The Nigerian Army have come out to deny the allegations of moving 20 death bodies to IDH mortuary, saying that the news is fake.
This was posted in their twitter handle
This was posted in their twitter handle
Fake news!!!
The Department of State Services, DSS has denied any involvement in aiding attacks on #EndSARS protesters.
Below is a statement from the agency signed by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to the fake news making the round that its personnel are aiding pro-SARS supporters and thugs to attack #ENDSARS protesters in Abuja. Part of the untruth being spewed to the public is that some of its officials attached to certain VIPs aided thugs in this regard.”
“In view of the false accusations, no DSS personnel has, so far, been identified to be involved in the alleged acts. It begs the question to conclude that SUVs and persons dressed in suits and sighted in conflict environments are of the DSS. Fact is that no staff of the DSS will engage in acts as the ones being peddled by these rumour mongers and hate speakers.”
“The Service is a responsible professional Organization and will endeavor to remain so at all times. It, therefore, wishes to state that the allegations leveled against it are not true and can only be taken as false narratives designed to cast it in bad image as well as inflame the protests.”
“Consequently, the public is enjoined to disregard the falsehood emanating from sections of the social and mainstream media, subversive groups and interests. The Service uses this opportunity to call on citizens to eschew bitterness, remain law abiding and cooperate with security agencies and indeed, the Government for lasting peace and public safety.”
Some Nigerians protesting against police brutality in their home country were arrested in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday.
However, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, denied the Nigerian government involvement in the Nigerians’ arrest.
She also explained that the Nigerians were not arrested at the Nigerian Embassy but at another location.
In a video that surfaced online, the Nigerians were arrested by police in the state while they were chanting solidarity songs.
While the policemen attempted to arrest them, the protesters continuously chanted #EndSARS.
One of the protesters in the video explained to the policemen that the protest was not against police in Egpyt.
Another was heard clarifying that by protesting at the Nigerian Embassy, they are believed to be in their country – Nigeria.
A Twitter user, @DrOlufunmilayo, alleged that “Nigerians were having a peaceful protest in Cairo Egypt today (Sunday) and the Nigerian Embassy called Egyptian police to arrest them. 20 people now arrested. How can Nigerians be arrested for peaceful gathering in a Nigerian embassy?”
“Consular to Nigeria Embassy in Cairo, Egypt refused to interact with peaceful protesters. They were all arrested shortly after their demands to speak with the consular,” another tweep, @AdebayoApanpa, added.
When challenged over the arrest, Dabiri, explained that Egypt had its own rules that guide public gathering.
Dabiri said this while reacting to a tweet by popular actress, Toyin Abraham, whom had said, “Aunty Abike @abikedabiri, please we are waiting to hear from you ma. The peaceful protesters that were arrested in Cairo should be released.”
Replying to the tweet, the NIDCOM boss said, “The Egyptian police dispersed them, then traced them to a very far place. They didn’t arrest them at the mission. They came in a bus driven by an Egyptian. The driver has also been arrested. The mission will do all they can. Egypt is very very strict with its laws.
“Nigerian mission did not call Police. In Cairo, gatherings without permits are banned. In Egypt, you can’t even travel from one part of the country without a permit to travel from the state you live in. They have their own rules which they strictly enforce.
“However, the mission will be engaging with the Authorities to see what can be done.”
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has denied rejecting the outcome of the just concluded Saturday, September 19 Edo Governorship election.
Incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party had on Sunday defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of Uzodinma’s party, the All Progressives Congress.
The Imo governor, who is vice chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, was alleged to have said his party would “secure victory” at the Court, saying it was marred by irregularities.
But in a tweet sighted by Igbere TV on Monday, the Imo State government via its handle, distanced the governor from the said report, describing it as fake news.
According to the Imo state government, the report did not emanate from any of its official channels. It therefore advised the public against it.
“Watch out for this fake press release”, it said, while referring to the trending statement.
“Every press release from @GovtOfImoState is communicated through official platforms across all social media channels of the government.
Africa Independent Television (AIT) says it did not report the release of the mastermind of a bomb blast in Niger State in 2011 Kabiru Dikko.
An alleged social media post by the broadcast station had suggested that Dikko, better known as Kabiru Sokoto, had been released.
However, AIT’s parent company Daar Communications in a statement on Wednesday said the purported report is “fake news” as it never reported such.
“Our attention has been drawn to the above story on ‘the release of the mastermind of the 2011 bomb blast that occurred in Madalla, Niger state’ purportedly credited to our station AIT,” the management said.
“We hereby emphatically dissociate our organisation from the report. It is indeed fake news. Our station never reported such a news item.”
Igbere TV recall that Dikko was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment for planning an attack on St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger.
The car bomb attack left about 40 people dead on Christmas Day.
The United States of America has given reasons it will not reveal the identities of Nigerian politicians issued visa bans for interfering in electoral processes.
On Monday, the US government announced the ban on some Nigerians, who undermined the November 2019 governorship polls in Bayelsa and Kogi States.
On why the identities of those affected were not disclosed, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, it was because of the confidentiality attached to visa-related matters.
Leonard stated this on Wednesday, while speaking at the end of the inaugural consular meeting with Nigeria officials.
According to her, the names cannot be made public “as US visa processes are in fact confidential and so we do not publish a list, we do not make public who it is that would be subjected to this sanction.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, Tuesday, denied that he accused members of the National Assembly of fraud concerning contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
The minister had, during an investigative hearing at the House of Representatives, claimed that 60 percent of NDDC contracts went to the federal lawmakers.
However, as the House threatened to initiate a criminal complaint of perjury and explore the possibility of a civil defamation suit against him, Akpabio denied he ever referred to members of the 9th House of Representatives as beneficiaries of contracts in NDDC.
He noted that NDDC was yet to fully implement any budget since the commencement of the 9th National Assembly.
Also, Akpabio while responding to questions after a visit to the acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Olatunde Ojo, said the misunderstanding between him and lawmakers was caused by mischief-makers.
On the peace talks being initiated and whether he had resolved to exonerate the lawmakers, who allegedly collected 60 percent of the contracts in NDDC, Senator Akpabio said: “No no no, you are wrong.
“That was not what the Speaker demanded. The Speaker wanted to know whether there was undue influence from any section of the National Assembly in respect of contracts in the NDDC.
“He (Speaker) did not say whether they were contractors. So I’m hearing it from you.”
On why he was at the Nationa Assembly complex, Akpabio explained, “I am a Senator. Seeing me in the National Assembly should not be a surprise as a former Minority Leader and a Senator, and I believe that I’m a Senator for life.
“So nobody will refer to me as Governor Akpabio, but they refer to me as Senator Akpabio. This is like homecoming and the National Assembly ought to have resumed today (Tuesday). But they postponed it; so I intended that as soon as the resumption takes place, I am here
“It’s part of my effort to support the President’s decision that there must be a much more cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislature.
“In fact, the President recently set up a tripartite committee made up of the party (APC), the National Assembly and the Executive to ensure oneness because we are running one government.
“It is important that we all remember that whatever we do, we want to leave a legacy for Nigeria and we cannot do this if all the arms of government are not cooperating.
“So far, I believe that whatever disagreement that could have occurred between my own ministry and the National Assembly must have been as a result of mischief and that mischief must be put to rest so that we can work in one accord for the sake of the nation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied rumours that it is planning to shift the September 19 governorship election in Edo state by two weeks due to logistics issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Already, there is anxiety in Edo as the residents are unsure if the much-anticipated election believed to be a straight fight between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) will proceed as scheduled.
It will be recalled that in 2016, INEC was forced to postpone the governorship election in Edo State by two weeks citing security issues and threat to peaceful conduct of the poll.
However, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman in a chat with Daily Independent said there is no iota of truth in the report, saying the September 19 date remains sacrosanct.
He also said all other arrangements for the election such as the stakeholders meeting and the signing of peace accord scheduled to hold next week remains unchanged.
“No, we are not shifting the date. We are, in fact, going to Benin for the Stakeholders’ meeting and the signing of the Peace Accord next week. The election will hold as scheduled on 19th September 2020″ .
Anthony Joshua’s team deny heavyweight boxer knows Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez’s wife ‘following allegations the pair were seen on a night out together’
Anthony Joshua’s team have come out fighting after the heavyweight superstar was linked to the wife of Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez.
