Nothing stops you from paying N30,000 minimum wage to workers – APC challenges Makinde

The Oyo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that nothing stops the state Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde from paying the N30,000 minimum wage to workers in the state.

APC made this declaration via a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, in Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.

The party maintained that if Ekiti, Lagos and Kaduna and other APC ruling states can pay the new minimum wage, there is no sin if the state Governor borrows a leave from them and emulate them.

Olatunde added that Oyo state whose appellation is “Pace Setter State” should be at the forefront of implementing the new minimum wage.

He said, “APC Oyo State chapter felicitates with the good people of the pacesetter state for witnessing the symbolic year 2020. The Party salute the wonderful people of Oyo State for their courage, resilience and steadfastness in the outgoing year.

“APC Oyo State urged the people to take more than passing interest in the governance of the State via the formulation and implementation of policy frameworks that affect their daily lives. APC Oyo State would like to remind Oyo State Governor, H. E, Engr Seyi Makinde to walk his talk by fulfilling his Campaign promise that Oyo State workers deserve more than the National minimum wage of #30,000.

“We believe that if Ekiti, Kaduna, Lagos and a host of other APC states had started payment of the new National minimum wage, nothing stops Oyo State Government from paying it, afterall we are the pacesetter state. Of similar importance is the rule of law, with which Democracy thrives. When actors obey the rule of law, that is when the beauty of Democracy is appreciated.

“It gladdens one to read that H.E, Engr Seyi Makinde being quoted to have said that he would not be ashamed to reverse himself where he had erred, hence our advice to the Governor to consider towing the line of nobility and statesmen by allowing the sacked, elected Local Government Chairmen and Councillors to exercise their mandate.

“Allowing the Elected officials to exercise their mandate does not diminish your power as the Chief Executive of Oyo State but would rather cast you to the league of celebrated global brand like Nelson Mandela, Pandit Nehru and Kwame Nkrumah of blessed memory, whose legacies immortalized them.

“Furthermore, we challenge the Government of Engr Seyi Makinde to pay more attention to Refuse that is fast returning to our streets as this could result in Epidemic. Moreover, we want to remind H.E,Engr Seyi Makinde to fulfil his electoral promise of employment generation for the multitude of our jobless graduates because they are the first security risk factor.

“Also,we want to remind H.E, Engr Seyi Makinde that the good people of Oyo State were promised six(6) months to have 100%, takeover of LAUTECH during your Gubernatorial Campaign. Finally, as we enter the year 2020, we would advise H.E, Engr Seyi Makinde to face Governance squarely because the clocks are ticking away and the day of reckoning is near.

“Oyo State people does not deserve less than optimal performance in Governance in the year 2020. On behalf of the Leader of the APC in Oyo State, H.E,Sen Abiola Ajimobi, the state Chairman of the Party, Chief Akin Oke, the State Executives and infact all APC members in Oyo State, we wish the good people of Oyo State the very best in the new year 2020. We pray that it’s going to be a year of opportunities and celebrations for all of us, Aaamin”

I was paid N210,000 to use LASU undergraduate for money rituals – Pastor

The self-acclaimed pastor of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Solution Chapel, Ikoyi-Ile, Osun State, Segun Philips, said he was paid N210,000 to use the final year student of the Lagos State University, Favour Daley-Oladele for money rituals.

His action was after Favour’s boyfriend, Owolabi Adeeko, had smashed her head with a pestle.

The pastor confessed that he was the one, who slaughtered and removed the breasts, heart and other vital organs from Favour’s body.

Philips disclosed this in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Metro at the police headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday.

He stated that the organs were used to prepare a concoction for Owolabi and his mother.

He, however, said the concoction was prepared with human parts without the knowledge of Owolabi’s mother.

When asked if he slaughtered the victim, Philips said, “It is true; I slaughtered Favour with a knife. I was the one, who removed her heart, breasts and other vital organs, so that we could use them for rituals.

“I was called by God, but I think I have lost the calling because of what I did.”

The 23-year-old Owolabi reportedly connived with the 42-year-old self-acclaimed pastor to kill Favour.

Owolabi, who was arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command in Ikoyi-Ile, Osun State, was said to have confessed to the police that he sought Philips’ help for money rituals.

Joint team of Customs and Army officers allegedly break into shops in Yaba to allegedly confiscate okirika

A joint team of Customs and Army officers have been accused of allegedly breaking into shops at Popo Street in Yaba, Lagos to allegedly confiscate second-hand clothings popularly known as Okirika.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Sunday December 29 while most owners of the shops are away for the Christmas holiday. 

Facebook user, Onyekachi Titus who shared the story wrote; 

See wot is happing in my street right now at yaba Lagos popo street custom and army come to our street were dey are selling okirika dey break all d shop and parking store and parks d hole bell of okirika and move dem away.

China jails scientist who gene-edited babies

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced the doctor who claimed to be behind the world’s first gene-edited babies to three years in prison for illegal medical practice, state media reported.

He Jiankui, who shocked the scientific community last year by announcing the birth of twins whose genes had allegedly been altered to confer immunity to HIV, was also fined 3 million yuan ($430,000), Xinhua news agency said.

He was sentenced by a court in Shenzhen for “illegally carrying out the human embryo gene-editing intended for reproduction”, Xinhua said.

The news agency said a third gene-edited baby was born as a result of He’s experiments, which had not previously been confirmed.

The scientist announced in November last year that the world’s first gene-edited babies — twin girls — had been born that same month after he altered their DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV by deleting a certain gene under a technique known as CRISPR.

