the Ibadan and Abeokuta axis because we had challenges in Lagos which included utilities and not much with the communities and I think I have to commend the communities that allow us use their land though we would pay compensation but not much. So, we are grateful to all the communities from Lagos to Ibadan.



“However, we have utility challenges both gas pipes and water and beyond the gas pipes, we also have challenges with bridges to either build or demolish. I remember when we said we wanted to demolish the Costain Bridge, everybody screamed and we had to invite the Lagos Governor to assist us; he took us there and promised that he would pay the compensation.



“I like the fact that the Lagos State Government are also contributing to this whole efforts and so what we have come here to do is to ensure that there is a win-win situation and the Lagos Governor has been very cooperative. He cooperated all the way from the beginning till now and what we have decided is that CCECC should therefore move back to Lagos for construction to commence immediately in Lagos because we are insisting that by December, we should complete the Lagos-Ibadan Railway,” Amaechi said.



He said in addition to the rail projects, the Federal Government was also working on the roads, saying that the combination of the projects would facilitate seamless movement of cargos from Apapa.



“What we are trying to do there is to get a good road to evacuate cargos but it would be faster with the rail. So, while we are working hard to ensure that the rail is delivered by this year ending, the Federal Government has also awarded the contract to deal with the road from Apapa and Tin Can to enable us to evacuate cargos freely which is an addition to the rail,” Amaechi said.



Responding, Governor Ambode lauded the action of the Federal Government to commence work on the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project from the Apapa axis, expressing optimism that the development would go a long way to enhance movement of cargos from Lagos to other parts of the country. 



“Lagosians would recollect that in the last three weeks, we have had issues with the Apapa gridlock and two times, Mr Vice President had actually visited Lagos and promised that a lot of remedies would take place.



“We want to use this platform to say a big thank you to Mr President and the Federal Executive Council for approving the reconstruction of the Tin Can-Apapa-Oshodi Expressway up to the Toll Gate which was done yesterday. This is in continuation of our efforts at finding permanent solutions to what has been happening in the Apapa axis.



“We also want to say a big thank you to the Minister of Transport and Minister of Works because the rail construction that is coming up and will commence in Lagos from next week is actually from the Apapa Ports up to the Ibadan axis which means that we are having a two-pronged approach to be able to cart away cargos from Lagos to other parts of the country,” Governor Ambode said.



The Governor also commended the Federal Government for approving the reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as part of efforts to finding lasting solution to the perennial traffic gridlock around the axis.



He specially thanked President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, and indeed the entire members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), saying the State Government was grateful for their commitment to end the sufferings of the people in the State.



He said as a follow-up to the initiatives of the Federal Government, there would be a lot of additional construction works across the State especially from the Apapa axis including 10 over-passes to further reduce the sufferings of the people.



Besides, Governor Ambode reiterated the commitment of the State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government to implement impactful projects that would make life comfortable for the people.



“We just want to say that we reiterate the commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government as a State Government to ensure that we reduce the sufferings of Lagosians and I am happy that we have come out from this meeting stronger together with the Federal Ministry of Transport to make sure that this particular rail project is delivered within the next six to twelve months,” Governor Ambode said.

     

It would be recalled that the Federal Government, at the end of Wednesday’s FEC meeting, had approved N72.9billion for the reconstruction of the road from Apapa to the Toll Gate on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

SARS Harass, Detains Resident For 10 Hours In Agege



AgegePulse Magazine

As residents across the Lagos Mainland and other parts of the State continue to condemn the harassment extortion and illegalities of the operatives Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), recent developments show that the officers concerned are not ready to desist from the acts.

This is following a recent development in Agege community  Tuesday, July 31, 2018, where the operatives reportedly harassed and illegally detained a resident who was returning home from work.

According to the resident, Jonathan Godwin, he was apprehended by the officers along Dopemu, Agege Lagos Mainland, at about 9:15 pm but was driven around town and also detained at Area G Station, Ogba, Lagos Mainland, without having an inkling of his offense.

In his narration, Godwin said; “Yesterday, l was going home around 09:15 pm at Dopemu and l was harassed by the officers who called themselves SARS and TASKFORCE. They dragged me into their Black Maria without committing any crime nor explaining what I did. l was in the Black Maria till 3:00 am before they took us to Area G but the Area G officers said they cannot detain us.”

He continued saying; “They collected all our phones and money and a guy arrested alongside me told them that he works with the wife of the Commissioner of Police. He was beaten before he called the wife of the Commissioner of Police who asked him to give the phone to one of the officers but they refuse to answer him.

“At midnight, they took us back to Alabo Police Station in Dopemu but l when we got there, I noticed that the SARS and TASKFORCE vans were not to be found again but only the BLACK MARIA that took us there.”

Commenting further on the harassment received from the SARS officers, Godwin said; “All our phones and money were collected by the officers who called themselves SARS and TASKFORCE.”

He concluded saying “l was released this morning and many people are still in the cell. l swear to my father’s grave and assured them each one of them will be crying in their various houses by the special grace of GOD. Is this a country?”

Idris Aina 

Insidemainland

Lagos Plays Host To Conference Of State Assemblies' Speakers

AgegePulse Magazine

Speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly will converge in Lagos between Friday, 3 August, and Sunday, 5 August, 2018 to deliberate on national issues especially those that have to do with the Legislative arm of Government.

