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  • LG Elections: KWASAA pledges unbias service to political parties, candidates

    LG Elections: KWASAA pledges unbias service to  political parties, candidates
    Posters
    By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
    Ilorin, June 27, 2024 (NAN)The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) has pledged to be unbiased in allowing  candidates of political parties to paste campaign posters for the upcoming local government elections in the state.
    The General Manager of the Agency, Alhaji Al-Imam Asukuti, who made the pledge when speaking with journalists on Thursday in Ilorin, said that the Agency would provide a level playing ground for all candidates regardless of their political affiliations.
    Asukuti emphasised the need for politicians to play the game by the rules to ensure a peaceful electioneering campaign in the state
    He urged them to visit the Agency to make enquiries on how and where to paste or erect their posters and billboards to avoid infractions.
    The official also implored candidates of the political parties and the public to cooperate with the Agency to ensure a tidy and clean environment before, during and after the elections.
    Asukuti said that the Agency would work to effectively discharge its responsibilities of regulating, controlling and enforcing the appropriate use of campaign posters.
    He commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for giving the Agency a free hand to operate and regulate signage and outdoor advertising industry in the state. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
    AGF/AOS
    ==========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Man, 50, in court over alleged N295,000 land fraud

    Fraud
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 50-year-old man, Babatunde Matairu, on Thursday, appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over an alleged N295,000 land fraud.
    Matairu, whose address was not provided, was charged with obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, to which he, however, pleaded not guilty.
    The Prosecutor, ASP Anthony Igori, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in February at about noon at Oluwo area of Ibadan.
    Igori said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from one Mr Samuel Kolade under the pretence of selling one acre and two plots of land to him at the aforementioned area.
    He said that the offences was contrary to Sections 419, 390 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
    The Magistrate, Mr Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two reliable sureties in like sum.
    Olanipekun adjourned the case till July 16 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, seeks transfer of case to Lokoja

    Ex-Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, seeks transfer of case to Lokoja

    Case

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The immediate-past Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has sought the transfer of his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Federal High Court (FHC), Lokoja Division.

    Bello, who made the application in a letter to the Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, said that he preferred to be arraigned in Lokoja, being the place the alleged money laundering offence was committed.

    Counsel to the former governor, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, made this known on Thursday when the matter came up before Justice Emeka Nwite.

    At a resumed hearing, Adedipe informed Justice Nwite that a letter requesting for the transfer of the trial had already been delivered to the CJ for his administrative decision.

    The senior lawyer said the request for Lokoja was due to the fact that the court had territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.

    Adedipe said that the legal team of the ex-Kogi governor was still awaiting the response of the CJ on the request for transfer of the case to Lokoja.

    “Although the letter requesting for transfer of this matter to Lokoja, was written by Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, I am however under obligation to draw the attention of this honourable court to the issue,” Adedipe said.

    Adedipe said the prosecution had been notified and their opinion had been sought via a letter dated June 14 from the CJ’s office.

    The letter, addressed to EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq.

    “You will find attached the copy of a letter by counsel to the defendant on the above subject matter, dated 10th June, 2024.

    “I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, the Chief Judge, to forward the letter to you for your response within 6 (six) days of receipt,” the letter read in part.”

    However, the request for transfer was vehemently opposed by the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial.

    The EFCC lawyer pleaded with Justice Nwite to hold Adedipe and Mohammed, the two senior advocates in the defence team, responsible for their inability to produce their client in court, despite the undertakings they made.

    The EFCC lawyer also requested that the two SANs to be cited for contempt of court.