The claim shocked scientists worldwide, raising questions about bioethics and putting a spotlight on China’s lax oversight of scientific research.

Amid the outcry, He was placed under police investigation, the government ordered a halt to his research work and he was fired by his Chinese university.

Gene-editing for reproductive purposes is illegal in most countries. China’s health ministry issued regulations in 2003 prohibiting gene-editing of human embryos, though the procedure is allowed for “non-reproductive purposes”.

Lawyer sues CBN over #50 card maintenance fee

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Olumide Babalola, has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to declare as anti-people the N50 quarterly card maintenance fee recently introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The lawyer, through the suit, is urging the court to nullify the December 20, 2019 circular issued by the CBN to all banks and non-bank commercial institutions for the enforcement of the card maintenance charge.

Babalola contended that the N50 card maintenance charge was in bad faith, against public interest and urged the court to declare it null and void.

He prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the CBN and others from charging the N50 card maintenance fee, saying it was “merely an avenue to generate income for commercial banks at the expense of the public.”

The lawyer said, “I know that the provision at Page 20, Clause 10.4 on the Card Maintenance Fee of the Guides is exploitative, unreasonable, done in bad faith and against public interest.

“I know and believe that the N50 quarterly card maintenance fee is against public interest because the cards are never maintained by the banks as they remain in the customer’s physical custody until they expire or get lost or damaged.

Kano to begin N30,000 minimum wage payment

The Kano State Government has concluded arrangements to begin the payment of N30,000 minimum wage.

At the end of a meeting held between the state government and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in Kano on Thursday, it was agreed that Kano State should commence the payment from this month (December).

The categories for the increment are as follows: Grade level O9, 14 %; GL-10, 11 %; GL-12, 10 %; GL-13, 9 %; GL-14, 8%; GL-15-17, 6 %.

The letter conveying the agreement reads,”Government has agreed to commence the payment of the new minimum wage effective from December, 2019, while arrears of April-November, 2019, will be settled on installments.”

“Having resolved on the above percentage increases, as well as the salary tables of the affected categories, attached herewith, three representatives each from the government and labour sides, as well as two witnesses from each.

“Herewith in a letter, signed by the Head of Service, the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Salary and Wages were all from the government side; while from the Labour side, were the state chairman, Joint Negotiation Committee, its secretary and the state treasurer.”

The witnesses, during the signing, were the permanent secretaries of Ministry of Planning and Budget and that of finance, supported by the state Chairman, NLC and the state chairman, Trade Union Congress.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law on April 18, 2019.

The Federal Government and organised labour agreed on 23.2 per cent increase for workers on salary levels 7; and 20 per cent for workers on level 8, while it agreed on 19 per cent increase for workers on grade level 9.

Following the agreement reached between Labour and the Federal Government at the National level, the negotiation shifted to the states.

BREAKING: Police, Army Prevent Armed Robbers From Escaping From Abuja Bank

Mpape in Abuja between a gang of armed robbers, the police and Nigerian Army after the hoodlums invaded a first generation bank.

The armed robbers were said to have stormed the bank, shooting sporadically into the air to scare people away.

They were said to have succeeded in gaining entry into the banking hall.

Shortly after gaining access, the police and army arrived the scene but the robbers had refused to come out of the bank.

It was gathered that one of the robbers, attempted to force his way out was shot but remained indoor with gunshot injury.

As at time of filling this story, the security agents were making efforts to break into the bank and end the siege.

Female patient caught on CCTV stealing UBTH Doctor's phone

A female patient was caught on CCTV stealing a doctor’s phone at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Prof. Darlington Obaseki who narrated the incident at the end of the year/curtail party organized by the management of the Hospital for its staff on Thursday December 26, said the patient was confronted after she returned to the medical facility to continue her treatment. 

He said; 

“The patient was admitted into the ward and that while she was there, she sneakily went to where the doctor kept his phone and stole it.

“No sooner than the patient left, the doctor came looking for his phone and he could not find it.

“When the doctor came to report that his phone has been stolen, I ordered that they should go to the CCTV and check who could have possibly gone there to steal his phone.

“Luckily, the CCTV revealed that a patient who was admitted into the ward was the one who went there to steal it.

“When she was confronted with the issue of the stolen phone, she admitted to the claim and the phone was retrieved from her."

3 Family Members Drown in Swimming Pool Accident in Spain

A pastor, Gabriel, his daughter, Comfort (nine), and son, Praise (16), have drowned in a pool at the Club La Costa World Complex, Spain.

Gabriel, who headed the the branch of a popular church in Charlton, South-East London, United Kingdom, was said to have gone to the complex with his family as tourists when tragedy struck on Christmas Eve.

The Daily Mail UK reported that the 52-year-old and his two children drowned because they could not swim.

The paper reported that Gabriel’s wife, Olubunmi (49), and their daughter, Favour (14), who were also on the trip, were not harmed.

According to reports, Favour had returned to their holiday apartment alone without Comfort, which alarmed their parents.

After querying her on her sister’s whereabouts, the family was said to have dashed to the pool and found Comfort in difficulties under the water.

The cleric and his son, Praise, were said to have jumped into the water in a failed bid to save her, which ended with both of them also drowning.

A resort worker, who dived into the water to recover the three bodies, said he also experienced difficulties reaching the surface and exiting the pool.

A witness, Josias Fletchman, narrated how Olubunmi stayed calm and prayed while he performed CPR on the three victims with some staff members of the resort.