The meeting, according to a release signed by Hon. (Princess) Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security; is a three day event which will take place at the Radison Blue Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja.

According to Hon Tejuoso, apart from their deliberation anchored on presentation of papers, the visiting Speakers, who will be hosted by the host Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, will attend a dinner on Friday organised by the host Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

The event proper takes place on Saturday where papers will be presented. In between presentation of papers on Saturday, the Speakers will visit the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress  (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu. The Speakers will later present their resolutions through a communique after the meeting.

The Speakers will depart Lagos for their various states on Sunday.

BREAKING: Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Dumps APC For PDP

Announcing his defection on Tuesday evening, minutes after Senate President Bukola Saraki announced his resignation from the APC, Abdulfatah wrote:

Agege Pulse

 “Following due consultations and in response to calls by major stakeholders in the state, I have moved to the PDP because the APC can longer serve as a platform for achieving the aspirations and expectations of my people.”

Sahara Reporters

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/2O0Wumx

BREAKING: Senate President Saraki Dumps APC

Senate President Bukola Saraki has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Details Shortly…

Channels Tv

COUPLE, SON, GIRLFRIEND, ARRESTED FOR STEALING.

When Mrs Folashade Odunuga of No. 8 Ade Onitiri, Harmony Estate, Langbasa, Ajah, embarked on a 3-month vacation which commenced on May 27, 2018, little did she know that her apartment  would be broken  into and her household  property including her car, stolen by eighteen-year-old Tega Teddy aided by his parents, Mr. Uroye Teddy, 45 years old and his mother Mrs. Margaret Teddy.

Also fingered in the offence is Tega's girlfriend, one Karima Edom, a close neighbour of the victim, who allegedly passed information of the victim's absence from home to her boyfriend.

The stealing had been going on for weeks until the victim's househelp, one Eniola Abisola, visited her mistress' house and discovered that a lot of items were missing. She couldn't understand how the thieves entered the apartment as all doors to the house remained locked.

She alerted the police and detectives were sent to check on Tega, they saw the stolen Chevrolette Aveo saloon car with registration number AKD 512 AP,  parked in front of his parents' house at New Osho Layout, Langbasa. He was promptly arrested. 

During interrogation, he revealed that he entered the victim's house through the ceiling and gradually, he began to  pack the household items to his father's house. He narrated that his mother helped him to hide the stolen items in an uncompleted building while his girlfriend Karima, hid some in her apartment.

The suspect, Tega, further revealed that his father went with  him to the victim's house to tow the aforementioned car. It was seen that Mrs Margaret Teddy had put the stolen properties for sale.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: Chevrolette saloon car reg NO. AKD 512 AP, 42 inches flat screen TV, LG Home theatre sound system, electric generator, one standing fan, 5 leather bags, iPad, baby shoes and other personal items.

The Commissioner of Police,  CP Imohimi Edgal, charges Lagosians to take their personal security seriously by ensuring that their houses are entrusted in the hands of trusted relations, friends or aides whenever they travel.

He urged people to go back to our old way of visiting their neighbours to check on them. He added that if that was the case in this instance, Teddy and his girlfriend Karima wouldn't have had the effrontery to cook, eat and wine in Folashade Odunuga's house during her long absence from home.

Man Rapes A 3-Year-Old Girl With Engine Oil In Ondo

A man named Christopher Arigidi has been accused of raping a 3year old girl in Apata, Ese-Odo LGA of Ondo State.

The 23-year-old took the victim to his house and allegedly defiled her, by rubbing engine oil on her private parts to ease penetration.

An Eye Witness Oshodi Ibeji, said:
“The suspect and some people were sitting together at the function; all of a sudden, the guy stood up and said he wanted to go and change his cloth at home.

As he was going, he took the girl along with him; the mother of the victim saw him when he was going. When the mother went back home, she did not see her daughter so she went to Argigidi’s house and found out that the girl had been defiled. .

After discovering what happened, she reported to the youths who went to the man’s house to beat him up. He was later taken to the community chairman. He initially denied it but later confessed that he did it.”
The victim’s mother, Pouma Ologun, said she wanted justice for her daughter, adding that she wanted the community to deal with Arigidi. .

The decision to take him to a police station lies in the hand of the victim’s father because the nearest police station to our community is very far.”

Copied

Breaking: Governor Ortom Impeached

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has been impeached.

He was impeached this morning by eight lawmakers of the Benue state House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The lawmakers served the governor an impeachment notice this morning after a meeting at the state Assembly complex on Monday, 30th July, 2018.

Ortom’s aide, Tahav Agerzua who confirmed the development said that the lawmakers took over the Assembly complex to sit and pass the impeachment notice while the police blocked further access.

Source: Silverbird

Lagos Seals Partnership With Multi-National Consortium To Clean-Up Waterways

…Says Sector Remains Critical To Solving Traffic Congestion

…Woos investors at Water Transport Roundtable

 AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed the commitment of his administration to provide critical infrastructure and enabling environment for investors to participate in the ongoing efforts to rev up water transportation, saying the sector remains critical to solving the traffic congestion affecting the State.

Speaking at a Roundtable on Water Transportation organised by the State Government, and held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, the Governor said though the sector had been left unattended to over the years, but that the State Government was nonetheless now committed more than before to fully harness the potentials of the water transportation to the benefit of the people and economic prosperity of the State.


He said the chaotic traffic situation in some parts of the State in recent times and the pressure on the road with attendant danger to lives and property, made the need to forge ahead with the reforms in the water sector being championed by his administration even more compelling.



