The Senate is Suspending the Public Hearing for the Social Media Bill until 2020

The Senate is Suspending the Public Hearing for the Social Media Bill until 2020

That’s right, the senate is suspending further legislative action on the Social Media Bill until 2020.
Punch reports that the suspension was made by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matter, the 14-member panel expressing mixed feelings toward the bill that has received wide criticism from the populace.
“We have to be careful so as not to be on the wrong side of history,” a member of the committee shared. The member revealed that they have decided to consult “widely” before moving forward with the bill.
Stakeholders are being identified, the member also shared, and will be invited to air their opinions on the bill. Members of the public will also be invited.

We have agreed, tentatively, to fix the public hearing for January. We have to be careful so as not to be on the wrong side of history. We are already identifying the various stakeholders who have spoken on the issue as individuals, groups or institutions. We will send letters of invitations to them.
We will also do a media publication inviting members of the public to the public hearing with their written submissions so that we would capture all their views. We need to ensure that the media and the civil society groups who are in the forefront of the agitation against the bill, come around to defend their position.
It is when this is done that we will be able to convince Nigerians that we have done the right thing.

Anambra lawmaker empowers constituents with 26 vehicles, 90 bags of rice

Anambra lawmaker empowers constituents with 26 vehicles, 90 bags of rice

Barely six months in office as a lawmaker representing Anambra East/West Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly Abuja, Hon. Chinedu Benjamin Obidigwe has presented 26 brand new vehicles and 90 bags of rice to some members of his constituency.
The vehicles – 10 Serena cars and 16 mini-bus – popularly know as shuttle were presented over the weekend in Otuacha stadium, in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state to the beneficiaries under the first phase of the lawmaker’s Constituency Support Scheme.

Obidigwe who brief journalists shortly after the presentation said the twenty-six brand new vehicles presented to his constituents in the first phase of the empowerment programme was designed to empower beneficiaries to start taxi business with Uber and Taxify.
He said the beneficiaries of the first phase of the programme across the wards that build up the constituency emerged through a thorough selection process
According to him, the empowerment was a redemption of his electoral promise to make an impact on the lives of members of his constituency despite being a first timer in the House of Representative.

He noted that leadership was about making Godly impacts on the lives of the people, saying the programme was a way of giving back to his constituents and connecting with them at any giving time.

He said what I am doing today is what I have always done to make the people of this constituency happy in respective of political affiliation, even before I was elected as a Federal lawmaker.
“So, I am happy seeing how happy the beneficiaries are feeling the impact of democracy under my watch” he added.
The lawmaker said he would continue to serve the people to justify the mandate given to him to represent them in Abuja.

He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the vehicles for the upliftment of their lives and those of their family members.
He equally appeals to those who missed out in the programme to exercise patience as they could still benefit from his subsequent ones.

Obidigwe, use the occasion to enjoined his supporters to be faithful to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as the party was committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to not only in Anambra state but to the entire Southeast geopolitical zone.
On the forthcoming 2021 governorship election in the state, the lawmaker urged members of the party to begin mobilization ahead of time.

One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Mr Nnamdi Okeli, thanked the lawmaker for the vehicle, saying the lawmaker had demonstrated true leadership with his kind gesture.
He said he was overwhelmed by the vehicle empowerment and promised to put it into good use for the sake of others.
“I thank him for this demonstration of service to the people and I pray God should continue to guide him to do more,” he said.
A community leader, Chief Alex Onunkwue, described the representation of Hon. Obidigwe, as the best so far since the inception of democracy and urged the lawmaker to continue with the good work.
“I want to commend Hon. Obidigwe for this great initiative and I want to express my appreciation and assure him that the people of Anambra East/West constituency are behind him,” Mr Peter, Aguleri youth leader, testify.
He also urged those who did not benefit at the programme not to feel bad as the lawmaker had promised to reach out to more people in a subsequent outing.

Top government functionaries who attended the event include; APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Oye, NASS member, representing Oyi/Ayemelum Federal Constituency, Hon. Vincent, the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, among others.
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Funke Akindele Bello opens up about her babies for the first time

Funke Akindele Bello opens up about her babies for the first time

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele Bello needs no introduction as she has with time carved an niche for herself in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

In a recent chat with Pearlnews, the movie icon while advising  the younger generation, hinted on how much her new husband, JJC Skillz had impacted her life and career.

