Bizzare! As Teacher Forces ISI Student To Drink Urine

Ibadan International School, located inside the University of Ibadan, is in the news again. It is not about hijab matter this time around but rather shocking manner in which a teacher was said to have forced one of the students of the to drink his own urine. Recall that the school was involved in hijab crisis recently. That, however, has since been laid to rest with the dismissal of the case by the Oyo State High Court.

According to what we gathered, on Wednesday 26th June, 2019, a day after the court ruled on the hijab matter, Mrs J. Z. Abu, an Agricultural Science teacher, notable for wearing hijab, was alleged to have forced a student, Fayo Opeseitan of JSS 2C to drink his urine.

The boy was said to have asked permission of his teacher, Mrs. Abu during an Agric Science class, to go and urinate three times but the teacher declined. The boy was so pressed to urinate and had no choice than to urinate in a container in class. The Anchor Online gathered that when the teacher found out, she forced the boy in the presence of his classmates to drink his urine, which he did. The teacher then instructed him to go and rinse and discard the container.

Findings also revealed that the incident coincided with the day the teacher’s husband, a lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan was announced a Reader. “In these days that spiritual meanings are read to issues, one needs to ask why she did that on the day her husband was promoted”, one student posited.

This unfortunate incident has sent serious fear down the spines of the parents who children in the school, as they now in doubt of safety of their wards. As the school’s management continues struggling to restore the confidence parents had in the school.

In fact, the event is already pitching Muslim parents against their Christian counterparts. Meanings are being read to the incident as some are alleging that the action of the teacher, a Muslim, is a direct assault on a Christian student. The silence of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC) is also said to be giving Christian parents a wrong impression.  

Findings revealed that the Principal, Mrs. Phebean Funke Olowe, was bombarded with phone calls from parents who were informed by their children when they got home from school. It was learnt that the Principal called the teacher to verify the allegation leveled against her. It was a tearful Mrs. Abu that confirmed the allegation to be true.

Not a few parents have wondered why the Governing Board of the school, chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. E. B. Ekanola has been kind of footdragging in taken any necessary action. “This delay in justice portrays insecurity and an attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet”, an enraged parent said.  

Yet another source of worry to those who feel the matter might have actually gone under the carpet is the fact that Mrs. Abu is a member of the ISI Muslim Parent Forum (MPF), one of the bodies involved in the Hijab matter. A release signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairman of ISI MPF, on July 5, had accused the Principal of “high handedness and religious fanatism taken too far” for disallowing students from using Hijab on their school uniforms.

Efforts to reach the Principal for the school’s side of the story proved abortive as she neither answered her phone nor replied text messages sent to her as at the time of filing this report.

Credit: The Anchoronline

Just In: Protesters Flood Uyo As INEC REC's Manipulation Of Results Exposed By Witnesses At Tribunal

Protesters are taking to the streets in Uyo on Thursday after damning revelations laid to the public glare that Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commisdion chairman, Mike Igini manipulated election results to favour PDP in the last general election in Akwa Ibom.  It would be recalled that several witnesses have been testifying at Akwa Ibom Election tribunal.

On Wednesday several drama  played out as the first respondent, Chris Ekpenyong, presented more witnesses in the petition challenging his declaration as the winner of the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district.

Senator Goodswil Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are challenging Ekpenyong's declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of the February 23 national assembly election.

Ekpenyong was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election.

The first witness, Elizerbeth Gabriel Usen, a staff of INEC, led by Ekpenyong's lead counsel, Uche Njoku, said she was a supervisor at units 11 and 13 Afaha Ward 2 in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

She stated that APC armed thugs hijacked election materials on the day of votig but said she did not state it in her report, which she said led to the cancellation of the units' results.

Under examination by Njoku, she said that APC thugs swapped PVCs card which brought along with them to perpetuate election irregularities.

She narrated before the tribunal that APC thugs stormed the units, hijacked election materials and swapped PVCs for the card readers and thumb printed ballot papers to carry to carry out rigging.

When the petitioners' counsel, Sunday Ameh, asked under cross examination, whether she stated this in her report to her superior , she said she did not.

Asked if card readers record number of those accredited, she said she does not know because she does not work with ICT department of INEC.

When shown INEC document that authenticated voting in the units with 316 accredited voters in unit 11 and 239 in unit 13, and asked if there was sign of voting she said she does not know. Also, INEC's document tendered before the court in defence of the petition, which showed results of the alleged cancelled units, was showed to her, though Mrs Gabriel Usen admitted it to be from her employer but she said she did not know how it came about​.

When also shown result sheets from the units, she confessed that they were from INEC but did not know how they came about because there not election in the units.

She claimed there were no policemen at the polling units neither did she see any security officers who escorted the election materials to the units.

She said she did not report the invasion of the units by armed thugs to the police but to her superiors INEC following instructions. 

The second witness, Richard Benjamin, a PDP agent in unit 5, ward 10 in Ini Loca! Local​ Government Area, told the tribunal that armed thugs destroyed election materials in his unit and so there was no election.

In his deposition before the court, he did not mention it that armed thugs invaded the polling unit.

He said there were policemen in his unit when armed thugs came to the place but did not report the matter to the police, only to party officials.

He contradicted the first respondent who had said everything went well in the unit in his response to petitioners' petition.

The third witness for the day, Ekpe Okon Akpan, also a PDP agent from unit 3, ward 10 Ini Local Government Area, contradicted himself when he was shown INEC document which showed the column for accreditation was ticked for his unit.

He had earlier told INEC'S counsel, Ifeoluwa Ojediran that there was no accreditation, voting or election in his unit.

The tribunal was adjourned till today, Thursday.