According to him, “The question to ask is what has brought us to this despicable situation so to speak where the only mode of transportation for over 22million people is road and the road itself is chaotic. In the last three years, we have been fighting traffic and unfortunately in the last two weeks, we have seen what has happened in Apapa and what we have been trying to do. Just about three weeks ago, we saw what happened with regards to the Otedola Bridge disaster and then the carnage, as well as the inability of government to provide for the needs of the people.



“So, among the over 22 million people, almost 8 million are walking on the streets every second and at the same time, 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour according to United Nations statistics for 2016 which is the largest in the world. So, if other states are failing, more people are going to be coming to Lagos and that means maybe right now, there are 120 people entering Lagos not wanting to go back and the only mode of transportation we have for them is just the road and that is why we are coming up with other modes.



“1/5th of Lagos is water. We have the smallest geographical space in Nigeria of 3577 square kilometers with 25 per cent of that being water. So, you are asking yourself that why in the history of Lagos and in the history of Nigeria, that we did we not just think of other modes of transportation and what really went wrong?”



While reeling the benefits of water transportation especially to traffic management, the Governor said it was instructive to note that being surrounded by water, many parts of the State could be connected within few minutes.



“I was in Apapa yesterday and I look at the gridlock and it made sense to me that it is just five minutes ride between Apapa and Marina and so the question is can’t we create barges that take our cars officially and then push them there in just five minutes and so in no time everybody is in their offices instead of going through the traffic?



“Between Badore and Ikorodu is just ten minutes. So, we lay off people on Ikorodu axis. This is something that has been waiting for a long time and I just think this is the right time for us to do it because those coming behind us will not forgive us if we don’t take advantage of all the things we need to do to develop water transportation,” the Governor said, adding that major channelization projects, shoreline protection and jetties, among others were currently being constructed as part of efforts to boost the sector.



He said in addition to efforts ongoing, the roundtable was basically to come up with sustainable framework to boost water transportation and encourage people to adopt it as alternative to other modes of transportation.



While wooing investors to take advantage of the reforms in the water sector, the Governor said it was instructive that in the last 36 months, more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) came into the State largely due to transparency and credibility to encourage investors, assuring that his administration would continually create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.



Earlier, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Ladi Lawanson said the essence of the roundtable was to evolve effective framework in partnership with the private sector and relevant stakeholders to play up water transportation in Lagos with the view to diverting a lot of pressure currently on the roads to water.



Also speaking, a major player in the sector, Mr Ganiyu Balogun, who is the Managing Director of Tarzan Ferry Services, commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to rev up water transportation and harness it's potentials for the benefit of the people.



He said stakeholders were aware of the challenges in the sector and were willing to partner with the State Government to address the issues in the overall benefit of the State.



There were also presentations at the event by University of Lagos, United States Mission in Nigeria, Trade and Investment Department of British High Commission and Paramount Maritime Holdings of South Africa, all expressing readiness to partner with the State Government to boost water transportation.



Meanwhile, the State Government at the roundtable also sealed a major partnership with a consortium of multi-national companies, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, to rid the waterways and water bodies in the State of filth with specific focus on plastic waste.


The agreement will also bring about the setting up of a world class collection and recycling framework for plastic waste in Lagos State.


The consortium including Nigeria Bottling Company, Coca-Cola, 7-Up Bottling Company, Nestle and Nigerian Breweries, among others, will be investing in boats with capacity to collect waste from the waterways, thereby protecting the ecosystem and boosting water transportation.

Nigeria will partner with Google to boost internet connectivity –Osinbajo

Agege Pulse

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday revealed that Nigeria will partner with Google and other service providers to boost connectivity in the country.

Osinbajo said this while speaking at the Google for Nigeria event holding in Lagos. He said; “We will be partnering with Google and other technology providers to achieve the level of connectivity that will match the creativity of our people.”

The VP also revealed that the provision of human basics, such as healthcare and food may soon depend on technology.

During the event, Ken Tokusei, PM Director International Search, said that “health queries are common on the web, so we are making it easier with a new search experience that allows you to explore health conditions related to symptoms!”

Punch

BREAKING: 'Unknown gunmen abduct Dino Melaye'

Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) has been abducted by unknown gunmen.

AgegePulse Magazine

This was disclosed by Senator Ben Bruce (Bayelsa East) on his Twitter page.

“I have just been informed by Moses Melaye, @dino_melaye’s brother, that Dino has been abducted by unknown persons in a Toyota Sienna that blocked their car and overpowered them on their way to Kogi to answer to Dino’s court case. Lets be on the watch out. Will keep you updated,” Bruce tweeted. 

Melaye was arraigned yesterday before an FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on attempted suicide.

Melaye was also charged with the offences of attempt to escape from lawful custody and damage of police property.

DailyTrust

Five Dead, Five Rescued as Boat Capsizes in Lagos

About five persons drowned wednesday, while five others were rescued when a 20-passenger boat capsized mid-way from Ebute Terminal, along the Lagos – Ikorodu Expressway.

The boat was said to have capsized by the Ferry Terminal, Ipakodo, Ebute, as the passengers were heading from CMS to Ikorodu.

As at press time, rescue operations were still ongoing as only 10 persons- the dead and the rescued, were accounted for.

