Ajimobi meets Ayefele, sets up committee on demolition

...Emissaries that I sent failed to deliver my messages.

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on Thursday, met the owner of Fresh FM, Yinka Ayefele, over the demolition of the radio station on Sunday morning.

The building was partly demolished by the state government over contravention of the state’s physical planning rule and the inability of Ayefele to provide the relevant documents when asked to do so.

The governor immediately after the meeting set up a panel to look into the demolition.

The governor said the demolition was neither a witch-hunt nor politically motivated, insisting that it was due to the contravention of the state’s property laws.

Ajimobi described Ayefele as a good man and a responsible citizen, stressing that the next step was to find a compassionate means of resolving the issue.

He also urged Ayefele to ensure that his radio station embraced ethical reportage of the issue.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who was at the Governor’s Office in company with some monarchs, also pleaded with the Ajimobi to resolve the impasse.

Earlier, Ayefele had stated that his office responded to all  the letters forwarded to it by the state government.

He expressed regrets at not being able to see the governor, adding that the emissaries he sent failed to deliver his messages.

Ayefele stated that he remained a law-abiding citizen who was ready to comply with the regulations of the state government.

Punch 

AgegePulse

Two die in Ogun auto-crash on Sallah day

The Federal Road Safety Commission in Ogun State has confirmed that two persons died on Tuesday when a commercial bus somersaulted on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Clement Oladele, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abeokuta on Wednesday that the accident occurred around  5 pm at  Lamona Park on the expressway.

Oladele said the Volkswagen commercial bus marked  LSR 971 XG had 28 passengers, including  16 females and  12 males as well as three children,  on board.

He said the accident was caused by a tyre burst which resulted in the vehicle somersaulting.
“Two people died in the accident and their corpses have been deposited at Isara mortuary while the injured were taken to Isara Hospital, Ogere,’’ he said.

He advised motorists to obey traffic regulations and follow instructions from the FRSC patrol teams and other sister traffic agencies.

Oladele also urged motorists driving into construction areas to obey the maximum speed limit of 50km per hour stipulated on road signs along the corridors and avoid overtaking.

(NAN)
Punch
AgegePulse

Our focus is to take Nigerians out of poverty, Osinbajo says

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says the focus of the present administration, is to take Nigerians out of poverty.

He said all government’s programmes and projects were geared towards achieving that objective.

According to a statement on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice President spoke during a town hall meeting held in Bariga/Somolu Local Council Development Area, Lagos State to felicitate with Lagosians on the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations on Tuesday,
Osinbajo said the government was targeting those at the lowest level so that they can do better.


He said, “I want to emphasise that everything we are doing, our focus, first of all, is to ensure that people are taken out of poverty.

“Our country is very big; over 200 million people, many young people coming out every day.  Aside from that, we also want to ensure that anybody who is doing anything at all, who is trading, artisans, mechanics; we are able to support them.

“The reason is that when you look at the way government operates in the past; when you look at the government budget, it focuses on the middle-class, those who have industries and manufacturing plants, and those kinds of people.

“But the majority are at a very low level, doing little things. Those are the people that we must first of all (focus on) so that the poorest are able to do better. If the poorest do better, it would be better for all of us.”

Osinbajo noted that the administration’s National Social Investment Programmes were geared towards improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

"The President’s focus has always been on the common man. So, when we came, we decided on a few things to tackle youth unemployment. First, the N-Power programme to engage as many young people who are graduates as possible.


“We started with 200,000, and just this month, we have employed another 300,000. So, in our N-Power programme, we have 500,000 young graduates who are employed in the programme. Now every local government in Nigeria has N-Power graduate,” he added.

Punch

Man stabs Ekiti monarch to death

Odo-Oro-Ekiti, a community in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was on Monday thrown into mourning as its traditional ruler, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin, was stabbed to death.

Some residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, said the traditional ruler was stabbed with a knife by a man suspected to be insane after a meeting of the traditional council.

A resident, Mr Henry Olu, said the assailant was from the same royal family as the slain traditional ruler.

Olu said the assailant was earlier seen before the council meeting sitting on the throne and was chased away.
The monarch was stabbed by the assailant while he was attempting to enter his vehicle after the council meeting.
“All we heard was a cry for help from the traditional ruler’s driver shortly after the council meeting.
“On getting there, we saw our traditional ruler in a pool of his blood with a knife in the chest.

“We tried rushing him to the hospital, but Oba Ogunsakin gave up the ghost,” another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, said.

NAN reports that some irate youths in the community took to the streets in search of the assailant who was said to have fled into the bush after the incident.
The youths mounted roadblocks on major junctions leading into the community while the search lasted.
NAN also reports that there was panic in the community, with its market deserted as the news of the incident filtered.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with NAN.
“It is true the incident actually happened and policemen have moved in.