    Meanwhile, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until July 17, for arraignment of the former governor and ruling on the request of EFCC to cite the two senior lawyers for contempt.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • 6 in court for allegedly threatening woman’s life

    Threat
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Police, on Thursday, arraigned six men before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over alleged threat to a woman’s life.
    The defendants are: Olujinmi Oguntoyinbo, 48; Olawumi Oladipo, 46; Musa Atiba, 33; Mariam Abdulahi, 32; Agboola Ayodeji, 29 and Timileyin Fawise, 31.
    The defendants, whose house addresses were not provided, are being tried for alleged conspiracy, threat to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
    The Prosecutor, ASP Amos Adewale, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on March 6 at about 8 p.m. at Adeoyo area of Ibadan.
    Adewale said that the defendants threatened the life of one Chief Funmilayo Obisesan, while armed with cutlasses, stones and other dangerous weapons, including red oil container.
    He said that the offences contravened Sections 516, 418 and 249 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
    The Magistrate, Mr Maruff Mudashiru, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
    Mudashiru adjourned the case till Sept. 18 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/KOO/WAS
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Russia sent around 10,000 immigrants to Ukraine front- Official

    Russia sent around 10,000 immigrants to Ukraine front, official says

    Immigrants

    Moscow, June 27, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Russia has so far conscripted and sent around 10,000 naturalised men to fight in its more than two-year-long war against Ukraine, a senior official said on Thursday.

    “We have already caught more than 30,000 (immigrants) who received citizenship and did not want to register for military service, and sent about 10,000 of them to the special military operation zone.’’

    The head of the Russian Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, said at the St Petersburg Lawyers’ Forum.

    Bastrykin was a fellow student of President Vladimir Putin and is considered a close confidant of the Kremlin chief.

    The conscripted men were primarily responsible for digging trenches and building fortifications, according to Bastrykin.

    “You need really strong hands for that,’’ he said.

    In recent months, the security forces repeatedly carried out raids on businesses with migrant labourers primarily from the post-Soviet states in Central Asia.

    Russian media reported that those who already received Russian passports were then often forcibly recruited.

    Others were promised an easier naturalisation process if they are sent to the front.

    According to Putin, a total of 700,000 Russian soldiers are currently on the front line in Ukraine.

    Some of these were recruited in a partial mobilisation in autumn 2022.

    As the measure was unpopular, the Kremlin wants to avoid further waves of mobilisation and find other ways to replenish heavy battlefield losses. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS

    =====

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

     

  • FG restates commitment to food security through agribusiness

    FG restates commitment to food security through agribusiness

    Agribusiness

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to achieving food security through its agribusiness programmes.

    The National Project Coordinator, Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One, (ATASP-1), Alhaji Ibrahim Arabi, gave the assurance while addressing trainees of a two-week incubation programme in Kano.

    Arabi explained that the programme was organised by ATASP-1, funded by African Development Bank (AfDB) and supported by Abomax, a firm that provides services in agribusiness and others.

    The coordinator, represented by Adekunle Alege, National Agribusiness Specialist, ATASP-1, said the strategy was to promote the growth of self-reliant small-scale business model among incubators.

    He said that 50 youths from Kano and Jigawa states would be trained in agribusiness incubation along the value chains of rice, cassava and sorghum.

    According to him, the beneficiaries who compromise 30 males and 20 females were selected from zone 3, which compromises Kano and Jigawa states.

    He said that the programme’s core mandate crops included rice, cassava and sorghum, adding that the training was to re-orientate the youth to embrace agriculture.

    The coordinator added that the federal government unveiled the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) to attract private sector investment in agriculture and reduce post-harvest losses.

    He said the beneficiaries would acquire capacity in production and processing as well as to increase their income generation and reduce unemployment in the country.

    According to him , the programme will deliver three mandate value chains of cassava, sorghum and rice across the four zones of Adani-Omor, Bida Badeggi, Kano – Jigawa and Kebbi – Sokoto.

    Arabi explained that the programme was in consonant with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency on food security.

    The ATASP boss said that food security was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

    Also, the Zonal Programme Coordinator, ATASP-1, Auwalu Shehu, said that the youth would undergo two weeks training on becoming entrepreneurs.

    Shehu, represented by the Zonal Gender Specialist, Adamu Isa, said there are endless opportunities in modern agriculture for youths who are committed.

    He appealed to the trainees to make good use of the opportunity, saying it would help them be employers of labour.

    Ms Heather Akanni, Project Manager, ABOMAX Youth in Agribusiness Incubation, said the programme was aimed at contributing to food security through improved and gender friendly technology.