THISDAY gathered that the bodies of the dead persons were brought to the jetty at Ipakodo located in outskirts of Lagos for onward movement to the nearest morgue.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Adesina Tiamiyu, said the agency received the distress call late in the evening.

“The agency received the distress call and on arrival at the incident scene, it was observed that a 20 capacity passenger boat belonging to Blue Sea capsized mid-sea enroute Ikorodu from Lagos Island. Investigation carried out by the LRT revealed that the immediate cause of the boat mishap was unknown at time of report.

“Unfortunately five persons (four adult females and one adult male) were confirmed dead as a result of the incident and their bodies were deposited at the morgue at Ikorodu General Hospital. Meanwhile, five persons – four females and one male were rescued alive.

“The exercise was carried out by the combined efforts of LASEMA, Lagos State Waterways Agency (LASWA), and the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS). Figures of other rescued victims cannot be ascertained as they were brought to the jetty with various passing boat. Recovery efforts still on-going at time of this report,” Tiamiyu explained

ThisDay

Apapa: FG must revive Ports in other states, oil pipelines to save Lagos from gridlock - Ambode

...Calls for redistribution of tank farms to outer borders
…Approves employment of 1000 teachers
...Holds 12th Town Hall Meeting in Ibeju Lekki

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday tasked the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to revive existing Ports in other States of the federation so as to bring about permanent solution to the perennial traffic congestion in Apapa axis of the State.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Third Quarter Town Hall Meeting, the 12th in the Series, held at the Community Primary School, Iberekodo in Ibeju Lekki Local Government, said the recent chaos witnessed in the area was beyond traffic issues, saying that concerted efforts must be made to revamp moribund ports.

According to him,  beyond getting other ports up and running,  the issue of tankers queuing up to lift petroleum products from Tank Farms in Apapa was also a major issue causing gridlock and damaging road infrastructure in the area,  which according to him was inimical to the economic growth of not just the State,  but Nigeria in general.

"It would be very unfair to Lagosians if I don't talk about issues relating to traffic management and integrated transport management most especially what we have witnessed in the last one week in Apapa, but again I would like to tell Lagosians that every stakeholder that is ‎relevant to resolving the Apapa crisis, we have gone to work and you can see that there is a major improvement.

"But again, this issue has become perennial and in the last six years, it's always been there, it comes and goes, but the challenge is to be able to find a permanent solution and in that reason Mr. President had directed the Vice President to come and see what the situation is and to actually give us a permanent solution. We are grateful Mr. President, we believe strongly that every layer of government should collaborate to be able to resolve this Apapa crisis.

"But we all must know that Apapa crisis is more than traffic issues. That is where all States depend on for revenue through Customs because the revenue is shared at FAAC. If anything goes wrong in the Port, whatever they get from Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) could reduce,” Governor Ambode said.

Stressing that the Apapa congestion was a national issue that required urgent attention, the Governor also noted that oil pipelines should be revived to discourage the trend of thousands of trucks coming from other parts of the country to lift petroleum products from Apapa.

"It is bad that we still use truck to lift petroleum products from Apapa to other parts of the country. As it is now, other ports in Nigeria must begin to work immediately to decongest gridlock in Lagos.‎ Whatever has led to continual use of trucks to lift fuel, which is, vandalism of pipeline should be addressed immediately.

"We believe that this will allow the roads to become free.  We don't need to continuously use tax payers’ money to build road that were destroyed by tankers.  We call on the Minister of Petroleum and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to work towards reviving the pipelines," he said.

The Governor also expressed concern about the approval for the development of tank farms in Ijegun area of Lagos, saying that as much as the State supports redistribution of tank farms, such should be located in areas that are not populated.

"We don't need tank farms within Lagos metropolis anymore. There are 68 tank farms in Apapa alone. That is a serious danger waiting to happen. Beyond Apapa, they have approved tank farms in Ijegun axis and that is where we have huge population.

"We need to redistribute tank farm establishment to outer borders and other parts. This is what we believe should be done at this moment to free Lagos roads," he said.

Speaking on the efforts of his administration to develop the economy of the State, Governor Ambode said his administration has continued to keep faith with its mandate to ensure that the future of Lagos remains on a sound pedestal.

He said the Town Hall meeting, which had moved round the three senatorial districts in the State from its first edition held in October 6, 2015 has continued to provide the Government with first hand information on the needs of the people and how best to solve them.

"Our promise from the very beginning was that we are going to give you a government of inclusion and it's very clear that we are on track. When we look at our scorecard, which is to keep Lagos on a trajectory of growth and development, we are on that track.

"We are happy to be here. We are everywhere meeting the needs of our people, asking them what the issues are and wanting to respond positively to those issues. Yes, we are not perfect, we would try our best but our people know that we are doing things that would create prosperity for their future," Governor Ambode said.

Besides, the Governor said that his administration was not oblivious of the fact that the Eastern and Western axis of the State were pivotal to the future prosperity of Lagos.

Giving an insight on the next plan of action for the Ibeju Lekki axis,  Governor Ambode also said the construction of the Epe Airport and reconstruction of the Coastal Road were very much on course, adding that the dualization of the Eleko Junction to the T-Junction would commence in January 2019, while the 27 network of roads in Ojokoro, Ayinke House, among others would be completed before the next quarter.

The Governor, while thanking traditional rulers, community heads and residents of Ibeju Lekki for their unflinching support towards the advancement of the multibillion dollar projects ongoing in the Lekki Free Trade Zone assured that all issues relating to compensation would be resolved before the end of the week.