Joshua, 30, has reportedly been spotted out and about with 26-year-old Rita, who has two children with Mahrez but is now separated from the footballer.
Reports in the Sun stated that Joshua had been ‘been spotted on nights out with Rita’, both in public and at the luxury pad of a mutual friend.
Now, addressing the topic, a spokesman for Joshua has vehemently denied the accusation.
‘Anthony doesn’t personally know Mrs Mahrez and has no wish to, now or in future,’ AJ’s spokesman told the Sun.
‘He’s disappointed that she or people around her have tried to use his name to generate publicity.’
Joshua is single after his split from dancer Nicole Osbourne in 2016, who he has a young son with.
The Nigerian Senate has denied reports that it is planning to pass the controversial Social Media Bill despite the public rejection of the bill.
If passed into law, the social media bill will empower the Nigerian government to unilaterally order the shutdown of the internet. An internet service provider that refuses to obey the order on conviction by a court may be fined N10 million for each day the order is not obeyed. Another section of the bill prescribes a fine of N300,000 or three-year jail term or both for anyone found guilty of making statements that “diminish public confidence in the performance of any duty or function, or in the exercise of any power of the Government.”
Many Nigerians said the bill is designed to clamp down on freedom of speech. Sahara Reporters on Saturday, August 29, released a report that the Senate was planning to secretly pass the controversial bill.
The Senate has now denied the report. In a statement released by its spokesperson, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the Senate says the report is “false and a lie concocted by the news site to ridicule and tarnish the image of the Senate.”
”The story made up by SaharaReporters that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to pass Social Media Bill despite rejection by Nigerians is false and a lie concocted by the medium to ridicule and tarnish the image of the Senate.
This report is yet another example of irresponsibility taken too far as there has not been any recommendation for passage of the bill by the Senate.
By deliberately publishing falsehood, SaharaReporter is not only doing no good to the Nation but it is also shooting itself down as its recklessness and incredulity would always speak against it.
The Senate wishes that Nigerians will be circumspect, shunning gullibility which makes them to lap up those invidious write ups and begin to comment on non-existent issues.
If some people have chosen the path of perfidy wanting to bring the nation and its sacred institutions down, Nigerians must be wary and unwilling to be led by those to believing the false fabrication.
It should be common knowledge by all that the Senate conducts its sittings in the open and matters for consideration are well laid out and therefore, would not require anyone’s investigation to ‘dig’ out what the Senate would do.
The relevant committee of the Senate has not submitted its report for the bill to be passed at all or surreptitiously as claimed by SaharaReporters.
We will not allow unscrupulous writers to denigrate the Senate and ridicule the great work that is on-going.
SaharaReporters must be afraid to see the platform where they peddle their trade of falsehood tampered with, even at that, there should be no need to lie so brazenly.”
Popular Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has finally broken her silence over the alleged videos and photos which came out with her new boyfriend.
Recall that some photos and videos popped on social media about the supposed beach wedding of Nollywood actress and her new boyfriend.
From The Information Reaching MCI, The actress has finally come out to address the rumors saying that it was never a beach wedding.
In a post sighted on the Instagram page of the actress, she stated emphatically that she is not married and the videos and photos that popped up online were just excerpts of a music video titled “Baby Chuchu”.
In a lengthy caption As Obtained By MCI:
She wrote;
You see why I said some of you need Your brain examined �♂️��♀️
I wanted a wedding musical video shoot , and I achieved it ��
You guys took up the story
And that shows how incompetent
You are with ur job ,
when I was shot at the expense of my life y’all turned
The story I snatched someone’s
Husband ������
Stella even said weavon covered the pellets from entering my head,
Even as they saw the pellets being removed she even was calling one of dem friend enemy at that Time to tell me to stop writing on my page , cos they want me dead by all coast , Una be God?
Ndiara ���
Instead of praying for me not to die,
Rather dem haters started showing their incompetent skills, even b4 b4 friend enemies said is karma ������������� chaiii Angela you don suffer for this world sha ,
Don’t forget am still an actor
An artistic director, Model ,
Writer, and a musician , pls what do you expect from someone who have spent all this years practicing and doing all that and still getting it , those who have worked with me knows how passionate I am when it comes to my Jobs ,what I do is to bring a story To reality , it’s a make believe, Don’t get it twisted ooo
word people as usual carried the fake gist as they were instructed, without finding out the real source well thank you for the wishes ooo
just look at ��♀️�♀️���
very senseless and unprofessional� , talking about What they don’t know with so much confidence ��
Oh well I got all your ur messages
and Guys it’s a musical video shoot
“Baby chuchu “ That was a strategy for the song, Not my wedding madam &oga do ur findings well , same way some1 paid you madam to write story about I and the Gambian president, you did ��♀️
Meanwhile there was nothing like that, then I went on background check on you to find out all I needed to know.
With all due respect
Next time do a proper investigation
B4 putting up a story out there�
I am not married ,it’s a movie
To be continued
Am going to be showing the makings from time to time
Thanks guys I appreciate all the compliments anyway ���♀️�♀️
Next is my album loading
bursteverywherealbum
Cheers �to my real fans
August 17th loading.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on Tuesday denied receiving any money from terrorist group in or outside Nigeria.
The group director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, gave the denial in a statement, following reports that it’s receiving N200,000 from Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Akintola described the allegation as illogical, adding that the group has always condemned every act of terror.
The group said it was a wicked concoction from the pit of Jahannam, adding that it has never had any contact with ISWAP or any terrorist group.
We remain committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria,” the organization director said.
“The motto of MURIC is ‘dialogue, not violence’. So how can we descend so low as to collect money from terrorists? Such lies will not fly.
The terrorists themselves know that we can never support them. How can they give us money? The allegation is dead on arrival.
The group, therefore, appealed to the Buhari-led Government to investigate the source of the information.
ShopRite Nigeria has debunked the story making the rounds that it intends to close shop in Nigeria.
The Country Director for Chastex Consult, Ini Archibong, in a telephone conversation with Vanguard, said: “Shoprite is not leaving Nigeria.
“We have only just opened to Nigerian investors which we have also been talking to just before now. We are not leaving, who leaves over a $30billion invest and close shop? It doesn’t sound right.
“We only just given this opportunity to Nigeria investors to come in and also help drive our expansion plan in Nigeria. So we are not leaving.
“I have tried to say this as too many people as I can. There should be no panic at all and all of that. There is no truth in that report.”
Recall that reports have been circulating that the retail outlet has started a formal process to consider the potential sale of all or a majority of stake in its supermarkets in Nigeria.
The report said the retailer had struggled in the Nigeria market after some South African owned retailer shops exited the Nigeria market.
The report further stated that Shoprite results for the year do not reflect any of their operations in Nigeria as it will be classified as a discontinued operation.
The report also said international markets excluding Nigeria contributed 11.6 per cent to the group sales and reported 1.4 per cent decline in sales from 2018.
South African operations contributed 78 per cent of the overall sales and saw 8.7 per cent rise for the years.
The report went further to say that as a result of the lockdown, customers’ visits declined 7.4 per cent but the average basket spends increased by 18.4 per cent.
Justin Bieber has reacted to the sexual assault allegation made against him by a Twitter user identified simply as “Danielle”.
The lady who tweeted from an anonymous account on Saturday night (June 20) which was taken down after Bieber publicly commented on allegation, claimed the incident took place at a hotel in Austin, Texas on March 9, 2014. She said she met Bieber while attending an event in Texas and claimed that she and her friends were invited back to the pop star’s hotel where she was “sexually assaulted without consent.” She however failed to give out the names of her friends.
Justin Bieber who denied the allegation by sharing news articles, social media photos, screenshots of emails and lodging receipts from the time in question, said he decided to gather facts to counter the allegation out of respect to so many victims who deal with sexual assault issues.
He also disclosed that he did not stay at the Four Seasons (location of the alleged incident) but spent the night of March 9, 2014 at an Airbnb and March 10, 2014, at the Westin. Bieber further revealed that he attended the show with his then girlfriend, Selena Gomez. He added that he will be working with Twitter and authorities to take legal action against his accuser.
