The Peoples Democratic Party has called on President Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security in order to address insecurity situation in the country. 

The PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, made the appeal at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to the open letter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Buhari. Secondus said the advice was necessary looking at the increasing rate of cases of killing and kidnapping across the country. 

He recalled the killing of the then female international aide worker and the recent killing of Funke Olakunrin daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere. Secondus said that the worsen security situation between April and now had made concerned patriotic leaders to voice out their concerns.

These leaders, according to him, include Mr Obasanjo; the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka; and former governor of old Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, among others.  Secondus described Mr Obasanjo’s letter as truth that could not be run away from, if the insecurity situation must be addressed.

“Former President Obasanjo in a timely tirade to the President on Monday raised all the issues and properly situated the security position in the country. He went further to highlight the implications of the current state of the nation and where we are headed if urgent steps are not taken.  “As National Chairman of the main opposition party I cannot agree less with the former President.

“I cannot agree less with him where he said among other things that Quote. The main issue, if I may dare say, is poor management or mismanagement of diversity which, on the other hand, is one of our greatest and most important assets…”.

Secondus said the PDP whole-heatedly associates itself with the position of the patriotic Nigerians.  “The PDP urges President Buhari to respond appropriately to their timely advisories by declaring state of emergency on security in the country and go further urgently to address the issues raised in Obasanjo’s letter. 

Secondus said the killing of Mrs Olakunrin was the high point of murdering of innocent Nigerians across the land.  “It certainly cannot be well for a nation that creates an ugly situation where a 94-year-old Nationalist would be burying her 58-year-old daughter.  “This certainly is not Nigeria of our dream.”

The Senate Ad hoc committee which is investigating the alleged misconduct of Senator Elisha Abbo has said that the victim slapped by the lawmaker in a viral video did not honour its invitation.

The Chairman of the panel, Senator Sam Egwu, who stated this at plenary on Wednesday, said all efforts to make both the assaulted lady and the shop owner appear before the committee did not succeed.

The former Governor of Ebonyi State said the embattled Senator refused to make submissions before the ad hoc panel because he said doing so would be subjudice.

He also said both the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT and the lawyers to the victims also refused to make submissions, citing the same reasons.

Egwu, therefore, requested that the matter be stepped down pending the determination of the criminal case instituted against Abbo by the police.

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who presided over the plenary, disagreed with Egwu stressing that the panel could go ahead with its work notwithstanding the court case.

Lawan said what the Senate was investigating was the alleged misconduct of its member and not the criminal case against him which is already being handled by the police.

Egwu, therefore, sought the permission of the leadership for appointment one-week extension to enable him to submit the report.

The Senate President granted the request.

A witness invited by the petitioners before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) has disagreed with the results of the last presidential election in Katsina State as claimed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar.


Lawal Mohammed Danja, who said he served as PDP Collation Agent in Danja Local Government in Katsina State, was invited as the 55th witness of Atiku and his party.


Under-cross examination by lawyer to President Muhammadu Buhari, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), the witness said he disagreed with the scores of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). as pleaded by the petitioners.

In their petition, Atiku and the PDP conceded that the APC defeated them in the presidential election, a position, Danja disagreed with,insisting that he did not agree with the results as quoted by the petitioners.

The organised Labour has directed its members in all the 36 states and Abuja to get ready for a total showdown with government should the negotiation on the adjustment from the new national minimum wage break down.

On its part, the government side is insisting on 9.5 percent salary adjustment for officers on grade levels 07-14 and 5 percent for those on grade levels 15-17.

The workers expressed concern that rather than presenting the two positions to technical subcommittee as agreed, but “Surprisingly, when the Technical Sub-Committee reconvened, the Government Side introduced a strange clause to the discussion insisting that the Term of Reference of the Committee was to work out the consequential adjustment of salaries of Public Servants based on the subhead provided for salaries in the 2019 Budget.”

All efforts by the Trade Union Side to persuade the Government Side to return to the right track of negotiation and agree on a realistic percentage increase proved abortive.”

“Thus, the Government Side deliberately created a stalemate and thereafter adjoined the meeting of the Technical Committee sine die.”

According to a communiqué, a copy of which was issued to newsmen, the workers said the downward review by labour was due to a promise by government to undertake a general salary review in no distance time.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the acting chairman and Secretary, Comrades Anchaver Simon and Alade Bashir Lawal.