Governor Ambode also announced the commencement of recruitment of 1,000 teachers in the State, adding that more would be recruited as the need arises.
 
Taking questions from residents, Governor Ambode said his administration would go back to the drawing board and respond accordingly to issues raised, appealing to residents to be patient as the Government would continue to deliver more life changing projects to make life more comfortable for the people.

A physically challenged resident and graduate of Computer Studies, Micheal Ogunyemi who said he had been jobless for five years could not hold back his joy as the Governor directed the Civil Service Commission to grant him immediate employment from August 1, while relevant agencies were directed to address various issues raised by residents.

SIEGE AT SARAKI’S RESIDENCE STAGE-MANAGED, SAYS JIMOH MOSHOOD

Jimoh Moshood, spokesman of the Nigeria police force, says the siege at the residence of Senate President Bukola Saraki was “stage-managed for public sentiments”.

Speaking on a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, Moshood said the force had no hand in the incident.
In the early hours of Tuesday, some police vehicles and officers were seen stationed at the entrance of the senate president’s residence in Abuja.

Footage which emerged online also suggested that the officers were trying to block his convoy from leaving the area, although Saraki later made it to the national assembly.

The incident generated widespread criticisms of the force, with some Nigerians describing it as a “clampdown on the nation’s democracy”.
But speaking on the programme, Moshood said there was no official command for a deployment of police officers to the senate president’s house.

“We have the responsibility to protect him so we can’t block him. If we were expecting him at 8am, why should we block him?” he said.

He said over 140 security personnel of the police are attached to the national assembly “and about 40 are attached to the senate president, including other units”.
“So what happened yesterday was not a blockade by the security personnel from the force. The personnel seen in the footage are those attached (to) the convoy of the senate president and to his residence. Those you see are those attached to him,” Moshood said.

“The IGP has directed an investigation into the incident. The ADC has been invited, he should be with the principal all the time. So if he is not aware of the whereabouts, we want to know why. Why should we go and block an empty house?

“The video footage was circulated in the media to embarrass us. These are leaders of the legislature who we have the responsibility to protect. So we should allow the investigation to be completed before we give you the outcome of investigation.”
Saraki is being investigated for his alleged connection with suspects arrested over the Offa bank robbery incident in Kwara.

-Cable

Egunjobi donates 3-month salaries to orphanage

  

Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, was today at Bab-es-Salam Orphanage to celebrate his birthday with orphans during which he pledged the donation of his three-month salaries to the home.

  

The celebration coincided with Egunjobi’s 365 days in office as he was sworn in as the council’s chairman last year’s July 25, on his birthday.

Speaking during his visit, the Chairman, who was accompanied by the Council’s Vice-Chairman, Prince Abiodun Ogunji, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, Councilors, Supervisors, management and selected staff, said it was not in his character to celebrate his birthday, adding that this time around he let sound reason prevailed.

The Council boss explained that after he was left with no choice, he took the decision to celebrate in the orphanage with orphans advising the privileged to support the needy in kind and cash as enjoined by the holy books.

“I had never celebrated my birthday before until today because I don’t see it as important. Today, have come to celebrate with you and come along with a widow’s mite: some food stuffs and beverages.

“I also bring you good tidings, my next three-month salaries will be donated to this orphanage for your care,” Egunjobi told his hosts at the orphanage.

He promised to rededicate himself to the service of Agege community saying, " I was born and bred in Agege and i will give my best to ensure that under my watch Agege's stock rise."

Lagos residents lament as robbers kill two in reprisal

Residents and traders on Okoya Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State have lamented the robbery attack that allegedly led to the death of two guards and the burglary of many shops.

The attack, which reportedly happened around 2am on Tuesday, was said to have been a reprisal by the robbers against a vigilance group contracted to guard the community.


PUNCH Metro had reported on May 8, 2018, that a salesman, identified as Obinna, was allegedly killed by a police stray bullet during a street fight involving some youths and hoodlums who invaded Okoya Street.

The hoodlums, reportedly identified as Cemetery Boys, had allegedly been robbing and terrorising residents.

Our correspondent learnt that in a bid to curb the attacks by the hoodlums, the vigilance group had engaged them for about three days.

A member of the vigilance group, Kamoru Lateef, alleged that the Tuesday robbers were Cemetery Boys, adding that they were led by one Kaka.

Lateef also said the hoodlums, who were armed with guns and other weapons allegedly killed two guards, identified as Jesse Onanuba and Isa.

He said, “The Cemetery Boys killed two members of our group. They shot Isa and Jesse Onanuba. When they killed Jesse, they cut his two hands and private parts. They shot Isa in the chest.

“Before this attack, the Cemetery Boys had robbed a resident of Okoya of his mobile phone. After he reported to us, two members of our group went on a peace meeting to retrieve the phone.

“They stabbed the peacemakers with daggers and we reported the matter to the Layeni Police Station.

“It was after this incident that they attacked us. I saw them burgled some shops and stole goods and other property. Some residents and vigilance group members came out to protect the community, but we never knew they had guns. It was too late when the boys knew that they had guns; and that was how Isa and Jesse were killed.”

Our correspondent gathered that the family of the deceased had yet to locate the corpses of their sons.

The eldest brother of late Jesse, Christian Chukwunedu, said he did not know how to break the news of his brother’s death to his parents.