He tweeted;
“Rumors are rumors but sexual abuse is something I don’t take lightly. wanted to speak out right away but out of respect to so many victims who deal with these issues daily I wanted to make sure I gathered the facts before I made any statement.
“In the past 24 hours a new Twitter appeared that told a story of myself involved with sexual abuse on March 9, 2014 in Austin Texas at the Four seasons hotel. I want to be clear. There is no truth to this story. In fact as I will soon show I was never present at that location.
“As her story told I did surprise a crowd in Austin at Sxsw where I appeared on stage with my then assistant side stage and sang a few songs. What this person did not know was that I attended that show with my then gf Selena Gomez.
“Every claim of sexual abuse should be taken very seriously and this is why my response was needed. However this story is factually impossible and that is why I will be working with twitter and authorities to take legal action.”
National Vice Chairman, Northeast of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Comrade Mustapha Salihu has dissociated himself from a court order directing him to take over as National Secretary of the party.
The court order dated June 16, 2020, was purportedly obtained at the FCT High Court sitting at Maitama and presided over by Justice S. U Bature.
The motion ex-parte with number FCT/HC/M/7707/2020 was supported by an affidavit sworn by one Obinna Ugwu.
The order which had Comrade Salihu as the purported applicant granted the interim order that he should act as National Secretary pending “the decision of a validly convened National Executive Committee, NEC or pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed, whichever comes first.”
Salihu in a swift reaction said he was not a party to it, explaining that there was no way he could have been part of the court processes when he was at a meeting of the party’s stakeholders from the Northeast where the decision was reached to nominate and endorse Arc. Waziri Bulama as the acting National Secretary of the party.
He said; “My zone, the North East has already nominated Architect Waziri Bulama in the presence of the Senate President, APC governors from the zone and other party stakeholders as the acting National Secretary. I was at the meeting where this decision was reached. So, why would I now go back to obtain a court order to act as National Secretary?
“I was not part of such shenanigans. It is not in my character to play such dirty politics and I condemn in strong terms those behind the act. At a time like this when the party is going through trying times, it is such a time that all lovers of the party must pull together to keep the party together.
Those joined in the said application as defendants are the National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala, National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the acting National Secretary and the APC, Arc. Waziri Bulama.
Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, has dismissed the allegations that he forged his university certificate.
Obaseki spoke during a meeting with ward leaders in Oredo local government area of the state.
A suit was filed against the governor over allegations of certificate forgery.
The plaintiffs alleged that the governor forged his bachelor of arts (B.A.) certificate in classical studies from the University of Ibadan and prayed the court to disqualify him from contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
Chris Ogiemwonyi, one of the governorship aspirants under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, also alleged that Obaseki was foisted on the state in 2016.
But reacting to the allegations, Obaseki wondered how he could have forged a certificate from the University of Ibadan, adding that he would never cover up issues regarding his certificates.
He also said he won the 2016 elections including that of his ward, saying the documented election results are available for scrutiny.
He said the governorship election will be a turning point in the history of the state, promising that his administration will be an inclusive one if he is reelected.
“I am just going round to say thank you to my people for their support so far. I am assuring them that I will continue my good work in the state.
“When people come out to lie that I didn’t win my ward during the last election, they forget that election results are documented.
“They say I forged my certificate. How can you forge the certificate of the University of Ibadan? I am not like those that burn buildings to cover up their certificate issues.
“We have been practising democracy for 21 years now. We cannot continue to behave the same way. This time, we will change the narrative.
“This will be a government of the people by the people and for the people. It will not be a government of the people by a few people.”
On their part, the APC leaders pledged their continuous support for the governor.
The governorship election is scheduled to hold on September 19.
Kendall Ananyi, CEO of Tizeti, an internet service provider, has voluntarily stepped down pending the determination of a sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by a former mentee.
In a revised statement the company issued on Monday, Tizeti said it would be conducting an independent investigation. The company had issued a statement on Sunday afternoon in which it announced the investigation and the replacement of Ananyi. The statement was however deleted and a new one issued after the embattled CEO took to Twitter to exonerate himself. “We want to re-affirm that we take all allegations of harassment, discrimination, or misconduct of any kind, very seriously and will be conducting an independent third-party investigation into this,” the new statement said.
The mentee whose name is Kelechi Udoagwu had on Thursday in a Twitter thread, accused the CEO who is married of pulling out his private part and putting it in her hands during one of their mentorship classes.
The mentorship session was organised by Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa. “He wasn’t a staff of MEST. He visited as a Guest Speaker. Our friendship had been purely platonic and professional till that afternoon,” Kelechi, who tweets from the handle @anti_ratrace, said. “I could barely assimilate and react that this was really happening cos I had put the guy on a pedestal and knew about his wife.” Her allegations drew wide condemnations almost immediately from many leaders and brands in the tech community including MEST Africa.
The Pan-African training program, seed fund and incubator, said it was committed to its policy of zero tolerance for sexual harassment and assault both in-house and within its community. “We will stand behind you and help escalate action if you wish. We have privately DM’d you as well,” the statement said.
In its letter confirming the temporary sack of Ananyi, Tizeti named Patricia Aiyedun, current CFO and Ifeanyi Okonkwo, current COO as the interim co-CEOs effective immediately. “Tizeti continues to be fully committed to high ethical standards, gender equality.
National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, has denied saying that Fulani will rule Nigeria forever and was raising 100,000 militiamen to enforce their will on every community in the country.
He said the news report was not true and was aimed at maligning his image.
He therefore called on Nigerians to disregard it.
Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, President of the Miyetti Allah Association, addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Bodejo disclosed this in a statement on Sunday while reacting to comments credited to him that no other tribe would be allowed to rule Nigeria except Fulani.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to a news report making rounds in the social media to the effect that as National President of Miyetti Allah I made claims that Nigeria is a Fulbe country and that the Fulbe can enter anywhere without permission. And that the Fulbe are also raising 100,000 militiamen to enforce their will on every community in this country.
“I want to state clearly and unequivocally that this news report is a fabricated lie.
“It is actually the enemies of the Fulbe people that are at it again, as always, concocting such insidious and malicious falsehood against our people for their diabolical agenda against the Nigerian state.”
The Niger Delta Development Commission has denied awarding any contract to Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is the minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
A statement made available to the newsmen by the Director Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Charles Obi Odili, reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a contract of N500 million to the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, which he did not execute.
The Commission wishes to state that it has searched through its records and there is no evidence of any contract awarded to Senator Akpabio or any company associated with him by the NDDC.
From our findings, the person who has questions to answer to the Niger Delta People is Senator Nwaoboshi. Our records show that Senator Nwaoboshi used 11 front companies (owned or traceable to him) to secure a contract of N3.6 billion in September 2016, in what is perhaps the biggest single case of looting of the Commission’s resources.
The said companies/business names are:
i. Noan Integrated Services;
ii. De Towers Constructions & Allied Services Ltd;
iii. Franstine Nigeria Enterprises;
iv. Edrihide Company;
v. Isumabe U.K. Global;
vi. Benchmark Construction & Allied Services Ltd
vii. Millstone Allied Builders Ltd.;
viii. Nelpat Nigeria Company;
ix. Agh-Rown Ventures;
x. Edendoma Stars International; and
xi. Antlers Construction and Allied Works Ltd.
The inventory records show that these items were supplied and received on Senator Nwaoboshi’s business premises and warehouse. Meanwhile, the contracts were awarded to him.
However, some of the items supplied to Nwaoboshi’s warehouse through his cronies, were later resold to the Delta state government, while the others were sold to other states through contracts awarded to him.
All supply agreements were signed by one and the same person being Mr. Agbamuche Nelson, traceable to Senator Nwaoboshi. This is in flagrant contravention of section 58(4) (a) and (d) of the Public Procurement Act. No wonder Sen. Nwaoboshi and his cohorts are jittery about the ongoing forensic audit exercise in the NDDC and are doing everything possible to derail it.
We believe that until Senator Nwaoboshi can absolve himself of his role in the looting of the resources of the Commission, he should step aside from any investigative activity against the Commission.
NDDC deserves the freedom to deliver on its mandate.”
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office in Nigeria have denied knowledge of the carving out of a country from Nigeria and Cameroon.
