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Botched surgery: Trial of cosmetic surgeon to resume October

Beloved JOHN
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Botched surgery: Trial of cosmetic surgeon to resume October

THE trial of Anuoluwapo Adepoju, a doctor charged with alleged evasion from an investigation into a failed plastic surgery, has been adjourned to October 24 by a Federal High Court in Lagos 

The trial was scheduled for hearing on Monday, July 17. However, the case was adjourned due to the absence of the presiding judge, Mohammed Liman.

A surgery carried out by Adepoju allegedly resulted in the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. 

Following the incident, Adepoju was charged to court, alongside her company, MedContour Services LTD, by the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC).

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She is standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on a refusal to honour an invitation for an investigation into post-body surgery complications and failure to produce investigation documents.

The prosecuting counsel for the FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, had told the court that it was a criminal offence for an industrial player to shun a summons by the Commission. He noted that the offence carries either a prison term, a fine, or both.

Anu Adepoju’s botched cosmetic surgery and arrest 

In 2018, the medical doctor’s services allegedly resulted in the death of Onwuzuligbo, a 2013 winner of Face of Democracy Transformation in Nigeria.

The news of the ex-beauty queen’s demise, following alleged botched body enhancement surgery, first went viral in February 2019 and sparked several reactions on social media. 

Following the development, the FCCPC began to investigate Adepoju over suspicion of illegal activities and alleged evasion from an investigation into the failed plastic surgery.

However, Adepoju continued to carry out surgeries.

Using the social media to advertise her operations, she posted photos and videos of body enhancement surgeries she carried out.

She also showcased ‘positive’ feedback and patient transformations on her hospital’s Instagram handle.

As a result, Adepoju was indefinitely suspended by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

Also, the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, demanded that the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Investigation Panel investigate her for alleged professional misconduct.

In a petition dated June 11, 2020, LUTH accused Adepoju of misconduct during a surgery she performed on Onwuzuligbo at her facility.

LUTH disclosed that Adepoju obtained full registration as a medical practitioner on April 4, 2019, but performed surgery on the deceased in December 2018, months before she was qualified. 

The teaching hospital added that Adepoju claimed to be a cosmetic surgeon without undergoing a residency training programme or being registered by Nigeria’s Medical and Dental Council (MDCN).

LUTH also noted that Adepoju continued to perform surgeries even though the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency sealed her facility.

In July 2020, FCCPC announced that Adepoju had been arrested and charged to court. She was charged with failure to comply with a summons by the regulatory body.  

The Commission said there is sufficient cause to inquire into the consumer protection aspects of the representations and services of Adepoju’s clinic, MedContour, and its operatives.

When Adepoju was arraigned, she pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognisance.

Multiple adjournments

In October 2020, the FCCPC closed its case against Adepoju in court after examination and cross-examination of its witnesses. 

Adepoju, on the other hand, filed a no case submission claiming that the prosecution had not made a prima facie case against her to warrant a defence.

However, presiding judge, Mohammed Liman, rejected the no case submission filed by Adepoju in April 2022.

According to him, “The evidence so far propounded, presented and articulated by the prosecution, and admitted by the court satisfy the elements of the criminal charges pending against Dr Anuoluwapo Adepoju and as such, a prima facie case had been established which requires an appropriate defence.”

The case was reopened by the FCCPC by the order of the High Court. 

However, the case has suffered several adjournments for various reasons since then. 

On May 5, the case was adjourned to June 21 after Adepoju presented her evidence and was cross-examined. 

On June 21, the court did not sit, and the case was adjourned until July 17. 

Following the absence of the judge on July 17, the trial will now resume on October 24.

Abia uncovers 2,300 , saves N220m from wage bill

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
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Abia uncovers 2,300 , saves N220m from wage bill

ABOUT 2,300 ghost workers have been discovered in the payroll of the Abia State Government.

The detection of the ghost workers in the course of an ongoing verification of civil servants has saved the state N220 million from its monthly wage bill, according to the Abia State Accountant General, Njum Onyemenam.

Onyemenam disclosed this in Umuahia, the state capital, on Monday, July 17.

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“So far, we have been able to save N220 million from the ongoing verification of workers in the state, local governments and pensioners,” he said.

He added that, so far, 2,300 ghost workers have been removed from the system following the introduction of the unified payment system.