Adult Toy Shop Assault: Senator Ishaku Abbo Tenders Apology

Having gotten more than he bagained for as a result of his uncut behaviour at an adult toy shop in Abuja recently, the senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial district, Senator Ishaku Abbo, has apologised.

Senator Ishaku Abbo has been trending in the news for some days now over a viral video on the internet, where he was caught physically assaultibg a lady at an Abuja adult toy shop, hence his apologies to Nigerians, his party, PDP and women generally.

In a press conference at the headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, the highly sobered senator asked for forgiveness from Nigerian and the people of his constituency, Adamawa North, and also promised to be of good conduct henceforth. Saying that he has learnt a great lesson from the whole issue.

"It is with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo (SIA) profoundly apologize to all Nigerians, the Senate,bthe People's Democratic Party (PDP), my family, friends as well as our mothera-the Nigerian women.

"I personally apologize to Vibrate and her family for my action towards her, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity.

"I have never been known or associated with such actions in the past. Regardless of what transpired prior to my expression of anger, I am sincerely sorry and plead that all men and women of good conscience should have the heart to forgive me. To err is human, to forgive is divine.

"To the Church of God everywhere in the world, I am sorry. As an Ambassador of Christ, much is expected of me. My family and religious upbringing do not give approval to such conduct and this, as a leader, I seek forgiveness before God and all those who feel offended by my action.

"Indeed, this episode has taught me a very great lesson both as a private citizen and a publy officer, particularly as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon whom public confidence is bestowed.

"Finally, I assure Nigerians, especially the people of AdamW North of my good conduct at all times," he said.

Akwa Ibom North West Tribunal: Contradictions as Ekpenyong Presents More Witnesses

Several dramas played out Wednesday as the first respondent, Chris Ekpenyong, presents more witnesses in the petition challenging his declaration as the winner of the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district.

Senator Goodswil Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are challenging Ekpenyong's declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as  winner of  the February 23 national assembly election.

Ekpenyong was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election.

The first witness, Elizerbeth Gabriel Usen, a staff of INEC, led by Ekpenyong's lead counsel, Uche Njoku, said she was a supervisor at units 11 and 13 Afaha Ward 2 in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

She stated that APC armed thugs hijacked election materials on the day of votig but  said she did not state it in her report, which she said led to the cancellation of the units' results.

Under examination by Njoku, she said that APC thugs swapped PVCs card which brought along with them to perpetuate election irregularities.

She narrated before the tribunal that APC thugs stormed the units, hijacked election materials and swapped PVCs for the card readers and thumb printed ballot papers to carry to carry out rigging.

When the petitioners' counsel, Sunday Ameh, asked under cross examination, whether she stated this in her report to her superior , she said she did not.

Asked if card readers record number of those accredited, she said she does not know because she does not work with ICT department of INEC.

When shown  INEC document that authenticated voting in the units with 316 accredited voters in unit 11 and 239 in unit 13, and asked if there was sign of voting she said she does not know. Also, INEC's document tendered before the court in defence of the petition, which showed results of the alleged cancelled units, was showed to her, though Mrs Gabriel Usen admitted it to be from her employer  but she said she did not know how it came about​.

When also shown result sheets from the units, she confessed that they were from INEC but did not know how they came about because there not election in the units.

She claimed there were no policemen at the polling units neither did she see any security officers who escorted the election materials to the units.

She said she did  not report the invasion of the units by armed thugs to the police but to her superiors INEC following instructions.

The second witness, Richard Benjamin, a PDP agent in unit 5, ward 10 in Ini Loca! Local​ Government Area, told the tribunal that armed thugs destroyed election  materials in his unit and so there was no election. 

In his deposition before the court, he did not mention it that armed thugs invaded the polling unit.

He said there were policemen in his unit when armed thugs came to the place but did not report the matter to the police, only to party officials. 

He contradicted the first respondent who had said everything went well in the unit in his response to petitioners' petition.

The third witness for the day, Ekpe Okon Akpan, also a PDP agent from unit 3, ward 10 Ini Local Government Area, contradicted himself when he was shown INEC document which showed the column for accreditation was ticked for his unit. 

He had earlier told INEC'S counsel, Ifeoluwa Ojediran that there was no accreditation, voting or election in his unit.

The tribunal adjourned till Thursday.

I'll Be Surprised if INEC Has Results of Cancelled Polling Units in Ekpenyong Ward- Witness

Amba Anso Amba, the second witness for Chris Ekpenyong, in the battle for Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district, Tuesday, told the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting at Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo,  that he wil be surprised to hear the polling units he testified to have been cancelled during his evidence, have result sheets as tendered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in court.

Amba, who said he is a staff of the electoral umpire,  and was involved in the distribution of election materials for the February 23 presidential and national assembly elections in Ekpenyong's ward, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state, had told the tribunal that there was no proper election in 15 polling units of the ward because election materials and INEC officials, including himself, were kidnapped while distributing the materials and made to thumb the ballot papers at gun point.

He had also told the court that the columns for accreditation were ticked because accreditation did not take place.

He was led in evidence by counsel to the first respondent in the petition (Ekpenyong), Uche Njoku.

But when counsel to the petitioners, Sunday Ameh, showed him the result sheets as provided to the petitioners by INEC, the witness said he would be surprised if INEC provided the true certified copies of the result from the polling units he said were cancelled because of irregularities.

"I will be surprised that results of the polling units I said ballot papers were thumb printed, were collated and announced at both ward and local government level."

When reminded that from INEC's document, tendered in court as exhibit, only one polling unit was cancelled, he  said "I will be surprised that only one unit was cancelled."

Amba earlier told the tribunal that based on his report of abduction, thumb printing of ballot and forced  declaration of the result, 15 polling units were cancelled.

When asked if the smart card readers after capturing a voters for accreditation, do not indicate the number of voters accredited, he said he did not know because he does not worth in ICT department.

