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PDP Condemns APC’s Attack On Gov Makinde•••Says APC’s Lifespan Ends Feb. 2027

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  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) attack on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for speaking out for the Nigerian masses, who have been subjected to untold hardship by this administration. Describing the attack as reckless, insensitive and reprehensible display of arrogance in failure, PDP, which pointed out that the life span of APC ends in February 2027, added that the ruling party is a party of “political vampires, ” who thrive and relish in “sucking the blood” of citizens and foisting excruciating pain and hardship on Nigerians. PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, further described the APC as a haven of power-grabbers, treasury looters and manipulators who are only out to “grab, snatch and run” with our national patrimony at the expense of millions of our citizens. The PDP said that the attack on Governor Makinde also confirms that the APC is jittery that its days are numbered as Nigerians have seen through its lies, subterfuge, falsehood, suppressive policies and crass incompetence in governance. “Governor Makinde remains a credible and effective leader with astonishing record of performance not only in prioritizing the needs of the people of Oyo State as evident in the numerous development projects in the State but also working with other governors elected on the platform of the PDP in the quest for development, sustenance of democracy and resistance to APC’s scheme to turn Nigeria into a One-Party State. “It is indeed an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians that in the midst of worsening insecurity, biting economic hardship, widespread hunger and starvation, comatose infrastructure, crippled productive sector, weakened currency, closure of millions of businesses with over 36% unemployment rate, hopelessness and general despondency all occasioned by the irresponsible anti-people policies of the APC administration, the APC is living in alternate reality, arrogantly claiming that Nigeria is ‘on the cusp of prosperity.’ “Our Party finds it preposterous that the APC thinks that it can continue to hoodwink citizens with lies and harvest of false performance claims when it has failed on all fronts, reversed all the gains made in the 16 years of the PDP in governance and turned our once economically thriving nation into the poverty capital of the world, where over 100 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life. “Today, under the APC voodoo economy, the Naira which exchanged for N168 to the Dollar under the PDP now exchanges for almost N2,000 per Dollar, petrol which sold for N87 per liter now sells for over N1,500 in various parts of the country; a bag of rice which sold for N8,000 now sells for over N100,000, a measure of beans which sold for N250 now sells for N3,800 while a measure of garri which sold for N100 now sells for N1,500. “More distressing is that while Nigerians are experiencing harrowing hardship, corrupt APC leaders are busy looting the nation’s treasury to fund their luxury appetite and consumption. “It is therefore not surprising that as the day progresses toward 2027, the APC is resorting to manipulation of data, politicization of issues and personal attacks on outspoken Nigerians as being witnessed in its outburst against Governor Makinde,” the party said. The PDP added that “such attacks by the APC cannot fly as Governor Makinde and indeed other PDP governors are massively delivering on their mandates as being witnessed in the astounding infrastructural, human capital and citizen empowerment projects going on in PDP States to the admiration of Nigerians. Indeed PDP States continue to be Oasis of Development compared to APC controlled States.” The PDP cautioned the APC to end its shenanigans, accept failure and come to terms with the fact that “its lifespan in the face of abysmal failure in governance cannot last beyond February 2027 when the PDP and Nigerians will send it to political oblivion where the APC contraption truly belongs.” •INDEPENDENTNG.

Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Minors Arraigned Over Protest

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  President Bola Tinubu has directed that all the minors arrested and facing prosecution in court over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest should immediately be released without prejudice to the law. President Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to see the welfare of the minors. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, in Abuja. The Minister said that the President said that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest, detention and prosecution of the minors be investigated and anyone found culpable, would face appropriate disciplinary action.  

Army Arrest 24 Suspected Oil Thieves, Recover 700,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude

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  Operatives of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army working closely with other security agencies have arrested 24 suspected oil thieves, recovering 700,000 liters of stolen crude in the Niger Delta Region. The army in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma on Sunday disclosed that the feats were achieved following successful operations conducted from October 28 to November 3, 2024, several. According to Danjuma, the operations led to the deactivation of 29 illegal refining sites and destruction of 14 boats used for stealing crude. The Army highlighted that in Rivers State, it’s troops intercepted one massive wooden boat ladened with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude around Kula general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), as six suspects connected to the crime were also arrested. Around Kula general area, one massive wooden boat with over 50,000 litres of crude was intercepted in addition to the deactivation of three illegal refining sites with several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen AGO. Danjuma further noted that the troops around Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku – Toru LGA, destroyed 10 illegal refining sites, confiscating over 400,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). At Rukpoku pipeline, following credible intelligence, the troops intercepted two spatially constructed tanker truck with the capacity to carry 15,000 litres each stealing products at the pipeline. The army also disclosed that it’s crackdown on criminals was also extended to the notorious Imo River stretch, Bille in Degema, Egbelom Forest and Obiafu Oil Field, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA with several arrests, deactivating illegal refining sites and effecting several seizures. In Bayelsa State, along Boma creek in Southern Ijaw, the troops deactivated two illegal refining sites, with a storage facility containing over 2,500 litres of stolen crude, as well as intercepted two wooden boats with over 2,500 litres of stolen products. The 6 Division Spokesperson further stated that in Southern Ijaw, at Obughene creek, one illegal refining site with a storage facility containing over 4,500 litres of stolen crude was handled accordingly, while in West Boma creek, one illegal refining site was destroyed with over 3,000 litres of stolen products recovered. In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry with Reg Nos AYB 704 FQ and KY 379 EB loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in 60 nylon bags and 25 nylon bags respectively, estimated to be over 3,000 litres, adding two persons were arrested in the vehicles. According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the troops along road Ikot Abasi – Abak, intercepted one Toyota Camry with Reg No KTS 277 LN loaded with 30 nylon bags of illegally refined AGO, adding that the driver was also arrested. In Delta State, several operations were conducted, where troops intercepted a tricycle at Beneku, conveying stolen iron pipes at a Community in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA. The pipes were suspected to be stolen from Oando non operational pipelines. One suspect, Stanley Asikewe who is notorious for illegally cutting iron pipes along side the tricycle operator, Jerry Okwuagu have been taken into custody. The troops acting on tip off discreetly swooped on on an illegal storage dump at Patani town, in Patani LGA. of Delt dump contained over 40 jerricans of 25 litres of stolen products. Likewise at Uro Community waterways in Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted one wooden boat conveying over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit. According to the army the occupants of the wooden boats fled on sighting troops. Around Opete Sand beach at Aladja general area in Udu LGA, troops discovered one makeshift shop by the River bank stocked with several jerricans of stolen AGO. All the people arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution, while products confiscated have been handled accordingly inline with subsisting operational mandate. Lt Col Danjuma relayed the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam’s commendation of the troops for their successes, urging them to continue to sustain the tempo in order to clear the region of criminal elements. Major General Abdussalam also called on critical stakeholders, particularly the community leaders to take ownership of the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the region..   •INDEPENDENTNG.

Stop Circulating 10-Year-Old Videos About Den Of Criminals In Oyo – Govt

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  It has come to the notice of Oyo State Government that some old videos about kidnappers’ dens in Ibadan are being re-circulated by mischief makers as if they are recent ones. These videos are not recent because the incidents they depict happened in 2014 and 2019. They should, therefore, be discountenanced. One of the videos shows kidnappers’ dens in Soka area of Ibadan, while the other is about an illegal rehabilitation centre in Olore, Ojoo, Ibadan. It is public knowledge that the Soka incident happened in March 2014 – more than ten years ago. The second one on a supposed rehabilitation centre in Ojoo, Ibadan, was uncovered in 2019 – more than five years ago. The intention of those circulating the old videos and passing them off as new is to create unnecessary panic in the state. The government urges the mischief makers to stop their antics while we also call on members of the public not to help them push their evil agenda of creating fear among the populace. The Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State remains resolute on its commitment to ensuring the security and safety of everyone in the state. Oyo State Government has invested heavily in security infrastructure and is determined to do even more to ensure round the clock safety of lives and properties in the state. The government, again, urges members of the public to disregard the videos, one of which is over ten-years old, the other more than five-years old. The people should go about their normal businesses without any form of fear.

NDLEA Confiscated Cocaine Worth N4 Billion At Lagos Airport

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  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over N4 billion worth of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos that operatives confiscated the consignments in 845 wraps on October 29. He added that the consignments, weighing 18.72 kilogrammes, were concealed in two lavatories of an Ethiopian-bound flight and that they were found during post-landing cleaning of the cabin. Mr Babafemi said the illicit consignments were wrapped in polythene bags and hidden in the waste collectors in the two rear lavatories of the aircraft when they were recovered. He said that operatives have interrogated at least 30 suspects in connection with the seizure. “Investigations revealed that the seized drugs were conveyed from Brazil to Ethiopia through ingestion and excreted in Addis Ababa by a set of couriers. “While some other traffickers picked them up and attempted to smuggle them into Nigeria through the Lagos Airport before their attempt was frustrated with the cooperation of the airline’s authorities and other airport stakeholders,” Mr Babafemi said. He further said the agency’s operatives also thwarted traffickers’ attempt to export 2.928kg cocaine, cannabis and tramadol 225mg concealed in body cream containers, including pieces of artwork, to Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The NDLEA spokesman said the syndicate had attempted to use some courier companies in Lagos to export the drug before officers blocked them. Mr Babafemi said other consignments, comprising 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen 225mg worth N525,000,000, were intercepted at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on October 29. He said the items were part of a targeted and watch-listed container from India, seized during a joint examination with men of the Customs Service and other security agencies.

