Magu: Code of Conduct Bureau summons suspended EFCC boss

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned former anti-corruption boss, Ibrahim Magu to appear before it.

Channels TV reports that the suspended boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was summoned in a letter dated Monday, November 2.

According to the report, Magu is expected to appear before the CCB on Monday, November 17 with documents of all his landed properties.

The letter was signed by CCB's director of monitoring and intelligence unit.

These include asset declaration documents, payslips and property documents among others.Although the CCB did not accuse the suspended anti-corruption of any wrongdoing, it demanded a list of documents that Magu must provide on November 17.

 Magu.Photo Credit: @officialefcc

Our source notes that this is the first time the CCB has been publicly mentioned in the case against Magu since his probe began months ago.

The former anti-corruption boss was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, July 7, to allow him to face a probe into the allegations of misconduct against him.

Magu has continued to deny any wrongdoing. He claimed that some powerful people in government were working against him because he stepped on their toes while doing his job.

His lawyer, Wahab Shittu, also denied that Magu ever admitted any guilt in the allegations against him.

Shittu alleged misrepresentation of Magu’s closing remarks before the Justice Ayo Salami’s commission of inquiry investigating the accusations against him.

Shittu said Magu did not at any time admit guilt before the probe panel, stressing that he only pleaded for justice and fair-play by the panel members.

Ember months: CP reads riot act to officers, men in Lagos

The commissioner of police in Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has warned officers and men of the command against negligence, indolence and complacency, especially during the ember months.

Odumosu gave the warning in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday in Lagos.

The commissioner urged the personnel to rise up to the security challenges of the ember months that is characterized by high crimes and social vices.

“I have read the riot act to some of the policemen in the command who have not been performing their statutory duties as expected after the EndSARS violence that wrecked havoc in Lagos State.

“Even the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and well meaning Nigerians, including our wives and mothers, the Police Officers Wives Association have encouraged officers to assume duty.“There is no reason or excuse for any policeman to be absent or indolent on duty in spite of the words of encouragement, solidarity and support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu.

“We cannot handle the security of Lagos State with levity,” the police boss said.

Odumosu, therefore, warned Area Commnaders, District Police Officers and Heads of Department to henceforth book any policeman who failed to report to duty.

“Such officer will be dealt with according to the provisions of the Police Act and Regulations.

“I appeal to the general public and all and sundry to support the police and collectively fight crimes and criminality in the state,” Odumosu said.

The commissioner of police in Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu. Credit: The Nation

Meanwhile.F Adesina, a senior media and publicity aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, has commended his principal's fatherly role in handling the EndSARS protest, saying thing would have degenerated into anarchy had he (Buhari) not exercised restraint and tolerance.

The presidential aide noted that the country has “many tutors, many instructors, but not many fathers" and added that Buhari is one of the country's fathers.Speaking through his Thursday, November 12 article titled “We Have Not Many Fathers", Adesina attributed the relative calm being enjoyed after the protest to Buhari's patience.

Adesina said when the EndSARS protest was "prolonged and eventually hijacked and misdirected", the president was not angered but rather gave the security operatives the directives to deal with the issue with a prudent force.

Meanwhile, the government of the United Kingdom has finally responded to the petition by Nigerians seeking a commonwealth sanction on some political leaders during the EndSARS protest.

COVID-19: FG explains China's restriction of travels for Nigerians

The federal government of Nigeria has explained why its citizens cannot visit China for some period of time.

The ministry of foreign affairs, on Saturday, November 14, released a press statement affirming earlier reports that China has placed restrictions on travellers from Nigeria.

The ministry said it had received an adequate explanation from the Chinese envoy to Nigeria, Zhao Yong in a meeting with foreign affairs minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

After the meeting, FG issued the following clarification:

"The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Form for the above-mentioned.""China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding valid visas or residence permits, effective from November 3rd, 2020.

The ministry, however, noted that the restrictions are not total.

Nigeria's Geoffrey Onyeama discusses with China's Zhao Yong over travel restrictions on Nigerians on Wednesday, November 11. Photo credit: @GeoffreyOnyeama

According to the statement which was signed by the ministry's spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwoye, some Nigerians can still travel to China.

This category of Nigerians, Nwonye said, are diplomats or people with emergency needs.