Onyemenam noted that more ghost workers would be uncovered in the course of the verification exercise.

The Accountant-General further disclosed that the state governor, Alex Otti, has given a directive for payment of backlog of salaries to local government workers, well as arrears of April wages to civil servants.

He added that the governor has authorised payment of June pensions to retirees.

The ICIR reported in February that the administration of the immediate past governor of the state, Okezie Ikpeazu, owed medical doctors 26-month salaries.

The ICIR highlighted that medical doctors employed by the Abia State government faced severe financial difficulties due to irregular payment of salaries.

The report noted that Ikpeazu, upon resuming office in 2015, met seven months withheld salary by the previous administration but also accumulated another four months debt, making it 11 months salary arrears during his first year.

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Although the state was able to clear the eleven months owed salary in tranches through the intervention of former President Muhammad Buhari; the Ikpeazu administration kept accumulating more months of unpaid salaries.

The ICIR, also, confirmed that the residents’ doctors were owed 25 months’ salaries, Hospital Management Board (HMB) staff members are owed about 14 months and other cadres of doctors in the state have their 26-month salary arrears unpaid.

FG confirms first case of anthrax disease in Nigeria

Mustapha USMAN
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FG confirms first case of anthrax disease in Nigeria

THE Federal Government has confirmed the first case of anthrax disease in Nigeria.

The outbreak was recorded in a multi-specie animal farm in Gajiri, Niger state.

A statement issued in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) on Monday July, 17, said “the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria was notified of animals manifesting symptoms of a suspected case of anthrax” in the farm.

Anthrax, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, is a severe disease that can affect both humans and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep and goats.

The bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals. The spores are resistant to extreme conditions and can survive in the soil or environment for decades, making controlling or eradicating the disease very difficult.

The NCDC in a series of tweets had alerted the general public of the possible outbreak of anthrax disease due to the reported cases in Ghana. 

The Centre while assuring that government has put certain preventive measures in place to ensure safety of Nigerians, urged members of the public to desist from the consumption of dead animals, hides (ponmo) and other by-products of bush animals 

On June 12, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had cautioned against consuming hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat to forestall the outbreak of the disease.

The Ministry also alerted the general public on the outbreak of anthrax in northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

However, announcing the first outbreak of the disease on Monday, July 17, the Ministry stated that it was “deeply concerned to announce the confirmation of an anthrax case in Niger State, Nigeria”.

It added, “On July 14, 2023, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria was notified of animals manifesting symptoms of a suspected case of anthrax in a farm in Suleja, Niger State.

“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes, and ears.”

The Ministry, according to the report stressed that it had deployed a rapid response team comprising federal and states’ One Health Professional Team to visit the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collect samples from the sick animals.

“Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years and after the report of an outbreak of anthrax in Northern Ghana a few weeks ago. All animals affected have died,” the Ministry stated.

FMARD also said it has collaborated with the Niger State government, and taken proactive measures to ensure the outbreak was controlled and contained quickly in Nigeria.

“This includes quarantine of the affected farm, deployment of anthrax spore vaccines to the affected and adjoining farms to vaccinate in-contact animals, and educating the farm workers of the affected farms on symptoms, preventive measures, and what to do when they encounter suspected cases.

“Plans are also underway to conduct nationwide vaccination of cattle, sheep, and goats against anthrax. Surveillance of anthrax will be heightened in livestock farms, markets and abattoirs. Public awareness campaigns on anthrax will be intensified.”

The Ministry urged all livestock owners to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious illness or deaths in their animals, to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products.

Livestock owners were further advised to be cautious when purchasing animals such as cows, camels, sheep, goats, and other livestock from Nigerian states that share borders with Benin, Chad, Niger, Ghana and other West African countries.

APC NWC confirms Adamu, Omisore’s resignation

Vincent Ufuoma
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APC NWC confirms Adamu, Omisore’s resignation

THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore as the party’s national chairman and national secretary, respectively.

This was confirmed at a meeting chaired by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Abubakar Kyari, on Monday, July 17.

Kyari also confirmed his appointment as acting national chairman while Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, takes over as acting national secretary of the party.

He also announced the postponement of the National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that were earlier scheduled to hold on Tuesday, July 18, and Wednesday, July 19.

