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Chasing Beggars From Abuja Is Hiding Our Sickness Instead Of Curing It – Shehu Sani Warns FCT Minister Wike
AFOLABI
Shehu Sani, the social activist and former member of the Nigerian Senate, has condemned the plan by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to chase away beggars from the FCT in Abuja.
Sani noted this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.
“Chasing out Beggars from Abuja is like hiding our sickness instead of curing it Or hiding our laundry instead of cleaning it.
"The Abuja beggars don’t tarnish our image,they represent our hidden images that we don’t want the world to see.” he posted.
Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had given street beggars in Abuja five days to vacate the city.
The ultimatum, announced on Tuesday, during the launch of a new access road project in Katampe District, aimed to address what Wike described as a national embarrassment.
Speaking at the ceremony for the construction of a road connecting Ring Road 1 to the Judges’ Quarters, Wike emphasised the urgency of removing beggars from the capital's streets.
He had declared that President Bola Tinubu’s government would take decisive action against those who remain after the Sunday deadline.
"Allowing beggars in every nook and cranny of the territory is an embarrassment to the government and the country," Wike said, urging families to take responsibility for their relatives who rely on street begging.
He had added that the FCT Administration was preparing to enforce the new directive starting from next week.
He said, "Yes, we are committed to improving infrastructure in Abuja, and security is a key focus. We cannot permit the presence of beggars throughout the area, as some may be involved in criminal activities or act as informants, which is particularly embarrassing for our territory and for visitors.
"We urge their families and relatives to assist in taking them off the streets. They have until Sunday to vacate the area," he further stated.
Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has announced N80,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants employed by the state government.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong on Wednesday, the governor ordered for constitution of an implementation committee which would within one month come up with a report on how the wage increase will be executed.
The Head of the state Civil Service, Mr Effiong Essien will chair the committee while 15 senior government officials would serve as members.
The statement listed members of the committee to include: Chairman, State Civil Service Commission, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary, Department of Establishments, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice, Permanent Secretary/Accountant General, Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission.
Others include Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Director of Budget, State Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Secretary, Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council, State Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State, State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, State President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
The statement said, “The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the State Government will pay a new minimum wage of N80,000 for all state government employees.
“To ensure a smooth rollout of this policy, the governor has also constituted an implementation committee, which has been given one month to deliver its report on how the wage increase will be executed.”
Despite the decline of the Naira, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has noted that Nigeria's local currency is showing signs of stabilization under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Currently at the parallel market, the dollar exchanges at over N1600.
This development according to the IMF was attributed to in interest rate hikes.
This was stated during the launch of its global financial stability report in Washington DC on Tuesday.
According to the IMF, the stability can be linked to the currency’s stability to the clearing of the foreign exchange backlog by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“… in Nigeria, rate hikes and the clearing of overdue domestic central bank foreign exchange obligations have helped the naira show more signs of stability,” the IMF said.
It would be recalled that the CBN had announced the successful settlement of all verified outstanding foreign exchange (FX) obligations.
The Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Olayemi Cardoso has continued to hike interest rates.
In August 2024, it was noted that the lending rate was increased to 31.75 percent by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The apex bank further revealed that commercial and merchant banks would earn a 19 percent interest rate on deposits above N3 billion in its Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).
Devaluation of naira has been blamed in part for economic issues faced by Nigerians, including growing inflation for the import dependent economy.
Okuneye Idris, the controversial Nigerian crossdresser, who is popularly known as Bobrisky, has reportedly fallen ill while in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
After spending the night in a police cell, Bobrisky was rushed to Falomo Police Hospital for medical attention.
A source confirmed the development, stating that he was transferred from the FCID to the hospital for treatment.
The source said, “Bobrisky complained of ‘breast’ pain and was rushed to the Police Hospital in the Falomo area of Lagos around 2:00 p.m. in an ambulance with the plate number LND 339L. He wore a black gown, covered his face with a shawl, and lay down in the ambulance.”
Bobrisky was taken into custody on Monday night by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following his arrest at the Seme border in Lagos during an alleged attempt to leave the country.