The statement added:

"Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas (issued for foreign crew members) will not be affected.

"Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

"Entry by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria with visas issued after November 3rd, 2020 will not be affected."

The ministry assured that it is only a temporary matter.

The Asian country noted that its recent immigration decision will not affect persons who have diplomatic passports, service, courtesy or C visas. I

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer Camp

 

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Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer Camp

The world is changing and for the better! Take the male-dominated technology industry, for example - organisations like Pearls Africa Youth Foundation are working tirelessly by introducing young women and girls to the world of tech. Training girls in science and technology empowers them to escape poverty, access high-wage jobs, and become change agents in their communities.

Pearls Africa Youth Foundation is the home of Girls Coding, an initiative designed to equip young girls (ages 10 -17) from underserved communities with computer skills such as robotics, HTML and Java programming. The girls are encouraged to use these skills to proffer sustainable social solutions in their communities.

Watch video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-3prwGtNU

Union Bank is proud to partner with Girls Coding for the fourth consecutive year. As a financial institution dedicated to enabling success in its host communities, this partnership amplifies our commitment to gender equality and encouraging societal growth through impactful programs.

This year, due to the pandemic, 70% of the training was done virtually with learning materials dispatched to the participants. A Train the Trainee program was also introduced, where Odunayo Ajayi and Alade Nosirat, fellows from previous years were brought in to train the incoming fellows and act as mentors to them.

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation

Union Bank will continue to support initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap in our society. We recently partnered with Junior Achievement Nigeria to implement the LEAD Camp initiative. Through this programme, we were able to inspire and empower 130 young girls to become high-achieving young leaders in our communities. We also partnered with Mamamoni Empowerment Foundation to empower women in low-income communities.

PDP moves to reconcile aggrieved southwest members, appoints Oyinlola to lead panel

 

The crisis rocking the southwest chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may soon become a thing of the past if the efforts by leaders of the party yield good results.

The local chapter on Thursday, November 12, named a former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as chairman of the party’s reconciliation panel in the region.

The leaders of the geopolitical zone have harped on the need for unity and cohesion in the party, stating that the zone remains strategic to the PDP if it must win the election at the national level.

Members of the five-member committee included: Chief Saka Balogun; a former Lagos deputy governor, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru and Olayinka Kukoyi.

Former governor of Osun state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola,  chairman reconciliatory panels southwest PDP. Source: The Nation.

They were named in a communique issued after a meeting by the leaders of the party at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

In a statement by the chief press secretary to Governor Makinde, Taiwo Adisa, the Oyinlola panel has been mandated to unite all factions in the geopolitical zone.

Meanwhile, amid the crisis rocking the PDP in the southwest, a member of the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, drummed support for Governor Seyi Makinde.

It was reported that the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade federal constituency of Osun state said Governor Makinde is the most suitable person to lead the PDP in the southwest zone.

According to the former Ekiti state governor, this would help the party to make progress and win elections in Lagos state.In a related report, a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, said that the ex-deputy national chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, should be sent on political retirement.

Fayose said this in a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, titled, ‘Lagos PDP must retire Bode George to make progress, urged support for BOG to win senatorial bye-election

US 2020: China shuns President Trump, congratulates Biden, Harris

 

The Chinese government on Friday, November 13, finally recognised the victory of Joe Biden as the projected winner of the United States presidential election.

The Asian government, through its foreign ministry, congratulated the duo of Biden and Kamala Harris, Dailymail reports.

The spokesman of the ministry, Wang Wenbin, in a statement noted that China followed the much-talked-about poll and respects the choice of the American people.

Wenbin said:

China said it respects Americans' resolve to have chosen Biden as US' next president (Photo: Al Jazeera)

“We have been following the reaction on this US presidential election from both within the United States and from the international community.

“We respect the American people’s choice and extend congratulations to Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris."

Meanwhile, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church sent his congratulatory message to Biden, the projected winner of the US presidential election.

In a message, Francis gave his blessing to Biden and wished him well as he takes the mantle of leadership of the country in the next four years.

When Biden is sworn -in by January 2021, he will be the second American Catholic president to rule the nation after late John F. Kennedy.

Francis is the latest religious leader who had shunned President Donald Trump's refusal to concede defeat at the US poll.