When shown a copy of his report, that the receiver did not write date of receiving it, he said under re-examination by  Njoku, that it was an internal memo, which could be dated or otherwise when received.

He said he did not report the kidnap to the police because he was instructed by his superiors that every report should go to the office.

Valencia College Unveils Multi-Million Naira Hostel In Ibadan

One of the best private schools in the city of Ibadan, Valencia College recently unveiled its multi-million naira hostel facilities, in a big event which was witnessed by notable personalities in education sector in the country.

The school which has its name ‘Valencia’ from a Spanish words means ‘strength’ started about eight years ago with focus is to be a force to be reckoned with in Oyo State education sector and beyond.

While speaking at the event that took place within the compound of the newly built boarding facilities that situated around General Gas road, Akobo, Ibadan, the Chairman and founder of the school, Engr. Goodness Morakinyo said motives behind the hostel is not just to house the students, but to provide conducive environment for academic learning.

He also appreciated all the staffs and teacher who have shown commitment in imparting knowledge, doing their job with core competence and passion as “they are building tomorrow’s nation asset”.

The school proprietor however, thanked parents and guardians who have been cooperating with the school management towards the completion of the hostel facilities that can accommodate over 200 students with air conditioning facilities in each room.

The Valencia boss while commissioning the newly built hostel boasted to the parents that, “there’s no controversy that Valencia College now ranked among the best in the Oyo State of today and by God’s power, the school will continue to be the best and most desirable in Nigeria at large".

Morakinyo described the hostel as home-away-from-home, while further stressing that all the facilities of the hostel are of topnotch qualities, "there’s a special room for the teachers who are going to be living with the students in the hostel en-suite with conveniences and kitchenette, also spacious hall that will serve a purpose of prep and for merry and dining", he noted.

"We are aware of the evil people in the country and to that extend, we have to make a provision for very tight security and also requested for Mobile Policemen stationed within the school premises to be patrolling 24/7 for the safety of our students", he enthused.

Some parents who spoken with the media at the event gave goodte stimonies about the school, as a parent, Mrs. Funbi Akinmejuwa who has three of her children (Precious, Diamond and Iremide) said she never regretted withdrawing her wards into the school owning to a great improvement noticed within short times.

"My children have improved in so many ways than before and am seeing the impact of this school in their lives, academically, socially and morally", she noted.

Oyo Coalition: Makinde's Group Reacts To Lanlehin's Withdrawal News

Oyo coalition: Setting the records straight.

We received with shock, claims credited to the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Femi Lanlehin, that he has withdrawn his support for the coalition birthed by a number of political parties ahead of the March 9, 2019 election in Oyo State.

It is more shocking to read Senator Lanlehin's allegation that his decision was hinged on Governor Seyi Makinde's infidelity to the coalition agreement.

That allegation, to say the least, is a clear affront on the sincerity of Governor Makinde and his magnanimous disposition in handling all the discussions about the coalition.

Let us also state without equivocation that the claim by the Senator is untrue, unjustifiable and inconsistent with the reality of it all. 

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy and Political Matters, Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, on Tuesday, maintained that the governor could not be accused of non-compliance by any party, because he had lived up to his promise to all parties to the coalition and in some cases “even bending backwards to accommodate all interests.”

He said that the Governor has lived up to his promise not only to Senator Lanlehin but also to all members of the coalition, saying that the committee reached an agreement, which was signed by all the parties and tabled before the Governor.

He said that the agreement contained a template for the sharing of positions in government as well as membership of boards and parastatals, noting that procedures have been set in motion for the actualization of the template.

According to Oduyoye, the apex committee of the coalition parties had met over three times, with agreements reached and tabled at a meeting with the Governor, adding that the Governor even improved on the agreement to further accommodate interests in the ADC and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The statement further read: “There was no dissenting voice from all the representatives of the parties at the meeting with Governor Makinde. Everyone commended how he handled the matter. Senator Lanlehin only had issues with the other leaders of the ADC on Monday when they were discussing how to share the positions allotted to the ADC.

"He should not in any way attempt to drag the name of Governor Makinde to the frustrations he is encountering in his party. 

“If Senator Lanlehin withdraws from the coalition, he must have done so as an individual, because we are aware that the ADC as a party remains an integral part of the coalition as leaders of the party have repeatedly pledged their fidelity to the coalition. 

 "We believe that the coalition was not put together merely to further any personal aspiration other than the collective interests of the people of Oyo State." 

BREAKING: Lanlehin Withdraws From Coalition Over ‘Non-compliance’ By Makinde

Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Solan), Oyo State Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) hereby announces forthwith, his personal withdrawal from the coalition he has with Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State governor.

Recall that Senator Lanlehin, former Oyo State gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) joined forces with other opposition parties’ governorship candidates to back Makinde, and the gubernatorial victory was thereupon resounding.

Lanlehin, who hinged his decision to quit the coalition on what he termed Governor Makinde’s non compliance with the spirit and letters of the terms of the  gubernatorial pre-election agreement reached, however maintains that his party, the ADC is at liberty to remain in the coalition, and believes it should, in fact, remain.

Lanlehin, going forward, states that while he remains a committed member of the ADC, he would adopt a “siddon look” posture in the governance of Oyo State and allied matters.

2.9 Billion Money Laundering: Court Grants Fayose's Application To Travel Abroad

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose's application to secure his freedom to enable his travel abroad has been granted by the court.

Fayose, who was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwukekwu Aneke of a Lagos Federal High Court on Tuesday, is facing a 2.9b naira money laundering charges initiated against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court granted his application for permission to travel abroad for treatment as he said he was sick.

His international passport was therefore ordered to be released immediately by the court.

This development was as a result of re-assignment of the case to Justice Aneke after the prosecution expressed loss of confidence in Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who was previously handling it.