The new country whose name is Uno State of Cameroon was billed for proclamation by the United Nations on July 10, 2020.
In the map of the new country, Nigeria will lose 24 local councils which were said to be captured in the green tree agreement, signed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo for Nigeria and Paul Biya for Cameroun in 2006.
Though some online media referenced the agreement, which gave July 10, 2020, as date for implementation, a source in the united nations has described it as false, saying he does not create countries.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan, on Sunday, said his relationship with the governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is very robust and cordial.
Olaniyan stated this while speaking with newsmen during a press conference at his Ibadan residence. There have been insinuations that the two were not have a cordial relationship. But the deputy governor said such speculation of possible rift between him and his boss was the handiwork of fifth columnists.
Olaniyan faulted critics on their claims that the Makinde administration had achieved nothing in the last one year, contending that the administration had achieved meaningfully.
According to him: “Our administration has, in the last one year, achieved a lot in the area of education, health, security and infrastructure. “We have also maintained regular payment of salaries.
“Those saying this administration has not achieved anything in the last one year are mischief makers who are hellbent on distracting and destabilising the government,” he said. Speaking on the administration’s efforts at combating coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic in the state, Olaniyan said that Makinde was leaving no stone unturned to stop further spread of the virus.
He said that the administration, as part of efforts to combat the pandemic in the state, had set up functional isolation centres, test centres and upgraded some health facilities across the state. “We have also identified and distributed palliatives to poor people in the state in a very modest way.
“We ensured that these palliatives get to the targeted people and government is still doing this,” he said. The deputy governor assured that the administration would remain focused and committed to the wellbeing of its citizenry.
Olaniyan said that protection of lives and property was a major objective of any government, saying the Makinde administration was not toying with it.
He said that the administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies aimed at transforming the state and uplifting it to greater heights.
Hertha Berlin defender, Dedryck Boyata, has denied kissing his teammate Marko Grujic after he was photographed in close proximity with Grujic during Hertha Berlin’s 3-0 win against Hoffenheim over the weekend.
Over the weekend, the Bundesliga became the first major European league to resume since the suspension of the 2019-20 season in March due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
New rules such as substitutes wearing masks and sitting significant distances away from each other, and social distancing during celebrations were carried out, but Boyata after a goal appeared to kiss Grujic on the cheek.
After receiving criticism, he has now defended himself, saying he was giving his teammate an instruction.
“It wasn’t a kiss, neither a celebration,” he wrote accompanied by a video of the incident. “I apologise for putting my hands on @grujicmarko face. I was giving him instructions about a set-piece.’ Boyata posted on his Instagram live..
“We must definitely be careful now that we play under this situation. We have to adapt our way to play or celebrate.”
The German Football League (DFL) has now reacted to the incident especially as another team Borussia Monchengladbach were involved in another controversy as players hugged after scoring twice early in their 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt during the weekend.
The DFL said it will not penalise players for celebrating, but state minister for Bavaria Markus Soder said rules must be enforced.
“Football has an extreme function to be a role model, so we should stick to our instructions and pay attention to it next week,” he told Sport 1. “The players must also obey the rules.”
Press Release
May 16, 2020
May 16, 2020
RE: FG RELEASES GUIDELINES FOR RESUMPTION OF FLIGHTS
Imo State Government Thursday denied paying ₦8million to herdsmen, who allegedly lost their cows at Ezinihitte Mbaise describing the report making round on social media as fake news orchestrated by the opposition.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachuku disclosed that in the said fake news, “the criminals also purportedly wrote that the Governor met with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) at the Government House, Owerri.”
He said: “Those who generated the obvious fake news also criminally signed off for the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, in a desperate attempt to legitimise their criminal intent and have the buy-in of the public.”
He denied the reports saying this was not the first time the agents of opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would issue such misinformation to discredit his government and cause disharmony between the government and the good people of Imo State.
The statement read in part:
“This is not the first, nor will it likely be the last, time agents of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will criminally issue a statement purporting same to have emanated from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser. They did when former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari died and, in their warped mentality and hallucination, renamed the Imo State University after Kyari.
“Again, today, May 14, 2020, the same people whose stock in trade is to disseminate false reports on social media to satiate the appetite of their paymasters have been paid to do what they and their sponsors are good at criminality. Again, they have failed!
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Government of Imo State under the watch of our able Governor Uzodimma does not know what the PDP-sponsored criminals are talking about as regards the purported payment of ₦8m and meeting.
“The Office of the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, therefore, dissociates itself from the purported press release and purported payment, the imaginary meetings between the Governor and MACBAN, and the gibberish associated with the non-existent meetings.
He stated: “While the government is very much committed to a society, where constructive criticism helps to bring development, it will continue to have zero tolerance for people who deploy criminality and subjective criticism with the intention of misinforming and misleading the public.
“It is a shame that the purveyors of fake news on the current Imo State Government have sold their consciences that one wonders if Mac Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook and also owner of WhatsApp, will not be wondering if they are under spell.
“On a day Imo people are reflecting and rejoicing over nearly one billion Naira that has been traced to be in dormant accounts in one bank alone due to the recklessness of the past administrations, a gang of PDP-sponsored social media zealots are busy orchestrating fake news, just to divert attention and cause disharmony. What a shame?
“The government of Governor Uzodimma is irrevocably committed to good governance and will not be distracted, not even by the resort to fake news by the opposition and their agents as a blackmail tool.
“The public in general and Imo people in particular should, therefore, ignore every fake news meant to misinform them about Imo State Government activities, more so, as Governor Uzodimma is not interested in telling anybody lies. The era of deceit is gone.
“We also caution the reading public to be wary of fake news materials they are quick to help the criminal-minded propagandists, blackmailers and enemies of development share on social media as doing so will portray them as accomplices.”
Flamboyant retired boxer, Floyd Mayweather has insisted that he’s finished with boxing and has no plans to come out of retirement.
There have been suggestions that Mayweather, who beat Conor McGregor in his last fight in 2017, could return to the ring to take on Adrien Broner.
However, Mayweather dismissed the claims, saying he doesn’t want to face fighters who ‘sell-out little arenas’.
Mayweather told Fight Hype: ‘These are just rumours. I’m retired. I’m finished with boxing. I stay in shape.
‘I am not retired from business. Would I fight with McGregor? People make $370million. I make that in one night. I made over $320m twice. It only took me 36 minutes or 28 minutes, something like that.
‘If this guy [Broner] wants to fight Floyd I say ‘you guys sell out little arenas and do some little baby moves, not bad, but I’m older and a lot wiser, meaning I don’t want to end up like my uncle Rog. A lot of fighters don’t know when to give up.
‘Even the fight with McGregor it was smart on my behalf and smart on his behalf. I can make more money than any other fighter.’
He later admitted that he could consider return to boxing for entertainment and it must be against a boxer who sells out big arenas.
He said: ‘Even if we did it again it’s entertainment and it’s business. I’m not boxing – no boxing at all.
‘I’m done, I’m retired and I love my life. I enjoy being retired. If I see an opportunity and have a little fun and make $600million – why not.
‘If I was to come back why would I fight a fighter that only sells out little cities?’.
In his entire career, Mayweather has taken part in 50 fights, winning all of them. He is considered as one of the greatest boxers having won 15 major world titles.
Access Bank Plc on Monday debunked reports that it plans to sack 75 per cent of its workforce and as well close more than 300 branches.
The bank in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Mr Sunday Ekwochi, obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange website described the news as malicious and a distraction from the genuine and compassionate plan to protect its workers and help keep jobs in the unfolding macroeconomic environment.
It said the closure of a bank branch was an action that required the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
According to the bank, it has neither applied for this nor obtained the approval of the CBN for the closure of its branches as widely speculated.
“The bank has only suspended operations in some branches following the directive by the CBN.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we suspended in-branch operations at different locations as directed by the CBN and in line with business continuity plans at vulnerable spots; whilst we continued to provide services through our alternative digital platforms.
“In line with the phased re-opening of the economy effective May 4, following the Presidential directives, we will be resuming in-branch services in some of our affected branches in a programmed manner to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers.
“This is also necessary to provide relevant contingency should there be any incident arising from the pandemic.
“We deny in its entirety the baseless and twisted speculation that the bank is sacking 75 per cent of its workforce,” said the statement.
It noted that based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, not all its branches would be fully open for in-branch services until later in the year.
“This has made it impossible for many of our outsourced workers to perform duties as usual.“We have commenced engagement with various stakeholders with a view to ensuring that they provide the relevant services and optimum manpower as may be required by the bank on an on-going basis,” it added.
The bank, however, assured its esteemed stakeholders that it would continue to ensure that its actions and decisions are guided by fairness, justice, equity and good conscience.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has in a worded press statement denied an allegation of fraudulent contract purportedly signed by a director of the intervention agency.
The commission while reacting to the alleged financial mismanagement by an online news platform said: “The document is simply fake or at best unauthorised. The letters for all contracts awarded by the Commission are signed by the Executive Director, Projects on the authority of the Ag Managing Director who is the chief accounting officer of the Commission. Neither of the officials is aware of the contract letter. It is inconceivable that a contract and of such magnitude could be awarded otherwise. The Commission has launched an internal investigation into how such a letter came to be issued and on what authority.”
Read Full Press Statement Below:
The Niger Delta Development Commission has been inundated with enquiries on many negative reports in online publications alleging acts of impropriety on the part of the commission. Given the extent of public interest and the determination of the Interim Management Committee to chart a new course for the commission, we feel duty bound to respond as follows:
1. COVID 19 Contract
The online publications are circulating a letter purportedly issued by the Director of Procurement awarding a contract of N5.55 billion for the procurement of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and other kits to fight the spread of COVID 19 in the Niger Delta region. We wish to unequivocally deny that contract. The document is simply fake or at best unauthorised. The letters for all contracts awarded by the Commission are signed by the Executive Director, Projects on the authority of the Ag Managing Director who is the chief accounting officer of the Commission. Neither of the officials is aware of the contract letter. It is inconceivable that a contract and of such magnitude could be awarded otherwise. The Commission has launched an internal investigation into how such a letter came to be issued and on what authority.
For the purpose of transparency, we wish to confirm that the Commission has just secured presidential approval to intervene by assisting NCDC in the supply of kits and the building of isolation centres in the nine Niger Delta states.
Also, the Commission has disbursed N775m to assist the 9 Niger Delta States fight the plague. We have also disbursed N270 million as palliatives to the youths, women and the physically challenged in the 27 senatorial districts of the region.
2. Lassa Fever
There are claims that the present management has paid out huge sums for contracts to supply kits and drugs for the prevention of Lassa Fever. We wish to state that this present management has not awarded any Lassa fever contract. From the records, the Commission awarded three contracts for intervention against the Lassa Fever scourge and all these took place in 2019, at least one year before the present management came into office. For the purpose of transparency, these contracts are as follows:
In early 2019, there was an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ondo and Edo states, which overwhelmed the capacity of the state governments to cope. The governor of Ondo State made a request to the Commission for intervention. As a result, the then management, headed by Prof Nelson Braimbaifa on 20th February 2019 awarded a contract for the procurement of 21,000 Lassa Fever prevention kits for the region in the sum of N903 million. The items were supplied and distributed. The contractor was duly paid. As the scourge persisted, there was need for further intervention. Another 1,000 protective kits were ordered for N1,092,283,500. This contract was awarded on March 11, 2019. The last contract for Lassa Fever was awarded on April 16, 2019 in the sum of N2,425,242,248. All the kits were supplied and distributed to the nine states. As at date, the Commission is yet to pay for this last contract. Payments had been suspended on ministerial order due to the need for verification of past contracts. At no time did the IMC pay out more than N4 billion for Lassa Fever contracts as alleged.
Having provided the facts, the Commission also wishes to state as follows:
We has noticed an upsurge in attacks on the Commission, the Interim Management Committee and the Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs since the launch of a forensic audit into the affairs of the commission. This attacks are meant to distract the commission from the task of holding those who looted the commonwealth to account. The Honourable Minister and the Interim Management Committee are determined to see through this audit. On Wednesday, April 22 when the relevant documents were handed over to the lead consultant for the forensic audit, the Ag Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei warned that this exercise cannot be truncated. To quote him: ‘Those who took part in the grand conspiracy to loot the commonwealth are jittery that their misdeeds will come to light. We wish we could sympathise with them. But it could have occurred to them that a day of reckoning will come. The fear of the impunity of their past misdeeds being brought to light is causing panic. In fact, the vultures are shivering. Let us place on record that no amount of intimidation, campaign of falsehood and ‘breakdancing’ will abort this exercise.’
The public should be prepared for more of these attacks against the commission. It is important to point out that most of the attacks use online publications, with no known addresses or physical assets, which can be sued for defamation of character by the officials they are clearly libelling. The mainstream media with standards have not joined this jaundiced plot.
The Commission also wish to warn those agents of darkness from the Niger Delta who are hell bent on destroying every good thing in the region to change course. The essence of the present IMC and the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari are to reposition the Commission to make it fit for purpose. Anyone with any evidence of wrong doing should reach out to the IMC or the auditors. The forensic auditors should be allowed to complete their assignment so those who failed the region can be held to account.
It is also clear that people who have political agenda against the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs are also seeing the Commission as a fair game. It is imperative to say that the commission is an agency for the good of the Niger Delta region. The greatest disservice that can be done is for political gladiators of today to make the commission a collateral damage in their contest for power and influence. Tomorrow will come. Besides, the Hon Minister’s uncommon passion for a new Niger Delta should be applauded and not attacked.
Meanwhile, Signora Concept Services Limited, the company, alleged to have received N5,474,647,125.00 for procurement of Personal Protective Equipment for health workers and provision of community-based sensitisation campaign against the spread of COVID-19 has denied receiving any such money.
The company in a statement said, Signora Concepts Services Limited has not been paid nor its accounts credited with any money in respect of the contract under COVID-19.
The Federal Government has said that it will not borrow from the contributory pension fund to provide palliatives to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown in the country. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said this on Friday in Abuja at the 19th joint national briefing of the committee.
The Contributory Pension Scheme, which came into existence in 2004, has grown to over N10trn. Apparently reacting to an earlier comment by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, who opposed the reported move, the SGF said that although the government had toyed with the idea of borrowing from the fund, it concluded that it was too early for government to dip its hands into the fund. Mustapha said, “We had looked at the issue of pension funds.
As a matter of fact, we even got the minister of state for education to do us a position paper and our conclusion was that the time is not even right for us to go there because the entire world order in terms of our economy and in terms of our health system has been disrupted by COVID -19 and the consequences nobody can imagine until probably the dust is settled.” Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has promised to intervene and resolve the industrial dispute between the Plateau State Government and some state health workers who were allegedly sacked.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, at the briefing said that while the National Industrial Court (NIC) had closed, due to the COIVID-19 lockdown, for workers to seek immediate judicial relief, the ministry would be ready to act as conciliator in the matter between the health workers and the state government. According to him, the ministry will only intervene in industrial cases that involve health workers because of the nature of the services they are providing during this pandemic.
“Our duty in the ministry of labour is to act as conciliators in such a circumstance. For now, because we are very much aware of the impediments, if any such thing occurs now in respect to health workers who suffer any kind of injustice from their employers, the impediments are that the courts are not opened especially the National Industrial Court (NIC), they can’t rush to court and get a relief.
“Even the ministries are closed for now. But perhaps, they can try and get in touch with us through the ministry’s emails or even my personal social media handle. If they send me a direct message, because these are unusual times, to act as conciliators at this time. We understand the primacy of the work of health workers now so we can make exception only for health workers; to come out of our confinement to act as consolidators in such cases,” Keyamo said.
Former vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has denied reports of buying a N650 million mansion in Enugu.
Earlier today, a Twitter user claimed the former Anambra state governor, purchased a mansion in the Coal City state.
Taking to Twitter to deny the report, Obi said he doesn’t need a house outside Anambra. He added that he was committed to building hospitals and schools instead of buying himself a house.
“Contrary to the reports on social media, I didn’t buy any house in Enugu or elsewhere. I do not need a house outside of Anambra for now, and I am committed to living in my house in Onitsha,” he wrote on Twitter
Nigerian controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo who keeps being in the news for her accurate or almost accurate informations, she came forward to deny the negative test results of Choima Avril popularly known has “Chefchi” to covid-19.
On the 6th of April of this year,K emi Olunloyo went on her Twitter page to deny Davido’s claim of chioma getting infected initially.
She wrote:
“Chioma does not have #covid19 You don’t need to take me seriously. Dumb people focus on your own health. #IJCovid19 #drkemiolunloyo”
She tweeted again in the early hours of today stating that she was right all along,insisting that chioma was never infected.
China has raised the official Coronavirus death toll of it’s city Wuhan by 50%, giving more credence to US President Trump’s claim that the country lied to the world about it’s death figures.
Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the coronavirus first emerged late last year, admitted people died at home and cases were missed as hospitals struggled to cope in the early days of the outbreak.
In the new revised figures, the Wuhan city government increased the death toll by 1,290 – about 50 percent – bringing the total in Wuhan to 3,869 and the number of deaths across China to 4,632.
Chinese State controlled Xinhua News Agency quoted an unidentified official in Wuhan’s epidemic and prevention and control headquarters as saying mistaken reporting occurred during the outbreak.
“A surging number of patients at the early stage of the pandemic overwhelmed medical resources and the admission capacity of medical institutions,” the Wuhan Municipal Headquarters for COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control, said in a statement posted to state news agency Xinhua.
“Some patients died at home without having been treated in hospitals. During the height of their treating efforts, hospitals were operating beyond their capacities, and medical staff were preoccupied with saving and treating patients, resulting in belated, missed and mistaken reporting.”
After compiling data from Wuhan’s epidemic prevention and control big data system, the city’s funeral service system, the municipal hospital authority’s information system, and the nucleic acid test system to ‘remove double-counted cases and fill in missed cases,’ Chinese officials say the new death cases were added because non-hospitalized deaths had not been registered at the disease control information system and some confirmed cases had been reported late or not been reported at all by some medical institutions.
China has now denied editing its official death toll for political purposes.
In an editorial, the Global Times, a tabloid owned by the Communist Party, rejected the accusations and said the revisions were made “based on facts” and that China had not been affected by “Western noise.”
“The strict review and correction of the death toll means there is no room for deliberate concealment,” the paper said. “Speculation that China falsified the death toll from the coronavirus is far from the truth. China is not a country where one can fabricate data in complete disregard of the law.”
The Nigerian Correctional Service has denied reports that Maryam Sanda the woman convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for killing her husband, had been granted a Presidential pardon, and released from the Kuje maximum prison.
Reports have been rife on social media that Sanda who stabbed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death during an argument in their Abuja home in November 2017, joined the list of 2600 prisoners who were recently granted presidential pardon by President Buhari, last week.
In a statement released today April 16th, the spokesman of the service, Augustine Njoku, denied the report.
“The Service wa
nts to categorically state that the news is fake and very unrealistic and an attempt to rubbish the good intention of the President towards decongesting the custodial centre”the statement reads
Njoku said the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, clearly stated the categories of inmates qualified for the amnesty which include:
• Convicts who are Sixty (60) years and above
• Convicts serving 3 years and above with less than 6 months to serve
• Inmates with ill-health likely to terminate in death
• Inmates with mental ill-health
• Inmates with option of fine not exceeding N50,000 with no pending case
• Convicted pregnant women
• Convicted women with child
• Convicted inmates with minor offences
• Convicted inmates who spent 75% of their sentence after remission.”
”It obvious that Maryam Sanda does not meet any of the above mentioned requirements and therefore did not benefit from the Presidential Pardon/Clemency.
We further want to assure the public that Maryam Sanda is in our custody and will remain as such.
The Controller General of Corrections Ja’afaru Ahmed wishes to assure the public that the Service will ensure the safety and humane containment of the inmates in our custody and therefore advice the public to discountenance the rumor that Maryam Sanda benefited from the presidential pardon.” the statement read
Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging on January 27th 2020 by an FCT High Court for killing her husband. She has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, asking the court to set aside the verdict and acquit her.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has denied killing civilians in an airstrike carried out by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole at Shokotoko village, in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on Thursday April 9.
It was reported earlier today that 13 civilians including children were killed in the airstrike conducted in the Borno village.
Coordinator Defence Media Operation, Major General John Enenche however debunked the claim in a statement. He stated that the attack helicopter that executed the mission, was accompanied by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to ensure proper targeting for avoidance of collateral damage.
Enenche said;
“The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has been drawn to some media reports indicating that airstrikes conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE at Shokotoko Village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on Thursday, 9 April 2020, inadvertently led to the deaths of some civilians. For the avoidance of doubts, the AFN wishes to clarify the facts as given below.
“The operation, which was conducted on the night of 9 April and early hours of 10 April 2020, was based on credible intelligence reports, obtained from land forces and other security agencies as well as reliable, vetted informants, which confirmed that the target location was occupied solely by Boko Haram Terrorists.
“Moreover, as customary, the attack helicopter that executed the mission was accompanied by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to ensure proper targeting for avoidance of collateral damage. Besides, it must be noted that, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots, by training and in line with extant Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for the operation, do not attack any location if it is observed that non-combatants, especially women and children, are present. In such cases, the pilots would rather return to Base with their munitions unexpended. Consequently, on the strength of the foregoing, the location was considered a legitimate target.
“Nevertheless, to allay public concerns occasioned by the aforementioned media reports, an investigation is being carried out and subsequent actions will be taken in line with extant regulations and best practices, while remaining accountable to the Nigerian people.
“We wish to reassure the general public that the AFN, in keeping with its professional responsibility, will continue to work assiduously to rid the North East of all terrorist elements with a view to facilitating a return to normalcy that would enable Nigerians in the area pursue their legitimate aspirations”.
China has denied claims hundreds of African residents and businessmen were being evicted from hotels and apartments from its cities for allegedly contracting the deadly novel coronavirus.
The Africans say they are just being targeted under the guise of a testing campaign for the global pandemic also known as COVID-19. Some of them alleged that they have been placed under forced quarantine without being told about the results of their tests.
The Africans, who are based in China’s southern city of Guangzhou, have described the development as discriminatory. “They are accusing us of having the virus,” a Nigerian student, Tobenna Victor, was quoted by the BBC.
But in a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, denied the claims, saying: “We do not have discrimination in China against African brothers.”
“China and Africa are good friends, partners, and brothers. Our friendship is forged on the basis of joint efforts to seek national independence, liberation, economic development and better livelihood in the past decades.
“Such time-tested friendship is a treasure for both Chinese and African people. Humanity shines through the darkness of the epidemic. After the Ebola epidemics broke out in three West African countries in 2014, the Chinese government provided assistance at the earliest time possible and fought side by side with the African countries and people.
“Now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa are again tiding over difficulties hand in hand, and our friendship is again elevated.
“We will not forget the support from Africa during our most difficult times. While overcoming difficulties at home, we also give love and care to all African citizens in China, especially African students,” Lijian stressed.
Accusing the United States of contracting Africans in China to make up the xenophobic claims, Lijian said China-Africa friendship “is unbreakable as it is deeply rooted in this land.”
He assured that the Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries’ concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method.
Africa has recorded 14,524 COVID-19 cases out of which 2,570 have recovered with 788 deaths as of April 13, 2020, according to Africa CDC.
The Lagos State government has reacted to the news in some quarters that it has relaxed the lockdown in the state for the sake of the Easter celebration.
The reaction was conveyed in a Twitter message by the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
Tweeting via @gboyegaakosile, the chief press secretary described as false, a news report in some quarters of the online media, claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has relaxed the state’s lockdown order for Easter celebrations.
Akosile, in a short statement, urged Lagosians to disregard the report and treat as another fake news, being spread by some persons to undermine the good work of the Governor in his fight against the novel coronavirus.
Akosile said: “the lockdown order was made by the Federal Government, and the state government was carried along. The Governor will not unilaterally relax the restrictions of movement. The purveyors of the fake news are mischief makers who are only interested in undermining the efforts of the state government to combat and curtail the coronavirus disease. Lagosians should be wary of fake news at this time.”
The Truth About NCDC Spending 1 Billion Naira On SMS To Nigerians
It appears that fake news peddlers will stop at nothing to undermine the fight against the coronavirus from the fake 5G conspiracy theory spread by educated illiterates to baseless assertion that Africans cannot the killed by the virus due to melanin and the hot temperature on the African continent.
