Group Laments High Food Prices, Advises Nigerian Government On Food Security

Nigerian government has been urged to ensure ordinary citizens have access to food during the festive period and beyond in order to keep them healthy and reduce crime in the country.

Making the call during the distribution of food items and other support materials in communities across Benue State recently, President of Idoma International Carnival (IIC), said such a gesture by the government would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the masses.

According to him, COVID-19 has greatly hampered the lives of many people and therefore the government must support indigent citizens in every way possible, including through the supply of regular food items.

He said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected every sector of the economy. 

"No gainsaying that the people at the grass roots are the most affected at this time which is the end of the year and that is why food must be made available to them.

READ ALSO:

"Though as a group we have brought together people of various religions to benefit from our philanthropic gesture, we need the government to rise to the occasion to make food available to the people in large quantities in order to reduce tension families go through and bring down crime rate.

"We will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to support members of the public in the best ways we can."

Months of coronavirus lockdown and decades of armed conflicts have combined to put food out of the reach of many ordinary Nigerians in recent times.

Rising inflation rate and cost of transportation have also contributed to the hikes in prices of basic commodities, including food items across Nigeria.

Experts say the situation could get worse in the coming weeks if the government fails to nip the crisis in the bud.

Agriculture Food News AddThis : Original Author : Naija Gist Reporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 31, 2020

Brexit: Air France Reintroduces Transit Visa For Nigerians Travelling To UK

Air France-KLM has reintroduced an Airport Transit Visa for citizens of some countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, travelling to the United Kingdom after Brexit.

The airline said this in a statement titled, ‘Travel on Air France or KLM to and from the United Kingdom after Brexit – January 1, 2020’, as reported by PUNCH.

According to the statement, it is compulsory for citizens of some African and Asian countries to have ATV before they pass through France or the Netherlands.

It also noted that citizens of the affected countries with British Visa, long-stay visa or British residence permit citizens must still have ATV to pass through France to the United Kingdom.

“As of January 1, 2021, citizens of the following countries who are holders of a British visa, long-stay visa or a residence permit issued by the British authorities will need to be in possession of an airport transit visa (ATV) if they transit through France and or the Netherlands,” part of the statement read.

READ ALSO:

The countries affected are Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Ghana.

Others are Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Palestinians, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Sri Lanka.

Air France said exception to the ATV requirements are “Citizens of the above-named countries holding a visa or residence permit in addition to the UK visa/residence permit from Canada, Japan, the USA or European countries are allowed to transit through France or the Netherlands without an ATV.”

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Wednesday signed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, acclaiming it as the start of a “wonderful relationship” across the Channel.

Travel News AddThis : Original Author : Naija Gist Reporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 31, 2020

Prophecies That Missed The Mark In 2020

It is common for prophets, pastors, and other clerics to make bold prophecies at the end of every year or beginning of a new one. Expectedly, the year 2020 was not short of such prophecies. 

These prophecies are often received with faith by Christians all over the country.

Pastor E.A Adeboye

According to the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook, Nigeria is one of the most religious countries of the world.

A 2018 research by the Pew Research Center found that Nigeria had the sixth-largest Christian population (87 million) and the fifth-largest Muslim population (90 million) in the world.

The prophecies are customarily focused on politics, economy, natural disasters and general optimistic predictions about church members' futures.

However, while some of the prophecies they make are fulfilled, many others miss the mark.

For instance, 2020 came with a lot of uncertainty, ailments, deaths, job losses and hardship for many people worldwide, no thanks to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Its impact so shocked the world that even clerics did not see it coming.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye

On his part, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said earthquakes and volcanoes had been dormant in his 2020 prophecies for years would activate.

He said, "This year (2020) unless you pray very hard, it is going to behave like a child that is having a convulsion. Earthquakes and volcanoes that have been dormant for years will erupt because of sin, which is becoming more rampant."

READ ALSO:

However, a report in the Volcano Discovery for 2020 confirmed fewer earthquakes with higher magnitudes recorded over previous years.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazard Program on its website recorded only about 26 earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.5 and above, with a total of over 100 earthquake occurrences worldwide. It was also gathered that 2020 was the first year since 2016, with no magnitude 8+ earthquakes as only nine major earthquakes occurred. Also, Adeboye said 2020 would be a year of series of joy, but many Nigerians have described the year as one of the most sorrowful ones they have ever witnessed.

Pastor T. B. Joshua

Founder of the Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), was slammed in several quarters after his prophecy that the coronavirus pandemic would end on March 27, 2020, was not fulfilled.

Months after, the killer virus has continued to affect several countries with a second wave of the novel disease currently making the headlines.

Chris Oyakhilome

Founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Chris Oyakhilome, earlier predicted that 2020 would be a year of perfection. But the year has been far from being perfect. Barely three months into the year, Oyakhilome himself shared theories about an alleged connection between 5G network and COVID-19.

David Oyedepo

The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo, predicted that 2020 would be a year of breaking limits. This, however, was in sharp contrast to the realities that characterised the year.

Williams Kumuyi 

Earlier in the year, founder of Deeper Life Bible Church, Williams Kumuyi, told his congregation that 2020 would be the best year they had ever lived. 

"This year will be the best you have ever lived in your life," Kumuyi said. But the year has unarguably been a tough year laced with several challenges.

Apostle Johnson Suleman

Similarly, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Johnson Suleman, had said earlier in his new year declaration: "In the year 2020, you shall not lack money, you shall move from glory to glory, from grace to grace, from good to better, from better to best."

Members of his congregation could attest to the fact that in 2020, there was widespread hardship as the economy struggled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wale Olagunju 

The presiding Bishop of Divine Seed of God Chapel Ministry, Ibadan, Oyo State, Wale Olagunju, also disclosed that the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, and about 70 per cent of the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, might dump the party. This is yet to be fulfilled even as the year comes to an end.

Olagunju also said the Queen of England should count her days, suggesting her last moments were near. Elizabeth II, however, reportedly celebrated the last Christmas with her family at their royal home, Windsor Castle in London.

He added, "As revealed to me by the Almighty God, if (Ayo) Fayose and his PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) fail to reconcile with Senator (Abiodun) Olujimi now, Olujimi will surely decamp to APC (All Progressives Congress)." Though there were reports that the senator representing Ekiti South Constituency threatened to defect to the APC, her media aide, Atofarati Santa, said Olujimi was still the PDP leader in the state and the highest-ranking political office holder and had nothing to do with the APC.

The prophet missed the mark when he said God revealed to him that, should Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State defect to another party, he would lose the 2020 election.

Obaseki defected from the APC to the PDP in June 2020 and emerged victorious in the state governorship election.

He added, "The Living God says that President Donald Trump is a candidate to beat in the USA 2020 presidential election. With a little prayer, Donald Trump will win the election."

At the heat of the US election, the spiritual adviser to Trump, Paula White, called on "angelic reinforcement" from the continents of Africa and South America to give Trump victory. At the moment, Joe Biden remains the president-elect of the United States of America. 

Huxley Bushiri

 The leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, South Africa, Huxley Bushiri, had at the beginning of the year, declared that God took him into all the months in 2020 and he could see that the year was great.

 However, the self-acclaimed prophet was accused of money laundering and fraud and his wife, Mary, and two others. Crime investigators say the case involves ZAR102 million ($6.6m; £5m). Just last month, Bushiri fled South Africa to Malawi. In the year he described as great, Bushiri was tagged a 'fugitive'.