There are indications that he may remain in detention as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The FCID is expected to obtain a remand order for his continued detention.
A statement from the FCID regarding Bobrisky’s situation is expected later today.
NIS spokesperson, Kenneth Udo, confirmed the arrest, describing Bobrisky as “a person of interest.” He further stated that the NIS had intercepted him at the Seme border as part of their efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders.
Correcting God’s Work Has Consequences – Okon Of Lagos Warns Those Engaging In Plastic Surgery
AFOLABI
Popular Nigerian actor, Ime Bishop, also known as Okon of Lagos, has condemned the growing popularity of plastic surgery among young women.
Bishop warned that changing one’s body goes against God’s original design.
The thespian questioned individuals taking on the role of “project supervisor” for God’s creation, stating that people are trying to improve upon perfection.
Speaking via social media, he encouraged individuals to appreciate and respect their natural beauty, which is created by God.
Bishop highlighted the potential risks and moral implications of plastic surgery while acknowledging personal autonomy.
According to him, “God create you finish, you decide on yourself, by yourself to be project supervisor for God. God create you finish, he submit the work for himself o. Eehhn and you take Gods work wey him don submit finish eehhn, you carry an you begin to mark, you put red biro, you mark, you say adjust the eyes, next time put more efforts on the waist, straighten the b*mb*m.
“You go Dey edit Gods work. After you say put more effort in the legs and eemm straighten the hips, no problem be correcting Gods work, you hear? Mmm it has consequences, in case you don’t know.”
Renowned comedian, Ali Baba has shared his encounter with former military leader, Gen Sani Abacha.
He explained that the encounter was a “near-death experience.”
Ali Baba revealed this on the Leadership Podcast with Stephen Akintayo.
He disclosed that the incident happened during Abacha’s presidency at an event in Abuja where he was tasked with introducing the Akwa Ibom cultural group.
He said, “The first close encounter I had with death was with Sani Abacha. When Abacha was President, Ernest Shonekan had been removed so I went to do an event in Abuja and it was time for the Akwa ibom cultural group to perform. At the time, Abacha was wearing one of those sunglasses that could be folded.
Ali Baba said he boldly asked Abacha to remove his sun glasses.
He said, “So then they started dancing I stopped them and faced Abacha, saying, ‘your excellency, sir, it’s almost 10; why are you wearing Dark shades? Don’t you want to see their performance? Remove this shade na.”
He said Abacha obliged, but the tension escalated when he noticed DSS officers heading backstage.
“He then removed the glasses and was talking to someone and when he kept the glasses I told the troupe to continue. As soon as they started, I saw the DSS officers going backstage to wait for God knows who o,” he added.
Fearing for his safety, he said he decided to sit next to Abacha instead of going backstage, where the operatives awaited.
“I went down the stage to where Abacha was and sat on the ground next to him. He made jokes of me and asked why I refused to go backstage and I said , ‘Don’t worry, sir, they can come and arrest me here,” he concluded.
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned one Blessing David-Agwa, a fake fertility nurse, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Wednesday.
According to the EFCC, David-Agwa’s criminal issues began on August 28 when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency handed her over to the anti-graft agency for investigation and possible prosecution after discovering that she had presented herself as a medical fertility nurse, thereby defrauding unsuspecting victims.
An investigation into the matter reportedly revealed that the defendant allegedly forged certificates from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and used them to falsely present herself as a medical fertility nurse, specially trained to assist women in getting pregnant with ease.
It was also discovered that the defendant had successfully defrauded over 45 innocent women who fell for her false claims.
The statement revealed that the defendant was arraigned on 45 counts of charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation, forgery, and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N28,278,600.
The statement read, “Count 41 of the charge reads ‘That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,600,000.00) only from one Okenwa Joy Chiamaka, under the pretence of being a Medical Fertility Nurse (specially trained to assist women to get pregnant with ease), which pretext you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.’