She said: ” There is time for everything, so, do not rush. Just take life easy. Don’t let people pressure you into doing something you do not believe. I’ve tried to push a lot of things, but when I met my husband, he changed things for me, in the sense that when I’m rushing to get things done, he’ll be like “Calm down, calm down; things will fall in place”, and indeed things have been falling in place. So, calm down!”
Also speaking on her greatest accomplishment as an actor as well as life as a mother of twins, Mrs. Bello says  she it is being able to impact the lives of young people, and helping them to nurture their talent.

“I achieve this by giving them an opportunity. I have my production outfit, and with every series from Scene One production, I try to empower as many people as possible. That’s a great accomplishment for me.As a creative person, sometimes,  I get stuck. I’ve experienced it a lot, but this year has been mad! 

Because, after the arrival of my babies, I went back to work immediately. What I do when I feel stuck is I dump the work, take a walk, and go for a swim. I also enjoy watching excellent TV series like ‘Greenleaf.’ After the short break, my inspiration can happen the next day, in the shower.  I can start thinking about what to do with characters, and what their next moves should be before you know it, I’m bursting with fresh new ideas.”
Keen to know the three things one will always find in Funke Akindele purse?
Her response: “That’ll be my power bank, chewing gum and hair lotion.”
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10 Former Governors Who May Suffer Orji Uzor Kalu’s Fate

10 Former Governors Who May Suffer Orji Uzor Kalu’s Fate

In this piece, ENIOLA AKINKUOTU and TOBI AWORINDE report that the list of former governors going to jail may extend in the coming months.

The conviction of former Governor Orji Kalu of Abia State for fraud to the tune of N7.6bn has boosted the morale of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, especially that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Kalu’s case, which lasted in court for 12 years, came to a dramatic end a few days ago with Justice Mohammed Idris sentencing him to 12 years in prison.

Legal luminaries opine that the case was able to move on without hindrances from 2015 to 2019 because of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act that was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a nutshell, the ACJA makes it difficult for parties in a criminal case to unnecessarily delay the court proceedings as was done through preliminary objections and interlocutory appeals in the past.

Since the signing of the ACJA into law, four former governors have been convicted in the last four years. They include: Bala Ngilari of Adamawa State, whose conviction was later upturned by the Court of Appeal; former Governor Jolly Nyame of Taraba State; ex-Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and Kalu.

There is, however, a long list of former governors who may end up behind bars.

Sule Lamido

Lamido, who was governor of Jigawa state from 2007 to 2015, is currently standing trial with two of his sons – Aminu and Mustapha – before a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged N1.35bn fraud.

According to the EFCC, N1, 356,223,854.28 and N583, 785, 81.14, were transferred from the state government’s account to Lamido’s personal account on December 11, 2012 and December 18, 2009 respectively. Other such payments include, N206, 463,210.14 and N6288, 947.17 made on February 6, 2013.

The commission said on April 18, 2008, two cheques to the tune of N14, 079,595 and N10, 377,310 respectively were transferred in favour of a company, Speeds International in which Lamido is signatory. The exhibits have been tendered in court.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu has adjourned the matter till February 18, 19 and 20, 2020, for continuation of trial.

Murtala Nyako

Nyako was Governor of Adamawa State from 2007 until his impeachment in 2014. He is also a former Chief of Naval Staff and ex-military administrator of Niger State.

Married to Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nyako and eight others, including his son, Senator Abdul-Aziz Nyako, are facing 37 counts of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering preferred against them by the EFCC

Five companies that allegedly served as conduit for the alleged diversion of the funds were equally charged.

They are facing trial before Justice Okon Abang for alleged money laundering to the tune of N29bn.

The EFCC had on November 5, 2019, called its last witness, Mr. Kobis, who testified via a video link from London.

Ayodele Fayose

Fayose was governor of Ekiti State from 2003 until his impeachment in 2006. He subsequently came under investigation by the EFCC and was charged before a Federal High Court for allegedly diverting N860m meant for poultry projects.

While the matter was still ongoing, Fayose again won election as the governor in 2014 which conferred on him immunity from prosecution.

However, on the day his tenure ended on October 16, 2018, he was again arrested by the EFCC for allegedly receiving N6.9bn from a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, during the run-up to the 2014 governorship election.

The sum was said to have emanated from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser under the leadership of Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

The EFCC arraigned Fayose and his companies before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on 11 counts bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn.