Emmanuel Omale

 The founder of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, Emmanuel Omale, had in December 2019 prophesied that the former acting chairman of the Economic and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, would be confirmed as the substantive chairman of the agency in 2020.

In his prophetic declaration, the pastor was reported to have said: "President (Muhammadu) Buhari has seen the great success of his war on corruption under Ibrahim Magu and he will submit his name for re-appointment and confirmation despite massive gang-up."

 On the contrary, Magu has not only been suspended by President Buhari. He was probed by a panel set up by the government on alleged infractions he had committed. Buhari received the final report of the Justice Ayo Salami-led probe panel in November 2020.

Babatunde Ayodele

The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Babatunde Ayodele, said, "Democracy will cause many problems and will break Nigeria. "I foresee a future referendum coming," he says. As at the time of compiling this report, this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled.

Ayodele said the government of President Buhari would expose some former governors for corruption in 2020. Instead, a former governor who had been on trial for a long time now, Orji Kalu, got out of jail.

 "APC will rise against the government. Some government agencies will be scrapped due to internal inefficiencies," he said.

 Ayodele had also said the government would embark on new methods of securing the state. "There will be an attack on herdsmen. The president must pray to rebuke troubles. Nigeria will be concerned about the security challenges confronting the country. Nigeria will make security dominant in the country."

In 2020, Nigeria has experienced banditry, kidnappings, killings among other forms of insecurity on a large scale.

 The prophet said he foresaw the Presidential Villa moved from its present location to another place where a new one would be built. The Presidential Villa is still in Abuja.

"Apart from this, Nigeria will experience what they have not been experiencing before. I foresee earthquakes, landslides and earth tremor in Nigeria." On the contrary, Nigeria has not recorded any earthquake in the last 365 days, according to an Earthquake Track Website report.

Paul Okikijesu

Prophet of Christ Apostolic Miracle Ministry, Paul Okikijesu, released his 2020 prophecies in November 2019 that "angels are presently in sixty-nine countries and they will enter one hundred and twenty-four countries by Sunday (November 22, 2020). By the end of this month (November 2020), they will have entered numerous countries throughout the world, and you will hear the news that the Almighty God is presently angry. The event that has never happened before will occur, and you will hear that the angels are physically pronouncing judgment, and they are passing throughout the world. If this does not happen, then I am no longer God."

The world has yet to hear the news that angels are physically pronouncing judgement as he had claimed, except it is supernatural.

 Okikijesu also prophesied that God would eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic by July 2020. Nigeria is currently grappling with the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and many health workers have lost their lives in the course of carrying out their duties.

 The NMA chairman, Abuja chapter confirmed the death of 20 medical doctors recently.

READ ALSO:

"Death of an Ex-President: Thus says the Lord of hosts. An ex-President will die and his death will shake people and make them afraid; write it down today. If this does not happen, I am not God anymore," the prophet said. No Nigerian ex-president died in the year 2020.

Nigerians react 

Many Nigerians have reacted to the prophecies. Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, recently took to his Instagram page to lambast Nigerian clerics over their prophecies for 2020.

He wrote, "Look at all these fake preachers; charlatans called men of God. Con men and bastards.

"The God of feeble mumu people. The most dangerous among us dressed as angels and we learn too late they are the devil in disguise.

"Man up my people, next year – 2021 – will be tough and rugged, no let any useless pastor tell you otherwise."

 While many people attacked him, explaining to him how the year 2020 was their best year, others agreed with him.

For instance, @2niterabbai said on Instagram, "They are all saying what the people want to hear. Not real."

Another Instagram user, @syno_funds, said, "Na dat South African pastor wey enter all the month for 2020 and him no see lockdown/coronavirus. Dat one weak me (A South African pastor said he was taken through all the months in 2020 and he didn't see that the world would have coronavirus pandemic)."

 Also, @Itz_colinz wrote, "One of our fundamental problems is religion in this country, thank God say l don get sense, nobody fit take me play (I'm wise now; nobody can scam me); l believe in reaping the fruits of my hard work, not in some manipulative or delusional talk."

Christianity Spirituality News AddThis : Original Author : Naija Gist Reporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 31, 2020

'Role Model' College Student, 18, Who Worked with Homeless Girls Is Killed in 'Random' Shooting

A community is mourning the loss of an 18-year-old college student who was fatally shot the day after Christmas.

On Dec. 26, Casey Willis was killed in what police are calling a "random shooting" in Detroit's east side, the Detroit News reports. Willis was visiting friends when the shooting occurred, according to a GoFundMe page started to help pay for funeral expenses.

Willis was one of six siblings and was studying at Wayne State University "while working 2 jobs, including Footlocker, where she recently got promoted," the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "She also worked at Alternatives for Girls" — an organization for homeless and at-risk girls and young women — "and just became a Board Member."

a smiling boy wearing a hat: "Casey was a leader, a role model, and a light," a statement from her high school read

According to police, Willis was sitting with a friend in a Honda Civic shortly before 2 a.m. on Saturday when two men approached the car and fired multiple shots into the vehicle, the News and WXYZ reports.

Willis was shot multiple times and died at the scene. No other injuries were reported, police said.

READ ALSO: Nworie, First-class Mathematics Graduate In Viral Farm Photo Bags PhD Scholarship In US

The two suspects fled the area heading south. They are believed to be traveling in a Chevy Impala.

On Tuesday, several hundred people attended a vigil for the beloved teen.

"She was just so precious," close family friend LaKita Gantz told the News. "She didn't have to speak ... you saw her doing more than talking."

In a Facebook post, Willis's alma mater, University Prep Academy High School, paid tribute to the 2020 graduate.

"Casey is a friend, a sister, and a daughter. At University Prep Academy High School, Casey was a leader, a role model, and a light," the statement read.

Authorities are still searching for the two suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detroit police at 313-596-2260, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up.

Naija Gist Reporters

Posted by Admin December 30, 2020

Police Confirm Mob Set Suspected Robber Ablaze In Ibadan

A suspected armed robber was set ablaze by an angry mob in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Monday.

NaijaGistReporters gathered that the suspected robber was set ablaze at ASAS bus stop, Molete, while another escaped being lynched by a mob at Oke Ado, Ibadan.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olugbemiga Fadeyi, who confirmed the incidents to reporters in Ibadan on Monday, said, “Around 0900 hours on 28/12/2020, one other person was rescued by an Amotekun team and handed over to the police. He was treated at the Police Clinic, Eleyele, but one was set ablaze.”

Fadeyi said investigation had commenced into the matter to ascertain the reasons behind the actions of the angry mobs.

READ ALSO:

"Notwithstanding, the act of jungle justice is condemned in strong terms as this has become a recurring decimal in the state.

"When allowed to continue unabated, it will degenerate into what all and sundry will not be able to curb thereafter and many innocent lives will be terminated unjustly. Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police therefore warns those that are taking the law into their own hands to stop forthwith before the long hands of the laws catch up with them." 

News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 29, 2020

Racism, Murder: Nigerians Students Recount Ordeal In US, India, Cyprus, Others

Many Nigerian students abroad have faced hostilities in their schools, often in the form of racism and murder. Despite the injustice against Nigerians studying abroad, the Nigerian government has not taken concrete steps to prevent its citizens' ill-treatments.

In this report, SaharaReporters interviewed some Nigerians students about their unpleasant experiences while studying abroad, revealing the most notorious countries for Nigerians and why the government needs to act.