Attorney General Considers Dropping Treason Charges Against ‘Hungry’ Minors.

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  The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has commenced moves to drop the charges brought against the 32 minors arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Hours after the arraignment, the AGF disclosed in a statement late Friday night his interest in taking over the matter from the Inspector General of Police. He noted that there were issues his office would like to review. “There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to make an informed decision,” the AGF said. “It is not within my power to vary the court order remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January. I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation tomorrow, Saturday, November 2, 2024. “I have further directed the DPPF to immediately initiate steps to request an earlier adjournment date,” he added. A source from the Federal Ministry of Justice confirmed to our correspondent that the IG had already submitted the case file to the AGF as requested, and actions were underway to swiftly drop the charges against the defendants. The source added that the court was set to reconvene early this week, rather than on the adjourned date of January 24, 2025. “The police have submitted the case file, and the parties are working together. The court will reconvene early this week,” the source said. Also, the defence counsel for all 119 defendants, Marshall Abubakar, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, confirmed that steps were being taken to drop the charges against the children this week, especially since the AGF had requested transfer of the case file. “The government has been calling; the AGF has called. I think, most likely, by next week (this week) we will get the charges thrown out,” Abubakar said. He also confirmed that the minors among the 119 remanded protesters were in the custody of the SARS IRT, adding that they were kept in a large hall as the purported Borstal system for juvenile detention was non-existent. “The children were taken to IRT SARS. There is a big hall there where they are kept because there is actually no Borstal Centre.” Another source knowledgeable about the case told our correspondent on Saturday that the AGF’s office was considering filing an affidavit of urgency and an application on Monday before the court. The source said, “This means if the application is granted, the case will come up on Tuesday. Hopefully, the case will be discontinued.” Meanwhile, human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has raised the alarm over the whereabouts of two children arrested by the police. Adeyanju said the minors were supposed to be arraigned alongside the 76 accused persons brought to court on Friday. He noted that the two children were on the list of those earlier taken to court by the police to obtain a remand warrant a few months ago. The activist called on the attorney general to use his good offices to discontinue the case. “It took a lot of effort for us to get the children to be brought to court on Friday. Two of them who were originally arrested were not even brought to court. We don’t know their whereabouts or what has happened to them. Their names were on the warrant obtained from the court, but they were never brought to court on Friday,” Adeyanju told Sunday PUNCH. He revealed that about seven other arrested protesters were also not arraigned on Friday because they were sick and had to be taken to the Federal High Court clinic. “Their names were withdrawn from the charge sheet due to their illness. They couldn’t stand trial. Their plea was not taken, meaning they will be arraigned again. “We asked the police to release them since the court had discharged them and struck out their names from the charge, but the police refused. They took them back to the IRT,” Adeyanju explained. Meanwhile, the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria and the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos have condemned recent statements from the IG regarding the children who fainted in court on Friday. In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, NCMN National Secretary Ahmad Ashir, said, “The IG’s assertion that the minors fainting in court was staged is utterly unacceptable. Video evidence clearly shows these minors collapsing, making this allegation not only baseless but deeply insensitive. “To suggest that these minors fainted intentionally disregards the trauma they may have experienced. It’s imperative to prioritise their health and ensure they receive adequate medical care and psychological support.” A representative of the #EndBadGovernance organisers, Hassan Soweto, called for the immediate release of the children, saying, “It’s profoundly insensitive for the police to make such claims about children who have endured starvation and torture for three months. This is an outright insult.”   Punch

Makinde Set To Enforce Traffic, Waste Management, Street Trading Laws After 18 Months Of Sensitization