Saminu Turaki

Turaki was Governor of Jigawa State from 1999 to 2007. The EFCC accused the former governor of fraud to the tune of N36bn and levelled 32 charges against him before a Dutse, Jigawa State Division of the Federal High Court, in 2011.

He was, however, re-arraigned alongside three companies before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja in 2017.

Jonah Jang

Jang, who is a former Governor of Plateau State and ex-senator, is facing trial for alleged fraud to the tune of N6.3bn.

The former governor is standing trial before Justice Daniel Longji of Plateau State High Court alongside a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Yusuf Pam.

The EFCC slammed 12 counts bordering on misappropriation of funds.

At the last hearing on November 4, 2019, an EFCC witness, Musa Sunday, narrated to the court how a cashier at the Plateau State Government House delivered the sum of N750m to Jang while he was governor.

Babangida Aliyu

Aliyu was governor of Niger State from 2007 to 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Aliyu, who preferred to be called the ‘chief servant’ of Niger State during his time as governor, is facing trial for alleged N2bn fraud.

The former governor is being prosecuted before Justice Mikailu Abdullahi of a Niger State High Court by the EFCC along with his then Chief of Staff, Umar Nasko, and the Chairman of the PDP in Niger State, Tanko Beji, on seven counts bordering on criminal breach of trust.

The case last came up on November 7, 2019.

Gabriel Suswam

Suswam was Governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. The former governor is standing trial alongside his Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Oklobi; on N3.1bn money laundering charges.

Suswam, who is now the senator representing Benue North East, and his co-defendant, are facing nine counts before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The former governor was first arraigned in 2015 before Justice Ahmed Mohammed in the same Abuja division of the court but Justice Mohammed withdrew from the case in July 2019 following a Sahara Reporter’s story accusing him of unethical practices in respect of the case.

Suswam and his ex-commissioner were subsequently re-arraigned before Justice Abang on September 30, 2019. Trial began on October 29.

Gbenga Daniel

A former governor of Ogun State, Daniel is currently standing trial for alleged fraud to the tune of N200m before Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje of the Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Daniel, who was governor from 2003 to 2011, was arraigned in October 2011 on 16 counts bordering on stealing and misappropriation of funds.

In 2012, a key EFCC witness, Adeluola Babatunde, a Business Manager with Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank), told the court that Daniel wanted to kill him and he had been sending threat messages to him, an allegation which the court ordered the police to investigate.

Daniel had his no case submission dismissed by the judge on May 17, 2019 with the judge asking him to open his defence.

Adebayo Alao-Akala

Alao-Akala, a former Governor of Oyo State, is also facing corruption charges for alleged N11.5bn fraud before Justice Olalekan Owolabi of a state High Court sitting in Ibadan.

The former governor was first arraigned before Justice Moshood Abass on October 11, 2011.

He is standing trial along with his then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hosea Agboola, and an Ibadan-based businessman, Femi Babalola for 11 counts preferred against them by the EFCC.

The charge against them borders on “conspiracy, awarding contract without budgetary provision, obtaining by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from an illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property”.

Alao-Akala is alleged to have awarded a road contract worth about N8.5bn between 2007 and 2009 without budgetary provision, to Pentagon Engineering Services, a company traced to Babalola.

The said contract was executed on behalf of the 33 local governments in the state.

Ikedi Ohakim

Ohakim, who was Governor of Imo State from 2007 to 2011, is standing trial before Justice Babatunde Quadri of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

He was first arraigned on July 8, 2015 before Justice Adeniyi Ademola. However, with the compulsory retirement of Justice Ademola, by the National Judicial Council, the case started de novo before Justice Quadri.

The EFCC slammed three charges against Ohakim, accusing him of purchasing a parcel of land at 60 Kwame Nkrumah Street, Asokoro, Abuja, with $2.2m in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/10-former-govs-who-may-suffer-kalus-fate/amp/

The truth is that if there should be total transparency, there's no Governor, NASS, House of Assembly, public office holder, elected. appointed or career driven in the past or in the present that wouldn't have a serious case to answer if close attention is payed to their finances and incomes.

Meanwhile why are non of the past Senate Presidents not there. You will pity the people of Benue if you go to David Mark's Constituency.
Where's Saraki's name, where are the names of Ike Ekweremmadu, Theodore Orji and others too numerous to mention.
These men must be held accountable for all the constituency project money they have been collecting for more than 10years.