Plague of racism in India

"Don't come to India," said a Nigerian studying in that country.

"I want to advise Nigerian students and other Africans to know that we're not welcomed in India. I advise my fellow Nigerians not to come over here for studies. There is racism in India. Once I collect my certificate here, I will reveal the horrible experience I went through. For now, please don't mention my name. I am about to graduate. I don't want to be victimised."

The Nigerian told NaijaGistReporters he had been in India for four years, studying agriculture in one Indian university.

"I arrived in India only to find out the opposite. First, there is no agriculture laboratory, and the facilities are poor. There is a lot of racism here. I am surprised it is so prevalent even in the academic community," he said.

In a report published in 2017, Nigeria ranks fifth as a source of international students in India behind Nepal, Afghanistan and Malaysia.

One of the attractions to Indian universities is cheaper tuition compared to European and American universities.

"Recently, it has gone worse; locals don't want to lease their houses to Nigerians and other African students. There is a constant attack against Nigerians and other black students in India. Our lives are not safe. I regret coming to India, and I am looking forward to going back home," the Nigerian student said.

In 2017, four Nigerian students were almost killed in India, which prompted Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to describe it xenophobic while advocating for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

A victim of the incident, Endurance Amalawa, who spoke to SaharaReporters said attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in India has become a yearly ritual.

"Indians don't welcome blacks, especially Nigerians. They think we are all drug peddlers. I don't deal in drugs," he told Sahara Reporters.

Losing lives in Cyprus and Turkey

On July 8, 2019, a lifeless body of a 33-year-old Nigerian doctoral student of architecture at Cyprus International University, Obasanjo Adeola Owoyale, was found in his car's boot.

The death of Owoyale follows periodic murders of African students in Northern Cyprus, including 25-year-old Nigerian student Walshak Augustine Ngok in April (reportedly killed by his African flatmate during a fight about a woman) and 28-year-old Kennedy Dede in January 2018 who was allegedly killed by a group of locals.

Several media reports showed that African students, most especially Nigerians, are facing brutal experiences in Northern Cyprus.

Many students report being enticed to the country by its thriving higher education industry but face hostility from locals.

Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had called on Nigerians to shun universities and scholarships in Cyprus due to racism.

In 2018, there was a reported murder of a 28-year-old university student, identified as Kennedy Taomwabwa, killed by locals in the Turkish Cyprus's province of Famagusta. Taomwabwa was a student of Eastern Mediterranean University. He was killed by a group of eight locals, including three women, according to the police.

"Some Nigerian students had bitter experiences with racist lecturers and colleagues in Cyprus," Odiri told Sahara Reporters. Odiri obtained an undergraduate degree at the Cyprus International University.

"There were stories of some random attacks on blacks on the streets, especially at night," said a Nigeria who studied at Cyprus International University. "A few died under questionable circumstances. Cyprus people found it difficult to adjust because they had not met so many black people all at once.

"They could not stand a black man dating a Turkish lady. During my academic sojourn there, if you dare befriend a Cyprus lady, the men would attack you. But I hear these days; it's a lot better than when we first got there."

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Constant xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans have persisted without South African and Nigerian authorities finding a lasting solution to the reoccurring attacks.

Oliyide Taofeek, a 21-year-old student of Public Administration at North-West University in South Africa, told NaijaGistReporters that Nigerian students had been facing hostilities in South Africa.

"Any time there is a xenophobic attack against Nigerians, we always hide like criminals so as not to be killed," he said. "Xenophobia is a major problem we face here. Attacks are unpredictable, and one has to be careful not to become a victim. Usually, they tell us(Nigerian students), not to go out during those attacks."

Racial discrimination in the United States

Although Nigerians have not been singled out for discrimination or attack in the United States of America, the country's longstanding mistreatment of Black people affects Nigerian students.

Carroll County, located in Baltimore in Maryland, is notorious for racial discrimination against the Blacks, which Nigerians are also victims.

A Nigerian student, Kelechukwu Ahulamibe, while recounting his ordeal at the elementary school to high school, in an interview with Carroll County Times, said that he suffered racism.

"I just felt disorganised and belittled," Ahulamibe said. "I didn't understand why there was so much hatred brewing."

There are other nasty stories. A Black teenager Tamir Rice was shot dead by a White police officer while playing with a toy gun. Rice was just 12. His neighbourhood watch volunteer gunned down a similar case of a 17-year-old Trayvon Martin who lived in Sanford, Florida.

"It's just a recurring pattern of all these Black males who constantly walk around in danger, or walking on glass," Ahulamibe said. "We all have to live by these certain rules and regulations to avoid the speculation of we're doing something bad."

In another bad experience in Carroll County, Oluoma Anude told Carroll County Times that "Eighth-grade year was rough. I felt so lost.

"Yeah, I'm in a place where everybody doesn't look like me," she recalled. "I might get stares if I have my hair a certain way, talk a certain way, but I'm going to flaunt that because that's what makes me me. And if they don't like it, oh well. Because they're going to, hate me regardless.

"This disease is called racism, and there's only one cure," she asserts in a poem she presented recently at her school's drama club. "To put on a mask of compassion and love. And the strength to do that can only come from above."

Sad tales from Malaysia

Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country, has witnessed a rapid admission of Nigerians and had treated them fairly until the fraudulent Internet activities linked with Nigerians turned the tide against them.

In 2018, in an attempt to escape from an alleged Malaysian immigration arrest, a Nigerian student identified as Uju Pious Ejikeonye, who hailed from Imo State, died after jumping from the 13th-floor building.

The Malaysian chapter of Nigeria in the Diaspora Organization condemned the killing, extortion, and harassment of Nigerians schooling and living in Malaysia by the police.

The group says recent news of the raid and molestation of Nigerians in Malaysia by the police was unacceptable and gradually becoming the country's norm.

In a statement issued by its President, Kingsley Nwankwo, the group also criticised the Nigerian High Commission in the country for failing to act on behalf of its citizens and not living up to its responsibilities.

Experts fault the Nigerian Government

Austin Okeke, a South Africa-based Nigerian lawyer, blamed the Nigerian government for paying lip service to protect its citizens in the Diaspora.

"This is becoming worrisome," he told Sahara Reporters. "I can't count the number of Nigerians whose corpses were sent back home from South Africa."

Aremo Oladotun Hassan, chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Lekki Forum, also blamed the appointment of "inexperienced diplomats, who are mere political appendages and beneficial ambassadorial appointments largesse" for lack of adequate protection of Nigerians abroad.

He said, "Appointment of inexperienced diplomats invariably negatively affects our foreign missions' internal mechanism to protect the average Nigerian student. Our scholarship support programs are dead, while we have no technical support plans to salvage the dying hydra-headed situation.

"Several other silenced cases are brewing in Europe, UK, London, Mexico and South America and Asia, with evil tales of deaths and staunch hatred for blacks, but with an advance devaluation of the Nigerian citizens with the green passports.

"Unfortunately most of these crimes go without consequential, punitive measures of justice, wherein shoddy investigation is conducted and later dismissed because sometimes the cost of ensuring due justice is not only expensive but rarely unavailable."

A lecturer of Public Law at the University of Ibadan, Isaac Adejumo, attribute the problems to poor funding of education by the Nigerian government.

While speaking with SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the varsity don emphasised that Nigerians would continue to seek better education in oversea universities because certain peculiar hitches, such as disparaging learning conditions, obsolete laboratories and unsteady school calendar, would always hinder the progress of education in Nigeria, unless addressed by the government.