“The person alleged is of unsound mind and he actually escaped into the bush after committing the crime.
“Our men are combing the bush to fish out the suspect.
“All I can say for now is that the suspect is within reach and will be put in custody,” he said.
NAN reports that the late Ogunsakin ascended the throne in 1986.


(NAN)
Punch

Sallah: Fateema Mohammed Puts Smiles on the Faces of Ifako Ijaye Residents,

Hon.  Fateema Mohammed Shares Raw Food And Meat For Muslim Families in Ifako Ijaye.

What is Sallah without celebration?

What is celebration without a feast?
As much as Fateema Mohammed strived to make the celebration a happy feast for the people of Ifako Ijaye by sharing rams to some Muslim brethren, she realizes that not all families could be reached with the gift of a life Ram.

For this reason, and to make sure that the people of Ifako Ijaye have a smile on their faces as they celebrate, she has provided two large cows to be slaughtered and shared accordingly to some families in the constituency.

The raw meat is being accompanied with other food stuff necessary to make Sallah a joyful one.
As we speak, preparation is on to make sure that the Muslim families that really need this, get it.

According to Fateema, every one deserves to have a happy Sallah celebration and it is our duty to see it happen for those who cannot afford to give themselves the treat.

Barka De Sallah!

Honorable Fateema Mohammed.

LASTMA, FRSC Give Alternative Routes As Lagos Shuts Third Mainland Bridge On Thursday

The Third Mainland Bridge, which is one of the three bridges from Lagos Island to the Mainland, will on Thursday, August 23, be shut for four days, according to the state government.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Sunday by the Lagos State Deputy Director, Public Affairs Ministry Of Works and Infrastructure, Sina Thorpe.
The bridge, which will be closed a day after 2018 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, is to allow investigative Maintenance Test to be carried out on the Bridge.

The shutdown will start from midnight of August 23 to midnight of August 26, 2018.
The federal government had earlier announced plans to shut the bridge in July but postponed the action after consulting with the state government and other stakeholders.

Reacting to the closure last month, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also advised Lagos residents to use Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and waterway transportation during the repair of Third Mainland Bridge.

FRSC speaks on alternative routes:

“We advise residents in that axis to ensure that they use alternative routes or other means of transportation to avoid traffic jam.

“Motorists who have nothing to do at the Lagos Island should stay off at this period and people should make use of waterways and BRT that has designated routes.

“People from Ikorodu going to Apapa should endeavour to use waterways transport system, at least for the main time to avoid delay on the road.”

“We are identifying various routes to cover during the process of repair like Cater Bridge; Ido to Ijora Olopa to Eko Bridge.

“Mostly, the vehicular movement will focus on Ikorodu Road up to Eko Bridge; but I am assuring you that enough personnel will be deployed to curb gridlocks.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos government urged motorists and residents to minimise non-essential travel and movements during the four-day closure.

LR

Tinubu supports Buhari to achieve 2023 presidential ambition –Saraki

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, supports President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election only with the hope that he could succeed Buhari in 2023.

Saraki said this in a statement on Monday in response to an open letter written by Tinubu on Sunday.

Tinubu in his letter had said the Senate President dumped the APC because of his Presidential ambition and selfish quest for power, rather than for good governance.

However, in a statement titled, ‘The Tinubu rhetoric — My response,’ Saraki said when Tinubu was appointed the head of the APC’s reconciliation committee, he (Tinubu) reached out to him and admitted that he was also not satisfied with Buhari’s performance, but that he would remain in the party.

Saraki added, “However, during those meetings, the point of disagreement between me and him was that, while I expressed worries that there was nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he (Tinubu) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-west.
“This Tinubu’s viewpoint was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues. So much for acting in national interest.

“It is clear that while my own decision was based on protecting collective, national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies in the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023.

“This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency, particularly when one reviews his antecedents over the years.”

Saraki said Tinubu was still sulking over the fact that he (Saraki) was one of those who opposed Tinubu’s bid to emerge as the running mate of candidate Buhari in 2014.


He added, “Again, let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls.

Eid-el-Kabir: Lagos Speaker Obasa Preaches Godliness, Perseverance, Tolerance

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Mudsashiru Obasa, has enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to imbibe spirits of Godliness, tolerance, perseverance and sacrifice as prerequisite for peaceful co-existence in the country.

Rt. Hon. Obasa stated this in his Sallah message to Nigerians in celebration of this year's Eid-il-Kabir festival. The message was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak.

The Lagos Assembly Speaker, who is also Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, asked Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of Godliness, perseverance and tolerance displayed by Prophet Ibrahim, his son, Ismail and wife, Hajarat in their joint decision to sacrifice Ismail to keep the convenant the Prophet had with God while looking for child.