    She said the strategy was to catch youths and get them involved in agriculture with the hope of monitoring and linking them with relevant institutions and organisations in scaling up food production.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event lauded the federal government’s gesture and promised to be more committed to agribusiness.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/BEN/FAA

    ============

    Edited Benson Ezugwu/Folasade Adeniran

  • Dogara seeks release of 25% palm oil levy

    Yakubu Dogara

     

     

    Import

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN)Mr Yakubu Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the  accumulated 25 per cent palm oil levy.

    Dogara made the appeal at his investiture ceremony as the National Grand Patron of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) by the association on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the levy, charged on all import of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) into the country, had accrued since 2001.

    Dogara said the levy was purposely for the funding of smallholder oil palm farmers in the country to produce massively.

    He said 600 million dollars spent annually on palm oil importation was unacceptable

    Dogara said that from 2001 to date, the 25 per cent fund had not been released to the targeted populace.

    “There is 25 per cent palm oil levy charged on all import of CPO into this country; since 2001 though l have been in National Assembly for 16 years, I do not know where the money is.

    “l am sure of the rice and sugar level how it has been deployed over time but the resources from palm oil levy are there; so if we can activate the release of this resources, that is enough for us to start with.

    “The gesture will enable the country to become not only self-sufficient in palm oil production but a net exporter of the product as it was in the 60s when Nigeria was the largest producer and exporter.’’

    The former speaker identified palm oil as having enormous opportunities and potential.

    “Giving the industry the needed  attention and enabling policies will boost the country’s economy and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by N16 trillion  per year.’’

    Dogara urged President Bola Tinubu-led administration to constitute a presidential intervention committee on oil palm to develop the industry to become second palm oil producing country globally after Indonesia against the present fifth position.

    Speaking on his conferment, Dogara said he accepted the offer based on the fact that millions of Nigerians could be lifted out of poverty by utilising the opportunities provided by the industry.

    He said leadership was all about responsibility, adding that there was nothing too heavy, too hard and too difficult for him especially when it concerned the down trodden masses and people that had no opportunities.

    “These are people that have been classified nationally and internationally as multi-dimensionally poor.

    “We always celebrate our problems; that is why we make them bigger; it is time for us now to fight for the solutions.

    “I like when people sit together and they are talking about solutions rather than the problem, l will always be there.

    “Since the endeavour in NPPAN is to bring people out of poverty, l will try all l can to assist the association and the country to achieve the target of lifting 2.5million households out of poverty,’’ he said.

    Dogara said he would immediately swing into action by initiating discussion with policy makers at the National Assembly.

    Earlier, Amb. Alphonsus Inyang, the President of NPPAN, said the association’s selection of Dogara as national grand patron was based on his political trajectory as a leader that believed in results and solutions.

    Inyang identified Dogara as a goal getter that knows how to negotiate in the corridors of power to get things done accordingly.

    “We have made the right choice by working with him; we want to make the industry a millionaire industry like in Malaysia and Indonesia, create millionaires out of Nigerian households which was achievable for Dogara coming on board.

    “His appointment is going to change the industry to a multi-billion dollars economy.

    “He has made declaration of 2.5million families to be lifted out of poverty; Indonesia has done it with 16 million families using oil palm; so Nigeria can do same with Dogara as our national grand patron.

    “We expect to see in the next five years, 2.5million Nigerian households being lifted out of poverty through the cultivation of just one hectre per family” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FUA/CJ/

    ========

    Edited by Chijioke OKoronkwo

  • Tehran mayor withdraws from Iran’s presidential race

    Tehran mayor withdraws from Iran’s presidential race

    Withdrawal

    Tehran, June 27, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Iranian presidential candidate Alireza Zakani on Thursday pulled out of the country’s presidential race, becoming the second nominee to announce his withdrawal ahead of the election scheduled for Friday.

    Zakani, 58, the incumbent mayor of the Iranian capital Tehran, announced his pullout on social media X, and asked fellow principlists candidates, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Saeed Jalili, to unite in order to prevent the ascent of a reform-leaning candidate.

    “We must consolidate our efforts to address the rightful aspirations of revolutionary factions, thereby preventing the formation of another Rouhani administration.”

    The announcement came one day after another principlist candidate Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, pulled out from the race. Hashemi is current serving as the vice president.