“With this development and according to the APC constitution, it is now incumbent on my humble self as the deputy chairman (North) to assume the office as the acting national chairman of the APC. And subsequently, also, the Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, will now assume the office of acting National Secretary,” he said.

“With the recent development with the change of leadership, we would like to inform everybody here that the proposed National Caucus meeting slated for 18 July 2023 and the National Executive Council for 19 July 2023 are hereby postponed. This postponement would not be indefinitely, but a new date would be communicated.”

Although he said Adamu and Omisore resigned voluntarily, several reports have cited reasons for Adamu’s resignation, including misappropriation of funds and a cold war between him and President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).

TheCable reported that a vote of no confidence was expected to be passed against Adamu and the party’s Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, by NWC members today, Monday, July 17.

There are also reports that Adamu and Omisore would be sacked by the Tinubu-led NEC at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 19. The reported mismanagement of the N32 billion raised from the sale of forms for the 2023 general election was cited as one of the reasons for Adamu’s troubles.

According to TheCable, only N7 billion remains in the party’s account, raising concerns about the alleged misappropriation of funds. Additionally, the newspaper reported that the zonal, state, and ward levels of the party were not aware of the proceeds from the form sales, which were supposed to be shared among them.

It was also gathered Adamu’s bid to seek refuge with the party’s state chairmen failed.

“By the APC constitution, the proceeds were supposed to be shared with the zonal, state and ward levels of the party, and they were not in the know. So there was no way they were going to support him,” a party source was quoted as saying.

Adamu was said to have been advised by the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, to resign following the development.

Adamu reportedly submitted his resignation to the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday night.

The former Nasarawa governor in March 2022 emerged APC chairman by consensus following his endorsement by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Before the presidential primaries of the APC, he declared former Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the consensus candidate of the party, a move seen as a bid to stop Tinubu, the eventual winner of the primary election.

Adamu’s squabble with Tinubu did not stop after the swearing in of the later as president. He recently opposed the list of the principal officers of the party announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, as endorsed by Tinubu.

Ousted EFCC chair, Bawa denied access to lawyer, family

Bankole ABE
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Ousted EFCC chair, Bawa denied access to lawyer, family

OVER a month after his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS), suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abdulrasheed Bawa has been denied access to lawyers and family members, The ICIR has learnt.

Bawa, it was also reliably gathered, has also not made any statement to the Service since his arrest.

This is coming as former CBN governor Godwin Emiefele, who was arrested about the same time as Bawa by the secret service, was last Friday, July 14, charged to court for illegal possession of arms. 

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Bawa and Emiefele are believed to have gotten into trouble with the newly elected Bola Tinubu government for the role they played in the naira change policy believed to be targeted at the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, who eventually emerged winner in the 2023 presidential election.

The DSS invited and detained Bawa on Thursday, June 14, over undisclosed allegations. 

The invitation followed Bawa’s indefinite suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

A statement released on Thursday, June 14, by the spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya, stated that Bawa had acknowledged the invitation and arrived at the facility of the Service.

According to Afunanya, “Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him.”

Latest discovery

A source close to the suspended anti-graft agency boss told our reporter that Bawa had not been told the specific offence he committed, but there have been speculations that the major reason why he was removed and detained is due to the role he played in the attempt to scuttle the emergence of Tinubu as the candidate of the APC and eventual President of Nigeria. 

The former EFCC boss is believed to have written a memo to former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, which led to redesigning the naira, which Tinubu alleged was targeted at scuttling his presidential bid.

The policy immediately brought a lot of hardship to the citizens.

Our source claimed that the DSS has not asked Bawa to make any statement so far. However, an operative of the secret service said Bawa is the one refusing to make a statement.

Tinubu’s response to the alleged gang-up against him

Tinubu sensing the plots against him months preceding the elections, made the now famous ’emi lokan’ statement which translates to ‘it’s my turn’ in Yoruba.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu, at an event on Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Abeokuta, a few days before the APC presidential primary, made a speech which is more like a tirade to a gathering of party supporters in which he gave a hint of a struggle with some forces who don’t want him to emerge.

The speech echoed nationwide and beyond and sent a message to those who did not want him.

It would seem that Tinubu went to Abeokuta to pour out his mind as he publicly accused those he said he helped attain power, who are now ganged up against his ambition of reaching the presidency of Nigeria. 

According to Tinubu, Yoruba will not be relegated during Buhari’s presidency, and after his tenure, it would be the turn of the South-West. 