He said, “The mum was praying for them to come back to life. .

“She was calm. She was touching their bodies. She continued praying even after the ambulance people arrived and had stopped trying to revive them.

“She exercised her faith to the limit. I was performing CPR on her husband, but I’m a believer and I prayed as well.

“She strengthened me in the way she reacted. It just wasn’t meant to be.”

But the resort chiefs said the Civil Guard, the police force leading the investigation into the triple tragedy, had given them permission to reopen the pool.

The pool was said to be one of several on the sprawling holiday complex, but was being little used because it was not heated like others.

Kano to Ban side by side male, female sitting in Keke Napep

With effect from January 2020, Kano State Government will ban commercial tricycles operators from conveying male and female passengers in same vehicle.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Garba, who confirmed the plan in Kano on Thursday, said the ban was to comply with the Sharia law.

He also said the measure would prevent the temptation to indulge in immorality.

Earlier, the Commander-General, Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheik Haruna Sani, said the action became necessary to address the disregard for Islamic laws by commercial drivers, especially tricycle operators in the name of transacting business.

According to Sani, the law stipulates six months suspension, a N5,000 fine or both for any defaulter. 

He added that the agency would collaborate with Kano Road Transport Agency and other agencies to ensure strict compliance.

Kano to Ban side by side sitting in commercial tricycles

With effect from January 2020, Kano State Government will ban commercial tricycles operators from conveying male and female passengers in same vehicle.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Garba, who confirmed the plan in Kano on Thursday, said the ban was to comply with the Sharia law.

He also said the measure would prevent the temptation to indulge in immorality.

Earlier, the Commander-General, Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheik Haruna Sani, said the action became necessary to address the disregard for Islamic laws by commercial drivers, especially tricycle operators in the name of transacting business.

According to Sani, the law stipulates six months suspension, a N5,000 fine or both for any defaulter. 

He added that the agency would collaborate with Kano Road Transport Agency and other agencies to ensure strict compliance.

Give birth to only children you can cater for - Emir of Kano, Sanusi tells Nigerians

Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has appealed to Nigerians across the country to give birth to only children they can cater for. 

The Kano Monarch who spoke at the opening of the 108th edition of Islamic Vocation Course (IVC) organized by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Zone B, stated that the Almajiri menace that has plagued the northern region of Nigeria is not a religious issue but a social issue that needs urgent attention.

Sanusi also implored male Muslim faithfuls to only marry the number of women they can take care of as there is need to educate every child especially the out-of-school children. 

He said; 

“If we continued this way, about 40 per cent extremely poor people will be in Nigeria. Poverty in the South West is 20 percent, in the North, it is 80 percent, Lagos is 8 per cent and Zamfara, it is 91 per cent.

“We have been talking about Almajiri for over 30 years. Why are people having families they cannot maintain? Why are people marrying wives that they cannot maintain? The condition is that you are able to provide for your family.

“Instead of having many children, why not have the ones you can cater for? These are the fundamental questions we should ask ourselves. Most of these children roaming about the streets will be adult in the next twenty years and they will be the ones recruited as political thugs by the politicians in the next twenty years, if we don’t take good care of them now. This is my own advice that we must look at. These are not religious issues, they are social issues that need to be addressed”.

Sagamu Bridge closed, new pains on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The Federal Road Safety Commission has announced the indefinite closure of Sagamu Interchange Bridge, in a move that will further worsen the perennial gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to a statement by Florence Okpe, FRSC Public Education Officer, on behalf of the Ogun State Sector Command, the closure was necessitated by the damages done by the two petroleum tankers that crashed underneath the bridge on Christmas Day, setting off an inferno.

After the crash, the FRSC invited Engineers of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to assess the integrity of the Bridge due to the intensity of the fire that damaged sections of the Bridge

“Based on their professional advice that the fire has destroyed the integrity of the Bridge and may not be safe for motorisation till reinforced , the FRSC Ogun State Command is notifying members of the public to avoid the use of the Bridge till it is reinforced.

“The FRSC Ogun State Sector Commander Clement Oladele has advised motorists to cooperate with the FRSC and sister security agencies that would enforce the temporary closure of the Bridge till it is repaired and reopen to motorists for use.

“Motorists approaching the Sagamu Interchange Bridge from the Eastern part of Nigeria via Ijebu Ode should detour right at the back of the FRSC Emergency Road Side Clinic at Sagamu to connect the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway leading to Ogere. They can then make a U – Turn before Ogere town and continue their journey to Lagos

“Vehicles coming from Abeokuta leading to the Eastern part of Nigeria via Ijebu Ode should avoid the Sagamu Interchange Bridge and turn right immediately after Nestle Company PLC to proceed to the Expressway leading to Lagos and they can then make a U – turn after Kara – Sagamu after the Julius Berger Yard, Sagamu to reconnect the Sagamu- Ijebu Ode – Ore – Benin Expressway

“The FRSC regrets the inconveniences this may cause motorists”, the statement added.

The FRSC has advised motorists to call the its Toll Free Number 122, in case of traffic emergencies.

Podiumfilms yet on another blockbuster movie: OunjeAle

OUNJE ALE is a movie that shares to the world the importance of preparing the future of the family.

Future of the family?

You need to find out in the movie #OunjeAle a Podiumfilms production©2019

Like, Share & follow

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Podium films: Introducing Alamu Eko (The Movie)

PODIUM films begins another blockbuster movie in Lagos, Nigeria, titled #AlamuEko.

Watch out for this all encompassing movie with different life lessons.

