Kantagua Market: Bridgeway Global Contract, Terminated 2yrs Ago  -LASG 

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde has disclosed that the contract with the Kantagua market project consultant, Bridgeway Global Project Limited has since been terminated over two years ago due to non-performance of the contractor on the agreement reached with him.

The state government grudge is hinged to the fact that his contract with the state was terminated two years ago, to their surprise a whopping sum of over N600 million was allegedly collected from the traders through dubious means in the name of rent, other market environmental charges as well as clear extortion of the market men and women. 

Therefore, Dr Babatunde said, “it is illegal for Bridgeway Global Project Ltd, who allegedly the alter and ego is to one James Onyemenam.

It was revealed that the embattled Mr. Onyemenam, himself or his representatives have been collecting  fees and money from the marketers under the pretence that he was still in charge of the contract when it was actually terminated by the state government two years ago.

Infact, checks by our correspondent both at the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC and on the goggle reveals that Mr. James Onyemenam, is the  owner of the coy.

The Special Adviser said he was taken aback by the continued occupation and collection of illegal fees amounting to millions of naira from traders and shop owners currently occupying the Kantagua market.

According to a statement from the Public Affairs Unit of LASBCA, Babatunde has

restated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to develop Kantagua ICT market to world class marketplace.

The Special Adviser disclosed this during an inspection of the vast land area earmarked for the relocation of Ikeja computer village in the urban regeneration program of the state government.

He disclosed that the Urban Development Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development headed by Mrs. Bola Bello has taken over the management of the Kantangua project till further notice.

Babatunde also directed that anything that has to do with project control has to be in line with Lagos State Building Control Agency’s guidelines and regulations.

Speaking on the fate of subscribers who had paid to Bridgeway Global Project Limited for the allocation of shops in the market, Dr. Babatunde said “All of you that has paid any money to the project consultant after his contract was terminated, I can assure that Bridgeway Global Project Limited will be made to refund all fees collected illegally to the subscribers after the conduct of proper identification and verification by the State government to determine the real occupants and how much they paid”.

“From this moment, nobody should pay any kobo to them again as they no longer represent the State government on this project. 

“Director from Urban Development, Mrs. Bola Bello and her team will be the one to represent the State Government on this market project till further notice and if you have anything to do on this market project, please liaise with her” Dr. Babatunde stated.

He directed that eight staff of Bridgeway Global Project Limited found in the market gate collecting tolls and fees  be arrested and prosecuted in the court of law after collecting millions of Naira from the poor traders. 

The General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki addressing the multitude of subscribers and sellers in the market warned against any environmental infringement as well as blocking of roads leading into the market. He warned that nobody should pay any money to anybody for now till further notice when things are put in the right perspective. He disclosed that some buildings and structures erected illegally in some parts of the market will give way for proper development of the market.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon Ogunkelu Sylvester who lead other members of the State House of Assembly on a fact finding mission said they are in the market on the directives of the Speaker reaction to a petition written by the Leaders of the Market Association. He noted that their findings will be delivered to the speaker for further action. 

Meanwhile, efforts by our correspondent yesterday, to reach Mr. James Uchechukwu Onyemenam, on his two lines  08033455983 and 08053424301 to hear his own side of the story proved futile as the phone was said to be switched off. 

PDP group endorses Suswam to replace Ayu as national chairman

PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP members under the aegis of Concerned Benue State PDP Stakeholders, have endorsed Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam for the position of National Chairman of the party.

Recall that Sen Suswam recently expressed interest in the PDP National chairmanship seat owing to the vacuum created by the court order that truncated the tenure of Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, an indigene of Benue State from the North Central zone. 

Speaking during the endorsement,  leader of the group, Professor Nicholas Ada, former Minister of State 1, Foreign Affairs, said Sen Suswam as a founding member of the party in 1999 has remained in the party and therefore have a better understanding of the philosophy and vision of the party than anyone else who may wish to contest with him for this position. 

“His track record of service, integrity and vision for the party makes him eminently qualified to lead our party into a new era of progress and prosperity. 

“Senator Suswam was elected as Member of the House of Representatives for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency and re-elected for another 4 year term from 2003 – 2007 during which he served on many sensitive committees. 

“When Suswam was Governor of Benue State, he was appointed as a member of the Independent Power Project (IPP) by the then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Few Governors, indeed eight (8) Governors were members of this Committee and because of his pedigree, he was made Chairman of the Committee thus representing the 36 States of the Federation.