“Count 24 of the charge reads: ‘That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,250,000.00) from one Amarachi Okpala, under the pretence of being a Medical Fertility Nurse (specially trained to assist women to get pregnant with ease), which pretext you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The defendant was said to have pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were read to her.
In view of her pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Blessing Obasi, reportedly prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility.
The statement added, “However, the defence counsel, G. C. Madubuegwu, informed the court about a pending motion on notice for bail, dated 4th October 2024, and filed on the same date. ‘It is brought pursuant to Section 162 and 165(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,’ he said. After moving the said application, he prayed the court to grant the defendant bail on liberal terms.
“Obasi vehemently opposed the application for bail on the grounds that the allegation against the defendant was a serious one, citing the mental health impact on the victims.”
After listening to both sides, Justice Umar reportedly adjourned the matter to November 12, 2024, for a ruling on the bail application.
The defendant was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility.
The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of a native doctor and father of a 26-year-old man identified as Chikwado Eze, who died during a botched fortification in the state.
The tragic incident happened at Ugbaike, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State last week.
According to reports, Chikwado had secured a visa to travel abroad and returned to his village to share the news with his father, Mr. Uwakwe Eze. However, his father insisted on a fortification ritual to ensure his success overseas and took him to a native doctor, Onuwa.
The native doctor identified as Enuwa Odugu, allegedly claimed that Chikwado needed to be buried alive for 1 hour and 30 minutes to be properly fortified. Unfortunately, when Chikwado was exhumed after the stipulated time, he was found dead.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued late Tuesday night by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the father of the deceased and the native doctor had been arrested.
According to the statement “a native doctor, one Enuwa Odugu “m”, aged 48, and Uwakwe Eze “m”, aged 67, were arrested for conspiracy and murder of Eze’s 26-year-old son, one Chikwado Celestine Eze.
“The incident is alleged to have occurred when Uwakwe Eze took his son to the native doctor’s shrine for a ritual intended to fortify him with charms. However, during the ritual, the deceased was buried in a coffin but he unfortunately died in the process.
“He was rushed to the hospital and confirmed dead by the attending doctor, and his body deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.”
He said that the native doctor had confessed to the crime and other previous performances of such rituals, attributing the death of the victim to his non-adherence to certain ritualistic rules he earlier prescribed for him.
“The case is under investigation, and the suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded,” Ndukwe said.
Three suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the Anti-kidnap Unit of the Federal Capital Police Command in connection with the alleged abduction of some pastors of ECWA church in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
The FCT police commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, who disclosed this while parading the suspects at the command in Abuja on Monday, said the suspects were arrested following a raid on the kidnappers’ hideout at Kweri forest that borders Kaduna and the FCT.
Disu said the suspects were responsible for various armed robberies/kidnappings as well as attacks on pastors’ quarters belonging to ECWA church in Dnapoyi village in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, Mpape village, Daupe village.
He gave the names of the suspects as Hussaini Adamu, Yau Adamu and Aminu Adamu, saying the suspects were led by their gang leader, Gwan Umar, which he said is based in the forest in Kaduna State.
He said the suspects had confessed to killing of one Comfort Oyanga adding that Felix Sanyo and Julius Oyanga were abducted at Daupe in Tafa LGA of Niger State, while a sum of N80 million ransom was paid by the victims’ family.
According to him, the suspects also collectively kidnapped one Dimas Maisamari in Mpape, FCT alongside some victims, which he said were all taken to Kaduna forest.
He said the suspects collected a ransom running into millions of naira from families of the victims, even as he said efforts were ongoing to trace and arrest other wanted kidnappers on the command’s list.
The police commissioner said exhibits recovered included two AK 47 rifles, 85 rounds of live 7.62 ammunition 3 AK 47 magazines and one locally-made gun.
There Is No Need For Merger, You Can’t Defeat Tinubu – Adeyanju Tells Atiku, Peter Obi, Others
AFOLABI
Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju has stated that it would be difficult for any opposition merger to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Adeyanju, in an interview with Daily Post, argued that opposition parties missed a critical opportunity during the 2023 presidential election by failing to unite and present a unified candidate against Tinubu.
He highlighted that the 2023 election presented a unique advantage for the opposition as former President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly opposed Tinubu’s candidacy.
Adeyanju said, “What’s the point of the merger? Is it not to win elections? They can’t win any election against Tinubu’s alignment. They should continue on their ego path. I encourage them to stay divided so that Tinubu’s ‘babalawo’ can get a raise.
“They had just one job in the last election because we had a president who was clueless and not in charge. He failed so badly that his body language suggested he never wanted Tinubu to win—so all the opposition needed to do was present a united front, but they refused.
“Instead, they chose to wage an ego war. Kwankwaso said he’s the next president, and the same goes for Obi and Atiku. They divided their votes while INEC and Tinubu were united. They had their chance, but they blew it. This Tinubu can’t lose any election. Didn’t we see how the results on IReV differed from what was announced in the just-concluded Edo election?
“Tinubu can’t lose an election that he organizes, so it’s pointless. They shouldn’t merge—they should just entertain us and their supporters. There’s no need for any merger; everyone should go and test their popularity.
“All I see is a Tinubu-INEC merger, in a country where people’s votes don’t matter. When you talk about a merger, look at the Edo election, and watch what happens in Ondo as a formality. Look at the Kogi and Imo elections—there were no real elections in those places. That’s the country you’re talking about for a merger? They had the opportunity to defeat the APC, but they were too busy fooling around and playing to the gallery.”
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A Pretoria high court judge has convicted a woman found guilty of the killing of her parents, pregnant sister, and brother.
Judge Mashudu Munzhelele sentenced 24-year-old Onthatile Sebati to 25 years in prison for her role in the 2016 killings, while her cousins Tumelo and Kagiso Mokone were handed life sentences.
The horrific incident saw the deaths of Onthatile’s father, police constable Solomon Lucky Sebati, her mother Mmatshepo, a nurse, her 19-year-old pregnant sister, Tshegofatso, and her three-year-old brother Quinton, all shot in their home in Mmakau, North West. Onthatile was 15 years old at the time of the killings, while her cousins were both 18.
Judge Munzhelele remarked on the emotional devastation caused by the crime, particularly the involvement of a family member. "The murder of four individuals, including parents and children, is a heinous act of violence, and the fact that accused number two [Onthatile], a family member, was an accomplice in the k!lling of her family intensifies the emotional devastation and the seriousness of the crime," the judge stated.
According to the state, Onthatile planned the killings and enlisted her cousins to carry out the crime, even providing them access to the house and her father's service firearm. Kagiso shot the family while Tumelo waited in the getaway vehicle. After the murd3rs, Onthatile paid her cousins R100,000 from insurance payouts.
In a shocking turn of events, five years after the crime, Onthatile confessed to relatives, leading to their arrests. They were charged with theft, four counts of murd3r, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of a firearm and ammunition, and were found guilty earlier this year.
The court heard that Onthatile's betrayal has left deep emotional scars on the Sebati family, with relatives struggling with mental health issues stemming from the tragedy. The judge declared the trio unfit to possess firearms and gave them two weeks to appeal their sentences.
Onthatile’s aunt, Japhitaline Sebati, hailed the sentencing as "justice served," adding, “It is painful to see such an intelligent child waste her future, but I hope she gets rehabilitated.”
The former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented over the condition of Nigeria.
The ex-head of state revealed that disunity has kept the country from achieving greatness and fulfilling its potential as a leading force for the black race.
The former Nigerian President emphasized that this disunity has kept the country from achieving greatness and fulfilling its potential as a leading force for the black race.
Receiving a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats on Tuesday, led by former Kano State governor Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, Obasanjo explained that regionalism, which emerged before Nigeria's independence in 1960, is at the root of the country's prolonged lack of cohesion, The PUNCH reports.
“The truth is that at independence, Nigeria emerged with three leaders, and so it has been a situation of three countries in one ever since,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Obasanjo said he remains optimistic about the future of Nigeria, adding, “As long as we can look back as a country and correct the mistake of the past.”