“The police have not made any arrest; they have refused to provide the remains of my brother; I want the government to investigate this incident because I want justice for my brother.”

READ ALSO: We’re merging with 15 parties, says Agbakoba-led NIM

A 35-year-old bar owner, Ejiro Omoniyi, said she lost N400,000 to the hoodlums.”

The state police spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, said, “There is neither record of murder at Layeni nor any other police station in the Ajegunle area. If there is any such case, we encourage residents to report to the police so that proper investigation can be done.”

I wish you best in future undertakings, Buhari tells defecting APC members

Oluwakemi Abimbola

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday wished all the lawmakers, who defected from the All Progressives Congress to other parties, in “best in their future undertakings.”

On his Twitter handle, President Buhari reacted to the defections that were the order of the day at the National Assembly.


In his tweets, the president said; “I wish all of our party members who today defected, the very best in their future undertakings. The APC has done its best to stop the defections, and I must commend the party leadership for working tirelessly to unite the party and position it for future victory.”

Other tweets read: “I am confident that no harm or injury will be done by these defections, to the APC and its aspirations. I urge party faithful to not despair, but to instead see this as something that happens in seasons like this, on the eve of elections.



As the saying goes, all politics is local. We understand that some of the Distinguished and Honourable lawmakers have issues in/with their home states, especially on zoning which bars some of them from seeking another term in their constituencies.

Let me also note that none of the defecting federal lawmakers has any specific grievances against me or the government I lead; neither do I harbour any ill-feeling towards any of them. I fully respect their freedom to choose what party to associate with.

I am using this opportunity to restate my total commitment to the values of democracy, as well as my total willingness to work with ALL members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their political party, for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Punch

COMMUNITY POLICING, STRONG INTELLIGENCE WAY TO SOLVE NIGERIA’S SECURITY CHALLENGES – AMBODE

…Says Nigeria Stands To Benefit From Lagos Model Of Fighting Crime

…Delivers Lecture At Institute For Security Studies In Abuja

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said the fight against crime and all forms of criminality in Nigeria can only be better enhanced if concerted efforts are geared toward embracing community policing to complement the police and other law enforcement agencies.



The Governor also said in view of the critical national security issues confronting the country at the point in time, paramount importance must now be attached to strong intelligence gathering even over and above the provision of physical security apparatuses, to rescue Nigeria from the myriad of security challenges. 



Governor Ambode, who said this while addressing participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course II of the Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, noted that the security issues the country was grappling with such as international terrorism and insecure borders, local terrorism including lone wolf terrorists, proliferation of small arms into big cities, cyber warfare, drug trafficking, human trafficking and the regular misdemeanors among and other petty crimes, all pointed to the need for strong intelligence gathering framework to be put in place to nip potential crime in the bud.



According to him, if policy makers such as the participants at the course who were drawn from 21 security and government agencies could not understand such security issues from the point of first-rate intelligence, then it would difficult for effective policies to be made and implemented to combat them.   



“In the pursuit of the primus inter pares of all governance challenges, we have identified that the gathering and utilisation of intelligence is of paramount importance, even ahead of the provision of physical security apparatuses.



“As is well known, I am a huge proponent of community policing. Indeed, I strongly believe that the fight against crime and all forms of criminality would be better enhanced if efforts are geared towards embracing community policing to complement the police and other law enforcement agencies,” the Governor said, adding that it was for such reason that his administration established the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corp Agency (LNSC) to enhance intelligence gathering in the communities.



The Governor, who specifically spoke on the theme: “Cultural Values, National Security and Challenges of Contemporary Governance: Perspective from Lagos State Experience,” said being the melting pot of diverse cultures, as well as major economic hub as the fifth largest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $131billion, Lagos had been able to appropriate its cultural values, especially the multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan nature, to confront its security and governance challenges, adding that the country stand to gain from the model which the State had adopted in fighting crime and administering governance.



Recalling security challenges faced by his administration at the initial stage especially kidnapping, the Governor said in fighting the menace, the government garnered the support of the security agencies to set up military bases and security operations that resulted in the rescue of kidnap victims  and arrest of kidnap kingpins, while further steps were taken on intelligence gathering, community partnership and huge investment in security, such that today, the State was now one of the safest cities in Africa.



Besides, the Governor listed core cultural values which are essential to ensure security and development to include truth, justice, hard work and character, which according to him, have been effectively deployed in Lagos State in the creation of agencies such as LNSC, the Security Trust Fund under the Public-private partnership model to enhance transparency, among others.



“In Lagos State, we are resolved to continue to review and revise our policies with the aim of maintaining, at every point in time, a sustainable security framework that will stand the test of time and enable every stakeholder in Lagos to participate. So far, we have been encouraged by the massive contributions of many corporate organizations to the Security Trust Fund and by the participation of our communities in the work of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps,” he said.



He said though a lot had been achieved, but that the State Government was nonetheless not oblivious of the fact that more needed to be done, assuring that his administration would continue to prioritise the security of the people.



Going forward with regards to preserving the culture of the people with focus on security, the Governor said from the home front, parents should now attach importance to their culture, saying the State Government had already led the way in placing paramount importance on the continuous learning of indigenous languages.

According to him, “Many parents are not training their kids to know and understand the realities of life and cultural values. Parents should go back to the teaching and promotion of our core cultural values. The abandonment of these cultural values has led many children to take to drugs and bad vices with the attendant challenges to national security.