Why it is true that politicians across board are sharing billions to imaginary citizens and ghosts the aim of these fake news peddlers is to divert the anger of Nigerians to the Nigerian center for disease control which has till this moment done a fantastic job in collaboration with health workers across Nigeria to keep the Country safe.
The News that NCDC has spent one Billion in sending text messages to Nigerians is FAKE! The center via its verified twitter handle has stated as follows “The headline claiming that NCDC has spent N1 billion on SMS to Nigerians is FALSE
While communication through SMS is a key part of our #COVID19 response strategy, this has been largely provided as in-kind support by @AirtelNigeria @MTNNG @GloWorld
#TakeResponsibility”
During this pandemic let’s do all to support NCDC and healthcare workers who are risking their lives and the well-being of the families to rid the nation of Covid 19.
Avoid spreading fake and unverified news on the pandemic, stay safe, keep washing your hands , maintain a safe social distance & hygiene. In the end we will overcome!
May God Help Us to Help Ourselves
The headline claiming that NCDC has spent N1 billion on SMS to Nigerians is FALSE
While communication through SMS is a key part of our #COVID19 response strategy, this has been largely provided as in-kind support by
@AirtelNigeria @MTNNG @GloWorld
#TakeResponsibility
Earlier today, it was reported that popular Yoruba actress, Rasheedah Olatokunbo Jolaosho, better known as Toksbarbie welcomed a baby girl and the paternity of the baby was tied to her married colleague and alleged fraudster, Bankole Sunday.
Well, Bankole Sunday has taken to his Instagram page to debunk the claims. According to the actor cum producer, “Such speculation is a disrespect to the mother and extended families of the new child”
He wrote:
“DISCLAIMER “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Premised on the above, this is a particular response to a frivolous post put up on an Instagram blog attaching the paternity of a colleague’s child to me. While I find it ridiculous, I distance myself from such “news” as it is heavily unfounded.
Such speculation is a disrespect to the mother and extended families of the new child. Originators of this dividing rumors are warned to desist from further attempts to wreck friendships, relationships and marriages.”
Disclamer: No curfew in Lagos
Gov. @jidesanwoolu dropped the idea of imposing a curfew in the state meant to allow the fumigation exercise of public space.
Relying on experts advice, the Governor said the disinfectant is non toxic, noting that the exercise has commenced
#LASGhttps://twitter.com/followlasg/status/1243880984354983936?s=19
He said: “I am pleased to note that we have taken possession of over 200 disinfecting machines, and starting today, we will be disinfecting all major highways, bus stops, markets, parks and other public areas”
@jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @gboyegaakosile #LASG #ForAGreaterLagoshttps://twitter.com/followlasg/status/1243880986657636352?s=19
The Governor also said during a live press conference that if there is a need for curfew, government will not hesitate to impose it.
For now, everything remains the way they are
@jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @gboyegaakosile #LASG #ForAGreaterLagos #LagosAgainstCovid19https://twitter.com/followlasg/status/1243881007813726211?s=19
Okolie dragged Hanan, MTN and DSS before a Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, over the enforcement of his fundamental human rights
Hanan, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that she did not instruct the Department of State Services to arrest Anthony Okolie, a businessman based in Delta State, who was unlawfully detained for 10 weeks for using an MTN SIM card previously used by her.
Okolie dragged Hanan, MTN and DSS before a Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, over the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
On February 12, 2020 when the matter was heard before Justice Dimgba, Hanan did not oppose Okolie’s claims contained in an affidavit.
Upon an enquiry by the judge, who was visibly surprised that Hanan did not react to the allegations, her lawyer retorted that there was no reason to make a reply.
However, in a move that appears to be an afterthought, the lawyer has now filed a counter-affidavit on behalf of his client.
Though Hanan admitted that the MTN SIM card, which caused the dispute, was once used by her, she said she did not order the DSS to unlawfully arrest and detain Okolie for 10 weeks.
Reacting to the latest development, Okolie said it was not true that Hanan did not order his arrest.
He said, “I was told by the DSS that it was Hanan Buhari that told them to arrest me.
“My file was named “first family” and they called her three different times to come to substantiate the allegations against me but she did not show up.”
Human rights lawyer and National President of Revolutionary Lawyer’s Forum, Mr Tope Akinyode, who is representing Okolie, said that he was confident his client will get justice through the court.
The founder and director of Adoration Ministry, Emene, Enugu, AMEN, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka has refuted a purported prophecy report in social media alleging that he predicted the new Bayelsa governor will stay only 2 months in office.
The Enugu fiery priest denied the rumour during his Sunday sermon at the Adoration ground, Emene, Enugu.
Mbaka maintained that he has never at any time, place or circumstance made any prophecy about Bayelsa or who becomes the Governor of the state or his duration in office.
Describing the report as malicious, handwork of mischief makers and wicked individuals who are on demonic and satanic assignment to damage his reputation, Mbaka, warned them to deceased else they would attract the wrath of God upon themselves.
According to a statement signed by Media and publicity secretary of Adoration Ministry, Barr. Ike Maximus Ugwuoke, “Our attention has been drawn to report in a section of the media that spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Fr. Mbaka has prophesied that the newly sworn-in Governor of Bayelsa State, Diri Douye will stay in office as Governor for only two months.
“The report alleged that he predicted this in “Delta state at the ceremony to mark his friend and colleague who clocked 68 years.
“For the sake of justice and fairness, we challenge the originators of this false and mendacious report to mention the name of the so-called Fr Mbaka’s friend and colleague whose ceremony he attended in Delta State. The truth is that Fr Mbaka has not even been in Delta since this year.
“Fr Mbaka has been preoccupied with the charitable and miraculous works God has been using him to do in the ministry. He has been immersed in thanksgiving to God for the fulfilment of his prophecy on Hope Uzodimma becoming the Governor of Imo State and so he never attended any such ceremony in Delta State or anywhere else where he could have made such prediction as alleged by these satanic agents.
“During Fr Mbaka’s Sunday mass today, he refuted this report himself publicly at the altar. Those who impersonate Fr Mbaka in the media should be careful else they are attracting the wrath of God upon themselves,” The statement reads.
Access Bank Plc has vehemently denied reports that its Group Managing Director, GMD, Herbert Wigwe has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud.
Some online news sites had reported that the Access Bank boss was arrested for his connection with the assets of former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, alleged money laundering for former petroleum minister, Deziani Allison-Madueke, as well as alleged inflation of contracts linked to former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
In a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, January 10, 2019 by the company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, the lender denied the reports, stressing that its officials were only invited for interrogation over credit facilities that were availed Slok Nigeria Limited (owned by Orji Uzor Kalu) by the defunct Diamond Bank plc (which Access Bank had inherited following its merger with Diamond Bank) and which were secured by Slok’s assets charged to Diamond Bank.
In the statement, the bank further explained that the issues had been resolved.
Read the full statement below:
Our attention has been drawn to a trending report on social media regarding the alleged arrest of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc (Access Bank) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (“the Commission”).
We wish to state that the issue essentially relates to the credit facilities that were availed Slok Nigeria Limited (“Slok”) by the defunct Diamond Bank plc (“Diamond”) and which were secured by Slok’s assets charged to Diamond. Access Bank had inherited the Slok credit following the recent merger of Diamond with Access Bank.
Given the differing interest of the Commission and the Bank on the assets of Slok deriving from the court’s recent judgment on Slok, the Commission had invited for interrogation officials of Access Bank who were handling the Bank’s recovery efforts on Slok credit including its Group Managing Director.
Following fruitful engagement between the Bank and the Commission, we are of the opinion that the issues relating to Slok investigation have been resolved.
As an institution built on best practice, we wish to assure our esteemed stakeholders that the Bank will continue to conduct its business in line with extant laws and relations
Sunday Ekwochi
Company secretary
PUBLIC NOTICE: Disregard Fake Tweet on EFCC Port Harcourt Zonal Office Cell
These pictures purported to be the detention center of the Port Harcourt Office of the EFCC in a mischievous tweet by @TheRealDayne is fake.
The pictures in the tweet are strange to the EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Office.
That tweet is intended to mislead the public and the public is advised to discountenance it.