Meanwhile, as vote counting continues, the Republican candidate has something to be happy about. The latest projected result from Alaska is said to have favoured Trump.

Meanwhile, emerging reports claim that President Trump has told his close associates that he is considering contesting in the US presidential election in 2024.

He won the three electoral college votes at stake in the state, taking his projected electoral college votes to 217. This will, however, not change the predicted outcome of the US presidential election.

Reuters, citing a source who was not named, disclosed Trump told his allies that he may announce his 2024 presidential bid by the end of the year.

Obaseki’s ADC collapses during governor's second term inauguration

 

The inauguration of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state for the second term in office on Thursday, November 12, was almost disrupted when his Aide-de-Camp (ADC) in ceremonial police uniform collapsed at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The collapse of the ADC, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) happened around 12 noon while Obaseki was midway into reading his seven-page inauguration speech.

The ADC suddenly went down as he was quickly caught by other security operatives.

 Immediately. Edo commissioner for health, Patrick Okundia, and some  of the Department of State Services (DSS) later revived the ADC.

The ADC to Governor Godwin Obaseki collapses while the governor was reading his inaugural speech. Source: PM News

 Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, were inaugurated for the second term in office.

The inauguration, which held at the tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin city, Edo state capital, was graced by the creme de la creme from the Nigerian political fraternity.

The PDP Governors - Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Diri Duoye of Bayelsa and top members of the led by its national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were at the event.

Obaseki in his speech made a grand remark on what his re-election as the governor of Edo state means for Nigerian democracy.

Obaseki who said he was not ignorant of the fact that his re-election places on him a lot of responsibilities, noted this stands for new hope.During the swearing-in ceremony held in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday, November 12, Obaseki said he sees himself as the redefinition of democracy.

The Edo governor added that his second term in office will bring to an end the politics of division and see to it that the resources of the state is evenly distributed to bring development and growth.

US 2020: Pope Francis congratulates Biden as Donald Trump set to announce fresh presidential ambition

 

Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church has sent his congratulatory message to Joe Biden, the projected winner of the United States (US) presidential election.

In a message, Francis gave his blessing to Biden and wished him well as he takes the mantle of leadership of the country in the next four years, Dailymail reports.

Reacting to the famous cleric's remarks, Biden said:

"The president-elect thanked His Holiness for extending blessings and congratulations and noted his appreciation for His Holiness' leadership in promoting peace, reconciliation, and the common bonds of humanity around the world."

When Biden is sworn -in by January 2021, he will be the second American Catholic president to rule the nation after late John F. Kennedy.

Pope Francis Congratulates Biden as the projected winner of the US election and gave his blessings to the Democrat (Photo: Reuters)

Francis is the latest religious leader who has shunned President Donald Trump's refusal to concede defeat at the US poll.

Meanwhile, Trump had expressed fresh optimism on winning the US election as he continues to press lawsuits against Biden. Trump, 74, was trailing behind the 77-year-old former senator and vice president in both electoral and popular votes after the November 3 presidential poll.

Although the international media has been recognising Biden as the president-elect who would take over in January after the final collation of the results, Trump is yet to accept defeat — a development jeopardising the country's democratic principle.

The embattled president, in a tweet on Tuesday, November 10, convincingly stated that he would win the election which was likely to be decided by the Supreme Court.

Trump's claims that there were electoral fraud and vote-stealing in some states including Pennsylvania had been backed by some top men in his party. Republican.
.Emerging reports claim that President Donald Trump has told his close associates that he is considering contesting in the US presidential election in 2024.

President Donald Trump speaking at a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo by Win McNamee

Reuters, citing a source who was not named, stated that Trump told his allies that he may announce his 2024 presidential bid by the end of the year.

Though the president has not openly made any statement about launching another presidential bid, several reports have claimed that he has been talking about it with his close circle.

Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s former acting chief of staff, said he expects the president to run again in 2024.

He said:The former presidential aide stated that the president doesn’t like losing.

"Now, I think folks are starting to realize that if Donald Trump loses, he might be the guy" to run in 2024, and "I'm telling you absolutely."

"I would absolutely expect the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on a shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024," he added. "He doesn't like losing."

Mulvaney hinged his argument of a Trump presidential comeback on the fact that the president technically will be younger than Joe Biden is now, four years from now.