    Hashemi said his decision aims to “preserve the unity of the forces of the revolution,” and strengthen the principlist front.

    Two other presidential candidates are Masoud Pezeshkian and Mostafa Pourmohammadi.

    Pezeshkian, 70, was Iran’s health minister during 2001-2005 and Pourmohammadi, 64, used to serve as Iran’s interior minister and justice minister.

    Iran’s 14th presidential election, initially set for 2025, was rescheduled following Raisi’s unexpected death in a helicopter crash in the country’s mountainous northwestern region on May 19. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    HS

    ===

    Edited by Halima Sheji

     

  • Man docked over alleged N5m mushroom fraud

    Fraud
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 37-year-old man, Soyombo Olanrewaju, was on Thursday arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over an alleged N5 million mushroom fraud.
    Olanrewaju, whose address was not provided, was charged with obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
    He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
    The Prosecutor, ASP Foluke Adedosu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometimes in 2021 and 2022 in Ibadan.
    Adedosu said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N5 million from one Mrs Elizabeth Folorunsho and two others, with the pretext of selling mushrooms to them.
    She said that the defendant converted the money to his personal use without supplying the mushrooms.
    According to her, the offences contravene Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
    The Magistrate, Mrs M. Olagbenro, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with one reliable surety in like sum.
    She adjourned the case till Aug. 1 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Former LASU VC tasks NBA on public interest advocacy

    Advocacy

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo

    Lagos, June 27,2024 (NAN) Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN),  a former Vice-Chancellor of  Lagos State University, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association to collaborate with the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to advance  public interest advocacy.

    He said that judiciary systems, including NBA, were critical to social change.

    Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law, made the appeal at the 2024 Alao Aka-Bashorun Public Lecture organised by NBA, Ikeja Branch, on Thursday in Lagos.

    The  lecture had the theme: “Public Governance in Troubled Times: Safeguarding the Rule of Law in Nigeria”.

    The professor said that NBA could amplify its efforts through strategic collaboration with CSOs and the media, particularly by spearheading public interest  advocacy and litigation.

    “Currently, the NBA and its members are part of what I term the Rescue Nigeria Project.

    “The time has come to elevate our engagement from mere involvement to unwavering commitment.

    “Together, we can create a future where justice, integrity and accountability are not just ideals but realities. All hands must be on deck.

    “I must laud CSOs and  the media for their pivotal roles as catalysts for change because vigilant oversight is crucial in elevating public sector performance and steering Nigeria towards good governance,” Fagbohun said.

    He added that judiciary must live up to its potential to sanction actions driven by narrow political and economic self-interest, thereby ensuring realisation of the promise of equal justice under the law.

    “It is common for members of the political class to flip-flop either along party lines or to sustain dominance, privileges and advantages.

    “It is for the court to remain steadfast in checking system abusers.

    “Our courts cannot continue to be held back from effective service delivery by poor pay,  facilities and infrastructure,” Fagbohun said.

    He noted that there were efforts to improve judicial remuneration through the Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria.

    “This must be accompanied by effective strategies to hold judicial officers accountable. Only then will the rule of law become meaningful.

    “Aka-Bashorun’s impact and leadership were not just about holding a position; they were about inspiring a movement and uniting a community towards a common goal.

    “He demonstrated that true leadership requires not only vision but also the courage to act decisively in the face of injustice,” Fagbohun said.

    He said that there was every reason for the NBA to be concerned about safeguarding the rule of law amidst crisis confronting public governance.

    “It is through public governance that governments seek to enhance the social welfare of their citizens,” Faghoun said.

    Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court said that discipline was important in the legal profession.

    “The ones coming behind us should see  values and morals in the judicial system.”

    Soladoye said that the essence of the lecture was to encourage players in the judicial sector to  do the right thing at  all  times.

    “I appeal to us to move this profession forward,” she said.

    In his remarks, Mr Segun Alao Aka-Bashorun thanked NBA for  celebrating his father’s legacy for the past 40 years.

    Aka-Bashorun said that he would  want lawyers and judicial officers and workers   to advocate local government autonomy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/IGO 

    ==========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola