Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Monday 9th May 2022
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 09/05/22
Read also
BREAKING: Airline Operators Of Nigeria Suspends Planned Shutdown Of Services
Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, on Sunday suspended its decision to withdraw its services from all airports in the country from Monday, May 9.The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued and jointly signed by the AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, and six other members of the association.
SaharaReporters Media
The signatories include Abdulmunaf, Managing Director of Azman Air; Shehu Wada, Executive Director of Max Air; and Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.Others are Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air; Abdullahi Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors; and Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace.Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, had earlier announced that members of AON were reviewing their decision to withdraw services from the said date.Ibom Air, Dana Air, Green Africa Airlines and Arik Air were some of the operators to have announced a boycott of the planned shutdown. The statement by the operators titled: ‘AON ACCEDES TO CALLS FROM GOVERNMENT, SUSPENDS ACTION IN GOOD FATE’, reads:”The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.”We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.”In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022, is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”The announcement comes less than 24 hours before the association’s planned withdrawal of services, which it said was necessitated by the rising cost of aviation fuel and other logistic costs.
Breaking News
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
2023 Presidency: After Wrecking Nigeria’s Economy, Central Bank Governor, Emefiele Wants To Destroy Nation Also—Youth Leader
CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele
A Niger Delta youth leader and businessman, Richard Akinaka has lambasted the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, over his continued denial and stay in office despite his move to join the 2023 presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He described Emefiele as a morally weak aspirant hiding to contest for President.
CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele
He, therefore, called for the disqualification of the CBN governor.Richard said though he has nothing against anyone with the requisite qualifications to seek political office, Emefiele vying for political office while still occupying the office of governor at the apex bank is a gross violation of ethics. Akinaka described it as gross misconduct not needed for anyone vying for such an exalted office. According to Akinaka, Section 9 of the CBN Act, 2007 provides that “the governor and the deputy governors shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the bank, and while holding office, shall not engage in any full or part-time employment or vocation, whether remunerated or not.”He pointed out that “politics is a vocation and the CBN Governor is not allowed by law to engage in partisan politics. It is unthinkable that Emefiele, despite his embarrassing failures of managing the country’s economy still wants to further wreck the entire country.”He said, “Every young Nigerian, especially those of us within the age bracket of 40 years and below, should be concerned with what is going on in this country to the extent that it should be our priority to decide the next set of leadership we desire. Because we have a great stake in this country now.”But in the interim, what is the major issue now is the level of decadence in our public sector. The loss of value to the extent that public offices are now being driven by the whims and caprices of those who occupy them.”I see no reason why the Central Bank Governor will be politically exposed. Though he has a right as a Nigerian to contest elections, he has a right to pursue his political aspirations but not at the expense of the office he occupies, when campaigns, billboards and branded cars and posters are everywhere about his ambition and he is denying it.”But right now, it is on record that nomination form has been bought and according to him or media reports, it was bought by local farmers. A form worth 100 million naira! It is not true. With the level of hunger ravaging this country, I don’t think local farmers have the money to make such contributions. “It is rather unfortunate that he cannot come out boldly to own up to his aspiration because he doesn’t want to resign from his office and this is the height of immorality and irresponsibility and for me, this alone should disqualify him.”In any case, what does the CBN governor, Emefiele have to offer to Nigeria seeing the level of the economic woes we have in this country under his watch? What else does he have to offer this country that he has not done? “So, I am calling on the National Assembly, as a matter of urgency, to enact a law so that people in public offices will not have the undue advantage to use government resources and influence to pursue their political aspirations. What is going on is wrong. Emefiele has a mark of honour which I know he has lost and should resign immediately and save the sanctity of that office if he wants to contest.”A coalition of rice farmers and other crop growers had purportedly moved to drag Emefiele into the 2023 presidential race by purchasing N100 million All Progressives Congress’ presidential expression of interest and nomination forms for him.
Politics
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
Overland Airways Withdraws From Planned Shutdown Of Services By Airline Operators, Vows To Service Customers
Overland aircaft
The Overland Airways Limited has announced that it will continue to provide needed services to its customers and the general public from tomorrow, May 9 and beyond, backing off from the proposed shutdown by the Airline Operators of Nigeria.The airline, in a statement on Sunday signed by Mrs. C. M. Mohammed, however, said it is in solidarity with the AON and will participate actively in the dialogue to resolve the issue, urging the government to rise up to its responsibility.