“Beyond the efforts to sustain and, as the case may be, to resuscitate cultural values as a veritable means for ensuring cohesiveness in the society and promoting security, I also advocate a collective vigilance mentality whereby all stakeholders in security management have properly defined roles and relationships to stay ahead of all forms of violent crimes such as terrorism, cyber and transnational organised crimes while utilizing processed intelligence made possible as a result of our cultural values,” Governor Ambode said.



In his opening remarks, Director of the Institute, Matthew Seiyfa commended Governor Ambode for the various projects and initiatives implemented to make life better for the people, saying the projects have also contributed immensely to enhance security. 



He also commended the initiative of the Security Trust Fund, saying the fact that many States have now copied it from Lagos attests to its vitality and effectiveness in security management.



“Since 2015 when Governor Ambode took hold on the reigns of office as the Executive Governor, he has not only continued but revitalized this visionary path. He (The Governor) has sought to consolidate and deepen the status of Lagos as a mega city and a hub for regional transportation, tourism, entertainment, finance, industry, among others.



“The Governor’s projects have not only been world class in standard and quality but also inclusive,” Seiyfa said.

APC sleeping on a bicycle, Nigerians tell Buhari’s aide

AgegePulse Magazine



Nigerians have responded to a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, telling him that the ruling All Progressives Congress was pretending that all was well when, in fact, it has been “sleeping on a bicycle.”

Trouble started when Ahmad claimed in a (badly worded) tweet that APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, said that he was now more focused on building a solid party that would not be a vehicle for politicians to acquire political office for personal gain.

Ahmad had tweeted:

APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole after meeting with President@MBuhari this afternoon says after defecting some members of the National Assembly he is now more focused on building a solid party which is not just a vehicle for acquiring political office or personal gain.

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) July 24, 2018

The tweet elicited varied responses from his Twitter followers:

See people sleeping on a bicycle.

Keep decieving yourselves.

— Comrade (@iAGB4REAL) July 24, 2018

Bross park well! There is fire on the mountain

— Uneku Emmanuel (@Gracedman1978) July 24, 2018

Hmmmm, APC just scattered like pack of cards. Leadership that is neither open nor Democratic

— Innocent Nkire (@Innocent_Nkire) July 24, 2018

Build Wetin, I dey laugh, Apc is finished

— Owati Mutiu Wande (@Owatiyusuf) July 24, 2018

APC doesn’t have anything to offer, you deceived the entire country with change mantra, now the system is even worst than the way you met it.

Just go 🏃 🏃 🏃 🏃 🏃

— George Tamunokubie (@georgeikubie) July 24, 2018

A vehicle with petrol engine but currently on diesel…. Is that one a vehicle?

BREAKING: 32 APC lawmakers defect to PDP, four to ADC

John Ameh, Abuja

In a sudden twist of fate, the ruling All Progressives Congress has had 32 of its members in the House of Representatives defecting to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday.

Four other lawmakers also defected to the African Democratic Congress.

Thirty-two members of the APC in the House of Representatives had defected to the PDP in what is turning out to be a macabre political dance.

Four others in the APC from Oyo State also defected to the ADC, bringing the total number of defection to 36.

The Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, has just made the announcement, throwing the PDP camp into jubilation.

However, the APC still remains in the majority.

Details later…
Punch

Senate shut down as security agencies lay siege on presiding officers homes

Security agents on Tuesday, barricaded the residences of the presiding officers of the Senate.

Our correspondent learnt that security operatives besieged the Maitama, Abuja residence of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki as early as 7am and blocked his convoy as he was set to honour the police invitation at the force headquarters.

Simultaneously, a combined team of Police, DSS, and EFCC also stormed the Apo Legislative Quarters of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is expected to preside at the Senate in the absence of Saraki.

The Special Adviser (media) to the deputy senate president, Uche Anichukwu, confirmed the development in a chat with our correspondent.
He said, “The Operatives from the DSS, EFCC and some policemen in their scores have barricaded the residence of Senator Ekweremadu at his Apo legislative quarters.
“He is preparing to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Senate President who has been invited by the police.”

An aide of the Senate President who refused to be quoted said, “The siege is still on as of 8:30am when I got there and I can not even confirm the whereabouts of my boss at the moment.


“The implication of both actions is that the Senate will not sit today if the two presiding officers were still deprived of their freedom of movement or arrested before plenary which starts at 9am.”

Punch

I’m paid N10,000 per kill, says 20-year-old sniper for Eiye confraternity

Mariam Abiola, a 20-year-old self-confessed sniper for Eiye confraternity, says she is paid N10,000 for each person she kills.

Abiola, who was paraded by the Lagos state police command on Monday, said she has killed four persons since joined the cult group after fleeing her parent’s home in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

She told reporters that she wears she wears a white gown to shield her gun, and a white hijab whenever she is sent out an assignment.

Abiola said: “I ran away from my house in Lafenwa, Abeokuta to Lagos to look for work. I met Sodiq when I got to Lagos. He took me to his house at Ilasamaja and initiated me into Eiye cult group.

“He took me to an herbalist, who gave me a black substance to eat. He told me that their work was about killing people. He gave me a gun and taught me how to shoot. I learnt how to shoot by shooting on the wall.

“I shot on the wall three times before I learnt how to shoot. Brother Sodiq gave three of us guns and pictures of persons to kill. He trained three of us. Two boys and myself.