The communiqué reads in part, “The Trade Union Side of JNPSNC has now resolved that the Federal Government should reconvene the meeting of the Technical Committee on Consequential Adjustment immediately so that it can conclude its deliberations and ensure that all Public Service Employees benefit adequately from the N30,000 new monthly National Minimum Wage signed into Law by Mr. President since April, 2019.”

Ekiti State Executive Council at its sitting on Wednesday, approved the clearing of over 1,554 hectares of Agricultural Land across 5 Local Government Areas (Oye, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Emure, Ido-Osi and Ilejemeje) to open up the axis for Farming and fulfil its readiness to partner with multilateral donors in developing agriculture in the state.

The Fayemi-led administration is determined to nurture and grow the transformational agribusiness value chain, that will enhance food security, employment opportunities and empower women and youths. It has met with development partners and representatives of foreign governments, including China, India and Belarus to bring increased trade, new markets, and sustainable development to Ekiti State.

The policy direction of the Fayemi-led administration is to reduce poverty, improve living conditions of Ekiti people and mobilize resources for the state’s economic and social development. As part of efforts to realise this laudable vision of transformation in the agricultural sector, the State Government has entered into a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) to participate in the implementation of FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development (VCDP).

The objective of the program is to enhance and improve the income and food security of poor rural households that are engaged in the production, processing and marketing of rice and Cassava on a sustainable basis.

There is also an agreement with the World Bank/FGN sponsored Agro-processing Productivity Enhancing and Livelihood Improvement Support Programme (APPEALS) with the overall objective of enhancing the transformational Agric Value Chain Development of Ekiti State, particularly in the areas of modernizing and upgrading the existing traditional and drudgery propelled agro-processing centres for maximum productivity.

With the plan to clear a significant land area, the government has shown its commitment to activate the agrarian potential of the state and create more jobs in the agricultural sector.

EFCC today arraigned Senator Albert Bassey, popularly known as OBA, before Justice A. A. Okeke of the Federal High Court, sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The Senator appeared in court today, following a bench warrant issued on him by the same court on June 17, 2019, for breaching the terms of bail granted him by the Commission.

The case against the Senator is hinged on the allegation that he took possession of six vehicles worth N204million, at the instance of one Olajide Omokore, whose companies had contracts with the State Government, at the time.

Investigations revealed that the said vehicles were proceeds of crime and that he committed the offence while he doubled as the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, in December 2012. It is an offence which contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

The vehicles are, Infinity QX 56 BP, valued at N45million; Toyota Land Cruiser V8 BP, valued at N40million; Range Rover, valued at N40million; Toyota Hiace, High Roof, valued at N27million; Toyota Hiace High Roof, valued at N16million and Toyota Hilux 4×4, valued at N36million.

One of the counts against him reads: “That you, Albert Bassey, whilst being the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, IMDLCC sometime in December 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly took possession of a vehicle (Infinity QX 56 BP) valued at N45,000,000.00 at the instance of one Olajide Jones Omokore (whose companies had contracts with Akwa Ibom State Government at that material time), when you reasonably ought to have known that the said vehicle formed part of proceed of unlawful activity (to wit: corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the counts. In view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, prayed the court for a trial date, to enable the prosecution prove its case against him.

Defence counsel, Solomon Umoh, SAN, informed the court of his client’s bail application and moved same, praying the court to grant the defendant bail.

Umoh said: “The applicant in his application regretted the issuance of the bench warrant and explained his absence. The respondent has not disputed the fact that the applicant is on bail, granted him by the EFCC even as we speak.”

Responding, Abubakar strongly objected to the application on the ground that the terms of the bail application earlier granted the defendant by the Commission, were breached, hence the issuance of the bench warrant. He further urged the court to discountenance the submissions of Umoh and refuse the application. But after listening to the arguments canvassed by both counsels, the court discharged the bench warrant issued against the Senator and granted him bail.

While adjourning to July 2 and 3, 2019 for trial, Justice Okeke held that: “The defendant is hereby granted bail in the sum of N20million and one surety in like sum. The surety must have a landed property within the jurisdiction of this Court which will be verified by the court registrar, and the court registrar shall file the report of verification.”

The trial judge further ordered that the Senator should be held in EFCC custody, pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, on Monday, June 24, 2019, arraigned one Owolo Onorouioghene Dan, a mobile application developer, before Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. He was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on stealing and money laundering to the tune of N186, 552, 909.00(One Hundred and Eighty-six Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Nine Naira.

