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Folarin Kehinde

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Royal Family Suspends Oba Of Benin’s Uncle, Akenzua For Challenging Traditional Institution

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Akenzua is one of the suspended enigie (duke) who took the Oba of Benin to court challenging their suspension as enigie in the Benin kingdom.

The Oba of Benin Royal Family has announced the suspension of embattled Professor Gregory Akenzua, for alleged disrespect to the royal stool.

Members of the Royal Family including descendants of Oba Ovonramwen, Oba Eweka, Oba Akenzua II, Oba Erediauwa and others, during a press conference on Monday, said Akenzua against all entreaties challenged the Benin traditional institution through his acts that are utterly at variance with the customs and tradition of the Benin people, and the core values of the Benin Royal Family.

Akenzua is one of the suspended enigie (duke) who took the Oba of Benin to court challenging their suspension as enigie in the Benin kingdom.

Akenzua, Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen and other dukes had approached the court to quash their suspension by the Oba Ewuare II, saying that only the state government has the power to suspend them.

Akenzua, a professor of Gynecology, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and former chairman Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, is a younger brother to Oba Erediauwa, the father of Oba Ewuare II.

The press statement read on behalf of the royal family by Prince George Eweka said, “Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, has betrayed the core values of respect for the Benin customs and tradition; devotion and submission to the customary hierarchy of the Benin Kingdom; and respect for customary arbitration process. Instead, he has chosen the path of rebellion.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Royal Family wishes to emphasize that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin occupies a unique position as the father of every member of the Benin Royal Family irrespective of age. Hence the Royal family does not have an Okaegbe (the oldest man in the family).

“The Royal Family also notes that in utter violation of the hierarchy of succession to the Odion-Egbe position of the Benin Royal Family, Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua has been parading himself as the Odion-Egbe of the Royal Family, and has held meetings to assert himself as such when he knows that he is not rightfully entitled to the position being far lower in the hierarchy of seniority in the Benin Royal Family;

He continued, “The Benin Royal Family has given ample opportunities to Prof.Gregory Idurobo Akenzua to retrace his steps and return to the path of honour and dignity.

“Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua has snubbed and rejected the opportunities provided by the Royal Family for him to retrace his wrongful steps.

“After a careful review of the facts, the Benin Royal Family has decided as follows:

“Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua is hereby suspended from the Benin Royal Family for his acts of rebellion against the Benin Traditional Institution;

“Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua is no longer to participate in any activity connected with the Benin Royal Family;

“All members of the Benin Royal Family are strongly directed not to relate, associate, or engage with Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua for as long as he remains suspended from the Benin Royal Family.”

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Headlines

Justice Minister Cautions Against Forcing National Anthem On Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi (SAN), has cautioned the National Assembly against the imposition of National Anthem on Nigerians.

Fagbemi said the change of national anthem should be a true reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians and not only by legislative fiat or presidential proclamation.

He spoke on Monday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to return the October 1, 1960 national anthem in the country.

Recall that the House of Representatives and the Senate last week accelerated the passage of the bill, which was greeted by criticisms from civil society organisations (CSOs), university dons and other Nigerians.

Fagbemi said the decision to change the national anthem whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation.

He said it should go through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies among others.

He said, “A national anthem is expected to enjoy universal acceptance and veneration amongst the citizens, for it to attain the status of an official song that commands respect, patriotism and national consciousness.

“In some cases, national anthem emerges from open national competition among interested citizens. In other instances, the proposed national anthem is subjected to plebiscite or referendum, before its eventual adoption or declaration.

“The essence of the foregoing is to secure the buy-in and confidence of the people and to ensure that the anthem meets their collective aspirations and suits their contemporary socio-political conditions.

“Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national item should not come into being only by legislative fiat, or presidential proclamation alone.

“It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem in other jurisdictions. For most African countries, the national anthem symbolises the end of colonialism. Hence, former British colonies jettisoned ‘God Bless the Queen’ to adopt their home-made national anthems, which were all notably written by their own citizens.”