And when it comes to the South-West, it must be his, Tinubu’s turn.

Emefiele’s similar ordeal

Tinubu also suspended Emiefele as the CBN governor with immediate effect in similar circumstances.

A press release on Friday, June 9, by the director of information, office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Willie Bassey, announced the suspension.

Godwin emefiele and dss
Godwin Emefiele

Emefiele was directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the CBN governor pending the conclusion of the investigation into Emefiele’s office and reform of the financial sector. 

The DSS later confirmed Emefiele’s arrest in a tweet posted on its official Twitter handle on Saturday, June 10.

The secret police did not state or explain why Emeiele was arrested. 

However, many believe that apart from many controversies that graced his tenure, the main reason for his removal and arrest, like Bawa, might not be unconnected with the allegations of his role in the recent naira redesign and cashless policy.

However, Emefiele was hurriedly charged to court for illegal possession of arms after two courts described his arrest as illegal and asked the DSS to charge him to a court or release him.

Bawa, on his part, has remained in the custody of the DSS since June 14 and is yet to be prosecuted for any offence.

Insecurity: Army intercepts truckload of ammunition heading for Anambra

Bankole ABE
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Insecurity: Army intercepts truckload of ammunition heading for Anambra

TROOPS of the Nigeria Army intercepted a truck loaded with ammunition, heading for Anambra State, on Saturday, July 15.

A statement released by Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, said members of an international ammunition smuggling syndicate were transporting the weapons to the South-East state when they were intercepted.

According to the statement, troops of 192 Battalion, operating in 81 Division Area, made the arrest in Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Based on actionable intelligence, the troops conducted a stop-and-search operation and uncovered the illegal ammunition in a truck with the number plate ENU 697 XY.

According to reports, the truck was loaded with 720 packets of (red) cartridges of 12 calibre, containing 25 cartridges per packet. The total comes to 18,000 cartridges.

There were also 250 packets of live (black) cartridges containing ten packages each, totalling 2,500 cartridges of the same calibre.

The seized truck conveying ammunition: Courtesy Vanguard Newspaper
The seized truck conveying ammunition: Courtesy Vanguard Newspaper

A Ghanaian, Eric Seworvor, and the driver, Lukman Sani, were arrested and taken into custody concerning the discovery.

According to information discovered during the initial investigation, the ammunition, which was secretly smuggled in a fictitious empty truck, was brought from Mali across the Idiroko border.

“The criminals had successfully beaten several other checkpoints en route to their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.

“The timely intervention by the vigilant troops, however, thwarted the chaos that such volume of ammunition would have unleashed on innocent members of the public if the criminals had succeeded.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their commitment and urged them not to relent as they strive in synergy with other services and security agencies to provide safe and secure atmosphere for all Nigerians and the socio-economic development across the country,” the Army spokesperson said in the statement.

In another development, illicit drugs worth N13 million have been impounded by Police officers in Lagos.

Police officers attached to Aswani Division Lagos State carried out the operation.

It was gathered that during a normal stop-and-search on Wednesday, July 12, at around 11:56 pm, the drugs thought to be Indian hemp were discovered.

In addition, the police detained two suspects, Chukwuma Kennedy, 50, and Fidelis Otiga, 49, whose vehicles were used to convey the drugs.

The spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, while confirming the incident, said the illicit drugs, with a street value of N13 million, were being conveyed in a Toyota Sienna car with registration number KJA 118 HV.

“The suspects and exhibit have since been transferred to the Command headquarters for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

In the meantime, the commissioner of police for Lagos State, Idowu Owohunwa, assured the public that there would be sufficient security for lives and property and a persistent effort to combat the threat of drug addiction and usage in the state.

APC: Kyari emerges acting chairman as leadership crisis rocks party

Vincent Ufuoma
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APC: Kyari emerges acting chairman as leadership crisis rocks party

THE Deputy National Chairman (North) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Kyari, has assumed the position of acting National Chairman of the party.

The development comes amid yet to be confirmed reports that the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, has resigned his position.

The party has been rocked by a leadership crisis as Adamu and the National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, who was also reported to have resigned, have not confirmed the development.

According to the party’s constitution, when a national chairman resigns, the deputy national chairman from the corresponding zone assumes the role in an acting capacity.

Kyari led a group of members from the National Working Committee (NWC) into a meeting at the APC’s national secretariat in Abuja amid heightened security, on Monday, July 17.

Those who accompanied Kyari into the meeting include the Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, National Vice Chairman (North-East), Salihu Mustapha, National Vice Chairman (North Central), Muazu Bawa, National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaacs Kekemeke, National Vice Chairman (South-East) Ejoroma Arodiogu, and Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter.

Born on January 15, 1960, in Borno State, Kyari is the son of the late Brigadier Abba Kyari, a former military administrator of the defunct North Central from 1967 to 1975.

He obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1986 from the University of Tennessee Martin, in the United States, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in 1989.

Kyari’s political journey began in 1998 when he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives under the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).

Subsequently, he served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, representing the defunct All Peoples Party (APP). He also held the position of Commissioner in Borno State from 2003 to 2005 and 2007 to 2011.

In 2015, Kyari was elected as a Senator representing Borno North on the APC platform, and he was re-elected in 2019. In 2022, he assumed the role of Deputy National Chairman before being appointed as the acting National Chairman.

APC yet confirm Adamu’s resignation 

While there have been reports about Abdullahi Adamu’s alleged resignation, the party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, has not confirmed this.

However, several newspapers have cited reasons for Adamu’s resignation, including funds misappropriation and a cold war between him and President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).

TheCable reported that a vote of no confidence was expected to be passed against Adamu and the party’s Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, by NWC members today, Monday, July 17.

There are also reports that Adamu and Omisore would be sacked by the Tinubu-led NEC at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 19. The reported mismanagement of the N32 billion raised from the sale of forms for the 2023 general election was cited as one of the reasons for Adamu’s troubles.

According to TheCable, only N7 billion remains in the party’s account, raising concerns about the alleged misappropriation of funds. Additionally, the newspaper reported that the zonal, state, and ward levels of the party were not aware of the proceeds from the form sales, which were supposed to be shared among them.

It was also gathered Adamu’s bid to seek refuge with the party’s state chairmen failed.

“By the APC constitution, the proceeds were supposed to be shared with the zonal, state and ward levels of the party, and they were not in the know. So there was no way they were going to support him.”

He was said to have been advised by the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, to resign following the development.

Premium Times reported that Adamu submitted his resignation to the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday night.

Adamu in March 2022 emerged APC chairman by consensus following his endorsement by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Before the presidential primaries of the APC, he declared former Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the consensus candidate of the party, a move seen as a bid to stop Tinubu, the eventual winner of the primary election.

Adamu’s squabble with Tinubu did not stop after the swearing in of the later as president. He recently opposed the list of the principal officers of the party announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, as endorsed by Tinubu.

Adamu refuses to comment on resignation reports 

Daily Trust reported that when contacted on Monday, July 17, Adamu said he would not comment on the matter until Tinubu returns from the African Union (AU) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. Tinubu travelled for the meeting on Saturday and is expected back later on Monday.

“I won’t talk about the issue because the President is away,” Adamu said when contacted on the phone.

Omisore has not resigned – Lawyer

Meanwhile, Omisore’s lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, has debunked reports of the resignation of the APC secretary.

Ajulo stated that it was unlikely for both Adamu and Omisore to vacate their offices simultaneously, describing the resignation rumors surrounding Omisore as baseless and unfounded.

He confirmed that Omisore would attend the meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) scheduled for that day.

Ajule told newsmen that any decision to resign would be a personal one and not a result of external pressure, stating that Omisore was proud of Tinubu’s government and the confidence the President has in the party.

He further highlighted Omisore’s commitment to stabilising the political space and ensuring the satisfaction of those who contributed to Tinubu’s emergence as President.

“Why must he resign? He is the National Secretary of the winning party that has just ushered in the new government of President Bola Tinubu.

“He is proud of what the President is doing and the party enjoys the confidence of the President, vice versa

“What he is doing now is to stabilise the political space and ensure that those who worked for the emergence of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people are happy with the government,” Ajulo said.

Nigeria’s inflation increases for 6th consecutive time to 22.79% in June

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Nigeria’s inflation increases for 6th consecutive time to 22.79% in June

THE latest data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown that Nigeria’s inflation rate increased by 0.38 per cent to 22.79 per cent in June 2023.

This is the sixth consecutive increase in 2023 but the highest increase when compared month by month in the year.