"The budgetary allocation to education in Nigeria has not gone above 8% compared to 26% recommended by UNESCO," he said. "The performance of the government on education this year is nothing to write home about. Until the federal government addresses that, there would be a perpetual exodus of Nigerian students seeking better education abroad regardless of what is out there."

Education News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 29, 2020

Wife Of Edo Commissioner For Justice, Mrakpor Allegedly Beats 68-Year-Old Woman To A Pulp

A 68-year-old grandmother, Mrs Adaeke Odiaka, was allegedly beaten to a pulp by a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Joan Mrakpor in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mrakpor is also the wife of the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General.

The report revealed that the trouble began on Saturday, when Mrakpor, who is also the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency alongside her younger brother, Jude Ugbah, who recently emerged as the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and her aides, invaded the residence of the victim in search of her grandson, Nnamdi Odiaka.

A source told NaijaGistReporters that Nnamdi, whose alleged posts on social media were not satisfactory to Mrakpor, was trailed to the house where the ex-lawmaker and her team later allegedly attacked his grandmother when they could not find him at home.

“She (Mrakpor) came with her aides; unfortunately, they didn’t meet Nnamdi. She started slapping the grandmother and the old woman lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” the source said.

READ ALSO:

The source added that the incident provoked youths of Ubulu-Uku to storm the streets with placards with different inscriptions such as: ‘End Mrakpor’s brutality’ and ‘This is not the first time’, among others.

The protesters barricaded the road to express their condemnation of the alleged injustice carried out by the appointee of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

However, reacting to the allegation, Mrakpor, who is the wife of the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, said the allegation was untrue and described it as the handiwork of her political enemies.

She stated, “It is the handiwork of the enemy. You know that my brother just won the chairmanship ticket of the PDP, so the blackmail is politically motivated.

“This picture was taken of her (alleged victim) by her children after my supposed merciless beating that made her unconscious. It’s like she regained consciousness or took this picture and went back. God Almighty remains a righteous judge at His own time.

“My political enemies are the ones blackmailing us. The police will trace the hospital where they said the woman is.”

CRIME News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 29, 2020

I Was Warming The Air – NSCDC Officer Arrested In Benue For Killing Two On Christmas Day

An officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sunday Adekola, serving in Benue State, has said that he was only trying to warm the air, when his gunshots killed two fun seekers on Christmas Day in the Otukpo area of the state.

The officer, who has been detained by the police, explained that he was carrying three magazines and 90 rounds, and he initially did not know that people were hit by the gunshots he fired.

Adekola’s action had led to the killing of two persons, which made people at the scene to descend on him, beating and taking the rifle with him.

In a video interview published on Linda Ikeji’s blog, the NSCDC Inspector stated that his action was not deliberate.

READ ALSO: Lawyers Gave N9.4bn Bribes To Judges In Three Years –ICPC

He said, “I was going round to check our men on duty. I said, ‘let me warm the air with my rifle’. It was an AK-54 rifle. I was carrying three magazines with 90 rounds. As I warmed the air with two shots, and as I brought my rifle down, my hand now pressed the trigger and two shots now came out.

“As the two gunshots came out, I didn't even see anybody. The next thing was that some people began to beat me and drag (try to take) my rifle. They said someone was injured and that another person died. The bleeding was much and the other person died too.

“I was serving in Otukpo, Benue State. It happened on Christmas Day. I am really remorseful. I never planned to hurt anyone. My action was not deliberate.” 

CRIME News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 29, 2020

COVID-19 Second Wave: Nigerian Government May Ban UK, US Flights Next Week

The National Assembly and the Ministry of Aviation are planning to ban flights coming from the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries with high rates of COVID-19, according to what the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi said on Monday.

Adeyemi told the PUNCH in Abuja that the decision on the issue would be announced next week.

Smart Adeyemi

The Federal Government’s plan may not be unconnected with pressures on it to stop further spread of coronavirus by banning flights from nations with high rates of the virus.

The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Innocent Ujah, had in an interview revealed on Sunday, that travellers from the UK and the US were worsening COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

The NMA president stated, “Government knows that they (travellers from the UK and the US) are the ones responsible for increase in cases and the results have shown that and government knows what they should do.”

The flights from the two countries were not banned despite that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had on Thursday enforced new requirements on passengers from the UK and South Africa.

READ ALSO:

The PTF only opened registers for travellers from the two countries because of fatal worries of coronavirus discovered there.

It, however, said there were no fresh worries of the virus in Nigeria. But there are fears that travellers who obtained fake COVID-19 results could have brought the new virus into the country.

According to worldometers.info, as of 6:55pm on Monday, the US had recorded 19,589,952 COVID-19 cases with 341,332 deaths, while the UK had 2,329,730 COVID-19 cases with 71,109 deaths. Sweden had 396,048 cases with 8,279 recorded.

As of Sunday, Nigeria had recorded 84,414 cases of the virus with 1,254 deaths. But deaths from the virus have increased sharply since the second wave started last month.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control had said after a drop in the death rate from September to November, it went up to 74 this month.

Adeyemi, in the interview with the Punch, said the National Assembly and the Federal Government were concerned about the second wave of COVID-19.

He stated that the joint National Assembly Committees on Aviation, the Aviation Ministry and agencies in the sector had been holding steady meetings in the past few days on the matter.

He also said the meetings were seriously discussing possible impacts of the proposed ban and other related issues.

Adeyemi said, “We are still trying to study the situation so as to know the appropriate steps to take. It is a very sad situation no doubt.

“The National Assembly and the Aviation Ministry are looking at what really should be done on the call to ban some of the flights coming in, not only from the United Kingdom, but also other countries where the pandemic spreads are more severe.

“The National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation is discussing with the Ministry of Aviation and we are looking at what can be done and the right steps to be taken.

“COVID-19 is of great concern to everyone and it has been proven that it is real. Nigeria as a country has been able to contain the situation because our people are very conscious of the protocols.

“The fact that we are experiencing the second wave is a concern. So, the ministry and the National Assembly are considering an outright ban of flights from pandemic prone countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, the Asian countries, Sweden, among others.

“We have been studying the situation. We would arrive at a conclusion in the next few days. We are looking at the figures, the rate of infection, the manner of infection and government response.

“We are studying the implications of the outright ban of flights and whether it would be of any importance to the containment of the virus.

“We have protocols for visitors arriving in Nigeria which we make sure are being strictly observed. Notwithstanding, in the next few days, we would know what to do.

“The Senate and the House of Representatives committees on Aviation, the Ministry of Aviation, and all the agencies under the ministry have been engaging in regular meetings over the situation.

“By next week, we would come up with a definite conclusion on whether there would be an outright ban of flights from the affected countries or the next steps to take.”

When contacted, the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Oduadu, said a possible flight ban had to be done in alliance with neighbouring countries.

He said, “If Nigeria is going to do a flight ban, it will be in alliance with our neighbouring countries. I assure you that we are monitoring the situation very closely. The government will not do anything that will affect the health of Nigerians.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority released a notice to air operators two days ago on some passengers coming in from the United Kingdom and South Africa. Apart from that, I am not aware of any ban on flights. At the moment, I am not aware of any flight ban. The situation may change tomorrow, but currently, I am not aware.”

READ ALSO:

Fresh flight ban can harm economy, stakeholders warn

An aviation consultant, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, said he did not support any restriction on flights as long as the guidelines set by the NCAA were still adhered to.