“After a very successful double tenure as Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam was elected as Senator representing the good people of Benue State North East Senatorial District. He served on very sensitive Committees including Chairman of House Committee on Power. 

“Senator Gabriel Suswam has indeed successfully passed all Grade ‘A’ political examinations with flying colours both at the State and National levels and thus is suitably qualified to be promoted to occupy the leadership position of our great party,” Prof Ada said.

Interestingly, Suswam’s expression of interest to occupy the seat of the National Chairman of PDP is supported by the provision of the constitution of the party to retain party positions in the same zones as they become vacant. 

According to Prof Ada, “section 47(6) of the 2017 constitution of the PDP as amended states:

‘where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at appropriate level shall appoint another person from the AREA  or ZONE where the officer originated from.”

He cited the appointment of a new Women Leader, who was appointed to complete the tenure of a deceased Women Leader from the South South zone to support Suswam’s agitation.

“PDP thus previously appointed a new Women Leader of the Party after the death of the previous Woman Leader who held that position from the South-South Zone (Cross-River State). 

“Let me reiterate at this point that the PDP National Chairmanship today is occupied by the North Central Zone and particularly from Benue State. 

“It is therefore constitutional, logical and incumbent on the National Working Committee (NWC) to appoint Senator Suswam to complete the tenure of Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, since he is the only person that has followed due process in expressing his ambition for the position.

“It is on record and with authority that Senator Suswam with tremendous wealth of experience both in the executive and political leadership started the expression of his interest by consulting with the Benue State Working Committee of the PDP where he was also warmly received,” Prof Ada further stated.

He disclosed that Sen

 Suswam had also addressed the zonal expanded caucus of the PDP (ZONE A), his immediate constituency in Katsina-Ala during which he intimated PDP party members of his intention.

At that event, Prof Ada said Suswam was overwhelmingly endorsed by a mammoth crowd of PDP faithfuls from his Zone. 

“The unprecedented attendance at this consultative meeting clearly showed that our Party is intact and members have been waiting for such opportunity to interact once again and reflect on the happenings during the 2023 General Elections. 

“As Concerned Benue State PDP Stakeholders, the home State of Senator Suswam, we have followed with diligence the various outings of Senator Suswam in consulting the Founding Fathers of the PDP and other key major stakeholders of the Party across the country. 

“We are convinced that this expression of interest for the leadership of the party declared by Senator Suswam is not a personal agenda; rather it should be viewed as the collective wish of the people of Benue State and indeed, the North Central Zone. 

“In the spirit of fairness, justice and equity, The North Central Zone should be given the opportunity to complete her tenure as Chairman of the Party. 

“The emergence of Senator Suswam will adequately mobilize the entire Party to form a formidable opposition that will salvage this nation from the unbelievable hardships faced by Nigerians and return our great Party to the winning race.

“Distinguished Party faithful, in Senator Gabriel Suswam we find a leader whose unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy and inclusive governance exemplary. 

“This Group of Concerned Benue State PDP Stakeholders has unanimously endorsed Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam CON for the National Chairmanship of our great Party, the PDP. 

“We therefore appeal to the leaders of our Great Party saddled with the responsibility of choosing a replacement for Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to consider these rare qualities of Senator Suswam and choose him to lead the Party.

“Senator Suswam has served on many reconciliation Committees of our Party in many States, he is therefore likely to use his cognate experience to recalibrate the party, re-engineer it, rejuvenate it and above all reconcile aggrieved Party members to reposition the Party as we work towards the 2027 General Elections with the hope of winning,” Prof Ada assured.

For  the convener, Hon. Dr. Paul Ubwa, maintained that the concerned Benue PDP  stakeholders had to come together to put a strong voice behind Senator Suswam’s candidature for national chairman to show the world that he has a strong home base.

Other Speakers are Former Governorship aspirsnt Hon. Susan waya spoke for women, Former speaker pro tempo  Terngu Tsegba & Fmr DG NAFDAC Hon. Dr  Paul Orhii spoke for elders of the party all endorsing Suswam for the National Chairman of the leading opposition party, PDP. 

AE-FUNAI Student Dies After Collapsing During Campus Football Match

Tragedy unfolded at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, as Ogboji David Chukwuebuka, a 200-level student, tragically passed away after collapsing during a football match on campus.

According to reports by DAILY POST, the incident occurred during a football competition organized by the Directorate of Sports of the Student Union Government (SUG). Ogboji, a student of the Department of Economics, was participating in a match against the Faculty of Biological Science as part of the university’s freshers’ league tournament.

Ogboji, affectionately known as Bernardo, collapsed on the pitch during the game and was promptly rushed to the university clinic. Despite efforts to save him, he was transferred to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Nwankwo Polycarp Chigozie, the SUG Director of Sports, confirmed the heartbreaking event in a statement, extending sincere condolences to Ogboji’s family, friends, and fellow students. He described the incident as a tragic loss and prayed for the peaceful repose of Ogboji’s soul.

The university community mourns the loss of Ogboji David Chukwuebuka, a promising young student, and extends heartfelt sympathies to those affected by this sorrowful event. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

The politics of Ortom’s probe

By Sunday Ogli

WHERE service to fatherland is recognised, leaders like Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State are treated with honour. But that is not so in this clime where achievements and good intentions of leaders are politicised and treated with disrespect.

This is a man who for eight years, (2015-2023), sacrificed his comfort and plum of office to fight and protect his people.

For eight years, he was persecuted predated, hounded, relegated, rubbished and ‘banished’ from the comity of governors for daring to cry out when his people were chased out of their ancestral homes and farmlands.

It is regrettable that the government of the day did not give attention to Ortom’s lamentations, if it did, the prevailing spate of insecurity in the country today would have reduced significantly and farmers would have returned to farm.

Being that we are where we are, Chief Ortom today is facing two judicial panels constituted by his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia for allegedly misappropriating public funds when he was governor.

It is rumoured in certain quarters that the issue of Ortom’s probe was concluded even before he left office to teach him a lesson for having the audacity to challenge the powers that be.

Governor Alia who inaugurated the panels sometimes in February, particularly wants to know how the resources that accrued to the state and government assets under Chief Ortom were managed.

The two commissions of Inquiry are: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government (from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023), and the Judicial Commission of inquiry into the Sale/Lease of government assets, Companies and Markets (both State and Local Government owned markets), as well as Moribund Companies (from or before May 28, 2015 to May 28th, 2023).

Performing the inauguration at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia explained that the setting up of the two commissions of inquiry to look into the activities of the outgone administration is in response to the desire of the people of the state, who are the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.

His words: “These commissions are not merely bureaucratic endeavors; they are our response to the earnest desires and hopes of the good people of Benue, who are rightfully critical stakeholders and owners of our dear state and its resources.”

According to the governor, the future of Benue as a state depends largely on the prudent management of its resources, and as such, his administration will ensure that all monies expended, serve the collective purpose, in order to take the state to greater heights.

“The future prosperity of Benue hinges on the prudent and judicious management of our resources.

“As we usher in a new era characterized by prioritizing the welfare of our people, it is imperative and quite incumbent upon us to ensure that every Naira expended serves the collective interest and propels the growth and development of our state.

“The responsible stewardship of government resources bears a direct correlation to the well-being of our people. Adequate allocation to vital sectors such as the economy, agriculture, education, security, healthcare, and infrastructure uplifts the standard of living, while any mismanagement jeopardizes our collective progress,” he stressed.

The governor expressed confidence in the integrity and track record of the members of the commissions to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and in accordance with the noble principles of public service.

He, however, urged them to recognize the gravity of their mandate, insisting that the commission is not rooted in distrust but in his administration’s commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance to safeguard the interests of the people of the state.

The governor reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to effective resources management, citing the timely payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, to the execution of critical infrastructure projects, as encapsulated in his administration’s blueprint, “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.”

Responding separately, the chairmen of the commissions of inquiry; retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo and Justice Apollo’s Paul Idi for Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government (from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023), and the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets, respectively, expressed their readiness to work in line with the terms of reference given them.

They equally promised to do their best to come up with recommendations that will help the government to move the state forward.

The Commission of Inquiry on the Income and Expenditure of Government Funds from May 2015- May 2023, has Chief John Ochoga, Henry Tor, Tom Ujah, Ode Igbade Nick, Iorpenda Tarnguhar and Terfa Gbande, as members while Barr. Ajinge Sar, Dr. Abraham Gberindyer serve as Government Counsel and Secretary, respectively.

On the other hand, the Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Assets, Companies and Markets from (2015-2023), has Clement Nenge Beetse, John Ogah, Dr. Terungwa Adzende and Hon. Abraham Atotse as members while Victor Nyamtamen (Esq.) and John Edigbo serve as Government Council and Secretary, respectively.

The Commissions which were given six months to complete their assignment and submit their report were separately tasked to amongst other things, look into how the Bailout and Paris Club refunds were expended; look into the loans procured by the state during the period in question and report on how such loans were used, as well as identify the companies owned by the state government (both active and inactive) and profer solutions on how the inactive ones can be revived.