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Headlines

May 29: Tinubu to address National Assembly on Wednesday

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday address the members of the National Assembly in a joint session, the clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal has announced.

Tambawal, in a statement in the early hours of Tuesday, announced that the president will address the lawmakers in the newly renovated chamber to mark 25 years of democracy.

“This is to inform Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members that as part of the event to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and Legislature in Nigeria, there will be a joint sitting of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday 29 May, 2024.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, will address the joint sitting on state of the nation and also commission the National Assembly Library.

“Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are expected to be seated by 9 a.m,” the statement reads.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu ordered a low-key celebration of his first year in office.

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Headlines

Eniola Badmus gets appointment in Tinubu’s cabinet

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Actress, Eniola Badmus, has announced her appointment as the special assistant on social events and public hearings to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas.
Badmus’ images of her appointment had gone viral early in the month when she was seen receiving her appointment letter.

Announcing on her Instagram account on Monday, May 27, Badmus wrote: “It’s official. SA to the Speaker House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Social Events and Public Hearing.”

Describing it as a significant milestone, she thanked Speaker Abbas for finding her worthy and capable of shouldering her new role.

She wrote: “A sincere heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with the recent political appointment. It is an honour to be given this opportunity. I am truly honoured and excited to serve under your leadership, #speakerabbas, and I am deeply appreciative of the confidence you have placed in me.

“This appointment is not only a significant milestone in my career but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to our shared goals and vision.”

She thereafter promised to uphold the values of the team, and work diligently and assiduously for the benefit of everyone.

Eniola further emphasised her eagerness to collaborate with colleagues to achieve collective goals.

She added: “Your support and belief in my abilities mean a great deal to me. I am committed to working diligently and upholding the principles and values that our team stands for. Thank you for your belief in my potential, and for giving me the chance to make a positive impact.

“Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity, Mr. Speaker #speakerabbas.”

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Opinion

Call for State of Emergency in Rivers State: A Plea for Restoration and Unity

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Written By Wabiye Dikio Idoniboyeobu (ANIPR)

As a citizen of Rivers State who left in 2015, I have watched from afar with growing concern as my beloved home has descended into a state of disarray and division. It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency that I call upon the President of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This drastic measure is necessary to address the severe and persistent issues that have plagued the state since 2015, and to pave the way for a brighter and more unified future.

Since 2015, Rivers State has been fractured into two highly toxic factions. This division has not only polarized the citizenry but has also severely hampered governance and equitable development. The once vibrant and progressive state is now mired in a climate of animosity and dysfunction, where unconstitutional actions have often dictated governance. This is a stark departure from the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which should be the bedrock of our society.

The suspension of four lawmakers loyal to the Governor during plenary, the subsequent demolition of the Assembly, and the defection of other assembly members loyal to the Minister of the FCT have set the state on a roller coaster of confusion. There is a clear breakdown in legislative order. These actions seem to have rendered the state without a functioning assembly, plunging it further into a state of anarchy. Without a legislative body to provide checks and balances, the state is effectively without the necessary framework to ensure accountable governance.

The current trajectory of Rivers State is alarming. The state’s descent into lawlessness and instability not only threatens the well-being of its citizens but also undermines the potential for any meaningful development. The toxic political climate has created an environment where progress is stifled, and the needs of the people are overshadowed by the relentless power struggles.

Despite this bleak picture, there is a silent majority in Rivers State that remains apolitical and committed to the state’s progress. These individuals, who strive for development and prosperity, are stymied by the pervasive toxicity that has gripped the state. Their voices are drowned out by the cacophony of political infighting, leaving them powerless to effect the change that Rivers State so desperately needs.

In light of these circumstances, I implore the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This intervention is critical to restore order, ensure the rule of law, and create an environment conducive to development and unity. A state of emergency would provide the framework to reset the state’s governance, allowing for the establishment of a functioning assembly and the implementation of constitutional actions.