NLC chairman kidnapped in Cross River

The Cross River Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ben Ukpepi, at his residence in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Calabar.

Ugbo said the NLC chairman was abducted at 7.30pm on Tuesday by suspected kidnappers.

“The story of the kidnap of the NLC chairman is true. He was kidnapped in Akpabuyo in his house.

“We got the report this morning. The Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit are on top of the situation to rescue him,” she said.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN on the telephone that the NLC Chairman was making a phone call within his residence when his abductors took him away.

“His family have been calling his line, but it has been switched off since last night and his abductors have not called up till now,” the source said

Adebutu to renovate Lagos National Stadium

Businessman Kessington Adebutu has agreed to renovate the National Stadium in Lagos.

This was contained in a statement by media office of the Minister of Youth and Sports, which was made available to our correspondent.

Adebutu who runs betting company Premier Lotto popularly called Baba Ijebu made this known at the launch of the Adoption Campaign at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Monday.

His gesture came after sports minister, Sunday Dare, called on rich Nigerians and corporate organistions to support sports financially in the country and also adopt an athlete in preparation for the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo, Japan and other competitions.

Aliko Dangote had also earlier promised to renovate Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja after a meeting with Dare.

According to Dare, Nigeria needs a total of N14bn to prepare for the Olympics in 2020 but had just N2bn in the budget.

“This is why we want the corporate world to come in and support our quest to do well at the Olympics. Government can not do it alone,” Dare said.

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Customs reportedly seizes foreign rice from ‘Buhari’s storekeeper’

Operatives of the Border Drill Operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have reportedly seized 140 bags of foreign rice at a warehouse in Daura.

The warehouse allegedly belongs to Alhaji Habu Sarkin-Fulani.

Daily Nigerian reports that the owner is a confidant of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Customs operatives, acting on a tip-off, stormed Fegi quarters in Daura, the hometown of the president, and seized the rice.

The bags were allegedly given to the president through Sarkin-Fulani before ban on importation of foreign rice was imposed.

“Alhaji Sarkin-Fulani is a trusted ally of President Muhammadu Buhari. Alhaji Sarkin-Fulani will never touch what does not belong to him, even at the risk of rotting away.

“He keeps everything meant for the president in his warehouse at Fegi area of Daura. Even the president’s farm and cows, Alhaji Sarkin-Fulani is in charge.

“Whenever the president visits Daura, he gives the president account of what is in store for him, and he (Buhari) would direct how the gift items could be utilised or distributed,” a source in Daura told the newspaper.

Nigeria Customs have been raiding warehouses and markets since Nigeria banned importation of foreign rice last year.

On Sunday, Minister of Agriculture, Sabo Nanono, stated that the federal government’s closure of Nigeria’s borders has boosted sale and consumption of local rice and other locally-produced commodities.

“l am pleased to note that the consumption of local rice has now gone beyond our imagination”, he said.

“In the Southern part of this country, people do not eat foreign rice anymore. In Ebonyi and Bayelsa States, you can hardly see somebody selling foreign rice.

“Even before the closure of border, when the government changed policy from continuous importation of rice to restriction, the Nigerian farmers have showed that they can produce rice to feed this nation.

“In fact, you can perceive the local rice’s good aroma in the mill, as opposed to the one being imported into the country which does not even add value to our health and which is not even nutritious. So, why should we even bother ourselves about this?

“We have reached a level where in the next two years we will start exporting rice, based on what I saw when I visited the cluster of rice millers at Kura in Kano State, which is about a one-kilometre stretch,” Nanono added

Full List Of Champions League Last 16 Draw

Here is the full list of the Champions League last 16 draw made on Monday:

Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)

Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG)

Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG)

Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Lyon (FRA) v Juventus (ITA)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER)

Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP)

— First legs to be played on February 18/19/25/26

— Second legs scheduled for March 10/11/17/18

AFP

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Border Closure: We are not breaching the free trade agreement – FG

Sabo Nanono. the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development says the Federal Government’s closure of the Nigerian border does not in any way breach the free trade agreement in the West African sub-region.  

The minister who spoke on Sunday, December 15th in Abuja said that the measure was meant to protect the country and its citizens from the nefarious activities which take place at the borders.

“Free trade does not mean Nigeria has to be a dumping ground for everything imported by others. These products are not even from all these countries involved. So, why should they be feasting on us?

“Nigeria controls 60 to 70 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the West African sub-region. So, Nigeria’s economy still remains a buffer zone for the West African sub-region.  

“Besides, most of the people that come into this country and melt into the population from the West African su-region come in because this country is accommodating them. This happens to the extent that some of these people, when they migrate into this country, you do not even know that they are immigrants.  

“Take for example, people from Niger Republic when they come into Kano State, what will differentiate them from the people from Kano, or those from Benin Republic who come into Oyo State or Osun. They look like us.  

“This situation creates a problem, and the border closure is a measure that has gone a long way in solving the problem,’’ Nanono said.

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Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh crowned Miss World 2019

Jamaican psychology student Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World 2019 Saturday at a ceremony in London, with Miss France and Miss India as runners-up in the beauty pageant.

“To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and all the girls around the world, please believe in yourself,” Singh, 23, tweeted.

“Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine, but yours. You have a purpose,” she wrote.

Singh was crowned by last year’s winner, Mexican Vanessa Ponce de Leon.

Singh is the fourth Jamaican to win the title. France’s Ophely Mezino and India’s Suman Rao were the runners-up in this year’s edition.