Chief Ortom welcomed the inauguration of two Judicial Commissions to probe the activities of his administration between 2015 and 2023 and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe panels as long as the investigation is carried out in line with the law.

The former governor in a statement signed by his media aide, Tever Akase, stressed that his administration was built on transparency, accountability, and good governance.

He emphasized his readiness to provide any information or clarification, as may be required and urged his former appointees to equally make themselves available whenever called upon to provide clarifications.

Meanwhile the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vowed to stand with Chief Ortom as he faces the probe of his administration by the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration.

The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Bemgba Iortom, though acknowledged the importance of probity and accountability in governance, however raised questions about the timing of the probe by the government.

While questioning the rationality of the probe given the security situation in the state and the allegations of fraud raised against officials of the state government, the PDP also questioned the choice of the heads of the two panels.

The party noted that since the expiry of his two terms in office as governor, “Chief Ortom has lived freely among the people in the state, and has since expressed his readiness to submit himself before any lawful process as will require him to give account of his stewardship as governor.

“The PDP in the state, likewise, recognizes the place of probity and accountability as necessary components of good governance and will stand by its Leader, Chief Ortom, through this process of stock-taking, if that is actually what it will be.

“Nevertheless, the party raises questions as to the timing of the probing exercise, coming at a time when Governor Alia’s table is already full with issues of insecurity and allegations of corruption taking place under his watch.”

Recall Ginika Tor from FCC now- CSO urges Enugu State Govt

The attention of the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN), a prodemocracy, civil rights and anti-corruption CSO has been drawn to the recent protests held outside the Enugu State Government House and the premises of the State House of Assembly Complex by prominent indigenes and constituent members, calling for the removal and outright sack of Hon. Ginika Florence Tor, Federal Commissioner, representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

These allegations were based on the discovery by the protesters and eminent persons of the state, that she was involved in certificate forgeries, gross misconduct, immoral practices, and anti-party activities The allegations also include Ginika Tor’s penchant for pulling people down at all cost just to score cheap points, as well she is accused of always having an axe to grind if a situation that pertains to her is not resolved in her favour.

This, she allegedly displayed few months back, precisely last year, when she led a ferocious attack on Hajia Muheeba Dankaka, Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) of which she (Ginika Tor) is a Federal Commissioner. This, she allegedly did by sponsoring a media war of attrition against the person of Hajia Dankaka in order to remove her from the exalted office.

Till date, Nigerians are deeply surprised at the actions of Ginika Tor against Hajia Muheeba Dankaka, because, Hajia Dankaka was the one that mentored Ginika Tor “as her daughter and took her in, when no one wanted to assist her” at the Commission.

The said protest by the Enugu constituents largely made up of women groups and youths, bearing various placards and inscriptions has called for Ginika Tor’s sack, arrest and prosecution, as according to them, she has various scandals to her name and has become a prominent visitor to the Nigeria Police both at local and national levels. They also heavily dwelt on her alleged involvement in forgeries of her educational certificates and various documents in which they said “her name featured prominently.

This CSO is appalled that she has confessed severally to being grilled by the anti-corruption agencies, as such, “she should hide her head in shame,” and as well, “be removed outright by the Enugu State Government as representative of the state at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), because she does not have the integrity, honesty and good conduct of a person to occupy such an office.”

ACN findings also reveal that, it is on record that she has at various times and occasions, insulted and cast aspersions, including mudslinging on Princess Ada Ogbu, Geoffrey Onyeama, Hajia Dankaka, Hon Stella Okotete and others too numerous to be mentioned in one press statement. These, the CSO found out, are personalities that assisted her and brought her to limelight, but ironically, today, she has turned against them by doing everything within her power to bring them down at all cost, “just for self-serving inordinate ambition and a mesh of porridge.”

ACN also authoritatively recalls that Nigerians woke up some time last year to the front page orchestration by Ginika Tor, who, along with her cohorts, took on the venerable Hajia Dankaka, the amiable Chairperson of FCC, and threw her under the bus, and if it were not for the civil society groups and eminent Nigerians that came to the assistance of Hajia Dankaka, it would have been history by now. Hajia Muheeba Dankaka stood her grounds and fought till she got victory from this clandestine plot orchestrated by Ginika Tor.

As this organization found out, today, Nigerians know better that Ginika Tor is a mischief maker of the first order and someone who can not be trusted with power. This, we recall, was blatantly displayed when she accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Imo State Governor, “for exhibiting lack of wisdom and knowledge in their choice of persons to appoint in exalted positions”

In a release signed by Comrade Gbenga Ashiru (National President) and Yakubu Abdullahi (General Secretary) respectively, the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) said it was amazed at what Ginika Tor is still doing at the Federal Character Commission representing Enugu State. “When it is on record that she has insulted and cast aspersions on the present Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma as well as the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah respectively, maligning their hard-earned reputations as not being competent leaders and inflicting pain on the South-East zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the State Chapter of the party.”

This, our organization gathered, was disclosed in a statement by Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman of APC South East. These, according to the party chieftain, were allegations on gross misconduct, anti-party activities and an attempt to create a parallel executive of the party in the state which calls for the outright sack of Ginika Tor from the Federal Character Commission and nothing less.

The Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) also have good authority that two petitions received by the State Executive Committee against Ginika Tor were referred to the State disciplinary committee headed by Barr. Vincent Chieyine a situation which led to her indefinite suspension, but the ACN is calling for her outright removal and sack as a result of character unbecoming of a state representative from Enugu State.
This same representative, according to the release and statement of Dr Arodiogbu, “recall sometime around the 10th of March, 2024, was engaged in anti-party activities and published statements whose sole purpose was to bring the leadership of APC Enugu Sate as well as the Enugu State Executive into disrepute, contempt, hatred and public ridicule and odium.”

The said statement added that, “she also created a factional/parallel State Executive Committee in APC Enugu State which is contrary to Section 21:2 of the 2022 Constitution of the All Progressives Congress as amended.” This organization further learnt that the resolution ratifying the indefinite suspension of the Federal Character Commissioner, Ginika Tor was copied to the National Chairman of the APC, the Governor of Imo State, Leaders of APC South East, among other stakeholders in the APC South East caucus.

The Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) states categorically that, from our findings, Ginika Tor has no educational qualifications or certificates, to show for all these years, but has chosen to rather engage herself in “Pull-Her Down (PHD)” syndrome, which she has displayed since she was made a Federal Commissioner, and, as such, has nothing to offer to her immediate constituency. In fact, she has become a shame to the women folk who have been yearning for adequate representation in all ramifications!

It is in view of the foregoing that the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) vehemently call for her outright sack by the state and nothing more. In addition, the State Government should send in the name of a competent personality to replace her as the Federal Character Commissioner representing Enugu State.

“Nigeria’s Potential to Lead in Oil Palm Production with Support, Asserts Okitipupa MD”

“Nigeria Poised to Lead in Oil Palm Production with Proper Support, Says Okitipupa MD”
Taiwo Adewole, the managing director of Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc, has emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to reclaim its position as the largest producer of oil palm globally if the government provides adequate support to the agricultural sector.

Adewole made this assertion during the signing ceremony for the Okitipupa Palm Oil Plc’s right issue with the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos held in February. He stressed that Nigeria should no longer rely on palm oil imports but rather invest in local production by supporting farmers.

Expressing his views, Adewole stated, “I firmly believe that Nigeria should not be importing palm oil for any reason. Instead, we should invest in local farmers to boost the economy and reduce the pressure on the government to import processed palm oil with foreign currency.”

He highlighted the importance of Nigeria regaining its status as a leading oil palm producer, emphasizing that the country should focus on meeting local demand before considering exportation.

“Our priority should be to satisfy domestic consumption needs first and then explore opportunities for exporting surplus production,” Adewole emphasized.

Regarding Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc’s initiative to raise N3.5 billion, Adewole explained that the company aims to issue approximately 382 million shares at N9 per share. He emphasized that the discounted price is intended to encourage existing shareholders to participate in the company’s growth.

“This right issue marks a significant milestone in our recapitalization journey. Okitipupa Plc is poised to become a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, and we are committed to delivering value to our shareholders,” Adewole remarked.

Addressing the challenges facing farmers, particularly insecurity, Adewole stressed the urgent need for improved security measures. He applauded the government’s approval of state police as a step in the right direction, emphasizing that security is paramount for agricultural development.

Oluwatobiloba Kuye, the desk officer handling the transaction for the right issue at Greenwich Merchant Bank, expressed optimism about Okitipupa Plc’s future. He commended the company’s efforts to recap

“Fiabema Criticizes Chelsea’s Decision to Sack Tuchel: ‘It was a Mistake'”

Former Chelsea youth team player Bryan Fiabema has criticized Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel, who was the last manager to secure a trophy for the club.

