
AFOLABI
Final year poly student shot dead while struggling cellphone with armed robbers
A final-year Electrical Electronics student at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, has been shot dead by suspected armed robbers.
The victim, identified as Saviour, was said to have been shot around 8:00 pm on Saturday near his former residence in Ikot Uboh, Ikot Ekpene LGA, while trying to protect his cellphone from the robbers.
A source close to the school said the armed robbers opened fire on their victim as he tried to raise the alarm.
The source noted, “Apart from his phone, the devils took nothing away. I pray that God comforts his mother and siblings and grants his soul eternal rest.
“I urge the Akwa Ibom State government and security agencies to fish out those bad elements, especially in our institutions, to ensure peace for our children.”
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident, said the command is working round the clock to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.
“The perpetrators will be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law. It is the determination of CP Waheed Ayilara to rid Akwa Ibom State of criminal elements. And this is not negotiable,” she assured.
Minimum wage: Labour insists on N250,000, may resume strike Tuesday
The Organised Labour has said it will not accept any N62,000 or N100,000 “starvation wage” as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
It insisted on N250,000, being its latest demand at the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage on Friday, as the living wage for an average Nigerian worker.
This was made known on Monday by Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, while fielding questions on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show.
Onyeka said the one-week grace period given to the Federal Government last Tuesday, June 4, 2024, would expire by the midnight of Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
According to him, should the Federal Government and National Assembly fail to act on the demands of workers by tomorrow (Tuesday), the organs of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, would meet to decide on the resumption of the nationwide industrial action relaxed last week.
“Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting N62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what we know is able to take Nigerian workers home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage.
“We have never contemplated N100,000 let alone N62,000. We are still at N250,000, that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation. We are not just driven by frivolities but the realities of the market place; realities of things we buy every day, bag of rice, yam, garri, and all of that.
“The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for them (the government) to look at and send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various fact of the law, and then come up with a National Minimum Act that meets our demands.”
He continued: “If that does not meet our demand, we have given the Federal Government a one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow (Tuesday). If after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the Organised Labour will meet to decide on what next.
“It was clear what we said. We said we are relaxing a nationwide indefinite strike. It’s like putting a pause on it.
“So, if you put a pause on something and the organs that govern us as trade unions decide that we should remove that pause, it means that we go back to what was in existence before.”
APC, PDP are the same – Salihu Lukman
An erstwhile National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman, has said that there is no difference between the ruling party and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Lukman, who made this statement while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics monitored by DAILY POST, said the APC was now becoming worse than the PDP it came to replace.
According to him, the PDP was becoming a one-man show where internal democracy had been dumped and candidates imposed on the electorate, stressing that it was the reason they came up with the APC.
The APC chieftain said they came up with the idea of the opposition parties merging to defeat the PDP and correct some of the anomalies noticed at that time.
“We were clear on the kind of party APC should be. We saw the weaknesses of the PDP, apart from the imposition of candidates, part of the problem was that elected candidates were not accountable to the party or anybody and we thought building the APC would depart from that and that was where the slogan ‘change’ came from.
“When the debate about the manifesto of the party was going on, the conception was that the party was going to be social democratic with a priority on the issues of health, education and social services but the party has deviated,” Lukman said.
Lukman said part of the party’s problems started from Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, adding that the President was like an emperor because he was the singular electoral asset of the party.
“We were hoping with Asiwaju (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), things will start changing,” he said, lamenting that things rather got worse.
“We are having a party where some of its organs have not been convened since its formation. We are having a party in which for one year no meeting has taken place and that party is controlling the government,” the APC chieftain lamented.
‘I regret marrying Blossom Chukwujekwu’ – Ex-wife, Maureen Esisi
Maureen Esisi, the estranged wife of Nollywood star, Blossom Chukwujekwu, has said she regrets marrying the actor.
Appearing on the ‘The House Chronicles’ podcast, the fashion designer described the five years of their marriage as “wasted years”.
Esisi lamented that she would have been a mother of two by now if she had married someone else.
“I regret marrying him [Blossom Chukwujekwu]. It was wasted years. Five years of my life, that’s a lot. I would have married somebody else and probably had two kids by now,” she said.
“I wished I had kids. Because trying to have kids now is just scary and annoying. I’m currently working on having kids. I don’t know how it’s going to happen but I must get pregnant this year.”
DAILY POST recalls that Chukwujekwu got married to Pastor Ehinome, at Christ Embassy in June 2022, three years after his marriage to Maureen Esisi packed up.