(AFP)

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Legendary Indian actress Siddharth Gita has died

Legendary Indian actress, Gita Siddharth Kak, known for her remarkable roles in films like Garam Hawa; Parichay; Disco Dancer; and Trishul among others, has died in India’s largest city, Mumbai.   

According to India Today, the actress breathed her last in the evening of December 14th. She is best known for her role in M.S. Sathyu’s 1973 classic Garam Hawa. Sathyu’s effort won a National Award as Best Feature Film on National Integration.  

She received a souvenir at the ceremony for her role of Amina in the film. Gita made her debut in Gulzar’s 1972 film, Parichay, starring Jeetendra and Jaya Bhaduri. She was a familiar face on the Bollywood screen of the seventies and eighties, featuring in films such as Sholay, Trishul, Disco Dancer, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Noorie, Desh Premee, Dance Dance, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, Shaukeen, Arth, Mandi, Ek Chadar Maili Si, Gaman and Doosra Aadmi.  

She was married to television host-producer and documentary filmmaker Siddharth Kak, who is known for his popular TV culture magazine, Surabhi, which aired on Doordarshan from 1990 to 2001.

CAN demands Tanko’s removal as Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad's call for the amendment of the constitution to accomodate more aspects of the Shari’a law.

Recall LIB reported that Tanko urged academics to champion the cause of redesigning the methods of teaching Shari’a law, while pointing out that implementation of his suggestions would be more feasible if universities give the Shari’a law its own faculty.

Reacting to the comment credited to the CJN, CAN raised an alarm of a plan to islamize Nigeria and backed its claim by pointing out that the President's recent appointment was in favour of a certain religion. 

The Christian group also called for the removal of Tanko and the Chief Justice of Nigeria over the comment it described as reprehensible, reckless and insensitive. According to the CAN, the CJN is religiously compromised and no longer trustworthy in the dispensation of justice. 

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JUST IN: Mimiko’s mother dies at 88

Mrs Muyinat Mimiko, the mother of the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has passed away.

It was gathered that she died after a brief illness at her residence in Ondo, at the age of 88.

An aide of the former governor, Mr Paul Akinduro, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Saturday, said the octogenarian gave up the ghost on Friday night.

He said, “Mama Muinat Mosekola Mimiko fondly called ‘Iye Ruka’ has gone to rest. We will miss her dearly.” Details soon

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Nigerian Man Hacked US Govt Site, Gave Family, Friends Permanent Citizenship

The US had been cracking down on cyber scammers recently, over 80 Nigerians had been arrested in the USA for internet fraud and other online crimes during the fourth quarter of 2019.

After the arrests, more charges were pressed on some of the suspects and one of them is not just a scammer. Abaeze Atuche is a hacker and he had done something that no hacker had ever attempted to do before.

Atuche hacked the US government and gave all members of his family and 15 of his friends’ permanent American citizenship. As we speak the American government is in a process of deporting all 33 people who got their citizenship as a result of Atuche’s hack.

No details as to how he pulled it off yet but insiders say his skills are unbelievable. “The US government online network is impregnable but this guy proved it otherwise. If he was not arrested I don’t think there was ever going to be an investigation on how his family members got their citizenship”.

Abaeze Atuche is only 29 and the hacking started five years ago when he was only 24-years-old. He entered the US using a fake American passport in 2013 and never left. By 2016 his big family and 15 of his Nigerian friends were permanent US citizens.

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Just in: "I no longer have pillow talk with my husband"- Aisha Buhari

First Lady Aisha Buhari says she hardly engages in intimate bedroom conversations with her husband these days because they are both too busy trying to fix the nation and lives.

She added that this is why she can't stop “talking”. Aisha made the remarks on ‘Journalists Hangout’, a programme on Television Continental (TVC), which was monitored by TheCable.

Aisha recently called out the president’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, for meddling in the affairs of her family and supporting the cabal which she alleges has hijacked her husband’s presidency.

Asked if she gets to raise some of these issues with the president during “pillow talk”, Aisha said, “there is no pillow in the villa.” Pressed on whether she raises these issues “even in the other room”, an allusion to her husband’s statement in 2016 that “she belongs in my kitchen and my living room and the other room”, she said “no”. Aisha told her hosts that her tight schedule has deprived them of such moments.

She added that if members of the cabinet carried out their responsibilities as expected, then she and her husband can rest, and she would not have to keep commenting on issues. “There is no pillow in the villa. No, because we are always busy listening to one story or another. I think the people he put in the cabinet, they should just sit up and do the needful. That is why it is not good to have godfatherism,” Aisha said. “We just have to choose the right people to be at the right places so that we can rest so that the first lady can stop talking,” she was quoted as saying.

Mrs. Buhari once threatened not to vote for her husband if he doesn't sort things out in the presidency. She never wastes an opportunity to criticize her husband, his staff and activities of the government he leads.

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Update: UK General Election Results

UK election: Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch re-elected

Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch has been re-elected as a Member of the UK parliament.

Badenoch, who contested the election on the platform of the Conservatives was appointed the Minister for Children and Families in July by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

She expressed her gratitude to her constituents, who voted for her and also promised to serve those who didn’t vote for her for the next five years.”

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Woman releases video purportedly showing police officers beating her friend in Lagos

A woman has accused Nigerian police officers of brutality. She said they dragged her phone from her then allegedly beat her friend.

@MariOwonifari shared a video of her friend allegedly being harassed by some men whose faces cannot be seen in the video. She said the men are police officers.

