Nedu Echianu's Blog

A former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has carried out his threat to sue President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, for her alleged libellous tweet via her Twitter handle on May 7, 2019. The post allegedly suggested that Atiku was on the watch list of security operatives in the United Arab Emirates and had travelled to shop for terrorists in the Middle East. Atiku, through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed a N2.5bn suit against Onochie before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on June 26. “To say that the claimant is shopping for terrorists knowing same to be untrue and without any foundation is not only dishonest and reckless, but is calculated and politically designed to instigate security agents against him not only in the UAE, but across the world,” he stated in his statement of claim accompanying the suit. Denying the allegations contained in the said tweet, Atiku said the tweet was “politi

Pastor Omodele Fatoyinbo, wife of the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly in Guzape, Abuja, Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo, says her husband is not a rapist. Mrs. Fatoyinbo said, “My husband is not a rapist. Even if he was not a believer, he would not be a rapist.” Before she could complete her speech, however, her husband quickly grabbed the microphone and said, “the elders are handling the matter.” A Punch correspondent, who was in the church auditorium, reported that although church service usually ends at 12 pm, the service was already rounding off before 11 am while no sermon was delivered. Mrs. Busola Dakolo, the wife of popular musician, Timi Dakolo, had on Friday accused Fatoyinbo of raping her 20 years ago. The allegation caused a storm over the weekend with groups calling for the arrest of Fatoyinbo while some of his supporters have stayed by his side. The COZA founder has, however, denied all the allegations levelled against him.

Senior pastor of the Commonwealth or Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo has cancelled the church’s upcoming week-long programme as protests seeking his dismissal gather momentum. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event tagged ‘7DG’ was billed to hold from July 1 to July 7 was cancelled on Sunday during the church service with protesters holding a peaceful demonstration around the premises. The protests tagged #ChurchToo and #PastorStepDown are currently being held at COZA branches in Lagos and Abuja with participants urging the church to suspend the clergy activities of Fatoyinbo pending investigations into the alleged rape accusations. It would be recalled that on Friday, Busola Dakolo, celebrity photographer and wife of singer, Timi Dakolo accused Fatoyinbo of raping her at 16 in a now-viral video interview. Dakolo detailed the events that led to the alleged rape, which she revealed happened twice in one week. The allegations caused an uproar on social medi

The Cable reports that Security guards at the CommonWealth Zion Assembly (COZA) in Abuja manhandled a protester who was trying to make his way to the front of the church on Sunday. The male protester joined the #ChurchToo Movement, which is protesting the alleged rape of Busayo Dakolo, celebrity photographer, by Biodun Fatoyimbo, COZA pastor. The pastor has since denied the allegation, threatening to take legal action. Below is a video of the incident:

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, at the weekend, elected Comrade Quadri Olaleye as its National President. By constitution. Comrade Olaleye will head a 14-member National Administrative Council (NAC), of TUC, who were also elected to pilot the affairs of the Labour Centre for the next three years. He doubles as the National President of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, FOBTOB. The names of those elected alongside are; Comrades Innocent Bola Audu of Association of Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, as 1st Deputy President, Oyinkan Olasanoye of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) as 2nd Deputy President, Hygenius Chika Onuegbu of Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, as 3rd Deputy President. Others are; Comrades Muhammed Yunusa of Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations, Government Owned Companies (SSASSCGOC) as National Treasurer, Isaac Egbugara of Construction an

The Punch newspaper is reporting that operatives of the Department of State Services wearing hooded masks,  the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have surrounded the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly in Guzape, Abuja. A Punch correspondent, who is currently at the scene,  observed at least 50 security operatives with patrol vehicles on either side of the road on Nasir el-Rufai crescent where the church is located. Although security officials are usually deployed in the church every Sunday, the number of operatives today is higher than usual. The deployment of security operatives may not be unconnected with threats by several rights groups to protest at the church following allegations of rape levelled against COZA senior pastor, Abiodun Fatoyinbo. Mrs. Busola Dakolo, the wife of popular musician, Timi Dakolo, had on Friday accused Fatoyinbo of raping her 20 years ago. The allegation caused a storm over the w

Protesters have converged on NNPC filling station at Guzape over rape allegations levelled against the Founder and Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo. Punch newspaper reports that some of the placards held by protesters read ‘We are watching you,’ ‘Your Pastor is not your God,’ ‘Thou shall not rape’ and ‘No to sexual abuse in my church’ among others with the hashtag ‘#ChurchToo.’ The protesters, including one of the leaders of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, Aisha Yesufu, could be seen wearing white in solidarity with victims of rape. This follows allegations of rape against Fatoyinbo by Busola Dakolo, photographer and wife of inspirational singer, Timi Dakolo.

Youths of Avodim autonomous community, Umuahia South Local government area of Abia state have protested what they described as the illegal acquisition of their land by the Federal ministry of lands for the development of Housing projects.  The protesting youths who staged a peaceful demonstration, accused the traditional ruler HRH Eze Boniface Onyemachi and members of his council of conniving with the government to sell off community land without any form of compensation.  The peaceful protesters were however confronted by security operatives deployed by the traditional ruler to ensure that law and order is guaranteed, but the protesting youth insisted that the move was unnecessary and a ploy by the traditional institution in the community to stifle their genuine agitation for the recovery of their ancestral land.  In an exclusive interview with this blog, Youth leader of Avodim autonomous community, Erugo Wisdom, said the youth were frustrated at the lik

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has explained that constitution amendments carried out by the Eighth National Assembly had substantially addressed the problem of proliferation of political parties in Nigeria. Ekweremadu, who also chaired the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for 12 consecutive years, expressed surprise at a recent statement credited to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Commissioner in charge of Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kwara States, Muhammed Haruna, that the electoral body lacked the powers to de-register political parties without further constitution amendments. The lawmaker said all INEC needed to do was to look at the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fourth Alteration, No. 9) Act published in Official Gazette No. 77 Vol. 105 to be well guided. Writing on his Facebook handle @iamekweremadu, he said: “INEC has a germane point because the size of our political par

Mr. Olu Onemola, the Special Assistant on New media to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan has resigned his appointment. A statement by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media & Publicity, Mohammed Isa made this known today in Abuja. The resignation, according to the statement is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President. In the letter, Onemola thanked Lawan for the offer to continue to serve and promote the work of the 9th Senate, which according to him... "is borne out your patriotic desire to serve the Nigerian people." "However, at this time, given my antecedents and the controversy this has generated, I would respectfully like to be excused from taking up this national assignment. "It is my hope that whoever does fill this role will build upon what we have started in terms of opening up the activities of the Nigerian Senate to the public", added Onemola The Senate President, the statement added has since appro

Over a year after the popular Ponzi scheme, Mavrodi Mundial Moneybox (MMM) crashed in Nigeria dashing the hope of over three million Nigerians, the scheme is back The scheme is now labeled MMM cooperation and it promises up to 50 percent return on any amount invested in it. This is 20 percent more than what the previous version offered. Like the previous version, MMM participants are to register, invest a particular amount in the form of “providing help” and “get help” with their investments and interest back after 30 days. On its site, the administration wrote ; “In honour of our beloved founder, Sergey Mavrodi of blessed memory; we awoke his legacy by starting the operation of MMM Cooperation on Jan 22nd, 2019. “This is after 5 months thorough examination of the old system in order to make his legacy worthwhile. Like sunrise in the morning, MMM Cooperation set the pace on the 22nd of January 2019 all over the world. From negligence by many to fear of unknown by prospe

An Air Peace flight with registration number 5N BRN, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt today, skidded off the Port Harcourt airport runway at about 1500hours. The incident according to the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, occured during a heavy downpour at the airport. She said there were no casualties however, as all 87 passengers and 6 crew members on board the flight were safely evacuated. The runway is already been cleared by the Authority so that normal flight operations can continue.

Super Eagles forward, Samuel Kalu, on Friday suffered a heart attack during training in Egypt, just a day before the Nigeria’s Afcon opener. According to reports, the 21-year-old player collapsed while taking a corner kick during training and was transported to a local hospital. He has since been confirmed ‘okay’ and ‘stabilised’. Nigeria Football Federation media chief, Demola Olajire confirmed the situation, but added that the Bordeaux winger has been advised to drink more water. “I have been told Samuel Kalu has been stabilised. He was taken to hospital for tests and he is certified okay. He was dehydrated, they said. Told him he needs to be taking enough fluids,” Olaajire said. Samuel Kalu has made just five appearances for the Eagles since making his debut in 2018 and has scored one goal in the process.

The Think Tank Committee, which is the highest decision making arm of the Action Alliance (AA) says that, in the interest of the party, it has decided to withdraw its name from the Imo State governorship election petition tribunal. This comes as the party denies collecting N100 million from its 2019 Imo State governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu, since the inception of the current administration. AA National Secretary Vernimbe James, who spoke at the National Think Tank Committee meeting yesterday in Abuja, disclosed that the party would organise its convention in the next three months. “NEC aproved the holding of the party’s special national convention within three month from 21st June, 2019; NEC approved the withdrawal of the party’s name from Imo State governarship elections petition tribunal for the overall interestof the party and Imo State,” James stated. “[It] approved five member disciplinary committee to hear and investigate gross misconduct allegation against some me

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has directed a nationwide clampdown on motorcycles and tricycles without number plates with effect from August 1st 2019, as it has become difficult to identify such category of vehicles when used to commit traffic and criminal offences. A statement issued by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, said the latest development has become imperative following the Corps’ renewed commitment to ensuring security of lives and properties of the citizens, by controlling and reducing the rate of crime. Motorcycles and tricycles without number plate are believed not to be captured in the National Vehicle database hence, in the event of a crash or crime, cannot be traced. Buttressing this further, Kazeem quoted a part of the FRSC Establishment Act that empowers the Corps to achieve the aforementioned. According to him, “The National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012 was made pursuant to section 5(e) of the FRSC

The Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH), University of Ibadan, says that Nigerian students have one of the highest rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts globally. Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, the Director of CCAMH, stated this on Wednesday in Ibadan at a symposium held to mark the 2019 Day of the African Child.  The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme selected by the African Union to commemorate the day is: “Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children’s Rights First”. NAN also reports that the Day of the African Child was set aside by the African Union in 1991 to recognise children who lost their lives in the June 16 children uprising in Soweto, South Africa. Omigbogun, a consultant psychiatrist, said that 50 per cent of mental disorders had their onset before the age of 14, a period within which he said critical growth and development occur.  “Several studies identifying the health situation of children and adolescents in schools have been conducted

The office of the President of the Senate has reviewed the appointment of Mr. Festus Adedayo as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President of the Senate and decided to rescind its decision on the appointment, and wishes Mr. Adebayo the best in his future endeavours. This was contained in a statement issued today and signed by Mohammed Isa, the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media and Publicity. No replacement has been announced.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari as the new Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, bringing to an end the tenure of Maikanti Baru, as the oil firm’s boss. NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday morning, stated that the President also appointed alongside Kyari, seven new Chief Operating Officers. Until his new appointment, Kyari, a geologist, was Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division of NNPC and also doubled, since May 13, 2018, as Nigeria ’s National Representative to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Buhari also directed that the new GMD and the newly appointed Chief Operating Officers work with the current occupiers of the various offices till July 7, 2019 towards a smooth transition on July 8, 2019, when their appointments would take effect. The corporation, however, stated that the appointment of Mr. Far

With the start of the Total 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) only a few days away, assurances have come from DStv and GOtv that subscribers would enjoy the live coverage and analysis in pidgin language. The Media Coordinator of the companies, Atinuke Akinola, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Lagos. He said the organisations noted that the football show would also come up in HD on SuperSport. Akinola said that all the matches of the tournament would be available to DStv subscribers on Premium, Compact Plus, Compact and Family packages, while selected matches would be available to DStv Access subscribers. On GOtv, the matches would be available to subscribers on GOtv Max and GOtv Plus packages. He quoted Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, as saying: “We know pidgin is one of the most popular languages for interaction in the country and we received good reviews when we introduced pidgin commentary during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. “Now, we are excited to anno

The UK government warned its citizens against visiting 24 states in Nigeria, among which are President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, Katsina and others including, Borno, Yobe Adamawa, Gombe States. According to a statement on its website, the UK government warned its citizens that terrorists are likely to carry out terror attacks in those states. It also warned that beside Abuja, other states in the north remain risky. It said, “You should avoid places where crowds gather, including political meetings, religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests as well as places visited by tourists.” It said there is high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. The statement reads thus: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to: Borno State Yobe State Adamawa State Gombe State riverine areas of

The former governor of the State and the Distinguished Senator Representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, OON, has approved the appointments of highly seasoned personnel as his legislative aides. A statement signed by Sam Onwuemeodo Special Adviser (media) to the former governor and Senator, listed the appointments thus: Barr. Steve Asimobi, Senior Legislative Aide, Dr. Steve Orji, Legislative Aide, Barr. Ikenna Emeh, Assistant Legislative Aide, and Dr. Ebere Nzewuji, Personal Assistant. The appointments take effect immediately.