Gov. Seyi Makinde Constitutes Committee to Probe LGs, Higher Institutions Accounts

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde on Monday constituted a 7-man committee to look into the accounts of Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from January, 2018 to May 2019 and submit its report within 6 weeks.

The governor explained that the action became necessary due to scarcity of funds and to define means of fund activities for government and not in any way denote going after the past administration rather, it is to improve the standard of living of the people at the grass root.

Governor Makinde admonished the committee to carry out the task efficiently and ensure they get to the root of any form of mis-management.

In the same vein, the governor also constituted a 5-man visitation panel each to Eruwa, Oke-Ogun and Saki polytechnics to look in to the ongoing management crisis with a view to provide implemental solutions and submit their reports within 3 weeks.

He explained that the state government in its bid to ensure continuous peace and academic progress in the institutions decided to intervene in the matter which has been long overdue.

The 7-man committee to look into the accounts of Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is led by Justice Popoola (rtd). Other members of the committee include Dr. Remi Ayodele, Mr. Adeniyi Samuel Ayanwale, N.A Abiola (Esq), Mr Adewola Illiasu, ACP Sunday Oke and Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

While a 5-man visitation panel to The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki is chaired by Mr. Toyin Akanmu. With Mr Toyin Akanmu (a retired PS in the state civil service), Mr R. O Olawale (Representative of the Head of Service), Mrs E. E Akintunde (Representative of the ministry of Justice), Mr I. S Yusuf (Respresentative of the auditor general) and Mr A Oyewusi (Representative of the ministry of education) as members.

The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa visitation panel is headed by Mr. Wole Oladokun. Other members are: Mr Wole Oladokun ( retired PS in the state civil service), Mr J.T Adelowo (Representative of the head of service), Mrs. N. Shittu (Representative of the ministry of Justice), Mr A . W Mustapha (Representative of the auditor general) and Mr. A. A Adewusi(Representative of the ministry of education)

Akwa Ibom Tribunal Updates, As Witness Claims To Be Blind

The Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Engr Chris Ekpenyong on Monday opened his defence at the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo by calling a witness who accepted he was a fake agent during the elections.

Mr Kufre Augustine from Abia Okpo Ikot Nkap in Obot Akara Local Government Area, claimed to have been the Local Government Collation Agent for Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) but under cross examination by S. I. Ameh, SAN Counsel to Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Witness agreed that his party did not have a candidate in the election.

The Witness agreed that the acronyms of all the Political parties were usually stated on the result sheets but when Mr Ameh showed him the Obot Akara Local Government result which he claimed he was an Agent, his party was not listed.

Counsel to Senator Akpabio asked the Witness “were you agent to ZLP that had no candidate or were you Agent to the candidate of another political party?” he asked. The Witness answered that he was the Agent to ZLP which had no candidate in the election.

Also led in evidence by Mr Ameh, Witness accepted to have lied on oath when he agreed that he is a teaching staff of Akwa Ibom State College of Technology contrary to his deposition on oath that he is a businessman.

Earlier there was mild drama in the Tribunal when another Witness called by Engr Ekpenyong, Mr Sylvester Inyang of Ikot Ukana in Obot Akara Local Government Area suddenly claimed he had developed eye problems and could not read the documents presented to him which were admitted as exhibits in the Tribunal.

The document which is an INEC certified true copy of the election result in Obot Akara Local Government Area showed that the total number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters.

But when asked to read the figures from the exhibit document, the Witness claimed he could not see from the same document he had earlier answered questions from the PDP Lawyer. “My Lord I have eye problems, I cannot see again,” he said amidst laughter in the Tribunal.

It was the contention of Mr Ameh that since the INEC document tendered by the PDP showed that the number of votes in the Local Government Area of the PDP candidate, exceeded the number of accredited voters, the result ought to have been cancelled but the Witness claimed he could neither see the figures not what was written on the document.

The matter was adjourned to Tuesday for the Respondent to present more witnesses.

No Going Back On December 31 Deadline- TRCN Warns Unqualified Teachers

The Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professor Segun Ajiboye on Wednesday says the council is not backing down on the December 31, 2019 deadline to flush out unqualified teachers from Nigerian classrooms.

Ajiboye who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan stated that the National Council of Education has set the deadline for all teachers in Nigerian classrooms to get registered, qualified and licensed by the TRCN.

The Federal Ministry of Education had on June 7, 2019 sent a Circular to all Principals on the December 31, deadline for unqualified teachers to leave Nigerians classrooms.

According to Ajiboye, Nigeria needs quality teachers to deliver quality education and not those he called ‘cheaters’.

The TRCN boss hinted that the ultimate goal is to remove quackery from the teaching profession in order to ensure that only those with required competencies give Nigerian children quality education.

He urged those yet to be registered to take the opportunity of the qualifying tests and get registered by the council before the deadline.

“You need quality teachers to deliver quality education. The Teachers Registration council of Nigeria’s mandate is to determine those who are teachers in terms of their qualifications and registration with the agency. Globally teacher professionalism has become very imperative through appropriate regulatory standards as prescribed by the teaching regulatory authority in the country. There is still time to be registered. The window opportunity is still open. Yes we are not backing down on the December 31,2019 deadline given by the National Council on Education for all teachers in Nigeria to get qualified, registered and licensed by the TRCN. The FME is supporting TRCN in every way possible to achieve this target. ”

Re: "Nigeria On The Verge of Bankruptcy", Emir of Kano Meant Well for Nigeria- AGF

The office of the Accountant General of the Federation has reacted to what its described as a 'misrepresentation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi 11 at the 3rd National Treasury Workshop in Kano.

In a press statement made available to journalists, Henshaw Ogubike, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation said the report being circulated on some media platforms, where Emir Sanusi was quoted to have said that, Nigeria is on the verge bankruptcy doesn't represent what the highly respected Northern monarch meant.