He said, “What the government has done is to increase surveillance and strict observation of passengers. The protocols are still the same. That of the United Kingdom and South Africa is 96 hours. You are also required to have a fly permit.

“Although people are clamouring for a total ban of flights. I am not in support of the total ban. In order to ensure that the airlines comply, an additional fine of $3,500 has been imposed on airlines on each passenger that violates the protocol. I think these guidelines are good for now and we have to increase surveillance.”

The spokesman for Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, asked the government to continue to impose COVID-19 protocols.

He said, “The best thing should be the enforcement of protocols. A flight ban could hurt the economy at this point in time. For us, we are still keeping to the protocols 100 per cent. From the entrance of the airport to the final boarding and onto the aircraft, the protocols are still there. Travellers are to use hand sanitisers on the flight.”

PUBLIC HEALTH Travel News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 29, 2020

Nigerian Arrested In India For Possession Of Cocaine

A 46-year-old Nigerian national was arrested in Thiruvanmiyur, India on Saturday night, allegedly for possessing 55 grammes of cocaine. He was caught by a special team of the Adyar district police.

According to NewIndianExpress, the accused, Alif Oluwasun Ibrahim, was nabbed based on a tip-off when he reached the Thiruvanmiyur bus terminus to board a bus to Puducherry.

File photo used to illustrate story

He was allegedly planning to sell the cocaine, which was packed in 55 sachets.

Investigations revealed Alif Oluwasun often flew from Nigeria to Pune, where he bought cocaine in bulk before going to Chennai by bus to sell each gramme for Rs 6,000-10,000 (approximately between N31,000 and N51,000).

“He does not stay in Chennai, but delivers to those who place orders over the phone, and returns to Nigeria by flight,” said inspector Ramasundaram.

Drugs News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 28, 2020

Lawyers Gave N9.4bn Bribes To Judges In Three Years –ICPC

A survey by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences has found that estimated N9.4bn bribes exchanged hands in the judicial sector between 2018 and 2020.

The report said the level of corruption in the justice sector was heightened by the “stupendously high amounts of money offered as bribes to judges by lawyers handling high electoral and political cases.”

The 84-page survey titled, ‘Nigeria Corruption Index: Report of a pilot survey 2020’, disclosed that the private sector ranked next to the judicial sector in corruption levels, noting that the graft in private business sector contributed greatly to the national level of corruption.

It explained that the methodology was experienced-based rather than perception-related questions of corruption, as measured from a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 representing “Absolutely not corrupt and 100 indicating “Absolutely Corrupt.”

Of the 901 respondents in the justice sector, 638 making 70.81 per cent were lawyers. Judges were 124 judges or 13.76 per cent, and 25 respondents at 2.77 per cent were court staff (clerks and registers).

The report stated that 9.9 per cent of lawyers admitted paying N5.7b bribes in connection to mostly electoral cases they were handling.

READ ALSO: Shops, Valuables Ruined In Ketu Plank Market Inferno

The survey added that about 78 of the 901 justice sector respondents reported experiencing offers or payment of bribes to influence the judicial process.

It stated, “The money involved in the high-level corruption in this sector was categorised into money demanded, offered or paid. Demands are made by court officials, including judges, while bribery offers, and lawyers and litigants make payment.

“The total amount of money reported by the justice sector respondents as corruptly demanded, offered and paid between 2018 and 2020 was N9.457b.”

The report also found that 55.2 per cent of private businesses experienced diversion of public contract funds to personal use, adding 8 per cent of businesses reported paying government dues into private accounts.

It disclosed that the executive and legislative sectors had overall corruption scores of 42 and 41 respectively, noting that in monetary terms, the executive with a score of 33 had a higher level of corruption than the legislative sector which had a score of 27.

 

Corruption Legal News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 28, 2020

85-year-old Man Arrested In Osun For Impregnating 12-year-old Girl

On Sunday, the Osun State Police Command said an investigation had commenced into the allegation that an 85-year-old man, Rafiu Abimbola, impregnated a 12-year-old girl at Isundunrin in the Ejigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The mother accused Abimbola of having carnal knowledge of her daughter sometime in September, which resulted in pregnancy.

PUNCH reported that after the matter was reported at the Ejigbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect was subsequently arrested.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, Yemisi Opalola, said an investigation had commenced into the incident.

READ ALSO:

Opalola said, “The victim, aged 12, and her mum, Folasade Ola, reported the matter at the Ejigbo Division.

“The complaints said one Rafiu Abimbola of Oba’s Compound, Isundunrin, near Ejigbo, aged 85, had sexual intercourse with the minor sometime in September 2020.

“They also said the intercourse resulted in pregnancy. The suspect has been arrested, while the victim has been taken to hospital for a test. An investigation has commenced into the matter.”

News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 28, 2020

BREAKING: Kidnapped Kaduna PFN Chairman, Wife, Regain Freedom

Kidnapped Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Apostle Emmanuel Egoh Bako, and his wife, Cindy, have regained freedom from their captors.

At about 8:00 pm on Christmas day, Gunmen invaded the Albarka Prayer Camp at Fadan Kagoma near Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, shot indiscriminately before taking away the cleric, wife and one other person identified as Mr Douglas to an unknown destination.

A government statement by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said Bako and the wife were freed from the kidnappers’ den on Sunday.

The statement was titled, ‘Apostle Bako, wife regain freedom.’

READ ALSO: Racism, Murder: Nigerians Students Recount Ordeal In US, India, Cyprus, Others

The commissioner said the Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Kaduna State, Rev. Tony Inwulale, also confirmed the government's development.

Aruwan said Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed relief and happiness over the development and offered his best wishes to the cleric and his wife.

“The security agencies have informed the Kaduna State Government of the release of Apostle Emmanuel Ego Bako and his wife, Mrs Cindy Bako, on Sunday afternoon by their abductors,” the commissioner added.

Insecurity Breaking News News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

UPDATED: We Counted 10 Dead Bodies After Boko Haram Attack On Borno Communities –Source

At least 10 persons were reportedly killed after armed men suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked four communities in the Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.

The villages include Tashan Alade, Shaffa and Khiributu.

File photo used to illustrate story 

READ Also: Breaking News BREAKING: Many Feared Dead As Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Communities, Burn Churches In Borno 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Though, Governor Babagana Zulum in a statement by his spokesperson, Isa Gusau, claimed three people were killed, a local security source told SaharaReporters that 10 corpses, mostly men and children, were counted by the villagers.

“The gunmen simply opened fire on both the residents and their livestock. We counted about 10 corpses, mostly men and children,” the source said.

NaijaGistReporters had on Saturday reported how fighters in 10 trucks attacked the villages near Chibok in the southern part of Borno State and set fire to homes and public buildings while firing sporadically at residents.

The gunmen also burnt down two Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) churches in Tashan Allade.

Speaking during a visit to the communities on Sunday, Zulum said thousands of bags of farm produce recently harvested by farmers were looted by the terrorists, who also emptied shops and market stalls.

In Shafa, the governor ordered the provision of six patrol vehicles and other components to strengthen the local security network in the community. 

The recent attacks on the communities came a few days after a similar incident occurred in Pemi, a ward in the Chibok Local Government Area of the state, where about eight people were killed.

Boko Haram Insecurity Insurgency Terrorism News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Shops, Valuables Ruined In Ketu Plank Market Inferno

Goods worth millions of naira and shops were destroyed at Ketu Plank Market on Sunday. 

This was as a result of a fire outbreak in one part of the market. 

Punchng

The Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed the incident, said emergency responders had curtailed the fire though the cause of the fire was still unknown. 

He also stated that no lives were lost in the incident. 

READ ALSO: Expect Scarcity of Maize In 2021, Oyo Farmers Tell Nigerians

“Emergency responders comprising LASEMA Response Team and the Lagos State Fire Service have curtailed the raging inferno at Ketu Plank Market on Demurin Street, Ketu, Lagos.

“The cause of the fire incident, which reportedly started from one part of the market, has yet to be ascertained, however, it is evident that there is extensive damage with valuable goods destroyed by the fire.

“Fortunately, no lives were lost in the inferno which has been brought under control and dampened down.”

News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Nigerian Government To Lift Total Shutdown Of Third Mainland Bridge Midnight

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Olukayode Popoola, has announced that the total closure of the Third Mainland Bridge will be lifted at midnight on Monday, 24 hours ahead of schedule.

Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos that the total closure had to be lifted because the contractor was able to fast-track the delicate task they needed to execute.

He said that the initially scheduled 72 hour-time frame was achieved within 48 hours, hence the reopening to traffic 24 hours ahead of schedule.

READ ALSO:

The controller had earlier announced on Tuesday, December 22 a 72-hour total closure of the bridge, starting at midnight on Christmas Day till the midnight of 29th December for casting works to be completed on the bridge.

The shutdown was to stop vibrations caused by the movement of vehicles so that contractors would be able to cast concrete on additional three expansion joints in the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge.

Travel News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Why I Survived Dimka's 1976 Coup — Obasanjo

 A former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, narrated how he survived the February 1976 military coup d’etat, involving Lieutenant Colonel Buka Dimka.

Obasanjo said it was General Olu Bajowa (retd.) that indirectly saved him from being killed in the coup, according to the PUNCH.

Olusegun Obasanjo

The former Head of State gave the revelation at the celebration of the 80th birthday of General Bajowa held in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He described Bajowa, a former Commandant, Command and Staff College, Jaji, as a respectful and cultured man.

During the ceremony, the former President told the audience a story of how he was indirectly saved from being killed during the coup.

Obasanjo said, “I want to say something about Olu – either he knew it or he didn’t know. When Dimka coup came, if Olu had not been what he is, I would have gone with the coup.

Olu is very respectful. He is very conscious of our culture. He had a child, a boy, and wanted to name the child after me. He had to call me early in the morning, that morning Dimka struck.

“And because Olu said he was coming, I had to wait a little bit. I waited beyond the time I would have gone out. Olu then came, he made the request and I granted the request.

“So, I was a little bit late in going on the route that I normally took to work. And Reinumuje went ahead of me and they thought it was me and they shot his car. They shot his car, Murtala was shot. Indirectly, that is how Olu Bajowa saved my life,”

Describing Bajowa as a performing soldier, Obasanjo revealed that Bajowa performed very well when he (Obasanjo) drafted him to go and lead 11 Battalion during the nation’s civil war.

Politics News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Why I Toppled Shagari Government – Buhari Says In New Year Letter To British PM

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was Nigeria’s military Head of State between December 1983 and August 1985, has given a number of reasons why he toppled the democratically elected government of the then President, the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Buhari, then as a Major-General who was the General Officer Commanding of the Third Armoured Division in Jos, Plateau State, said in a letter that he led a “revolution” in Nigeria because of the staggering corruption, insecurity and indiscipline in the government.

Muhammadu Buhari

SaharaReporters obtained Buhari’s letter, which was dated, January 6, 1984, and was addressed to Her Excellency, the then Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher.

Buhari’s four-page letter was personally signed by him, as Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Head of the Federal Military Government, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces.

SaharaReporters observed in the letter that Buhari identified collapsed economy, rising inflation, corruption in government and the failure of the government to provide security for lives and property as the key ingredients that led to the revolution.

Buhari’s letter to Thatcher reads, “Recent events in Nigeria leading to a peaceful change of government must have evoked different reactions in various places and I thought I should direct this personal communication to your excellency in order to acquaint you with the background to the intervention by the Nigerian armed forces.

“Here at home, the situation is well understood and the change of government has been received with the widest acclaim. Even in those circles which, for obvious reasons, and to lose most through the corrective measures being contemplated to restore the sense of decency and accountability in public life, the smooth takeover and the accompanying calm and general acquiescence has been more than salutary.

“When the last military administration voluntarily handed over power to civilians in 1979, it was with very high hopes for the future. The handing over exercise was carefully planned and faithfully executed. The 1979 constitution was promulgated. There was justifiable optimism that Nigeria was headed for an era of progress, unity and stability, under a free and elected democratic government.

“However, so soon after the handing over, in both the administrative and legislative organs of government, a myriad of public functionaries embarked on a systematic circumvention of most of the checks and balances entrenched in the constitution. Pervasive corruption entrenched combined with moral and financial indiscipline to ensure that millions of naira were stolen from the national coffers and stacked away in banks inside and outside the country by many unpatriotic citizens actively aided and abetted by certain unscrupulous foreign associates.”

He continued that the military intervention was unavoidable because “the people groaned under the twin yoke of pervasive corruption, skyrocketing prices and general insecurity of lives and property.”

He said, “What was left was quickly dissipated on loaded contracts and over-invoicing of imports designed to allow generous kickbacks to government and political party functionaries. Approved and correct procedures were systematically undermined and the normal functioning of the government machinery deliberately perverted for personal gains.

“Individuals were becoming increasingly apprehensive of their personal security and the future seemed to hold little hope for improvement in the status quo. The majority of public functionaries, at all levels, freely engaged themselves in irregularities with impunity since those at the top and supervisory grades were themselves known to be involved in corrupt practices and impropriety.

“Bribes and gratifications were contemptuously demanded and given. Visitors to our country were regularly confronted by the nauseating and ugly sight of uniformed Customs officials and policemen taking gratifications without qualms and so brazenly doing so.

“Incompetence in the management of national resource led the nation to accumulate huge internal and external debts and to run into serious balance of payments difficulties. Government was fast losing its ability to pay for the goods and services contracted or needed. The national economy tottered dangerously on the brink of collapse. Numerous industrial undertakings are at this very moment on the verge of total collapse and many had been forced to close down for lack of raw materials. Thousands of workers have lost their jobs and the sceptre of large-scale retrenchment has already appeared.

“The resultant scarcity of essential commodities was predictably accompanied by spiralling inflation. Frauds and embezzlement of public funds were committed with reckless abandon. Hired assassins and marauders were openly beginning to practise their trade in broad daylight.  

“Perpetrators of corrupt practices resorted to arson to cover their trail, resulting in callous destruction of several expensive public buildings and even loss of lives. Incidents of armed robbery multiplied and the state of general lawlessness heralding a chaotic state of affairs, possibly culminating in a bloody uprising and revolution was most imminent.”  

Buhari closed his letter by noting that he needed Britain’s cooperation to enable him rid the country of the several anomalies.

“In spite of the huge investment on the 1983 election, there is ample evidence that they were blatantly rigged all round. In reaction, politically motivated strifes engulfed several parts of the country claiming several lives and destroying valuable property. The overall effect was a serious erosion of national stability.

“The attributes constituting the role of government were rendered meaningless; and political party leaders folded their arms in apparent helplessness, unwilling or unable to deal with the situation. In the circumstances, it would be unpatriotic not to act; something had to give.