Esisi insisted that the actor was the one who “walked away,” stressing that for her “divorce wasn’t an option”.
She maintained that they were not officially divorced, as she didn’t sign any legal documents.
Tinubu Govt To Probe Activities Of NNPCL Under Buhari As Forensic Audit Reveals N3.3 Trillion Inflated Figure in Fuel Subsidy
A renowned global accounting firm, KPMG, has conducted a forensic audit revealing a notable inconsistency in the fuel subsidy claims filed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to a report from iWitnessLive, the audit uncovered that NNPCL had inflated its fuel subsidy claims by a staggering ₦3.3 trillion.
At first, NNPCL reported spending ₦6 trillion on fuel subsidy, with the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government covering a significant portion of the expenses.
NNPCL’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, claimed that the federal government still owed the company ₦2.8 trillion for petrol subsidy payments, a statement made shortly after President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of the subsidy’s removal
As per the May 2024 report, the government has not yet reimbursed NNPCL for this amount.
“Since the provision of the ₦6tn in 2022, and ₦3.7tn in 2023, we have not received any payment whatsoever from the Federation.
“That means they (the Federal Government) are unable to pay and we’ve continued to support this subsidy from the cash flow of the NNPC. We are waiting for them to settle up to ₦2.8tn of NNPC’s cash flow from the subsidy regime and we can’t continue to build this,” he said.
In light of KPMG’s reconciliation, which reduced the claims to ₦2.7 trillion, the Nigerian Government intends to undertake a fresh audit of NNPC Limited’s ₦2.8 trillion fuel subsidy claim.
The audit, spanning from 2015 to 2021, seeks to authenticate NNPC’s claims.
The Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) will spearhead the audit, with the possibility of enlisting an external firm for supplementary assistance.
The resolution was reached at a Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) session in March 2024, where participants deliberated on the necessity of an impartial audit to mitigate conflicts of interest.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to the forensic audit.
KPMG’s initial audit prompted the need for further investigation.
[Naija News]
‘Lies Are Over’ – Justin Dean Threatens To Jail Korra Obidi
Justin Dean, the ex-husband of an American-based Nigerian dancer, Korra Obidi, has threatened to jail his ex-wife.
Dean made this known in a post via his Instagram story.
He noted that filing a restraining order and jail term would be possible if Korra continued to spread more lies about him.
Dean added that the reign of terror was over as he called for peace between the duo.
He wrote, “Lies are over! Restraining order and jail time are possible if my ex speaks more lies. The reign of terror is over. Let peace reign.”
“Why I got married at 18” – Blessing CEO opens up
Controversial therapist, Blessing CEO, has opened up on the reasons behind her early marriage and shared her thoughts on the current state of marriages.
During an appearance on the ‘ThisIsPop’ podcast, she discussed her personal experiences and the factors contributing to the rise in marriage failures today.
Blessing CEO explained that her decision to marry at the young age of 18 stemmed from a lack of parental love and support.
She revealed that began dating at 15, seeking affection and validation that she felt was missing from her home environment.
This early pursuit of romantic relationships eventually led to her marriage, which, despite her hopes, did not last.
Reflecting on the differences between past and present marital practices, Blessing CEO noted that marriages were once characterized by a thorough vetting process.
Families would conduct detailed inquiries and investigations into the backgrounds of potential partners, ensuring a greater degree of stability and compatibility.
According to Blessing CEO, the absence of this approach in contemporary marriages contributes to their frequent breakdowns.
In her podcast appearance, Blessing CEO emphasized that many modern marriages are entered into spontaneously, without the necessary groundwork and understanding.
This lack of preparation and the absence of family involvement, she argues, are key reasons why many marriages today fail.
Nigeria creative industry have done more for national awareness than any ambassador – Ali Baba
Veteran comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, highlights the significant impact of Nigerian musicians on national awareness.
According to him, these talented individuals have done more to promote Nigeria’s image than any official ambassador.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, Ali Baba expressed his disappointment that despite the entertainment industry’s substantial contributions to the nation’s growth, it remains overlooked in government economic plans.
He lamented that a recent 200-page report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, forecasting the country’s economic future, failed to acknowledge the entertainment and creative industry’s value.
Ali Baba emphasized that the creative industry’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders, citing Burna Boy as an example.
He stated that the Grammy-winning artist has put Nigeria on the global map, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage to a worldwide audience.
In his words:
“Two years ago, a forecast of the Nigerian economy in the next five years was looked into by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the entertainment and creative industry was not considered.