The Nation and other Newspapers online reports on Tuesday, 25th June 2019, published this story on their online media, claiming that the Emir declared that Nigeria is on the threshold of bankruptcy, following unfavorable economic policies, such as subsidizing Petroleum products and Electricity tar riffs.

"The attention of the office of the Accountant General of the Federation has been drawn to a statement credited to the Emir of Kano, HRM MUHAMMADU SANUSI II, saying, " Nigeria on the verge of bankruptcy," 

‘’This is not TRUE, as the respected Emir was only advising Government to consider gradual withdrawal of subsidy on Petroleum products and Electricity tariffs to enable the Government  have resources for infrastructure, Education and Health care. The Royal father was quoted out of context. We therefore hasten to call on the general public to disregard these on-line misrepresentations of facts.’’

In addition, the Emir suggested the way forward to Government by advising the present administration to take a second look at the issue of subsidy, that Nigerians deserve and expect transparency and accountability in the management of the nation's Treasury.

The Emir further advised that Government should look at the components of petroleum products and do the needful," the statement reads.

IBHS Class of 94 To Honour Bode Amoo, Others at 25th Anniversary Reunion

The 1994 set of the Ibadan Boys’ High School Old Boys Association has fixed 28th and 29th June for its 25th anniversary reunion. As part of the activities lined up for the event, the National President of Ibadan Boys High School Old Boys Association, Chief Bode Amoo will be honoured with an award of excellence in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of the school.

In a chat with The Anchor Online, the set’s interim President, Taofik Olatunji disclosed that the plan to hold a reunion was hatched by the set’s executive committee with support from members scattered across the different continents of the world.

“We feel after 25 years of passing out from the school, we should at least be able to give something back to the school that helped shape our lives in one way or the other”, he said.

Olatunji also pointed out that “some of us are coming together for the first time since we left the school, so it provides ample opportunity for us to interact and I am sure new bonds will be formed. We will also look at how we can make things better and give back to the school from time to time”.

As part of the efforts to give back to Ibadan Boys’ High School, the Class of 94 has scheduled free medical check-up for students, teachers and the host community at the T.L Oyesina Memorial Hall by 10 am on Friday 28th June. A career talk, distribution of books to students and the unveiling of the set’s anniversary projects will follow.

Awards, fundraising and luncheon are events slated for 12 noon on Saturday, 29th June. Other distinguished old boys listed for honours include Ibadan based lawyer and businessman, Otunba Reuben Famuyibo, Professor Kunle Olowu, the Dean Post Graduate School, Afe Babalola University, Dr. Ademola Ojeleye, the Chairman, Governing Board, Ibadan Boys’ High School, legal icon, Malam Yusuf Ali, SAN, Alhaji Ganiyu Ahmed, the CEO of Solat Telecoms, Mr. Dolapo Adewunmi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Ogun State, Sunny Andre Ideh, aUK based motivational speaker as well as Late Mr. Simeon Omowon, who was the Principal that nurtured the Set of 94 from their first day in the school till they passed out in 1994. Also on the awardees list are Elder Seni Peters, Architect Akin Ogunbiyi and Rear Admiral Lateef Akintola.

Credit: theanchoronline

Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial Election: Akpabio Laments INEC's Grievous Manipulation

Senator Godswill Akpabio Tuesday lamented the monumental manipulations that characterised the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district election in the February 23 presidential and National Assembly Election, saying the election that produced Chris Ekpenyong of the People's Democratic Party as the winer of the election was highly skewed against him by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akpabio made the allegation when speaking as evidence in chief in a petition he filed at the National Assembly Election Petitions sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, challenging the declaration of Ekpenyong as winner of the election.

Akpabio said he contested against the PDP and INEC.

Led in evidence by his counsel, Sunday Ameh, Akpabio said: "If  this is (election) how INEC is going to conduct election in Nigeria, it is a pity."

He said in his testimony that INEC showed a great deal of bias against him by mutilating result from many units and wards in the senatorial district to make sure votes to him were either reduced or invalidated to make them insignificant in overrall result in the district.

Akpabio, who was visibly agitated in the witness box, told the court he felt so bad that the election which he got majority of votes cast was mutilated to favour his opponent.

Akpabio accused INEC of hooding election materials when he requested them to prepare his case.

"It was what INEC gave me that I relied on to prepare my case. Out of 169 units in the senatorial district, only in 166 polling units INEC gave us true certified copy of the result sheet."

When told by the first respondent (Ekpenyong's) counsel, U. U Njoku, that his claims to winning the election was based on invalidated votes, Akpabio said: "Majority of votes cast for me were lawful while those for my opponent were unlawful."

In response to Solomon Umoh's claims, counsel to the second respondent, the PDP,  that he (Akpabio) did not vote during the election,  because there was no election in his polling unit, Akpabio said it was a great desservice by INEC to say that  the result from his polling unit 9, Ward 11 in Ukana West 2 were not recorded in final result sheet for the local government.

Also, answering question from INEC's  counsel, Robert Emukpoeru, that he (Akpabio) did not apply for smart card reader and voters' register because they will not support his case, Akpabio said he knew that they were sensitive materials which were exclusive to INEC.

Earlier, the three-man tribunal had over ruled  the second respondent' counsel, Umoh , who objected to the admissibility of police report which confirmed that election was peaceful in the petitioner's polling unit as against INEC's claims that the result from the polling unit was cancelled due to violence.

But the tribunal in a ruling dismissed the objection raised by Umoh, that a witness cannot give evidence on an exhibit that he had not been listed in his deposition and affidavit on oath, insisting that it was not listed among the evidence in his deposition.

In a ruling, Chairman of the panel, Justice W. Akanbi, said the exhibits were conveniently covered by many paragraphs of the petitioner's statement on oath and reply to respondents' response to the petitioner's petition.

"We are of the view it is the duty of the petitioner to tender evidence in open court. The court cannot sit in the confines of its home to sort out exhibits to be identified.

"We hold the view that the exhibits are conveniently covered. They respondents cannot say they were taken by surprise.They were lifted from evidence in court. Objection over ruled," the court held.

Earlier, a  witness,  Anitie Ekong, who was subpoena by the tribunal said he would be surprised that there was no result in Unit 9, Ward 11 in Essien Udim Local Government Area, where Akpabio voted in the February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Ekong, told the court that to say Akpabio did not vote during the February 23 election will be "ridiculous."

He spoke under cross examination, after he was lead to present a video clip in the open court by Ameh which showed Akpabio and wife going through accreditation and voting during the election.

He said he was surprised that INEC is saying there was no election, and that Akpabio didn't go through accreditation and voting in his polling unit.

Re: "Amosun Surrender 1,000 AK-47 Rifles, 4Million Bullets Acquired Before 2019 Election"- Setting The Records Straight

-By Rotimi Durojaye

1. The above story by Premium Times, an online News portal, represented everything but the true and factual accounts regarding a routine exercise that took place at the Ogun State Governors Office, Abeokuta in the morning of Tuesday, 28 May, 2019 as part of Handing Over processes and formalities from the then out-going to the in-coming Administration. It is rather interesting and ironic that a  routine, bona fide and patriotic disposition of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, FCA has been so savagely twisted in a premeditated effort by Premium Times and its sponsors to stand logic on its head. It is important to clarify that NOT A SINGLE AK 47 RIFLE was handed  over at the event.  

2. Senator Ibikunle Amosun would have loved to ignore this report for the simple reason that it is a matter for the remit of the Police and Security agencies. But, that course of action will appear disrespectful to well-meaning Stakeholders and inquirers on the matter. Secondly, the good people of Ogun State and Nigerians at large deserve to know the exact circumstances of the Handing -Over of these security items.

3. It is important to stress that this was not the first time that Senator Amosun, whilst in office as Governor and former Chief Security of Ogun State would be handing over security assets to the Police. The particular exercise of 28 May, 2019 was done openly in the full glare of the public and the media to ensure accountability, guarantee transparency and judicious use of the assets.

4. In May 2011 when Senator Amosun assumed office, the biggest challenge that confronted Ogun State was insecurity. Political assassinations, unnatural and unexplained deaths were prevalent. In Ogun East for instance, which comprised of 9 of the 20 LGAs at the time, the entire business and financial institutions architecture had become comatose as no bank or such institutions could open for business in the entire Senatorial district. Cultism, Kidnapping for ransom, violent crime and tertiary institutions related criminality stank to high heavens. Ogun West was totally ravaged by cross border banditry, unbridled smuggling and economic sabotage. Ogun Central, though relatively calmer, had its fair share of the very low security index that our State had sunk at the time. No resident, in good conscience, could sleep at night with two eyes closed. In the World Bank Ease of Doing Business, 2010, Ogun State was ranked as Number 35 out of 36 as industries and corporations fled the State in droves. Senator Ibikunle Amosun took the firm view that nothing would thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity. He therefore decided, that early, to confront the myriad security challenges headlong and thereby open up Ogun State to private investment under a secured environment.

5. The SIA administration convened a security Parley amongst all stakeholders. The Parley gave rise to the Ogun State Security Trust Fund (STF) under the leadership of a former Nigerian National Security Adviser. The deliberations and recommendations of the STF and the far-reaching initiatives of Government have delivered consistent peace of mind, economic prosperity and social progress for all within the borders of Ogun State and even beyond since 2012. We note with immense pride that the same Ogun State, generally regarded as a back-water State in terms of security rallied round strongly to emerge as one of the most peaceful and the best place to work and live in Nigeria.

6. The SIA administration sought help from the then President Goodluck Jonathan led Federal Government. First, we sought and got approval to set up “OP MESA” for Ogun State. We followed this up with the specialized QRS unit. We committed substantial funds into procurement of hard and soft ware, and, myriad security assets to decisively combat our security challenges. We got all necessary approvals from the Office of the National Security Adviser to procure the 13 units of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), the 1000 units of AK 47 rifles, 2 Million rounds of ammunition,1000 units of Bullet proof vests and 500 bullet proof helmets and other security communication gadgets. Ogun State not only got approval to import these essential assets, the Federal administration under President Goodluck Jonathan, gave all requisite approvals to assist the State. The Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) issued the State the End User Certificate Serial Number 000001123 dated 5th of March, 2012. The Federal Ministry of Finance also granted Import Duty Exemption Certificate through a letter from the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy with  Reference Number BO/R.10260/S.4/T.4/22 dated 10th April, 2012. Indeed the supplier was an accredited agent of the Nigeria Police Force nominated for the job by the Force who also monitored and supervised the transaction. The security materials were cleared through the Murtala Muhammed Airport and confirmed through Nigeria Customs Memo NCS/MMAC/012/S.1. The materials were publicly handed over to the Inspector General of Police MD Abubakar on 22nd April, 2012 wherein he acknowledged that “I have served in all six geographical zones of this country. I have never seen the kind of equipment you are donating to security agents today. This is the first of such maximum donation I have ever seen since I have been serving as a police officer”.   

7. We would like to educate Premium Times that there are strict procedures for the purchase, handling, storage and documentation of security merchandise. We are satisfied that extant approvals, regulations and protocols were observed and complied with in this instance. Without going into the details and thereby breaching conventions, suffice to say categorically that the AK47 rifles were supplied directly to the Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command. The rest of the merchandise were  securely kept in the approved designated armoury within the Government House precincts under police surveillance as it obtains in most Government Lodges, to guarantee exclusive use of the materials in Ogun state. These are not matters for the public. Premium Times is advised to approach other States where such  conventions and protocols exit. The suggestion that the security assets were quickly handed over to the Police in order that the new administration will not know about it is laughable because the current Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR was the main supplier of some of the assets in question, notably, the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).