“I have killed four persons. Each time that I want to go for the killing, I usually wear a white gown and a white head scarf (Hijab). Brother Sodiq usually showed us the target’s house.

“We go to the house at night. The two boys will scale the fence and open the gate for me. We go straight to the apartment and shoot at the target at close range. None of our targets survived. I killed one guy at Fadeyi area of Lagos, another one at Hassan in Ilasa, one at Aje.

“Each time we killed someone, brother Sodiq would pay me N10,000 but he would pay the others N20,000 each. I do not feel bad after killing anyone because I see it as a job I paid to do.”

The police also paraded Dorcas Adilewa, a 19-year-old girl who allegedly faked her kidnap to defraud her father.

Copied.

Oyedepo To Buhari, Resign, Get Out Of Office

Jesusegun Alagbe

The founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, aka Winners’ Chapel, David Oyedepo, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over persistent Fulani militant herdsmen killings.

In a YouTube video posted by the church’s official page, the cleric made this call on Sunday at its headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.

With this development, Oyedepo has joined other notable clerics – including the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; and a former Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie – who have asked Buhari to quit his position over failure to secure the lives of Nigerians.

The cleric told his congregation that although he was not partisan, he would not be alive and not talk about the massacre of Nigerians, especially in the Middle Belt, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Speaking on the theme, “Enough is enough,” he said, “When I was talking in 2015, people were saying my own was too much, now everybody can see what’s happening. What has moved forward in anybody’s life? You don’t know it’s war. Why are they attacking the Christian communities? Why has nobody been arrested? I can tell you this, the authorities and the powers that be are behind them.

“I will never be partisan; Jesus got me out of it in 1984. But I will not be alive to see innocent people massacred.

“We must wake up and push this evil back. Not one of those so-called herdsmen – they are jihadists – has been brought to book till date. Herdsmen don’t shoot; they have been here all along. They are just taking cover under the herdsmen to assault innocent citizens. They wake up in the night and slice innocent children to pieces. Yet, you have a government in place. What!

“The most honourable thing for any non-performing leader to do is to resign. The most honourable thing is to resign. That’s my own for Mr President. Resign! Get out of office! Even our Islamic friends in the North are calling on him (Buhari) to resign. Because that’s the noblest thing to do. Or are we going to look at one system destroy a whole nation?”

Oyedepo also warned Nigerians against the ceding of land to the Fulani herdsmen for ranching, as proposed by the Federal Government.

He said, “I’m going to say this and I’m not going to be tired. This (Nigeria) will never be a Fulani republic. That is not our terms of agreement. It will remain a secular nation till Jesus returns. It’s not just (about) land, it’s (about) heritage.

“Forever, I stand on the fact that no government has the authority to collect land from those who own it and transfer it to another person because on the other side (presumably the north), it never happens"

Punch

BRT vehicle kills woman in Lagos

Oluwatobi Akindele

A yet-to-be-identified woman has been knocked down by a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Vehicle at the Palmgrove end of Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

The incident, which occurred on Monday around 9.30am, was said to have led to the death of the yet-to-be-identified woman.

PUNCH Metrogathered that the woman was trying to cross from Palmgrove side to the other side of the road when the incident occurred.

A source said, “She first got into the BRT lane before crossing the rest of the highway; but an oncoming BRT bus knocked her down and she died on the spot.”

The Chief Security Officer of Primero Nigeria Limited, the manager of the Lagos BRT vehicles, Cletus Okodolor, said the firm was searching for the family of the deceased.

He said, “There was no mobile phone on her to get in touch with her family and we have not been able to identify her.

“We are hoping that if her family don’t get to see her by the end of the day, they will report to the police.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, said the case was reported to the Ilupeju Police Station and investigation into the matter was underway.

“The driver bolted immediately after the accident, but we will get him,” he added.

Punch

Lagos announces date for screening test into public schools

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government has announced that the screening test for students seeking transfer to public secondary schools will hold on Monday, 27th August, 2018.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye who made this known recently, said that interested applicants should obtain a clearance slip from the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary's Office for the school of choice in other to make the process a lot easier.

In her words, “Applicants should contact the District of choice for clearance before payment. Forms can be obtained and returned to the office of the Tutor- General/Permanent Secretary of the Education District of the applicant's choice for a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000), payable at any Skye Bank Branch - Account No: 4030010449, Agency Code: 4280000 and Sort Code: 32534/4040043”.
She stated that the payment and collection of forms will commence on Friday, 20th July, 2018 while submission will close on Friday, 17th August, 2018.

"Applicants for transfer into J.S.S 2 class are to attach 2nd and 3rd term promotion examination results of J.S.S 1 class and those seeking transfer into S.S1 will attach their Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) Number", she added.

The Permanent Secretary requested all applicants to attach evidence of three years tax payment of their parent or guardian, photocopy of LASRRA Identity Card and receipt for the application form to the submitted forms.

Adekanye revealed that Screening Test will be conducted in the Six Education Districts on Monday, 27th August, 2018 by9:00 am prompt, stating that parents of successful applicants will be notified through text messages sent to the phone number supplied by them.

She, however, noted that since admission is subject to vacancy in the proposed school, applicants are advised to seek clearance at the District Office of their preferred school before paying for the transfer form.

The Permanent Secretary also enjoined students and parents to note that there won’t be transfer into Model Colleges/Upgraded Schools, JSS.3 & SS.2 classes, Inter-State or International Schools.