Nigerian doctor warns against the use of saliva as lubricant during love making

Nigerian doctor warns against the use of saliva as lubricant during love making

 

Popular Nigerian doctor on Twitter, Dr Olufunmilayo, has warned against the use of saliva as lubricant during sex. In a twitter thread he posted this afternoon, Dr Olufunmilayo said using saliva predisposes people to getting infected with Genital herpes and other forms of diseases.

Read his thread below:




 

EXPOSED! How Some APC Governors Tried Kicking Out Oshiomhole

EXPOSED! How Some APC Governors Tried Kicking Out Oshiomhole

 

Some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly told him of their resolve to get the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, sacked.

However, it took the intervention of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to kill their plot when he saw that the quartet wanted to use the other governors to get Buhari’s backing for Oshiomhole’s removal.
A source told The Nation that the governors see Oshiomhole as an obstacle to one of them running for the 2023 presidency.
”It is all about 2023. They want a pliant person as chairman, someone they can manipulate. That is why they want Oshiomhole out”, he told a stunned President Buhari, adding: ”They want to hijack the APC for selfish reason.”

Pro-Oshiomhole governors at the meeting were, Babagana Zulum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Gboyega Oyetola (Osun).
At the meeting with Buhari, Governor El-Rufai reportedly told the president that APC governors have resolved that Oshiomhole should go because he is not running the party well.
Zulum countered: ”Who are the APC governors with you? Where and when did we meet to agree that the national chairman should resign?” he asked El-Rufai.

A source privy to the meeting said Governor Zulum told Buhari that El-Rufai and his collaborators had a sinister motive.
“Mr President, you see all these governors seeking the removal of Oshiomhole are doing so because they are aspiring to be President in 2023. This is why they are calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it. Must we destroy the party because of presidential ambition? I think we should be careful.

“I believe our National Chairman is a fair and equitable leader. I have never met him, yet he allowed due process in the party which made me to emerge as the governorship candidate of the APC in Borno State. He knew me during the presidential campaign in our state. He has never asked me for a favour,” Zulum was quoted as saying.

It was gathered that the anti-Oshiomhole governors are reportedly plotting on how to get 120 members of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) to their side.
They are reportedly planning to replace the former Edo State governor with Ex-governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State or a former aspirant for APC chairman, Mr Sam Jaja.

A party source told the Nation:-
“I think they are peddling Yari, the choice might be Jaja eventually. They know Yari loves ego-boosting and he has a lot to spend. If Yari is their ultimate choice, they will meet their match in President Buhari, who believes the ex-Zamfara governor must account for his tenure in the state. Buhari has refused to stop the investigation of Yari despite the entreaties of some of these anti-Oshiomhole governors.

“It also does not add up for the President to come from the North-West and the party chairman from the same zone. Yari is just a smokescreen.
“If they are able to convince Jaja to replace Oshiomhole, they must be running the errand of a third force.
“Some of these governors, their allies and foot soldiers are so petty to the extent that they are deploying huge cash to remove Oshiomhole. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is having a running battle with Oshiomhole, is said to be one of those funding the project.

They have offered some NEC members as much as N500,000 and even infiltrated the National Working Committee ( NWC) of the APC by dangling N10million to N20million to the members. Those offered the huge cash were from both North-Central and South-West.

“A member of the NEC said he was offered N100,000 but he will collect the balance after the removal of Oshiomhole.”
Naija News reports that Adams Oshiomhole has been under fire from some members of the ruling party, with a national vice-chairman of the party calling for his resignation.

Oshiomhole has also been at loggerhead with the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, who is also reportedly working to get the national chairman sacked.
Recall that a chieftain of the APC, Senator Kabiru Marafa, had raised alarm over plots to take of over the affairs of the party by some APC governors.

According to him, the governors want to make President Muhammadu Buhari politically irrelevant before 2023.
Marafa said: “The fight is not against Oshiomole, it is actually against the president himself. It is only that they don’t have the guts to say it now, but they will when the time is ripe.

“It is evident that the plot to unseat Comrade Adams Oshiomole by a gang of President Buhari’s adversaries has thickened. This plot is merely aimed at hijacking the party structures and handing it over to Yari – who till now is the arrowhead of all the people that harbour a lot of bitterness against the president.

“The Governors in concert with their cronies, within and outside the party, are doing everything possible to hijack the party structures to ensure that the president and his sympathisers are edged out of power equation in 2023.”
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