Also, this is the first inflation figure announced after President Bola Tinubu assumed power on May 29. The increase might not be unconnected to several economic policies implemented since the new President assumed power.

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Some of these policies include the removal of fuel subsidy, devaluation of the naira in the exchange rate market and several controversies across tax and household electricity tariffs.

According to the NBS, the inflation rate increased from 22.41 per cent in May 2022. 

“On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate was 4.19% points higher compared to the rate recorded in June 2022, which was 18.60%. This shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in June 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (June 2022),” the NBS said.

However, the urban inflation rate in June 2023 was 24.33 per cent while the rural inflation rate was at 21.37 per cent. 

The ICIR reported how some policies introduced by the Federal Government affected commuters, and bolt drivers, and might push more Nigerians into poverty. The ICIR also reported how some of these unsettling policies might increase the inflation rate in June and July with a prediction of 22.5 per cent. 

Food inflation

Meanwhile, NBS data also showed that food inflation rose to 25.25 per cent.  This is 4.65 per cent higher than the 20.60 per cent recorded in June 2022. 

The rise in food inflation was caused by increases in prices of oil and fat, bread and cereals, fish, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fruits, meat, vegetable, milk, cheese, and eggs. 

The NBS said, “On a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in June 2023 was 2.40%, this was 0.21% points higher compared to the rate recorded in May 2023 (2.19%). 

“The average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending June 2023 over the previous twelve-month average was 24.03%, this was a 5.41% points increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in June 2022 (18.62%).”

In June 2023, the inflation rate, on a year-on-year basis, was highest in Lagos (25.75%), Ondo (25.40%), Kogi (25.23%), while Borno (20.44%), Zamfara (20.93%) and Ekiti (21.06%) recorded the slowest rise.

Climate Tracker offers fellowships for COP28 coverage

Joshua Ovorumu
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Climate Tracker offers fellowships for COP28 coverage

CLIMATE Tracker is accepting applications for its COP28 African energy justice team.

Four fellows will be selected to join this team and cover COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Journalists from Africa, ranging from 18 to 35 years of age, with an interest in climate reporting, can apply for a fellowship.

The final two will be fully funded to attend the COP28, while an additional two will be part of a virtual team reporting from their preferred locations.

Fellows will receive pre-COP28 online training, global exposure, mentoring and more. Furthermore, fellows travelling to Dubai will receive accommodations and a stipend.

Finally, Applicants must submit a story and attend two webinars.

The deadline for submission of applications is August 3, 2023. Interested individuals can apply here

Seven children rescued as fire guts Lagos orphanage

Beloved JOHN
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0
Seven children rescued as fire guts Lagos orphanage

AN inferno caused by a power surge has gutted an orphanage home in the Aguda area of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the fire engulfed a storey building where the orphanage is located. The power surge was said to have been triggered from an air conditioning unit inside the building.

LASEMA, in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, on Monday, July 17, disclosed that about seven children were rescued from the incident.

“The fire which had initially spread to the storage room of the home has been extinguished with dampening down concluded.

“A one-storey building housing an orphanage/motherless babies home was engulfed by fire which reportedly started from an air conditioning unit in the house due to a power surge which was said to have quickly spread out.

“A total of seven boys with ages ranging between one and seven years were quickly evacuated from the Home and safely relocated to the compound opposite the Home.

“Management Team of the Home informed LRT of plans to relocate the children to the house of the owner of the Home temporarily, to ensure their welfare was sustained,” the statement read. 

The incident came shortly after a gas explosion caused a fire outbreak at a residential building on Cachol Street in the Ojo area of Lagos on Saturday, July 15.

The ICIR reported that an occupant of the building was cooking in the corridor when the explosion occurred.

“The call came in at about 9:05 am and we were able to isolate the fire to only the building alone while adjoining buildings were safe from the gas-induced fire,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services said.

Similarly, an explosion in June at Ijaiye, beside the Apostolic Church in the Agege area of the state, affected four persons – three females and one male.

A shop where gas cylinders were stored caught fire. 

According to reports, one of the gas cylinders exploded due to gas leakage and, in the process, caught fire, affecting the shop whilst other shops and adjoining buildings were salvaged.

Also, the LASEMA had earlier urged the state government to conduct regular drills on safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks in the state.

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