"We should imbibe the spirit of Godliness, perseverance and tolerance displayed by Prophet Ibrahim, his son, Ismail and wife, Hajarat. They did not waiver in their belief in God. They persevered in the face of the difficulty posed by the decision to sacrifice their only child. The son on his part was tolerant enough to present himself for sacrifice. These are the qualities we needed to engender peaceful co-existence in Nigeria: Godliness, perseverance and tolerance," Rt. Hon Obasa said.

“Our strength as a country is in our diversity. We are group of people with varying tribal and religious backgrounds but we are committed to achieving a common purpose which is excellence. Therefore we must eradicate every form of rancor and discord among us.

"We must understand and repsect our differences and we must tolerate one another in order to maintain peace and security of life and properties, ’’ he said

He urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to be thankful for life, as it is the biggest gift anyone can have.

“Let us remain thankful to Allah for good health and well being. When there is life, there is hope for a brighter future. Our challenges are surmountable and our problems have solutions.

Rt. Hon. Obasa, who noted that the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir extols the virtue of sacrifice, also enjoined Nigerians to rededicate themselves to service, adding that it is only through dedication to national service that "we can  build the desired nation".

While commending the people for supporting the All Progressives Congress  (APC) at all levels of government, the Chairman of Conference of Speakers urged them to patiently await the fulfillment of of all the promises made to them.

“The government is committed to serving the people and ensuring that everyone enjoys the dividends of democracy. We are grateful for your support and cooperation so far but I urge you not to relent in supporting government at all levels," he said.

EID EL KABIR: EMBRACE SACRIFICE, LOVE, UNITY, AMBODE URGES MUSLIMS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday called on Muslims in Nigeria to embrace the values of sacrifice, love and continue to foster unity as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond feasting, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence should be to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

Governor Ambode therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.

“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,” he said.

The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his administration, assuring that the Government would continue to do its best to serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace, irrespective of their ethnic religion or political affiliation.

While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keeper.

Yahoo Boy Attempts To Kill His Mother For Money Rituals In Lagos

The police in Lagos state have arrested 29 year old Taiwo Akinola pictured above for trying to kill his mother, Alice Akinola so as to further his cyber fraud business ( Yahoo) to the bloody or ritual level (Yahoo plus).

A statement by the police command spokesperson, CSP Chike Oti, says Taiwo who lives with his mother at No.2 Raji Ajanaku street, Alaja Road, Ayobo, Lagos, is a staunch member of the notorious Aiye confraternity.

At about 8am yesterday Sunday August 19th, Taiwo went to his mother's provision store in front of their apartment and told her to meet him inside the house for an important discussion and at same time sent his nephew, Faruk to go buy him a white handkerchief and a stick of cigarette.

As soon as his mother entered the house, the suspect attacked her, smashing her head with a plank, pressing iron and a UPS charger to ensure she didn't survive the ferocious attack.

When Faruk returned from the errand, he didn't see his grandmother in the shop so he went into the house only to see the poor woman lying in a pool of blood. Shocked by what he saw, the small boy raised the alarm which attracted neighbours to the scene.

They called the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ayobo Division who arrived the scene with his team and promptly arrested the suspect and secured the scene for further investigation by the police forensic experts attached to the Homicide section SCIID Panti, Yaba .

The victim was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment and was found to be hanging onto life. Right now, the doctors are battling to revive Mrs Alice Akinola presently unconscious Meanwhile the CP has paid the initial hospital cost which enabled the doctors to commence treatment.

During a brief interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he was asked to kill his mother in order to have more money. When his room was searched, the following exhibits were recovered in it, viz:

1. Two calabashes with one containing human skull and the other, a mixture of dark concoction;
2. A plank perforated with nails and stained with blood;
3. A pressing iron stained with blood;
4. A white handkerchief with which he wanted to scoop the victim's blood;
5. A bottle containing oil and labelled Back To Sender;

The Commissioner of Police calls on Lagosians to rise against all forms of crime and criminality. He added that the Command defeated the Badoo cult group with the help of people who provided credible and timely information to the police . He added that the time has come to root out the street cult groups. He notes that complacency is not an option in the face of threat to peace and security posed by these nefarious associations.

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BREAKING: NECO releases June/July 2018 SSCE results

Enyioha Opara

The National Examinations Council has released the June/July 2018 Senior Secondary Schools Certificate Examination results.

Out of the 1,041,536 candidates who sat for the examinations, only 742,455 of the candidates got at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language.

A statement signed by the acting Registrar of the Council, Abubakar Gana, states that a total number of 20,181 candidates were involved in examination malpractices — less than that of 2017.

Punch
AgegePulse

Hajj climax: Muslim pilgrims climb Mount Arafat

Muslim pilgrims on Monday began ascending Mount Arafat for the climax of the annual hajj which brings together more than two million people from around the world.

A sea of worshippers scaled the rocky hill southeast of the holy city of Mecca for a day of prayers and reflection where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.