8. We say with pride that our substantial investment and commitment to security paid off. Ogun State won several international and local security awards. Companies returned to our shores in even higher numbers. Thankfully, under Senator Amosun’s watch, Ogun State did not record any unexplained death or political assassination throughout. Notably, Ogun State holds the record as one of the most peaceful States during the 2019 general elections and is now the investors destination of choice and industrial capital of Nigeria. 

9. As a Governor who understood and took the responsibilities of his office seriously, Senator Amosun was mindful to account for and properly hand over the remainder of the security items to the Police and the new Administration. On 28 May, 2019, the last of the APCs, and all other security assets under the custody of Ogun State Government were passed over to the Police in full glare of the media and general public. We believed that was the surest way to prevent these assets getting into the wrong hands.

10. We assure our well wishers, Stakeholders and residents of Ogun State that we did what was best in their interest as the Chief Security Officer of the State. All contrary insinuations, twisting of facts and deliberate misinformation should be discarded. We encourage Premium Times and all genuine inquirers to approach the Police , Regulatory and Enforcement agencies for any other details they may want.

11. It is interesting to note that a public outing held on 28th May 2019 is generating so much interest three weeks after the event.

-Rotimi Durojaiye

Media Aide to Senator Ibikunle Amosun

Mike Igini, RO Begged Me to Accept Manipulated Result for Obot Akara LGA - Witness Tells Tribunal

The National Assembly Election Petitions, sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, was Monday told how an Electoral Officer for Obot Akara Local Government Area, Prof. Abag Elkana and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), for the state, Mike Igini, influenced the declaration of the candidate of the People's Democratic Party,  Chris Ekpenyong as the winner of the February 23 Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District to the disadvantage of the All Progressives Congress' candidate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

A former Governor of the state, Akpabio is challenging the declaration of Ekpenyong by INEC as the winner of the declaration of Ekpenyong at the tribunal.

Tiebat Joshua, the petitioner's witness who said he is a farmer and politician, told the tribunal that immediately after the election of the senatorial district of February 23, as agent of the Akpabio in Obot Akara Local Government Area, Prof Elkana invited him to the Independent National Electoral Commission's office in Uyo to meet with Igini, where they begged him to accept the result from the local government.

Responding to how he knew the result was manipulated under cross examination by U. U. Njoku, counsel to the first respondent, Ekpenyong, Joshua said: that he knew through the Returning officer for the local government, Prof. Abang Elkana, who persuaded him to accept the result figure as declared in favour of the PDP candidate, Senator Ekpenyong,  after the election had earlier been cancelled by the Returning Officer due to over voting.

Joshua said:  " My Lords, after the cancellation of Obot-Akara election results due to over voting, I was taken to the office of the REC, Mike Igini, in Uyo by the Electoral Officer of Obot-Akara.

“When we got there, Igini begged me to support the cancellation of the election results from Obot-Akara Local Government to enable the PDP candidate to be declared winner and I said No. But they went ahead to revalidate the results in Igini’s office and Ekpenyong was declared winner in Uyo instead of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District office of INEC”.

He said the figure on the result sheet was changed from 19,632 to 20,117 in favour of the PDP, saying if the figures from the 11 wards in the local government were calculated, the overrall figure of 20,117 on the INEC result sheet  would be wrong.

Joshua said he had protested the result immediately after it was declared at the local government level because of the discrepancies in the result sheet.

He said  based on his protestation, he was invited to INEC where both Elkana, and Igini begged him to accept the result, which he rejected.

He expressed surprise of the several cancellations on the result sheet presented by INEC, adding it was only one cancellation on the result as the time he signed the sheet and he protested before appending his signature.

He accused Prof. Elkana of being a card carrying member of the PDP. "He is a full PDP member. When he contested for local government chairman onthe platform of the PDP I was his agent," he alleged.

Meanwhile, Joshua before his testimony, told the tribunal that he got a call from Ekpenyong two days before Monday, warning him not to come to the tribunal to give evidence in favour of the petitioner.

"Two days ago, I received a call from Ekpenyong who is a leader of PDP, he threatened to kill me if I come to give testify today," he told the court.

The Chairman of the three-man panel, Justice W.O Akanbi, ruled him out on the ground that his counsel knows what to do.

"When a witness is threatened, a counsel knows what to do," he said.

Also, testifying before the tribunal, Akpabio's agent for the senatorial district, Ibanga Ime Akpabio, said he was surprised that the election was declared in favour of the PDP and its candidate, Ekpenyong after obvious manipulation by the electoral umpire.

Gov. Makinde Presents C of O To NNPC For New Retail Outlet

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented the certificate of Occupancy(C of O) for the construction of a new retail outlet of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) within two days of application.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa informed that the conglomerate’s application for the new outlet was stalled by bureaucratic bottlenecks under the immediate past administration in the state led by Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

According to the statement, the NNPC team led by the Chief Operating Officer, (COO), Downstream, Engineer Adeyemi Adetunji had visited the Governor on Friday June 21, to request for an approval for the new outlet following the failure of a previous effort.

Governor Makinde immediately approved the request and assured the NNPC team that he would personally sign the C of O for the new outlet on Monday, June 24.

At a brief event in the Governor’s office on Monday, Governor Makinde handed over the C of O to Oyo State Sales Representative, Mrs. Toluwase Adesanya.

Governor Makinde said that his decision was in line with his desire to up the ante of ease of doing business, adding that his government would stick to the 60-day window for issuance of C of Os in the state.