“A booklet of about 200 pages was done and the creative industry was not considered. The value of the creative industry in Nigeria is beyond the country.”
“Burna Boy has done a lot more for the Nigerian national awareness than any ambassador that have been posted to America, the UK or any other place. So Nigerian artists are creating national awareness and making other countries to know about us than any ambassador would have done.”
“Dangote Has Put Govts To Shame” – Senate President Akpabio Lauds Refinery Success
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President has said Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Dangote Group shamed successive governments by completing 650,000 barrels per day refinery.
Akpabio said this when he led the leadership of the 10th Senate on a tour of the Refinery in Lagos. He referred to the refinery as the 9th wonder of the world.
Akpabio, emphasised that detractors of the refinery and “dream killers” have all been silenced and that indeed, previous governments have been put to shame with the completion of the project.
Akpabio stated that the whole Nigeria couldn’t make refineries function in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri, but that Dangote and his team have proven that it is possible to dream and achieve it in Nigeria.
He further said the shame that came with the discovery of oil in Nigeria in 1958 has been removed by Dangote alluding to a report that India does not have oil but has refineries from where the country exports refined products, while noting that the inability of the nation to refine its oil has brought untold hardship on Nigerians so much so that Belgian government recently ban the exportation of dirty and condemned fuel to the country to West African country just because we can’t refine our own products.
“They told us in Abuja that Dangote Refinery is farce but we have come here and see for ourselves that the refinery is alive and running. Dangote has put to shame a lot of people. They are wondering how it will be possible for a single individual to accomplish what a whole nation could not accomplish; what 240 million people could not maintain; what a continent could not do and then one person will build 650,000bpd project”, the Senate President said.
“They keep wondering how one person can succeed where nations have failed; where continent has failed. But Dangote has done it. It is highly commendable. We came to see the refinery because we in the current senate believe in the Nigerian dream. We didn’t come as a doubting Thomas but we came because we believe the project, we came to rekindle the hope of Nigerians and the Nigerian’s can do spirit”, he added.
The Senate President also said Dangote deserved all the accolades for this feat noting that ordinary residence of Nigeria’s Vice-President could not be completed until after 14 years.
He assured that the National Assembly will give it what it takes to protect the project because its one project that Nigeria and indeed Africa should take the ownership and must be protected jealously.
He said the Senate and the entire National Assembly would come up with a robust legislation that would protect the project and others like it.
“Mr. Dangote, I pity you a lot because even your friends will envy you simply because they will keep wondering how can you succeed when nations, and continents have failed. Now that we have seen for ourselves, we are here to announce our own endorsement of this major project. It is also shocking to see that we produce sufficient fertilisers for Nigeria and enough to be exported.
“As I said we will do our report and we will speak to Mr President to put a stop to fertilizer import to Nigeria. You will hear from us soon”, Akpabio said.
Police arrest 27-yr-old lady for stabbing partner to death over ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ proceeds in Imo
The Imo state Police command has arrested a 27-year-old lady, Oluchi Nzemechi, from Uzoagba in Ikeduru Council Area of Imo state, for stabbing to death her partner, Kelechi Nzemechi, over alleged failure to give her a cut of alleged internet fraud proceeds (Yahoo Yahoo) to the tune of 250 Million Rupiah.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, stated this to newsmen in Owerri on Monday, while parading the suspect.
Explaining how it happened, the Police command said the “Operatives of the Imo State Police Command through painstaking investigation have arrested a 27-year-old young lady, named Oluchi Nzemechi ‘f’, of Uzoagba in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State, for stabbing her partner, Kelechi Nzemechi, ‘m’, 31yrs, to death.
“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, admitting that her lover lured her into internet fraud aka ‘yahoo yahoo’. That on 02/06/2024, she had a heated argument with him for failing to give her a cut of an alleged 250 Million Rupiah they fraudulently obtained from a victim in Indonesia, during which she used a kitchen knife and stabbed him on the upper part of his body.”
“The suspect further revealed that in a bid to cover up her criminal acts, she swiftly wrote on a piece of paper; ‘you think you can eat my money and go free, I am baba for the boys, I am coming for your wife and your child including your family’ and placed it on the lifeless body of the victim and ran away from the house. She also stated that she has been living with the victim since 2019 and has a child for him.
“Effort is intensified to recover the alleged 250 million Indonesia Rupiah for a possible return to the owner. The suspect is currently undergoing an investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will certainly be arraigned in court,” Police said.