Some of the pilgrims — men in white seamless garments and women in loose dresses — pushed elderly relatives in wheelchairs on the second day of the hajj, one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.

A hot wind blew across the hill, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), and the surrounding plain after a downpour late Sunday. Many faithful could be seen sipping from bottles of water.

After sunset, the pilgrims will leave for nearby Muzdalifah where they will gather pebbles to perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil”.

The ritual begins in earnest on Tuesday as Muslims observe the first day of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the hajj.

Muslims traditionally slaughter sheep for the three-day Eid al-Adha, a tribute to the prophet Abraham’s sacrifice of a lamb after God spared Ishmael, his son.
They will consume some of the meat and give the rest to poor people unable to buy food.

The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.
(AFP)
Punch
AgegePulse

Why Saraki, Tambuwal left APC – Tinubu

...Says If Saraki had remained in the APC, he would be unable to reclaim his Senate Seat

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said on Sunday that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, left the All Progressives Congress because of the party’s refusal to grant their wishes of automatic tickets for next year’s elections.

Tinubu explained that the defectors were also disappointed because the APC refused to share “national wealth and other offices and privileges.

"Tinubu said contrary to Tambuwal’s claim, the governor’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party had nothing to with the governance of the nation.

“Governor Tambuwal’s exit can be distilled to one cause. He covets the Presidency. However, he had not the stomach to challenge President Buhari in a primary. Tambuwal felt further insulted that he would be compelled to face a direct primary just to retain the governorship nomination,” Tinubu said in a statement titled, “They go away because we go the right way,” which he personally signed.

He said Saraki, on his own, had realised that he might not even get the ticket to return to the Senate, much less become the Senate President.

Tinubu said, “Much the same for Senate President Saraki. Returning to the PDP, he harbours dreams of the presidency but Tambuwal’s ambition will dwarf Saraki’s when the two collide.

“If Saraki had remained in the APC, he would be unable to reclaim his Senate seat let alone the Senate Presidency. He thus bolted because he lusts for the presidency but was promised by the PDP, at least, a return to his position in the Senate.

“For Saraki to talk about lack of governance is for him to deny who he is and the position he holds. This man stands as Nigeria’s number three citizen. Clothed is he in ample power and influence. If he saw areas where the government and the nation needed help, he could have easily applied his energies to these areas. He could have drafted legislation and easily got laws passed.

“However, no progressive enactment bears his name for he cared not for progress. He has been more focused on changing the rules of the Senate to favour himself and changing the order of elections so as to coincide with his selfish designs.”

Tinubu said Nigeria was undergoing a historic transition, with the door steadily closing on “the old malpractices that have caused a rich nation to reside in the tenement of the global poor.”

The statement read, “The defections of some people from the APC have generated sensational headlines and exaggerated talk as to what their departures foretell for the APC, the party to which I belong.  Some have predicted the demise of the APC.  Those who hope for our decline will be disappointed by the inaccuracy of their desires. The days, months and years ahead will bury such errant forecasts for these predictions are born more of bitterness than of objective analysis.

“Much of the attention has centred on which party now controls this or that state and which party maintains a majority in the National Assembly. These considerations are important to members of the political class and the electoral calculations of the political parties. But these calculations cannot be all there is. We must be careful not to reduce our horizon to a mere accounting of elected officials moving from one party to another.

Nigeria is undergoing a historic transition. Sometimes awkwardly, tentatively, yet inexorably, we nurture political and governance reform.  We steadily close the door on the old malpractices that have caused a rich nation to reside in the tenement of the global poor. The corruption of the past is ending; for it must end if we are to fulfil our collective purpose. With this correction, less public money will be diverted to private benefit. More will be afforded to the causes of the people. The economy is being transformed so that the average person will have a better chance of finding a better life.

Punch

AgegePulse

My pains, my sweat, Yinka Ayefele laments demolition of Fresh FM

Ace gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, has taken to his Facebook wall to lament the demolition of the Music House housing his radio station, Fresh FM.


He had lamented: “Oyo state government it did at last……my pains my sweat ….So help me God.”

3RD MAINLAND BRIDGE TO BE TEMPORARILY SHUT FOR FOUR DAYS – LASG

…Closure To Last From August 23 To 26

…Appeals For Cooperation, Understanding of Lagosians

The Lagos State Government has said that the 3rd Mainland Bridge will be temporarily shut down for four days starting from midnight of August 23 to midnight of August 26, 2018 for Investigative Maintenance Test to be carried out.



The State’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya, who disclosed this in a statement, said the decision was taken after due consultation with the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.



The four-day closure, according to Akinsanya, will enable the contractors assess the true state of the bridge after which works would commence by the end of the year or early in 2019.



It would be recalled that the Federal Government had earlier announced plans to shut the bridge in July, but had to be shelved after due consultation with the State Government and wide deliberations with other stakeholders, who expressed concern about the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles on other alternative routes which would have adversely affected traffic.