“We see a need to check the pervasive corruption and the heightened indiscipline and insecurity associated with it. The primary objective for our intervention is to therefore save the tottering nation from imminent collapse; a patriotic rescue operation,” he added. 

DOCUMENT: Why I Toppled Shagari Government – Buhari Says In New Year Letter to British PM by Sahara Reporters on Scribd

Politics Letter News Reports AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Naira To Fall Further In January 2021, Says CBN Report

The Central Bank of Nigeria has stated that the naira is expected to depreciate further in January 2021.

This was disclosed in a recent survey carried out by its Statistics Department titled 'December 2020 Business Expectations Survey Report'.

It, however, stated that there might be a steady rise in interest rate from December till the next six months.

The development comes amid rising concerns over the plummeting value of the naira against the dollar in recent times, with its lowest fall occuring on November 30, 2020 when it exchanged for N500/$1. 

According to the CBN, the 11-page survey was done online from December 7 to 11, with a sample size of 1,050 businesses nationwide. 

It noted that a response rate of 91.3 per cent was achieved and that the sample covered the agriculture/services, manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade and construction sectors.

READ ALSO:

The apex bank also revealed that the respondent firms were made up of small, medium and large corporations, covering both import-oriented and export-oriented businesses.

The report partly read: “Respondent firms expect the naira to depreciate in the current month and next month but appreciate in the next two months and the next six months.

“Inflation level is expected to rise in the next six and 12 months as firms expect the average inflation rate in the next six months and the next 12 months to stand at 13.24 and 14.51 per cent, while borrowing rate is expected to rise in the current month, next month, next two months and the next six months with indices of 19.2, 14.9, 14.7 and 14.3 points.”

The CBN stated that the report showed respondents were unhappy due to poor management of inflation by the government.

It said, “Respondent firms expressed dissatisfaction with the management of inflation by the government, with a negative net satisfaction index -33.5 in December 2020.”

Commenting on findings of the report, a former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Sam Nzekwe, said the country's over dependence on oil would continue to affect its economy negatively.

 

He said, “Oil has actually not come up; we are not yet sure of what will happen in January and February. When the advanced countries are using solar, electric power for vehicles, it means that most of the advanced economies that demand our oil may not demand as much because they are shifting emphasis from oil to electricity. The economy may not recover in January and inflation is going high as well.

“There is also the issue of insecurity; there will be food shortage because most farmers are not going to farm again because of banditry and kidnappings, and when there is a food shortage, inflation will keep on rising.”

Similarly, the Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muda Yusuf, said the macroeconomic fundamentals, the structural factors and the policy choices would determine the exchange rate and inflation outcomes in 2021.

He added, “For instance, a rise in oil price and output could change the narrative regarding the exchange rate and our foreign reserves. Some of these variables are difficult to predict.

READ ALSO:

 

“For inflation, the key drivers are the exchange rate, transportation costs, the impact of security on agricultural output, seasonality of harvests and energy costs, among others.

“It is unlikely that much would change in these variables by January.”

On the way forward, Yusuf said, “To fix the problem, we need to fix the factors driving price increases as highlighted.”

On his part, the President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Muftau Oyegunle, expressed doubt that the rising inflation in the country could be addressed due to the various crises ravaging the North, thereby affecting food supply.

Oyegunle, who expressed reservations with CBN's report that the naira would depreciate further, said “fundamentally, one thing that is clear is that Nigerians abroad are the ones sustaining this economy through remittances, even before Nigerians acknowledged the role the money from abroad was playing in the economy.

“Remittances from Nigerians abroad are more than what we earn from oil and this is making the difference in the value of the naira.”

Money News Reports AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Farmers In Oyo

No fewer than three farmers in the Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State were killed on Friday.

A source told NaijaGistReporters that the farmers were killed while returning home from the market.

NaijaGistReporters learnt that two of the farmers, who were not Nigerians, had gone to Budo Musa to buy a ram for the christening of the baby of one of the victims but were attacked on their way home from the market.

The source said one of them lost his life during the attack while the other escaped with injuries.

It was gathered that the lucky victim was receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the area as at the time of filing this report.

“Two Jukus (foreigners) went to Budo Musa to buy ram for a naming ceremony (christening of a baby) but on their way back, they were attacked by four armed men suspected to be herdsmen. One of the foreigners lost his life during the attack while the other escaped with injuries,” the source said.

READ ALSO: House Of Representatives Drops Motion Inviting Buhari Over Insecurity, Members Apologise To Presidency

In another development, our correspondent learnt that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed two farmers on their farms in the local government area.

NaijaGistReporters gathered that there were indications that the two victims struggled with the herdsmen before they were shot dead.

The source urged the government to find a lasting solution to farmers/herders’ clashes, saying, "Does these people realise they are killing us on our soil?"

Insecurity News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Expect Scarcity of Maize In 2021, Oyo Farmers Tell Nigerians

Farmers in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State under the aegis of Association of Farm Settlers on Sunday said failed flood forecast and lack of government input in agriculture would lead to scarcity of maize in 2021.

The farmers said its members lost millions of naira in the 2020 planting season as a result of government failure to support agriculture.

Oke Ogun area of Oyo State is arguably the food basket of the entire South-West region in the country.

The group made the disclosure at its emergency meeting held in the Iseyin area of the state to address the plight of maize farmers in the state.

The farmers claimed many of its members had decided not to cultivate maize again because of existing challenges with manpower and farm implements.

READ ALSO:

In a communique signed by their Chairman, Mr Alabi Kazeem, and dated Saturday, 26th December, 2020, which was made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday, the body claimed its members had immediately taken loans from commercial banks and private individuals to cultivate maize following a weather forecast that predicted adequate rainfall as from October.

“Many of our members have decided not to plant maize again because of the low and unstable rainfall. When they heard about the government's forecast through the meteorology department as well as the rigorous campaign by Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources that there would be lots of rain towards the end of October and November, they looked for funds to plant maize.

“It is very unfortunate that the failed forecast led to a staggering loss to our members; they lost millions of naira in bank loans and borrowings from family and friends to plant maize. Many cannot even pass by their farms to see the withered maize farms; we are so hurt by this occurrence.

“Inasmuch as we are not blaming the federal and state governments for issuing flood alerts to safeguard lives and property, including those of farmers, we are using this opportunity to appeal to them to support us. Our members have been pushed from pillar to post in a bid to repay loans they took from banks and individuals.”

The communique further said the two layers of government and the Central Bank of Nigeria should come up with good initiatives to avert food scarcity, especially scarcity of maize in 2021 as most maize farmers in Nigeria had lost their crops to drought.

READ ALSO:

The Association of Government Farm Settlers, Ipapo-Iseyin branch which represented farmers in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, used the occasion of the emergency meeting to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to develop new initiatives to assist farmers and support genuine farmers.

They also urged the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, to fulfil his promise to extend the coverage of funding for farm settlements to their association, which represents the 10 local government areas in Oke Ogun. They hope this will be done from the recent loan taken by the administration to develop farm settlements.

“Our fear for now is about what will be the fate of poor Nigerians that depend largely on basic food items that are sourced from maize? It is easy to predict that there will be scarcity of maize next year with what happened this year, unless the government quickly finds a way out to assist farmers to surmount this problem.