Egypt’ s first democratically elected president Mohamed Morsi was buried in Cairo on Tuesday, his lawyer said, a day after he collapsed in court and died. Rights groups called for an independent probe into the detention conditions and death of the Islamist, who was ousted in 2013 after a year of divisive rule. State TV said the 67 - year -old ’s death was due to a cardiac arrest. “ He was buried in Medinat Nasr, in eastern Cairo, with his family present,” said Abdel Moneim Abdel Maksoud, one of his lawyer. Morsi, also the country ’s first civilian president, had appeared “animated” during a hearing in a retrial over charges of collaborating with foreign powers and militant groups, judicial and security sources said. “The court granted him his request to speak for five minutes … He fell to the ground in the cage … and was transported immediately to the hospital. A medical report found … no pulse or breathing,” said the attorney general's office. “He arrived at the hospital

President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan has approved the appointments of Babagana Muhammad Aji and Festus Adedayo as his Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity respectively. According to a statement signed by Special Adviser to the Senate President on Administration, Dr. Betty Okoroh the appointments are with immidiate effect. "The appointments were made based on merit, experience, track record and competency of Aji and Adedayo needed by the Senate President in executing his planned legislative agenda," the statement added. Aji, who is currently an Administrative Coordinator of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Outreach Services, holds a Master Degree in Educational Planning and Administration, and another one in Public Administration both from University of Maiduguri. He started his working carrier with the University of Maiduguri in 1987 as Administrative Assistant and rose to become the Registrar of the University in 1997. He later jo

It was the most contentious moment of the Women's World Cup so far. When Wendie Renard sent her late re-taken penalty into the top corner to earn hosts France a 1-0 win over stubborn Nigeria, it sparked "confusion" and "bemusement" on social media. One social media user even described it as "daylight robbery". France were awarded a spot-kick - after a video assistant review - in the 75th minute when Ngozi Ebere fouled Viviane Asseyi in the box. Centre-back Renard stepped up to take it and missed - hitting the outside of the right post. But VAR intervened, adjudging 18-year-old Super Falcons keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to have moved off her line early. Renard stepped up again - and this time made no mistake. But Nigerians fans were far from happy. So were they right to be so outraged? Football law changes came into effect on 1 June, with one of them saying this: The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on/in line with the goal line w

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Sunday advised people in possession of its certificates to guard them well, saying it will not re-issue on account of misplacement, fire, flood or theft. The council’s Head of National Office, Mr Olu Adenipekun, gave the advice in an interview with Newsmen in Lagos. Adenipekun said the advice was necessary as lots of people have been approaching the council at various times for a re-issue of the lost certificates. “Let me make it clear that in the real sense of it, our certificates are issued only once, irrespective of who is involved or the circumstance that led to the misplacement, and that remains the truth of the matter. “We do not issue our West African Senior School Certificates Examination (WASSCE) twice. “But, if we have such cases of theft, fire, flood and others, as it concerns these certificates, yes, in reaction to our operational environment, we can consider the issuance of an ‘attestation certificate. “About fiv

Nigeria’s 2019 general elections won by President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress weren’t transparent and were marred by violence and harassment of voters, the European Union observer mission said. “The elections became increasingly marred by violence and intimidation, with the role of the security agencies becoming more contentious as the process progressed, ” the EU observers said Saturday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, in their final report on the Feb. 23 and March 2 votes. “This damaged the integrity of the electoral process and may deter future participation." The elections gave Buhari, 76, a second four-year term with 56% of the vote, while Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President and candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, came second with 41%. The ruling party also won a majority of parliamentary seats. At least 58 people, including election officials, were killed in voting-related violence, according to the Nigerian Civil Soci

The National Working Committee, NWC of the  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Senators on the platform of the party, Thursday elected Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia South as the Minority Leader.  Also elected are Senator Emmanuel  Bwacha, Taraba South who  retained his position as the Deputy Minority Leader, same  position he held in the just concluded 8th Senate. Senator Philip Aduda, FCT also retained his position as Minority Whip, a position he occupied in the 8th Senate.  Senator Clifford Ordia, Edo Central was elected the Deputy Minority Whip. Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Bayelsa Central was the  Deputy Whip in the 8th Senate following the elevation of Senator Biodun Olujimi, Ekiti from deputy whip to  Minority Leader when Senator Godswill Akpabio left, having  dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC.  The leadership of the Party will today write the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on the election. The PDP NWC will today meet with the House of Representatives PD