Subsequently, a Joint Task Force set up to remove the articulated vehicles from the highway was able to achieve tremendous success.



Justifying the need for the closure, Akinsanya said: “The 3rd Mainland Bridge which was opened about 30 years ago by the then military government has had haphazard maintenance and repairs in the past which the present Federal Government is committed to correct by carrying out proper and continuous maintenance and repairs on it.”



Consequently, the State Government appealed for the cooperation, support and understanding of all motorists and residents, advising them to minimize non-essential travel and movements during the four-day closure.



Besides, Akinsanya said all traffic management agencies including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Police, among others, have been mandated to ensure smooth flow of traffic on all the other alternative roads and traffic corridor across the metropolis to ensure free flow of traffic.   

Man sneaks into hospital ward, makes love to sick wife

Female ward. Source: Irin

A Zimbabwean man is currently under investigation for forcing his way into a female ward at Masvingo Provincial Hospital at 3am to make love to his wife, who was admitted to the hospital.

The man, who is a prominent restaurant owner in the city was reported to have argued with the hospital nurses in the middle of the night and insisted he should be allowed to see his wife in the female ward.

He eventually got in and went on to have sex with his wife, in the presence of 10 other patients in the ward.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Amadeus Shamu, confirmed the incident to iHarareand said that the hospital has since instituted investigations.

READ ALSO: Police arrest 20 suspected Zamfara bandits, recover arms

Shamu said, “It was around 3am that patients who were disturbed by the noise coming from the ecstatic couple reported to the nurses that there was sex in the ward. The nurses summoned a security guard who got the man out of the ward.”

The investigation also revealed that the wife had told the nurses that her husband was abusive and she might be beaten if she refused to accept his sexual overtures.

“I could not refuse to have sex with him because I could have been beaten in the presence of patients because he is very violent,” the woman told the nurses.

Saraki's Politics is anti-People, I can't Work With Him- Sulaiman

Founding chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State, Pa Kunle Suleiman, tells SUCCESS NWOGU why he left the PDP, following the defection of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to the party

You are the founding chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State. Why did you leave the party you laboured hard to build for the All Progressives Congress?

I am not only a founding father of the PDP in Kwara State, I am one of the founding fathers of the PDP at the national level, having started from G-18 to G-36 until it transformed to the PDP.

Therefore in Kwara State, I nurtured the PDP from the scratch. It is painful that I had to leave the house I laboured hard to build. I really need to do so with pains because I cannot stay in the same political party with Bukola Saraki. At the beginning, when we had three parties including the PDP, and the Alliance for Democracy.  I deliberately went to the PDP in order to avoid being in the same party with that dynasty when late Baba Olusola Saraki was alive. We (Olusola and I) had very good working relationship, we talked and so on but I told him (Olusola Saraki) that we cannot be in the same party because their own politics is not ideology-based, and it is not geared towards the improvement of the lives of the masses, therefore we cannot co-habit in the same party; that is why I went to the PDP.

After the old man died, his son stepped into his shoes. Because he was not a politician, he merely stepped into the shoes of his late father and inherited the existing structure but he does not know how to manage it. He reduces everybody to the level of a servant. Politics is not a master-servant relationship. Those of us who have something to offer can never play that type of politics. So basically, we are just different politically. Our thoughts are not the same; our ideas are not the same. We think of the masses, Bukola thinks of what he will acquire.

Bukola does not think of the people, he thinks about himself; all others are mere instruments for him to achieve his objectives, expand his political empire and political image. If you look at what is happening, why did he leave the PDP for the APC in 2014? It was not because former President Goodluck Jonathan was not performing; it was because he felt that he had not had enough recognition.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari, his defection is not based on differences of ideology, and it is not that the masses are suffering and the government should have initiated and implemented better policies;  it is about him.  That’s why we cannot be together.

Punch

BREAKING: Oyo govt demolishes Yinka Ayefele’s Music House

Olufemi Atoyebi
The Oyo State Government early on Sunday morning stormed the Music House from which the Fresh FM belonging to artiste, Yinka Ayefele, operated.

Government bulldozers arrived the Challenge area of Ibadan where the building was located and pulled it down.e

The government carried out the demolition despite a court injunction secured by Ayefele restraining the government from carrying out the exercise.
The government said that the building contravened physical planning rules, while Ayefele claimed that all the necessary papers were obtained for the construction of the building.


Hundreds of sympathisers were seen at the scene of the demolition, with many of them crying and pleading for the station to be spared.

Punch
Agegepulse

President Buhari returns to Abuja after his 10-day vacation in London

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his 10-day vacation in London. The president arrived Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on Saturday evening.



He was received by top government officials on arrival.
It was gathered that ahead of his arrival, a Guard of Honor was mounted at the airport to receive the President who departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom on August 3. Prior to his trip, President Buhari had handed over power to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in acting capacity while he was away.

Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, had in a statement on August 1 notified Nigerians that the President would be away for 10 working days.

His statement further noted that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would be the Acting President during the period.

Sallah: Hon Osolana Launches Obasa Cares Initiative

...Donates Sallah Foodstuff in Agege

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa campaign group, Obasa Movement witnessed another great dimension at the meeting held in 20 centres of four Wards, Ward A-D of Agege Constituency 01 yesterday.


This was because the Supervisory Councilor, Works & Housing Agege LGA, Hon. Sola Osolana stormed four out of the twenty centers yesterday when strategic discussions on the reelection of Hon. Obasa was going on.

Osolana's presence at the centres was a blessing to some politicians and host communities of various centers yesterday as the philanthropist cum politician distributed pack of rice on behalf of the speaker.


Agegepulse reliably gathered that the initiative tagged "Obasa Cares" was designed as a relief measure to support the people and Muslim faithfuls at large towards the celebration of Eid il-Kabir slated for next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Recall, the soft spoken philanthropist donated cash gifts worth Million of Naira last year to the 7 wards chairmen and 175 excos of Agege local government last prior to the celebration.

Osolana who has always taken welfare as paramount on his mind for the people of Agege, noted that "Obasa Cares" is part of his effort to support the number three man in Lagos State for his reelection bid, sighting the speaker's influence on the enormous developmental efforts going on across Agege.

A member of the monitoring team of Obasa Movement, Hon. Ajala Omotosho told Agegepulse that the meeting was held simultaneously at about twenty centres across four wards in Agege which include Capitol Road, Isale Oja, Ogeretedo Aluminum Village, Surulere amongst others.


Hon. Rasheed Osanyinpeju Aroko, Alhaji Moroofdeen Omodele and Alhaja Aminat Aramide who are also members of the monitoring team thanked leaders and members of APC for the mobilisation efforts towards encouraging the people of Agege to collect their PVC.


Also, they appreciated Hon. Sola Osolana for his zeal to bring smile to the faces of the people with the Obasa Cares Initiative.

#Agege Pulse

Breaking: Former UN Secretary General Koffi Anna Dies

The Ghanaian former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness.

Detail shortly.

AgegePulse

Obasa tasks APC members on PVC Collection

 Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has appealed to members of All Progress Congress, APC, in Agege and Orile-Agege areas of the state to actively participate in the ongoing voter’s registration and ensure collection of their Permanent Voters Card(PVC).

 Obasa made this charge on Thursday at his constituency office in Oyewole where he alongside other APC chieftains in the area including, Hon. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, Prof. Babatunde Samuel, Chief Safari Adisa Adaranijo, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, Hon. Babatunde Johnson, and Mr. Tunde Aazeez, Alh Salau Olaniyi , Hon Gbenga Abiola, Hon James Agboola, Hon Tunde Alao, Alh Owolabi Dada Amet with the party faithful in the areas.

 The Speaker urged members having frosty relationships to close ranks while calling on the excos at all levels to step up their games and ensure smooth coordination of the members and the party activities.

 He enjoined councillors and supervisors to demonstrate sense of kindness to members in the grassroots.

Pilgrims descend on Mecca for ‘smart hajj’

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Two million Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia this week for the hajj as the annual pilgrimage becomes increasingly hi-tech with apps to help the faithful navigate Islam’s holiest sites.

This year the hajj comes with the ultra-conservative kingdom witnessing an unprecedented pace of change, finally ending a ban on women driving while remaining firm in the face of any dissent.

One of the five pillars of the world’s fastest-growing religion, the hajj is expected to draw two million people from around the globe this year.

By Thursday, more than 1.6 million people had already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage, which runs from Sunday to Friday.
Thousands could be seen arriving in Mecca, with groups from different countries wearing distinct colours to set them apart.

Some pilgrims pushed their elderly relatives on wheelchairs while others stopped to call family members back home on video chat or buy ice cream as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

For many, it is their first time away from home.
Every Muslim is required to complete the hajj at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so.

– ‘Smart hajj’ –
Many were visibly moved to be so close to Islam’s holiest site — the Kaaba, a black masonry cube in the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

"I feel as light as a feather,” said Senegalese Fame Diouf, who travelled from Amsterdam. Laughing, she recounted the story of how she couldn’t stop crying near the Kaaba.

“This was my dream from childhood,” said Raja Amjad Hussein, who made the trip to Mecca from Pakistan.



“I can’t explain. I have no words,” the 40-year-old told AFP.
“For many Muslims this is the big, the biggest, dream of life, to see Kaaba and pray for yourself and the whole Muslim nation.”

No matter their race or nationality, for every pilgrim hajj begins with “ihram”, the donning of an all-white outfit.
For men, this is a seamless tunic worn over baggy pants; for women, a loose dress with only the face and hands exposed.