The people of Rivers State deserve a government that works for them, not against them. They deserve a state where development is spread equitably, and where governance is guided by the principles of democracy and the rule of law. By declaring a state of emergency, the President can help to restore sanity, promote development, and ultimately, heal the divisions that have torn Rivers State apart.

It is time for bold and decisive action. The future of Rivers State hangs in the balance, and only through a concerted effort to address these deep-rooted issues can we hope to reclaim the state’s lost glory. Let us come together to support this call for a state of emergency, for the sake of our beloved Rivers State and its people.

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Africa & World

50 people caught trying to enter Ireland from UK without visas over four days

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Irish police detected 50 people attempting to enter Ireland from the UK illegally last week.

The Gardaí said they were refused leave to land and were returned to the UK across four days.

The force said 107 people had been detected, without the correct visas or identity papers, across 21 days of action since the start of October last year.

Four additional days of action took place in the week commencing May 20, when a further 50 people were detected without the correct paperwork.

It comes after Ireland claimed up to 90 per cent of asylum seekers arriving in Dublin have crossed the open border with Northern Ireland because they fear the Rwanda plan.

Ireland rejected an offer by Rishi Sunak to join the scheme and insisted that Rishi Sunak uphold an agreement to take back migrants, which the Prime Minister insists is not legally binding.

“During these operations, persons entering Ireland illegally and were refused leave to land (RLTL) and returned to the UK by ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead or returned to Belfast, as appropriate depending on the individual circumstances,” Gardaí said.

In a statement, they added that officers carry out immigration checks along the border on a regular basis to detect breaches of immigration legislation and abuses of the Common Travel Area (CTA).

These include checkpoints on roads and checks on the train line through Louth, close to the border with Northern Ireland.

Gardaí said they have “significant operational co-operation with the UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, supported organisationally by the Cross Border Joint Action Task Force”.

“Our Immigration officers work in close collaboration with personnel operating buses and trains in the area,” they added.

“A human rights-based approach is adopted in relation to every individual stopped. Immigration officers will clearly identify themselves to all passengers on buses or trains.

“All Gardaí members have completed training in the Gardaí Code of Ethics and the Gardaí Decision Making Model. All checks carried out are lawful, objective and respectful.”

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Headlines

Home delivery of passports to start in June, FG assures Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerians no longer have to travel to the immigration office to obtain their passports, as home delivery of passports is set to begin in June.

This development was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday when he inspected the electronic gates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s new terminal in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo said the delivery will not include every location to avoid overloading and damaging the system.

He said the Nigerian Immigration Service would start home delivery in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Abuja.

He stated that for Nigerians in the diaspora, the home delivery service would initially launch in the United States and the United Kingdom, with preliminary testing to ensure its effectiveness.

The minister explained that the delay in implementing home delivery was due to a lack of data centres.

He noted that the NIS had been relying on a private company’s data centre and emphasised the need for a permanent solution to this problem.

“We have completed the whole solution but when we came on board, we realised that the data centre was not really there. We were leveraging on a private company data centre and we appreciate them for that assistance. We think that it is better to create a permanent solution to problems rather than quick fixes.

“We could have done it in February but we had to build our data centre from scratch to be able to keep the integrity of our data and national security intact. This is more important. It is disgraceful that NIS is 61 years old and NIS is a custodian of biometric data of Nigeria and we believe that NIS should be in charge of the data of Nigeria.

“It is not acceptable that this data is domiciled in a third party and that is why we have been able to do this,” he said.

H added that the data centre has been constructed and the passport delivery issue has been resolved.

“It is about national security and I can assure you that It is comparable with anyone you can find anywhere in the world.

“We have built the data centre, sorted the passport delivery solution and done the final presentation in terms of technology deliverables and the tracking solution which will all be embedded in the application we have so we do not create multiple lines of failure,” the minister said.

Speaking further, the minister stated that the final presentation of the electronic visa has been completed.

He added that it will reduce the visa processing time from 72 hours to 48 hours.

“The passport automation process is almost complete,” he added.

This announcement comes nine months after the minister initially declared that home delivery of passports to Nigerians would commence by February 2024.