According to the Governor, his decision to issue the certificate of Occupancy within two days was a practical demonstration of his government’s commitment towards expanding the economy of the state via the ease of doing business window.

The Governor stated that the NNPC had applied for a parcel of land to build a new retail outlet in Ibadan in order to boost the state’s economy and create more job opportunities for the teeming youths in the state.

Governor Makinde stated that his government would do everything necessary to boost the state’s economy by making the environment conducive for investors.

Stop Defending Illegality-PDP Tells Ajimobi Over LGs, Missing Cars

The Oyo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to stop playing to the gallery with his defence of elements in his government who took away cars and other items belonging to the state.

The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, said that it was shameful to see Ajimobi describe the monumental theft of government property by some persons as a "mundane issue."

"We read with serious consternation, comments credited to the former Governor of Oyo state, Senator Ajimobi, especially in respect of the dissolved local governments and the missing cars belonging to the state government.

"While we are very much aware that the state government is dealing with the twin issues with all the seriousness, we are, however, appalled by the statement credited to the former Governor, which amounts to a father attempting to pamper a thieving child. 

"We know that it is not in the character of statesmen to pander towards the axis of evil and pamper wrongdoing by whoever and that is why we are saddened at this attempt by Ajimobi to a man of give justification to allegation of theft.

"We believe that having served the two constitutionally guaranteed terms of office as Governor of Oyo state, Senator Ajimobi should remain grateful to the people of Oyo state.

There cannot be any ambiguity in the statement credited to the new Government on the issue of cars taken away by operatives of the last administration. 

Some officials of the government led by Ajimobi refused to return cars and other items belonging to the state after their tour of duty. That cannot be a matter to be celebrated or described as “mundane” by anyone.

“Should we classify theft as mundane because it was perpetrated by some political "demi god's" who happened to serve a previous government?

“What is expected of Ajimobi is to prevail on his loyalists to return any property belonging to the state they might have illegally kept aside.

Besides his defence of the missing vehicles, Senator Ajimobi has also been gallivanting round the city of Ibadan in recent times as if in some victory laps. He has made statements to the effect that he turned around the state and has also been offering words of advice to Governor Seyi Makinde. We congratulate him for the alleged feat. 

“We, however, make bold to state that the said achievements he claimed to have recorded fall way below the pacesetter status of Oyo state. At best, Ajimobi's laps amount to a celebration of failure; what with the uncompleted projects all around.

“With the funds his government claimed to have committed to capital projects, we should not be talking of poorly executed contracts and abandoned roads everywhere even after a government has spent eight years in office. 

Let us, however, reassure the people of Oyo state that Governor Seyi Makinde will return the lost glory of this state and take that state to a higher realm of development anyone can imagine.

 “On the dissolved local governments, we are convinced that Ajimobi is merely playing to the gallery of partisan politics here.

“We do not wish to say much on this because the matter is before the court of law. We will, however, place on record that all efforts aimed at pulling the administration of Governor Makinde down, even before it took off are already falling by the wayside. 

“Our people are not unaware of the series of landmines positioned on the path of the new government by the administration of Ajimobi . We are all witnesses to the series of last-minute spending and the refusal to cooperate with the transition committee. Those are not the antics of statesmen. 

“We will also state it loud and clear that the PDP is not in doubt that the new driver in Oyo state is competent and ready to remove all cobwebs and cogs in the wheels of progress. We will all be witnesses to the success story," the statement reads.

Drama At Tribunal As INEC's Document Confirms Akpabio Won

There was a mild drama at the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State when Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Solomon Umoh, SAN tried unsuccessfully to prevent a witness, Mr Godwin Afangideh from reading the result from a document presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC.) 

The document was an exhibit presented by INEC in a petition filed by Senator Godswill Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the declaration of Engr Christopher Ekpenyong (PDP) as the Senator for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

Reading from the document given to him by Counsel to PDP, the Witness, Mr Afangide said "My Lord  even from this document APC scored a total votes 61,329 and PDP scored 9,050 in Essien Udim Local Government Area and it is recorded here." Mr Umoh, SAN had attempted to shout down the Witness from reading that part of the document.

Mr Afangide had earlier tendered results collated from Wards across the Local Government Area as given to him by the party agents which clearly showed that Senator  Akpabio had won the election in his own Local  Government Area with a wide margin. 

The Witness expressed surprise at the voters' register tendered in court and said it was different from the one that was used on election day. He confirmed that he had voted along with his family members.  

According to Mr Afangide the elections in Essien Udim Local Government Area were very peaceful as attested to by security agencies, local and foreign observers. 

Two Police Officers, the Area Commander, Ikot Ekpene Area Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police,  Mr Naziru Bello Kankarofi and the Divisional Police Officer, Essien Udim Local Government, Superintendent of Police, Mr Samuel Isiek, on subpoena tendered situation  reports on the conduct of the National Assembly elections. 

The reports were duly admitted as exhibits despite the initial objections of Counseld to the PDP, Mr Umoh, SAN, Counsel to the Respondents, Chief Kanu Agabi and Counsel to INEC, MrRobert Emukpoeruo . They reserved their objections till final addresses. 

Another Witness, Dr Chris Akpan who was a Ward Collation Agent told the Tribunal that the results that were declared by INEC in Uyo did not reflect collated results from the Units and Wards of the Local Government Area. 

Reacting to suggestions by the Counsel to INEC that results from the Local Government Area of Senator Akpabio were cancelled because of violence, the Witnesses expressed surprise and said they were hearing of violence for the first time in the Tribunal.  

Senator Akpabio had so far called 14 Witnesses mostly Ward Agents who have tendered duly collated results. Results so far tendered showed he had led his opponent with a wide margin before INEC cancelled the results in Uyo.