Pilgrims then perform rituals around the Kaaba and on the Mount Arafat plain east of Mecca.
The hajj ends with Eid al-Adha, a three-day feast which starts with the “stoning of the devil”.
Eid al-Adha also includes the slaughter of sheep, with the meat distributed to Muslims in need. The ritual symbolises Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, on the order of God.

The hajj presents the Saudi authorities with major logistical challenges.
The Pew Research Center says the number of Muslims in the world is expected to rise from 1.8 billion in 2015 to three billion in 2060.

This year, the Saudis have launched a “smart hajj” initiative, with apps to help pilgrims with everything from travel plans to medical care.

Asefny, for example, is an app launched by Saudi Arabia’s Red Crescent to help pilgrims request emergency medical attention.
Authorities are able to locate those in need through the app.

The Saudi hajj ministry also runs the Manasikana app, which provides translation for pilgrims who do not speak Arabic or English.
(AFP)

AgegePulse Magazine

We were not elected to only pay salaries, governors declare

• Resign if you can’t pay, workers tell govs

Olusola Fabiyi and Eniola Akinkuotu

Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, have said that they are not elected to only pay salaries of civil servants.

They argued they were also elected to provide good roads, electricity, education and other necessary amenities for the people.

They said there was no way they could perform magic if there were no funds to work with.

They therefore called for the examination of the national income in the last 14 years to enable them to agree on the contentious issue of minimum wage implementation.

Chairman of the NGF, who is also the Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, made their position known to journalists after the meeting of the governors in Abuja on Wednesday night.

One of our correspondents reports that the committee working on the minimum wage is almost concluding negotiations on the matter.

The Federal Government had set a September date to roll out a new minimum wage for workers.

The Nigeria Labour Congress is proposing a minimum wage of N65,000 for workers, but the governors are insisting on the gradual implementation of the new wage,  if eventually approved.

Yari said it was a pity that state governors had been limited to the payment of salaries alone in their respective states.

He said the lack of funds had hindered them from carrying out their responsibilities in other sectors such as health, electricity, education, roads, among others.

On minimum wage, he said, “We have a committee of six which represents us in discussions in the committee headed by the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige.

“The committee has yet to give us the final report. They have given us an interim report that at the Federal Government level, over 82 per cent is being spent on overheads which cannot move the country forward in terms of infrastructure development and development that we need now.

“So, on our own part, we are saying we are going to look at how our income is taken from our final account from 14 years ago so that we can come up and stay in the middle.”

Eid-el-Kabir: FG declares Tuesday, Wednesday public holidays

The federal government has declared Tuesday, August 21, and Wednesday, August 22 as public holidays to celebrate the 2018 Eid-el-Kabir.

The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement issued by Mohammed Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

While wishing Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Mr Dambazau, a retired lieutenant general, enjoined the citizens to use the period to embrace the virtues of love and sacrifice for the unity and development of the country.

He urged Nigerians both at home and abroad to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination to foster a peaceful and united Nigeria.

NAN
Premium Times
AgegePulse

LAGOS DEBUNKS ALLEGED ANTI-IGBO MOVES BY AMBODE

…Says Claim Figment Of Imagination Of Unscrupulous Persons

…Urges Security Agencies To Investigate Source, Prosecute Culprit

AgegePulse

The Lagos State Government on Thursday totally played down a report on social media alleging that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was making some moves against non-indigenes especially Igbos in the State, saying the report was baseless, mischievous and irresponsible.



Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan in a statement, said the claims in the said report were nothing but absolute falsehood and a mere figment of the imagination of unscrupulous persons who concocted it.



The report had alleged that the Governor had outlawed the position of Eze Ndi-Igbo in Lagos and was making other moves against non-indigenes.



The report, which did not state the event where the Governor allegedly made such pronouncements, also quoted the Governor as saying that Lagos was not a colonial settlement, but owned by the Yorubas.



Describing the contents of the alleged report as laughable and ridiculous, Bamigbetan said Governor Ambode had clearly emphasised at the inception of his administration that he would run a government of inclusion regardless of tribe, colour or creed, which he had not only adhered to, but also sustained it.



“While we would have opted to totally ignore such crass report, we have chosen to set the records straight for unsuspecting members of the public who might be tempted to believe such falsehood.



“For emphasis, there is no record anywhere of the Governor making such remarks and we dare the faceless authors to come out with any evidence otherwise. This is certainly the handiwork of enemies of Lagos State whose sole aim is to distort the existing harmonious relationship among ethnic groups in the State.



“They have totally failed in this attempt. Besides, in this season of politics, it is expected that those seeking to gain mileage would stop at nothing and cling to any straw just to score cheap points.



“Indeed, the Governor, precisely in his inauguration speech had stated emphatically that ‘I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind.  No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other Status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you.’ The Governor has not only lived up to that, but has also sustained it and every Lagosian can attest to it,” Bamigbetan said.