The complainant, Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State, alleged that the defendant, who was a seconded staff of the Vice Chancellor of the University, was engaged on October 12, 2016 to create an e-payment platform, which he tagged  Sanwo Payment Platform.

However, the defendant, who was also operating and managing the platform, allegedly diverted from the payment platform a sum of N186, 552,909 to various bank accounts domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc and Ecobank Plc between December 2017 and February 2019.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Owolo Onorouioghene Dan, between 10th day of July, 2018 and  18th day of February, 2019 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, retained the aggregate sum of N122,748.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-two Million , Seven Hundred and Forty-eight Naira) in your Zenith Bank account number 2213999627, which sum forms part of your unlawful act to wit: stealing and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (a) of  the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ebuka  S. Okongwu, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of the case.

However, counsel to the defendant, E. O. Bintu Oyobio, prayed the court for a short date for mention of the bail hearing.

Governor Nyesom Wike has said that Rivers State is a Christian state and that he will not apologise for saying that. The governor stated this on Sunday June 23rd during the Lord’s Chosen Crusade at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Speaking at the programme, Governor Wike said the forces of darkness invaded the state and attempted to rob the mandate of the people, but God stood firm.

“We saw forces, but the greater force, God Almighty came. With this crusade. Rivers State will be abundantly blessed. I repeat once again without apologies, Rivers State is a Christian State. That is why nobody can touch us. When it mattered most, the Christian community prayed and God heard your prayers. I will continue to support the activities of all Churches. This Government will always partner with the churches , whatever the programme they are engaged in. I urge the Church to continue to pray. Each time you pray, put us in your prayers”, he said.

He said that God prevailed in Rivers State on March 9th during the governorship election and took charge of the state.

“On March 9th light prevailed over darkness. God showed himself and he is in charge. But for God, I wouldn’t have been here addressing the Christian faithful. The enemies came to Rivers State to take over the state and stop the will of the people. But God said no and the will of the people prevailed “, he said.

Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Co (SNEPCo) Managing Director (MD) Bayo Ojulari has said between $40 billion and $200 billion Nigeria needs to bridge its energy gap.

He said a nation without a secured energy system could not claim to have power.

In his presentation titled: “Nigeria’s energy security and sustainable development in Nigeria: The way forward”, at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum 2019 in Abuja, Ojulari lamented that 70 per cent of the country’s installed electricity capacity is lost without reaching consumers.

According to him, because of aging equipment and vandalism, 70 per cent of the populace has less than four hours electricity daily.

He said: “Energy is not standing alone, it is about its impact on the society.”

Ojulari said in the next 10 years, energy demand is expected to double, adding that by 2050, solar could emerge as the dominant power energy source. But oil and gas need would continue.”

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group managing Director Dr Maikanti Baru said despite abundant oil and gas reserves, the country still experiences shortages in electric power.

According to him, based on Nigeria’s Energy consumption current forecast, statistics showed an increase from 6GW in 2015 to 30GW by 2025. The primary source of the current power supply, he added, is hydro and gas.

Baru insisted that the future consumption, which is expected to drive growth by 2025, would need aggressive development of gas and renewable projects to meet the exponential demand.

The Kaduna State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kajuru after fresh violence broke out in some parts of the local government recently.

A spokesman to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, made the imposition of the curfew known in a statement he released on his Facebook page this morning.

“Following events in Kasuwan Magani, the dusk to dawn curfew that has been in place in Kajuru LGA had been extended to 24-hours in the entire local government area. The 24-hour curfew in the entire Kajuru LGA is with immediate effect, and will be enforced until further notice,” Aruwan wrote.

Recall that two weeks ago, armed men suspected to be kidnappers, stormed the Kajuru Resort Center and killed two persons, a Nigerian, Mathew Oguche, and his British Humanitarian worker girlfriend, Faye Mooney.

The Kaduna State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kajuru after fresh violence broke out in some parts of the local government recently. 

A spokesman to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, made the imposition of the curfew known in a statement he released on his Facebook page this morning.

“Following events in Kasuwan Magani, the dusk to dawn curfew that has been in place in Kajuru LGA had been extended to 24-hours in the entire local government area. The 24-hour curfew in the entire Kajuru LGA is with immediate effect, and will be enforced until further notice,” Aruwan wrote.

Recall that two weeks ago, armed men suspected to be kidnappers, stormed the Kajuru Resort Center and killed two persons, a Nigerian, Mathew Oguche, and his British Humanitarian worker girlfriend, Faye Mooney.