In the video, the officers are heard intimidating the woman but she informed them that she knows her rights. This seemed to anger the officers and they got violent.

@MariOwonifari said the incident happened on Sheraton Link Rd, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Sharing the video, she wrote: "It’s sad that@PoliceNG turns a blind eye to it’s officers who harass and rob it’s citizens of their rights, money, and time. At about 12am, my friend Taiwo was hit by an officer with badge ‘448204’. This same officer snatched my phone off me. This happened on Sheraton Link Rd."

Alleged Internet Fraud: Court Adjourns Naira Marley’s Trial To Feb 27

Justice I. Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, December 12, 2019 adjourned to February 27, 2020 further hearing in a case involving Afeez Fashola, a.k.a Naira Marley, who is being prosecuted for alleged conspiracy and credit card fraud.

At the resumed sitting today, the first prosecution witness, PW1, Dalhatu Buhari, who was cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, told the court that he did not need a password to access the defendant’s computer by the standards of his training and that cyber security training was available to anyone.

When asked if any expert in cyber security could access a computer and do what he likes on it in relation to the credit card details that were found on the defendant’s computer, the PW1 said : “ It is not possible for just any expert in cyber security to access a computer and do anything he likes on it".

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'There will be consequences for states that fail to implement the new minimum wage before the December 31st deadline' - NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress has said that there will be consequences for states that fail to implement the new minimum wage before the December 31st ultimatum issued to them.  

The union, through its Chairman, Ayuba Wabba, gave the ultimatum to states yet to implement the new wage scheme following a one-day meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, December 11th.

According to Premium Times, the labour union warned of dire consequences, including not guaranteeing industrial harmony in such states that fail to meet the December 31 deadline to resolve the issue.  

The meeting commended the federal government and the states that have already commenced the implementation and payment. Also, the meeting applauded the federal government directive to all ministries, departments and agencies to ensure they paid their minimum wage arrears latest by December 31, 2019.  

Other resolutions included that each state should immediately convoke an emergency state executive council meeting and state congress of all workers to brief them of the outcome of the meeting on the new national minimum wage implementation.

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No more visa for any African visiting Nigeria from 2020

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said the Federal Government has approved that all Africans could come to Nigeria without Visa from January 2020.

The Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Africa–Frontex Intelligence Community (AFIC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that European border and Coast guard Agency also known as Frontex is an agency of European Union (EU) tasked with border control of the European Schengen Area, in coordination with border and coast guard of Schengen area member states.

“The announcement would be made soon by the President of the Federation.

”But we cannot succeed without a tool like AFIC. This tool is key if we want to implement an effective free movement across our border.

“The tool is actually coming at the right time. AFIC would help African countries especially Nigeria that want to open its border for all Africans to enter at will. And now that tool is available, it would make the work easier for us,” he said.

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Electricity workers suspend strike

The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE has suspended its strike.

The strike was embarked upon to draw federal government’s attention to the plight of its members.

Report has it that following a meeting with officials of the Federal Government, the union agreed to discontinue the one-day old strike.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, National President of NUEE said the understanding came about following the outcome of the meeting where the workers’ grievances were addressed.

He explained, “We have concluded deliberations and all issues were addressed but we are awaiting implementation. Meanwhile, our strike action is suspended.”

The strike was embarked upon following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued by NUEE to the Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to implement their demands.

IPPIS: ASUU threatens strike, warns against salary stoppage

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Wednesday threatened to mobilise its members for a nationwide strike if the Federal Government stopped the salaries of lecturers for resisting enrolment on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

The union noted that its experts had designed a “unique prototype of the IPPIS for the university system named, University Transparency and Accountability Solution, which it urged the Federal Government to implement in universities instead of the IPPIS.

The ASUU National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, stated this in Abuja at a press conference on the outcome of the National Executive Council meeting of the union held at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, between December 7 and 8, 2019.

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Nigerian man slips into coma a day after his wedding, dies 6 days later

A motorcyle mechanic, Christian Ali, was laid to rest in his hometown Enugu Ezike, Enugu State today, Wednesday, November 11.

According to Facebook user, Ezema Chekwube, late Ali complained of severe headache after his traditional wedding on November 29. He went into coma the following day and died six days later.

"Today the remains of Christian Ali, a friend of all will be lay to mother earth. He is a motorcycle machanic, he did his traditional marriage on friday 29th November 2019. After his traditional marriage he complained of severe headache and was taken to hospital on 29th November. He went into coma on 30th November. Died on 6th December, 2019. Rest in peace till we meet to part no more." Chekwube wrote

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WAEC fees not in my free education policy, it’s your responsibility – Makinde tells parents

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday insisted that payment of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), examination fees is the sole responsibility of parents in the state.

Makinde made this declaration via a statement issued and signed by the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Daud Shangodoyin.

Saga Gist recalls that Makinde shortly after he was sworn-in promised to make education free in the state.

Makinde as part of his efforts to reduce the burden of education funding on parents in the state, abolished payment of fees in all schools across the state. 

But, Makinde in a statement on Tuesday, however, remarked that payment of WAEC fees is not part of his free education policy.

He posited that it was the responsibility of the parents to pay the WAEC fees for their children.

Ogundoyin who issued the statement on behalf of the Governor, explained that external examination is not covered in the State’s policy.

“The free education policy in Oyo State focuses on the provision of education free of all fees and levies, free learning and teaching materials, better environment for learning and improving the skills of Education Service providers.

“WAEC is an external examination. Internal examinations are free.

“It’s the responsibility of parents to pay for any external examination fees, while the government prepares the students for the exams, including provision of the materials needed.

“The free education policy under Chief Bola Ige in the 1980s did not include payment for WAEC examination fees.

“Our government will reward deserving and outstanding students in future,” he said.

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"On this day 14 yrs ago, my life almost ended at 16" Kechi Okwuchi remembers the tragic plane crash that took 108 lives

Kechi Okwuchi took to Twitter on the 14th anniversary of the plane crash that nearly killed her, to remember the victims of the Sosoliso plane crash.

The now 30-year-old America's Got Talent alumna, was one of the 110 people on board the ill-fated Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 on December 10, 2005. She was one of the sixty-one secondary school students from Loyola Jesuit College who were going home for the Christmas holiday.

The flight from Abuja crash-landed at Port Harcourt International Airport. It slammed into the ground and burst into flames. Immediately after the crash, seven survivors were recovered and taken to hospitals, but only two people survived. Kechi is one of the two survivors.

Remembering those who died on the 14th anniversary of their death, Kechi tweeted: "On this day 14 yrs ago, my life almost ended at 16. Today I am 30 yrs old & so grateful to God for allowing me to live for the precious souls that were lost on December 10 2005. I am also grateful to you all, for your support as I live my dream. RIP angels #NeverForgotten."

Seven more women have come out to accuse Cuba Gooding Jr of sexual misconduct, bringing the total number of his accusers to 22.

Before now, the Oscar-winning actor, 51, had already pleaded not guilty on three misdemeanor charges of forcible touching and third-degree sexual abuse and 12 more accusers came forward in November.

In this new fresh case, Gooding Jr has been accused of making unwanted contact with women, groping or kissing them in incidents in New York, California, and Utah dating back to 2003.

The new accusers were revealed in court papers filed Monday as prosecutors hoped a judge would allow 19 more women to testify.

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Enugu State police ban use of fireworks during the festive season

The Enugu State Police Command has reiterated its ban on use of fireworks this festive season.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said this in a statement on Tuesday, December 10th that the ban was due to the explosives’ security implications.

“Their usages are capable of diverting the attention of security agencies from knowing when things are going wrong in our environment.  

“It could also ignite an inferno when thrown either knowingly or unknowingly to inflammable materials in our environment and considering the dry season and its associated situations.’’

According to him, the command is advising the public, parents and caregivers to warn their children and wards against the use of fireworks.

The police spokesman noted that the command, in partnership with other sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders, had been directed by the commissioner of police to fish out violators.  

“Violators will be made to face the consequences in line with the relevant sections of the law.  “The command further advises members of the public to be security conscious and law abiding,’’ he added.

Driver falls from truck, crushed to death on Lagos-Abeokuta expressway

The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps has narrated how a driver was crushed to death in an accident involving two trucks around Conoil Bus-Stop, along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

Owode-Ijako Unit Commander of TRACE, Mrs Temitope Oseni, said in Ota, Ogun State, that the accident happened at about 3.00 p.m. on Monday.

Oseni said a tipper with registration AKD 411 XJ and a truck of the Nigerian Breweries, marked FST 115 XN, had slightly hit each other; a situation that was amicably resolved by other drivers around.

The unit commander said the tipper driver was, however, adamant, thereby, jumping on the truck of the Nigerian Breweries’ driver.

“Unfortunately, his legs slipped off the vehicle and as he fell under the tyre, he was crushed to death on the head,” she said.

The body of the driver, Oseni said, had been taken away by the relatives for immediate burial.

She, however, said normalcy had since been restored to the highway to ease the free flow of traffic.

She advised motorists to always exercise patience, especially in the face of conflicts.

“Two wrongs cannot make a right,” she said.

(NAN)

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Students attack teacher after getting high in Delta state

Recounting how the incident happened, an activist identified as Mr Ojei said; 

Hard drugs now being consumed by secondary school students in Delta State.

These kids now take all forms of hard drugs and get intoxicated to start fighting their teachers.

The man in photo with injury that was later stitched at the federal medical centre Asaba, Delta State, was attacked by one of his student and got injured. .

The state government needs to support/fund or facilitate public schools with funding to bring in Anti-Cult groups, Man o war, Police and Non Governmental Organizations. .

Each time the principal calls for help to curb or contain these children who have gone wild due to hard drugs, they will have to pay minimum of N15,000 else no support will come. 

The Governor of Delta State needs to know that in 5 to 10 years time, crime rate will increase and there will be no peace if the state government fails to follow my advise or solution.

Orji Uzor Kalu will receive full salaries, allowances in prison – Senate

The Nigerian senate has disclosed that its Chief Whip and convicted former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu will received his full salaries and allowances in prison until the Supreme Court backs the judgement issued by the Federal High Court days ago. 

Nigerian Senate's spokesperson, Godiya Akwashiki told Premium Times that though the Senator representing Abia North won't be performing any legislative function from prison, he is still a sitting senator. 

He said;

“He is still a senator. This is the first court. The matter is going to Supreme Court so, he still has the opportunity to appeal up to the Supreme Court level.

“Of course they will pay him. Because he is a sitting senator just like I said…if you file for appeal, you are still serving and so they will pay you.

“All his entitlements will be paid. There is no cause for alarm. In fact, even if Court of Appeal says they have upheld the judgement of the lower court, he still has the right to go to Supreme Court. So once the Supreme Court says, yes, the judgement is okay, then that’s the final."

This is coming after he told newsmen that Kalu's seat won't be declared vacant. 