While urging members of the public to disregard the report in its entirety, the Commissioner also urged security agencies to go all out and investigate the mischief makers behind it and mete out appropriate sanctions on them in accordance with the law.

Premium Times reporter violated official secret Act, Police allege

Adelani Adepegba, Abuja

The police have alleged that the Premium Times Security reporter, Samuel Ogundipe, violated the Official Secret Act and the Cyber Crime Act, adding that he was also being tried for theft of classified document.
The Force insisted that Ogundipe’s action was “detrimental to national security,” noting that it could jeopardise peace and was capable of causing crisis in the country.

Ogundipe was arrested on Tuesday by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad operatives over the publication of the report of Police investigation into the invasion of the National Assembly by the Department of State Services, and a Kubwa magistrate court had ordered he be remanded in Police custody till August 20.

In a statement in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Spokesman, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, also stated that the accused journalist had volunteered statements and he is standing trial.

It said, “The Force is categorically stating that Ogundipe is being investigated and prosecuted for the offences of theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified documents inimical to State/National Security that can jeopardise peace, breakdown of law and order capable of precipitating crisis in the country.

“Ogundipe is also being investigated and prosecuted under other offences which violate Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and the Penal Code for which he has volunteered statements and is standing trial.”

Moshood stated that Ogundipe was arraigned in court in less than 24 hours of his arrest, adding that the police “as a law abiding organization will continue to ensure that the Rule of Law and its supremacy which are essentials of democracy prevail at all times.”

“The Nigeria Police Force and the media are veritable partners in ensuring peace, law and order in the country, but the Force will not compromise or allow an offender to go scot free or pervert the end of justice,” he added.

A coalition of civil society groups, #OurMumuDondo, had earlier in the morning stormed the force headquarters, Abuja to demand the release of the Premium Times reporter.
Led by popular musician, Charlie boy, the protesters insisted on the release of the reporter, noting that they would not leave until he is freed.

The activists briefly barricaded the Shehu Shagari Way, forcing motorists to ply alternative routes.
Presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, knocked the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris for pressurizing Ogundipe to disclose his source.
Another activist, Ralph Adebayo described the IG as “ignorant,” noting that “he has been transmitting confusion since he became the police boss, stumbling from one controversy to another.”

The convener, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju said the group would continue to besiege the police headquarters daily until their demand is met.
Addressing the protesters, Moshood said the detention of the journalist was not a punishment, a claim that annoyed the campaigners who objected loudly.

Asked why Ogundipe’s bank account was frozen,the force spokesman said,

“It is part of investigation; We should try to educate ourselves. The Judges’ rule permit the police if an offence is committed in Abuja to go far to Lagos to get anywhere to get evidence in resolution of the matter.”

Punch

Saraki’s agents still in Kwara APC’

A political group, Ilorin Emirate for Buhari (IEB), has said loyalists of Senate President Bukola Saraki are still members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.

The group is campaigning for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in Ilorin Emirate, which comprises Kwara Central and a part of Kwara North.

A statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Rotimi Sulyman, urged those opposed to Saraki’s hegemony, and desire Buhari’s re-election, to be cautious when relating politically with such people.

According to him, some party chieftains have a long history of closeness to Saraki, casting doubts on their loyalty to APC.

The statement reads: “We have witnessed with mixed feelings events in Kwara APC on whose platform we are campaigning for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, particularly as regards the make-up of members.

“We are convinced that Senate President Bukola Saraki does not have the traction of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kwara, and the Saraki’s yoke will be broken in 2019.

“But we have well-founded suspicion that some Kwara APC chieftains may not be committed to Buhari’s re-election, but ensure the people miss out on witnessing the curtain falling on the Sarakis’ dominance of the state politics in 2019.”

The group berated Saraki’s visit to former Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), in Minna, Niger State, saying his action and statement underlined his alleged hatred for Kwara and its people.

“The expression ‘show me your friends and I will tell you who you are’ holds true of the romance between Saraki and Babangida. Saraki threw bile at Buhari, who had a hand in the making of our son, the late Maj.-General Tunde Idiagbon, as chief of staff between 1983-1985.

“Babangida overthrew the government that was more or less led by a Kwaran, given that it was the only military regime where the No.2 man was as prominent as his boss. To add insult to our injury, Babangida ceded Kanji dam, which was under Kwara State, to his home state of Niger.

“The same Babangida also robbed Kwara of the Upper and Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority to pay Minna. It was during his time as military leader that the Ilorin headquarter of the Federal Government agency was relocated to Minna, to the displeasure of Kwarans.

“It is not so difficult to understand why Saraki is full of disdain for Buhari but lionises and fetes Babangida. It is because both are alike in their streak of hatred for Kwara and its people.”