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  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that the state government is ready to enforce existing laws around traffic, waste management and street trading as contained in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027, Section 6 tagged Rule of Law. The governor, who stated this in his newsletter released on Thursday, noted that after about 18 months of sensitisation, his administration will be taking action against anyone who is found to be running foul to these laws. He explained further that the Rule of Law Authority will be working with existing agencies to enforce the laws, urging the residents of the state for support and cooperation. “It is imperative to let our people know that we will be taking action against anyone who is found to be running foul to these laws, so that our actions are not viewed as something that is sudden. “The Rule of Law Authority will be working with existing agencies to enforce these laws. We ask for your usual support and cooperation as we take these steps that will further support sustainable development in our dear State,” Makinde stated. While saying that his government would be providing a sum of N500m as ‘enterprise support’ for youths trained in Nasarawa under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), he added that the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), which is partnering with his administration, would provide an additional N1 billion. “And now to the questions. I will answer questions from Temiloluwa, who asked for an update on youths trained in Nasarawa under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), and Samuel, who asked about our promise on intra-city rail as contained in our roadmap. “Regarding enterprise support for YEAP beneficiaries, I can confirm that we will be providing this next month. Our administration is providing N500 million for this purpose while First City Monument Bank (FCMB) which is partnering with our administration will provide an additional N1 billion,” he stated.  

Investigate Human Killing Claim on Fresh FM, ICIR Charges Police IG …. Says Isese Detests Human Killing, Engages Lawyer To Write Radio Station

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  The President of the International Council for Ifá Religion, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode has said that there is nothing like human sacrifice in Yoruba Traditional Religion. He said this in his response to a viral video circulating on the internet which was recorded at a popular Radio Station in Ibadan, called Fresh FM recently. In the video, only the owner of the Radio, Yinka Ayefele is seeing interviewing a man whose face was not shown and the interviewee said he had killed many people for Òrìṣà. In a Press Release on Thursday, the President of ICIR said the claim was fabricated with the aim of tarnishing the image of Yoruba Traditional Religion. “Our attention has been drawn to a viral video, allegedly made in the Yinka Ayefele studio of Fresh FM in Ibadan where a man whose face was not shown said he had killed many human beings for Òrìsà. “It has been said before and we will continue to reiterate the fact that Yoruba Traditional Religion which is called Isese abhors human Killing and true Isese worshippers are repulsed upon seeing human blood. “Those behind this campaign have used every means to tarnish what the Creator gave us to worship him, but we will continue to speak against it; using human parts or blood for money or whatever ritual is alien to our religion and we will continue to fight against it. “We are surprised that a respected Radio Station in Ibadan can be used to launch this campaign of calumny against us and our cherished Isese, but we are using this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command to immediately launch an investigation into the man’s claim to unearth the truth and arrest him and his sponsors.” He further said that the ICIR has instructed its lawyer to work with Yinka Ayefele in order to get the identity of the self-acclaimed ritual killer for the security agencies to do the needful. “We also advise Isese adherents to be calm and patient as we are sure that we will get to the bottom of the fabrication,” he urged. Signed: Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, President, International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Ile-Ife. Thursday, 31st October, 2024.

Tributes As Nollywood Mourns Passing Of Charles Olumo, “Agbako” At 101

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  Social media has been filled with tributes for the late veteran Nollywood actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo or “Agbako,” as fans and colleagues share memories of the iconic performer. On Thursday, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) announced the passing of Agbako in a statement on Instagram by its president, Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr. Latin. He wrote, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.” Actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed Agbako’s demise as he wrote: “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.” Actor Kunle Afod said, “Good night pa Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako), the oldest actor. 101 years, Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di Oju Ala.” Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, wrote, “Awwwwwwww may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba” Film Maker / Movie Distributor, Kazim Adeoti, wrote, “May his soul rest in peace. Orun ‘re o Baba.” Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omo Butty, wrote, “Rest well sir. No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want to see them go! Kudos boss Afod for all you do.” Agbako, born in 1923, was a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his powerful portrayals of characters like chiefs, warriors, and villains. Starting his career in stage plays, he seamlessly transitioned to film as the industry evolved, becoming a key figure in Nollywood’s early days. With memorable roles in classics such as Ogbori Elemosho and Atorunmo, Agbako’s performances captivated audiences for decades and earned him a place as a Yoruba film legend. Agbako clocked 101st this year. •PUNCH

JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Oluyede As Acting Chief Of Army Staff

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  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. This was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga explained that Oluyede would assume the role pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently abroad for medical treatment. The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.” Prior to this appointment, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with Lagbaja, as both are members of the 39th Regular Course, commissioned as officers in 1987, with Oluyede being promoted to Major General in September 2020. Oluyede’s extensive career includes numerous command roles, beginning as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later serving as a Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He has been a part of several notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade. Over his career, Oluyede has received multiple honours which include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, recognition for Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute, acknowledging his dedication and achievements in various fields of service. Punch  

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