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Endure Mile 2-Tincan Island closure, Lagos urges residents

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to endure the inconvenience that will be caused by the closure of the Mile 2 – TinCan Island Road area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, who noted that the closure would be for three days, said it would allow the Federal Government to carry out palliative work on the road without any hindrance.

Oladeinde added that the personnel of the ministry would supervise the palliative work to ensure that the closure did not exceed three days, noting that various law enforcement agencies would be on the ground to direct traffic.

He said, “As a government agency with the mandate to manage traffic and transportation in the state, findings by my ministry clearly indicated that frequent accidents by articulated vehicles and trucks in the area was occasioned by the deplorable condition of the road between Mile 2 and TinCan Island and there is an urgent need to allow the Federal Government to carry out the palliative work so as to ease traffic congestion and prevent further accident in that region.

“The ministry of transportation will not announce the closure of any road for construction if it is not for public interest, so I urge the residents to bear the pains and cooperate with the state government for the three days that the closure will last.”

Oladeinde further appealed to commuters, truck owners and other relevant stakeholders to take note of the traffic arrangement and comply accordingly.

Sowore: Fani-Kayode rubbishes DSS for denying invasion of courtroom before re-arresting activist

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, has rubbished the Department of State Services, DSS, for denying that its operatives invaded an Abuja Federal High Courtroom before re-arresting Omoyele Sowore, convener of RevolutionNow Movement.

Recall that last Friday, DSS operatives had reportedly chased out lawyers from the courtroom and attacked journalists after which they re-arrested Sowore. 

Following the invasion of the courtroom, the trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu adjourned the matter till February 11, 12 and 13, 2020 for definite hearing.

However, DSS denied invading their courtroom before effecting Sowore’s re-arrest.

The spokesperson of DSS, Peter Afunanya, had stayed that the activist’s supporters were only acting an “orchestrated drama” inside the court.

Afunanya had claimed that none of its officers was involved in the incidents recorded in the courtroom.

However, Fani-Kayode said only an “ignoramus” would believe DSS denial.

In a tweet, Fani-Kayode wrote: “Anyone that believes the DSS’s story about what happened in court during the re-arrest of @YeleSowore must be an ignoramus, a fool, a dullard or a village idiot or perhaps all 4 rolled into one.

“If you can believe their concocted and childish fairy tale then you can believe anything.”

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What I asked vs what I got: Man orders a jacket with a fur collar but see what he got

A man ordered the jacket (1st pix) with a fur collar but what he got is a far cry from what he ordered (2nd pix)

See what he got.

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FG to introduce new visa regime to boost economy

The Comptroller General (CGI) of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mr Muhammad Babandede says the Federal Government plans to introduce a new visa regime to boost the economy.

Babandede said this at the 2019 dinner and award night organised by the service in Abuja.

He added that the new visa regime will be unveiled by the Minister of Interior Mr Rauf Aregbesola before the end of 2019.

He said that the regime would put Nigeria in line with global practice adding that the system would be transparent and that security would not be compromised.

“The e-visa policy will encourage investors to Nigeria thereby generating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Nigeria and making Nigeria a most preferred destination through transparency in administration and facilitation of facilities by service.

“I assure you that it will be transparent and we will remove cash payment and ensure no security is compromised.

“It is a balance between facilitation, transparency and protection of national security,” he said.

Babandede assured that the service would deliver on its mandate by em-placing efficient border security and migration management to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture in 2020.

He commended the team who was recognised for developing a software for officers to take e- examinations.

“As you are aware, we are a regimented institution. We have done all we can in 2019 by dismissing officers for corruption , absenteeism, reduction of ranks of officers and investigating those who took money from applicants or ordinary Nigerians illegally.

” So having worked tirelessly, we should dedicate a day to commend those who have serve well and this would also serve as an example to others so they can follow the part.

Anthony Joshua Defeats Andy Ruiz

Following a tip-off received from concerned members of the public by the office of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on certain Correctional Centres in the State having Minors in their custody which is contrary to the provision of Section 207 of the Lagos StateChild Rights Law of 2015.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, directed an immediate investigation into the matter.

The result of the investigation confirmed a total number of ELEVEN MINORS in custody in various Correctional Centres in the State, contrary to the provisions of the law.

With this discovery, the Attorney General further directed that the Minors be released immediately from custody to the Department of Youth and Social Development for placement in appropriate facilities.

As a result of this directive, one of the Minors (16years old) was immediately released from the Correctional Centre, Ikoyi, sequel to section 211 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and section 71(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2015, the Attorney General on behalf of the other TEN MINORS, filed a NolleProsequidated 29th November 2019, seeking to discontinue cases filed against them toward ensuring their release from Correctional Centres to trained officials of the State who are equipped to handle Minors in conflict with the Law with the aim of eventual release to their Parents or Guardians.

The Attorney General has also cautioned against the continued incarceration of minors in Lagos State.

Orezi survives car crash on Third Mainalnd bridge, suffers 'broken jaw'

On Friday, December 6th, Nigerian singer, Orezi was involved in a car crash on the popular Third Mainland bridge in Lagos.

In a chat with LIB, the singer explained that he was rushing to meet up with a morning flight to Delta State for a performance so he took an Uber at about 5:30am in the morning and all of a sudden he woke up to a crash on Third Mainland bridge.

According to him, 'I was seated at the back when it happened and it seems i crash my jaw into the front seat so I lost consciousness and was just bleeding from everywhere. I still managed to make the flight after i got first aid but I'm fine now'.

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