“Our governor in Oyo State has shown an unparalleled love for farmers in the state and we can all see that he is out to make agriculture the major pillar to promote the state’s economy. We are calling on him to please extend the funding he plans to provide for farm settlements from the loan (he took), to us at Oke Ogun,” Alabi said.

Agriculture News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister, Tallen Tests Positive For COVID-19

-The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has tested positive for COVID-19.

-The minister disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, which was personally signed by her. 

Tallen said though she was asymptomatic, her test result showed that she was positive.

She urged Nigerians to keep her in their prayers and implored everyone to stay safe and observe all COVID-19 protocols as Nigeria and the world grapple with the second wave of the pandemic.

The statement read, “Following interactions with individuals that later showed asymptomatic signs of COVID-19, I was advised by my medical team to undergo the test and self isolate for observation over the past few days.

“This is to inform the general public that after undergoing a test carried out on me and members of my family, my result returned positive while the results of members of my family were negative.

READ ALSO:

This is to inform the general public that after personally undergoing a test as well as members of my family, my result returned positive while that of members of my family tested negative.

“Please keep me in your prayers and I implore you all to stay safe and observe all COVID-19 protocols as we grapple with this pandemic. I urge you all to please take responsibility for yourself and family in order to protect our dear country even more at this time.”

A number of public office holders in Nigeria have tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered. 

They include Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and their Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde. 

However, Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and former Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi died following complications from COVID-19 infections. 

PUBLIC HEALTH News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Nigerian Prisons Service Failed To Release 65 Soldiers Granted Presidential Pardon By Buhari In April - Falana

A senior lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has accused the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) of failing to release 65 convicted soldiers who were granted presidential pardon by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari had in April 2020 approved an amnesty for 2,600 inmates in different custodial centres, including the army officers.

Femi Falana (SAN)

He said, "For instance, 65 convicted soldiers who have met the conditions outlined in the Presidential Amnesty granted to certain categories of prison inmates in April 2020 are still languishing in prison custody. There were 66 of them but one of has been released from prison custody. No reason has been adduced by the prison authorities for not releasing the others.”

Falana, while reacting to the release of six convicts repatriated from Thailand to complete their prison terms in Nigeria but subsequently held in Kirikiri Maximum Prison many years beyond their release dates, called for a comprehensive audit of all inmates in the nation's correctional centres.

The released inmates are Azukaeme Henry Ejikeme, George Chibuike Onyeama, Kennedy Tanya, Yakubu Yahuza Mohammed, Mrs Gloria Ogbonna and Wasiu Amusan, alias John Smith.

READ ALSO: 75-year-old Israeli Dies Of Heart Attack After Taking COVID-19 Vaccine

He said, “Sometime in June 2020, we we were contacted by eight Nigerians who were convicted in Thailand and transferred to Nigeria on October 2, 2012 under a Prison Exchange Bilateral Programme. They alleged that they had been abandoned in the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre after they had been granted Royal Pardon by the Thai King. We confirmed the allegation and decided to launch a legal battle for their release from prison custody. 

“On July 2, 2020 our law firm requested the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Godfrey Onyeama, to direct the Nigerian Embassy in Thailand to furnish us with the warrant for the release of the convicts. The minister did and the embassy procured and sent six warrants to Nigeria. The warrants were promptly forwarded to us.

 

“On August 25, we wrote to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urging him to direct the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre to release the convicts from custody. As the request was subjected to bureaucratic hiccup we were compelled to file six applications at the Federal High Court for the immediate and unconstitutional release of the convicts. Even though the case has been adjourned to January 25, 2021 for definite hearing, the Minister of Interior granted our request last week for the release of the convicts. Accordingly, they were released on December 26, 2020. We are pursuing the case of the remaining two convicts. 

“It is unfortunate that the convicts have been detained illegally since 2017 when the Thai King granted them amnesty. A few months ago, we also secured the release of an awaiting trial inmate who was charged with armed robbery and abandoned in the same correctional centre. The legal advice rendered by the Attorney-General of Lagos State to the effect that he had no case to answer, received by the police six years earlier, was not transmitted to the magistrate's court that had remanded him in prison custody. 

“Both cases call for a comprehensive audit of all inmates in the nation's correctional centres."

Human Rights Military News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020

Oyo Govt Special Security Outfit Assaulted UNILORIN Undergraduate, Stripped Him Naked — Student Leader

The Oyo State Joint Security Outfit, Operation Burst, on Saturday allegedly assaulted a male student of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State and stripped him naked.

The incident allegedly occurred during the election of new executives for the National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS).

In a letter reportedly sent to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a student leader, Siyanbola Kunmi, narrated what happened: "The Operation Burst men also came in their truck, claiming they were ordered by the ‘headquarters’ to come to the venue of the election. It was not only surprising but also ridiculous that the men of the special outfit set up to combat crimes were at the election ground to ‘monitor’ an election despite the fact that about five men from the Atiba Police Division were already there. Has the outfit become so low and ridiculed to the extent of getting involved in a free and fair students’ election while there are other sensitive and urgent issues in the town? Damn shameful!

"While the election was going on, a student of the University of Ilorin, Ogbeni Olalekan Excellent, was allegedly having a dialogue with a female student – Mariam Olabisi Salahudeen, also a student of UNILORIN. This was about a 100 metres away from where the Operation Burst vehicle was stationed.

"Olalekan was facing elsewhere with his back towards them. He was having a serious conversation with Mariam, who was also a member of the electoral committee. Mariam was having issues with some people and Olalekan was trying to prevail on her to return to her duty post!

READ ALSO:

"One of the soldiers in the squad allegedly came down from the truck and went straight to where Olalekan was standing. Immediately he got to him, he started hitting him with the butt of his gun. 

"Surprised and shocked, the student asked what he did wrong. Other students also rose to demand what his offence was. Yet, the officer kept hitting him. When the blows were becoming unbearable, the student fell down at the spot. Not minding his state of consciousness, the officer dragged him towards the truck. Other students could not bear this again and attempted to revolt, insisting they were not going to allow the operatives take away their colleague.

"After firing two shots to disperse the students, they drove away but took the semi-conscious student along with them. Olalekan said they stopped on the way, wound up the windows and then the officers left except for one of them who was left with him. He was punched several times and the officer kept saying ‘I will kill you’.

"They finally took him to their quarters at Kosobo where he was going to receive the beating of his life. He was stripped naked and taken to a shower. After running water all over his body, he was taken to a room to be tortured. He was tortured with belts, machetes and gun butts.

READ ALSO: Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Farmers In Oyo

"Some of the officers were heard saying, ‘We know they will come for you but before they do so, we will kill you’.

"Personally, I placed a call to the Commandant to prevail on him. I emphasised the roles people like me always play when it comes to security issues in the town and appealed that he should release the student for sanity to return, not even knowing he had already been badly tortured.

"After several attempts and efforts of some persons and student leaders, his release was secured. The student was in a very terrible condition. He could barely walk and we had to rush him to the hospital for urgent medical attention."

Director General of Operation Burst in the state, Col James Oladipo, however, denied that the student was assaulted while addressing reporters. 

Explaining the arrest of the student, Oladipo said; "Our men were on the ground to maintain law and order during the election. A student was having confrontation with a lady, which almost led to a serious crisis and that was what caught the attention of our men. They tried to intervene and arrest the student but he resisted arrest. As a result, he was taken to the station. After he was arrested, we received calls from people and he was released. Nobody assaulted him. "

Human Rights News AddThis : Original Author : NaijaGistReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Posted by Admin December 27, 2020