He stressed the importance of merit, capacity, and ability in appointing leaders rather than focusing on regional backgrounds. “It is high time we began working for the national interest,” he noted.
Obasanjo continued, “Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you to call your group National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. Where I was born should not be the enemy of my Nigerianess.”
“I will be increasing by being a Nigerian rather than being a member of the Republic of Oodua.
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba…we must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together,” he added.
The former President urged the nation to focus on uniting for progress. He also reflected on the country’s missed opportunities, stating, “When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun, but is that the situation today? We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa, and the world at large.”
Obasanjo added that despite the disheartening state of the country, it is not too late to make amends and strive for greatness.
“We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria,” he concluded.
Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba has opened up on why many presidents and governors avoid transferring leadership to their deputies.
Speaking on Tuesday, he stated that suspicion and lack of trust are the primary reasons.
The veteran journalist expressed these concerns at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” highlighted these governance challenges.
While describing the situation as unfortunate, Osoba noted that it is a global issue, not confined to Nigeria or Africa.
The former governor cited the political tension between former United States Vice President Al Gore and his principal, Bill Clinton, as an example.
He said, “It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa — it happens all over the world. You will recall the case of Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Al Gore was his vice president, and he contested the presidency. But because he thought Clinton might be a liability, he didn’t involve him in his campaign.
So, this issue is not limited to Nigeria. It is rare to see a deputy succeeding their boss. However, there are still opportunities for such individuals in this country. As I mentioned earlier, the array of leaders who are still young and passionate about Nigeria, even from what we have seen at this conference, gives us confidence that one day, one of them will emerge as the president of this country."
Osoba also lamented the persistent trend of governors plotting or sponsoring impeachment against their deputies.
When asked whether the constitution could be amended to protect deputies from their superiors in government, the politician said there was little anyone could do.
:Again, you can’t amend the constitution against governors using their influence and powers to impeach their deputies. There is nothing anybody can do about it. If the State House of Assembly is friendly with the governor, he can attempt anything, including impeaching his deputy.
What we should continue to promote is for leaders to build relationships. It is not by law but through relationship. As they say, you wash your hands with both the left and right—it’s through cooperation,” he stated.
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, also shared his perspective, acknowledging that this is a controversial issue many leaders are reluctant to discuss.
Ganduje, however, lightened the mood by joking that even God Almighty didn’t consider having a deputy during creation.
The former Kano governor expressed optimism that continued advocacy might lead lawmakers to call for a constitutional review to strengthen the position of deputy leaders.
He said, “Whether you are a deputy governor or a vice president, it’s the same concept of deputising. This concept is a very controversial one.
Even in theology, God has no deputy because of its controversial nature. God declared that everyone, including His prophets, is a servant. So, it’s an issue that remains a no-go area.
“But a leader doesn’t determine his continuity in office. A leader could fall sick at any time and would need someone to steer the ship. If a leader dies, there must be someone to take over. No one can do it alone.
The difference between a governor and his deputy is not biological. It’s not because one was born to be a governor and the other to be a deputy.
I think this is an issue we will continue to debate until there is a review of the Constitution. Perhaps certain provisions could be added in favour of deputy governors."
Caycee Mboya, the tallest woman in Kenya has stated that she wouldn't mind becoming a second wife to a man over 40 years old.
She stated this in an exclusive interview posted on Tiktok.
When asked about her preference in men, she stated, “I don’t like young guys. I would love to be a second wife.”
Caycee explained her reasoning, saying, “I don’t have parents; I never met my mother, and my father passed away when I was in Standard 5. I missed out on that fatherly love. So, if I can find a husband who can also be a father figure, I think that would be amazing.”
She further elaborated on her thoughts about polygamy: “Since my parents died and I am an only child, I prefer polygamy. In case I pass away, I want other women to help care for my children. That is the main reason.”
Caycee emphasized her desire for a husband who can provide both companionship and fatherly support, stating, “I want a husband who can be a father figure to me, someone who can complement me.”
Her candid remarks have garnered significant attention on social media, prompting many users to share their thoughts in the comments section.