The Blues terminated their contract with the German tactician in September 2022 amidst a series of underwhelming performances and rumored conflicts with the club’s new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

During Tuchel’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, he clinched one UEFA Champions League title, which marked Chelsea’s last major silverware, along with a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Additionally, the 50-year-old guided the six-time English champions to the final of the EFL Cup and FA Cup in 2022, where they were defeated by Liverpool, as well as the FA Cup final in 2021, where they lost to Leicester City, spearheaded by Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.

When asked about his reaction to Tuchel’s dismissal during an interview with The Byline Show, Fiabema expressed surprise and criticized Chelsea’s decision, stating that they made a mistake in letting go of the once UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year. Fiabema praised Tuchel’s achievements and believed he performed well during his tenure at the club.

“Very, very. I think to this day even it was a mistake because if you look back, if you are at a big club like that you always have to win trophies,” Fiabema said.

“He won trophies, I would say he did well but just seeing what he did with the players and the team, I think it was a mistake.”

Fiabema, who was recently released by Chelsea and has since joined Real Sociedad, currently represents the LaLiga outfit’s B side.

Gunman Arrested in Kaduna with Nigerian Army General’s Complimentary Card and AK-47

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a gunman found in possession of a complimentary card belonging to a Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army. Alongside the complimentary card, the individual was discovered with an AK47 rifle, a bank ATM card, and other items in his wallet.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, stated that the arrest of the suspect marks a significant achievement in crime prevention and detection. The suspect, believed to be involved in armed robbery, was apprehended, and his operational weapon, an AK47 rifle, was recovered.

The success of the operation was attributed to the prompt action taken by police operatives, who acted on credible intelligence received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos Division. The intelligence report was received on March 24, 2024, at approximately 20:30 hours.

According to the police press release, the arrested individual, identified as Salim Aliyu, a 22-year-old resident of Badarawa Kwaru in Kaduna North, Kaduna State, was found in possession of the AK47 rifle with Breach No. 01585, along with three rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunitions. Other items recovered from the suspect include a Nigerian Immigration Service camouflage singlet and face cap, a sharp knife, a flier, a desert handbag, and a wallet containing a First Bank ATM card and the complimentary card belonging to the Nigerian Army Brigadier General.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being on a robbery mission to Maraban Jos.

The successful operation underscores the Kaduna State Police Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.

APC Throws Weight Behind Governor Uba Sani Over Kaduna Debt Disclosure

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has expressed full support for Governor Uba Sani, lauding his transparency in disclosing the state’s debt profile. The party views this as a commendable display of the governor’s commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.

In a statement released by the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, the party praised Governor Sani’s open and inclusive leadership style. This was evident in the recent State of Kaduna Town Hall meeting, which provided a platform for discussing the state’s challenges, progress, and plans, reflecting the administration’s dedication to citizen engagement.

Furthermore, the APC applauded Governor Sani’s recent initiatives aimed at mitigating economic hardship and promoting progress in Kaduna State. These initiatives include grants to 7,500 SMEs, support for 5,000 farmers, cash transfers, and food distribution to vulnerable households.

The party also highlighted Governor Sani’s update on security affairs during the Town Hall meeting, which included the establishment of more Forward Operation Bases, instilling hope for a safer future.

Addressing recent actions that went against the APC constitution, the party affirmed the indefinite suspension of its State women leader, Hajiya Maryam Suleman, popularly known as Mai Rusau. This decision underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within its ranks.

APC Kaduna reiterated its unwavering support for the Uba Sani administration and urged the governor to remain focused despite distractions from detractors.

Binance Executives Face Money Laundering and Tax Evasion Charges in Court

Cryptocurrency giant Binance and its executives are under scrutiny as they face two separate charges filed against them in the Abuja Federal High Court. The arraignment is set for Thursday, April 4th, 2024.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is alleging that Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla were involved in money laundering amounting to $35.4 million. This five-count charge accuses the company of operating without a valid license, a violation of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has lodged a separate four-count charge against Binance, accusing them of failing to register for and pay taxes in Nigeria. The alleged offenses span from February 1, 2024, to March 22, 2024, the filing date.

Nadeem Anjarwalla, who reportedly escaped custody on March 22nd, will be arraigned in absentia.

Justice Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, previously ordered Binance to provide the EFCC with comprehensive data on all Nigerian users on their platform amid concerns of possible money laundering and terrorism financing.

This case carries significant implications for cryptocurrency regulation in Nigeria and is expected to be closely monitored.