Thanks.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is hoping to hit the seas in the the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht, according to the Sunday Telegraph, and it’ll set him back around $645 million. He’s reportedly commissioned a 370-foot Aqua luxury ship designed by Dutch marine architects Sinot.
However, Sinot denied in an email to CNET that it had sold the Aqua concept to Gates. The designer “has no business relationship” with the billionaire, it said, adding that reports about the vessel are “incorrect.”
The Aqua designs include a pair of 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks to store liquid hydrogen at minus 420 Fahrenheit. The vessels’ fuel cells will combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, and water will be the only byproduct of the process. If Gates gets one, it will apparently have a diesel backup since there aren’t many hydrogen refueling stations around at the moment.
The ship is scheduled to go to sea in 2024, Telegraph noted. Even though the superyacht will be environmentally friendly, it also sounds pretty luxurious — it includes an infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym, according to the Guardian.
Gates Ventures, Bill Gates’ investment firm, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment
A HARARE woman has left her matrimonial home in shame after the alleged leakage of her love affairs with 16 men.
Munashe Charlene Ncube, 24, of Damofalls allegedly bedded the 16 men and her husband to make them 17. She also spent three days with a boyfriend when her husband was out on duty during Christmas holiday.
Ncube has since gone into hiding after jumping over the precast wall after her husband Erkridice Makomo leaked chats revealing unprotected sexcapades, sleep overs and nude images sent to boyfriends.
H-Metro is in possession of pictures of the alleged boyfriends and other graphic photos of the lady.
Makomo is bitter, from information in the chats, that Ncube had been denying him conjugal rights saying she had stomach cramps and was even spoiling her boyfriends with goodies as well as fuel for their meets.
Makomo says he has been insulted over the phone by some boyfriends after he took his wife’s phone. They have been married for the past four years.
“I got the shock of my life to see chats of over 16 boyfriends some of which are hidden in GB WhatsApp version.
“I also found out that in December last year she went to sleep at one of the boyfriends named Kudakwashe Masoka’s place during the Christmas period while I was out working for three days.
“She no longer wanted to have sex with me and she gave all sorts of silly excuses achiti ane mudumbu.
Makomo said Ncube stole his US$40 and he suspected from the chats that she is now staying with Kudakwashe.
He said he took his estranged wife Munashe to a nursing school and recently bought a brand new stove and a refrigerator worth ZW$14900 for their household. He would also give her money which she spent on boyfriends buying them fuel.
Another alleged boyfriend named Simbarashe called on Munashe’s mobile phone which is in possession of the husband and hurled insults at Makomo.
Makomo further explained his ordeal saying they had not sired a child for the four years they have lived together with his wife.
“I would come back after two days and find dirty dishes and when I ask her she would say siyanai ne zvinhu zvemu kitchen.
“There is a Doctor in Norton named Obed whom she is also flirting with and this guy had been asking for sex from my wife,” he said showing this publication the chats.
Makomo and his uncle have since created a WhatsApp group including the 16 boyfriends to shame his wife and the boyfriends have been sharing moments they had with Munashe.
H-Metro caught up with one of the boyfriends in Norton, Ranganai Forichi who said he met Munashe in September last year.
Another alleged boyfriend Floyd, according to the chats, refused to speak saying he was busy at work while one Tawanda Mapako said Munashe was just a friend.
“I saw her last week in Damofalls and we have known each other since high school in Mabvuku.
“She is my friend’s girlfriend not mine,” said Tawanda.
Other alleged boyfriends’ mobile phones went unanswered when H-Metro tried to reach out and the other names leaked include Kudakwashe, Cain, Rajin, Kudakwashe, Obed and one Alton who denied the allegations despite the chats suggesting a love affair.
Some of the leaked chats revealed to H-Metro with Munashe begging for unprotected sex and suggesting she could be pregnant with Kudakwashe’s baby.
DISCLAIMER
RE: PAYMENT OF ARREARS TO CORPS MEMBERS
The attention of the Management of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme has been drawn to a false story purported to have emanated from the Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim to the effect that Corps Members would receive arrears as a fall out of the recent pay raise given to them by the Federal Government which has been roundly appreciated by Corps Members and Nigerians.
Indeed, the fulfillment of the promise of the increment by the Federal Government is borne out of utmost concern for the welfare of our patriotic youths and commencement date is January 2020 as budgeted in the 2020 fiscal year.
Therefore, Corps Members and members of the public are hereby advised to disregard the so – called purported breaking news from the DG NYSC, Brig Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim announcing the payment of various sums of money as arrears to ex – Corps Members of 2018 Batches and serving Corps Members of 2019 Batches.
Kindly verify information from the NYSC official platforms or the State Secretariats nationwide on issues concerning the Corps. Never respond to bogus instructions on phantom sites and sources.
Be rightly guided please.
Thank you.
Management.
Bobrisky has reacted to a viral report about his alleged arrest. The cross-dresser denied being arrested by the military.
Sharing new pictures on his Instagram page, Bobrisky wrote:
“Bloggers repeat after me…. Always get your gist right…. no soldiers arrested me or collected my cars.
I heard one dead kayamata seller and her boyfriend gistlover are happy they arrested their mother !!!!! ������. Same bloggers said I died last week so how come soldiers arrested my dead body �����.”
It was earlier reported that Bobrisky was arrested and his cars seized.
Abubakr Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation, on Thursday, denounced his earlier stance against the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Outfit code-named Operation Amotekun which he had declared illegal.
Malami whose condemnation whose anti-Amotekun remark had stirred up more knocks than nods on social media, has, however, claimed to have been misinterpreted by the governors of the six southwestern states and their sympathisers across the federation.
Malami made a U-turn on his anti-Amotekun stance while addressing responding to a question during a chat on Radio Nigeria Abuja on Thursday morning where he explained:
“I was misinterpreted on Operation Amotekun, I did not say it’s Illegal”.
“I said the Operation Amotekun should be properly back by law, so if at the end of this Government, if the Operation has been backed by law, any Government that eventually succeeded this government will not rubbish the Operation”.
“I said if they failed to enact a law in support of Amotekun in the South West Region of Nigeria, another government can come and say it’s Illegal and this is because it is not backed up by any law”.
“So, It is just an advice to the state governors to use their power and the State Houses of Assembly in their various states to enact a law that will make the Operation more effective.”
RACE ROW Landlord accused of ‘shocking racism’ after she refuses to rent room to Gambian man as Africans ‘make the house smell’
A LANDLORD has been accused of race discrimination after banning African tenants from renting her property – because “they make the house smell”.
Ebrima Mboob, originally from Gambia, West Africa, arranged over Facebook to view a double room to rent in central London from landlord Elina Vimbsone.
Mr Mboob claims that once Ms Vimbsone realised where he was from, she back-peddled by declaring: “It’s only for European people”.
The 24-year-old – studying performing arts at the University of the Arts London – said he “could not believe it” when his viewing was abruptly cancelled because of his ethnicity.
He said: “I was completely shocked at the landlord’s response and I still am today.
“Growing up in England, I’ve experienced all types of racism, but this was the first time that I’ve experienced something this absurd.
“What makes it even more shocking is the fact she said ‘will be brilliant if you can make the time to come and view’, but soon changed her mind once she realised I was black.
“I wasn’t expecting her to even ask me about my background as I didn’t think it was relevant and she even had the nerve to say it wasn’t racist.
Mr Mboob added how the ordeal has left him feeling self-conscious when cooking African food in case other people have the same perception.
“She even tried to play it down by saying how she has Nigerian friends and that all their houses smell like what they cook,” he concluded.
“I’ve just moved in with new housemates and I’ve developed serious anxiety about cooking around them in case they hate the smell too.”
Oprah Winfrey has denied having anything to do with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals.
Page Six published a report that TV icon Oprah Winfrey advised the Duke and Duchess of Sussex about stepping back from the British monarchy.
Winfrey has now denied her involvement in Harry and Meghan’s shocking announcement.
Oprah Winfrey said in a statement to ET: “Meghan and Harry do not need my help in figuring out what’s best for them. I care about them both and support whatever decisions they make for their family.”
Oprah is close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She was at their wedding and is working with Harry on a mental health series for Apple TV+ that will be released later this year.
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