In October, Tunji-Ojo stated that starting in February 2024, Nigerians would be able to have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, or any other location of their choice.

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Headlines

“We’re on standby” – Army reacts to Kano emirate tussle

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Army has reacted to reports by some media platforms that its men were directly involved in the ongoing Kano emirate tussle.

The news, Leading reporters understands, emanated from the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an ex-parte order, preventing Governor Abba Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The court also halted the implementation of a new law that abolished the four emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

Despite the court order, Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as Emir of Kano, arguing that the judge who issued the order was not physically present in Nigeria to issue it.

Some news platforms then reported that the Army had been used in enforcing the court order to prevent Sanusi from being reinstalled.

In a statement by its spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army denied any involvement in the tussle.

Nwachukwu noted that the army’s only role was to ensure that there was no breach in security.

“Contrary to insinuations by the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association as published by Premium Times on 26 May 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army have not been involved in the Kano state emirate tussle and are not involved in enforcing any court order,” he said.

“They have only taken proactive steps to checkmate any possible breakdown or breach of the security that may be occasioned by the Kano Emirship tussle.

“The issue of paramount concern to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies is the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state, which could be taken advantage of by adversarial non-state actors.”

The military said it would intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police.

“All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general.”

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Entertainment

“Harrysong bed-wets”, Ex-wife Alexer reveals

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Alexer Peres, the estranged wife of singer, Harrysong, has hit hard at him following his infidelity allegations against her.

Leading reporters reports that Harrysong claimed that his wife, Alexer, was unfaithful in their marriage and got pregnant for another man despite marrying her due to emotional blackmail.

He said he regrets marrying into his wife’s family, claiming that infidelity runs in their family as her mother, who has been married to seven men, still cheats.

Reacting, Peres debunked Harrysong’s claims, saying her mother only remarried once after the death of her father.

She also challenged the singer to come forward with evidence that she cheated on him.

She went on to claim that it is Harrysong’s mum who has six children out of wedlock for six different men.

Peres further claimed that Harrysong was a product of incest and he bedwets.

On her Instagram account, she wrote: “Do you all know that Harrysong bed wets? Yes celebrity wey Dey piss for body.

“Oh so sorry to break it to u all. I also get to deal with this daily, while calling him my lord.

“You said I convinced you to get married to me? A 20 years old girl, convincing a full grown man to get married to her?

“Please make me understand, never knew I was married to a robot, Who couldn’t make decisions for himself. Same you who told me your ex-girlfriend used charms on you.

“And now your eyes are open since u met me So it’s now me that forced marriage on you, really?

“I never knew my mum married 6 husbands wow, chronic narcissist.

“My mum only remarried when she lost her husband, as i speak, she is happily married, with her dowry paid in full.

“Since when did it become a crime for a widow to remarry? And what does the words ’till death do us part’ mean?

“Pained soul why are u trying to project your insecurities on me? We all know your mum gave birth to 6 children for 6 different men.
None of which she was married to.

“And you, a product of incest. Imagine having 5 siblings and you don’t know who their fathers are.

“Why throw stones, when you live in a glass house?”

Peres said she was open to conducting DNA tests on their children to prove her innocence.

She added that the singer was the one who gave her all kinds of sexually transmitted diseases except HIV and Hepatitis B.

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Headlines

Tinubu: 30 million Nigerians to benefit from Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will create direct job opportunities for millions and positively impact over 30 million citizens.

Tinubu made this known on Sunday in Lagos, marking the commencement of the 700-km Lagos-Calabar highway project and several other initiatives to commemorate his first year in office.

During the flag-off ceremony, the president said the project is more than just a road, describing it as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for the country’s people.

He said, “On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.

“It will fast-track the community’s development, It will bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres. You can easily predict a journey, vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”

The president urged public understanding, especially from those whose properties and livelihoods would be affected by the project.

“I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow,” Tinubu said.

“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation.”

Tinubu also hailed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigerians.

He said “This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

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