Overland aircaft
Recall that the AON, in a statement by its President, Abdulmunaf Sarina announced on Friday, the suspension of operations as from Monday due to the high cost of aviation fuel which has hit 700 naira per litre.The statement advised the travelling public who intend to fly to make alternative arrangements to avoid being stranded at the country’s airports.But the Overland Airways, in a statement said the shutdown of operations by airlines is not the solution to the problem, adding that it has commercial and legal obligations to customers, financiers and staff, which must be honoured. The statement reads, “Overland Airways Limited has been inundated with enquiries about flight services on Monday, 09 May, 2022, following the public statement issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Executive, on Friday 06 May, 2022. It is, therefore, necessary for us to make the following clarifications:“Overland Airways acknowledges the existential threat that these runaway fuel price increases pose for the Air transport industry in Nigeria. However, we do not believe that Airlines volunteering to stop operations is the solution.”Overland Airways has Commercial and Legal obligations to customers, financiers and staff, promise of which must be honoured. “Overland Airways believes it is the responsibility of Government to address the inequity behind the Aviation fuel supply chain and we join the AON to call on Government urgent action as a duty of State. “Overland Airways will continue to provide full service to its customers and general public with normal operations on Monday, 09 May 2022 and beyond. “The above notwithstanding, we identify very strongly with our AON and will participate actively in every dialogue to resolve this national emergency as soon as possible in the interest of our country.“We thank our customers and the general public for their continued patronage.”
Travel
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
Unknown Gunmen Set Ablaze Truck Conveying Cows In Anambra
Gunmen on Sunday, set ablaze a truck loaded with cows along Uga-Ezinifite Road in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.In a video shared online, an eyewitness said the truck was being driven by northerners before it was attacked by the gunmen who set it on fire.
However, no casualty was recorded in the incident, the man who made the video noted. He said, “Good morning everybody, unknown gunmen just attacked Hausa men carrying cows this early morning Sunday. The gunmen did not kill anyone but they injured the driver. As you can see, they have set this vehicle on fire. This is a full trailer carrying cows.“Unknown gunmen attacked at Ezinifite road between Ezinifite and Uga. This is live, it just happened now.” This comes exactly a month after unknown gunmen shot dead over 20 cows and several goats at the Nkwo Igboukwu market in the Aguata local government area of Anambra.SaharaReporters had reported at the time that some residents who were thrown into a state of confusion following the incident, gathered around the dead livestock, deliberating what could have happened.From videos shared, some of the traders were seen running, as they assumed the gunmen came back to attack them. However, they returned when they observed their assumption was baseless.A man said, “People can just start running at any time. We are just being vigilant. This is happening live at Igboukwu.”
Insecurity
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
BREAKING: Family Confirms Death Of Former Nigerian Senator, Arthur Nzeribe
The family of former Nigerian Senator, Francis Arthur Nzeribe has confirmed his death.The late lawmaker, who died on Sunday morning, was 83 years old.
SaharaReporters Media
A source told SaharaReporters that Nzeribe was declared dead at a foreign hospital following an undisclosed ailment. Confirming his death, the family released a statement signed by Ojiabu Francis Anyegbu Nzeribe; Anthony Akpati Nzeribe and Ojiabu Oliver Nwedo Nzeribe.According to the statement, the family has commenced traditional consultations, promising to release a programme for his funeral rites. They, however, appealed to members of the public to respect the privacy of the family to enable them to grieve in peace.The statement, obtained by SaharaReporters reads, “The Nzeribe Royal Family of Umudei Royal Village of Oguta in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State in total submission to the will of God Almighty and in appreciation of a remarkably worthy life hereby announces the death of our Son, Cousin, Uncle, Husband Father, and Grandfather. Distinguished Senator, Chief Francis Arthur Uzoma Nzeribe (Ogbuagu, Oshiji, Damanze Oyimba of Oguta on the 5th day of May 2022 at the age of 83.“While we are pained by this loss, we are proud of this African Legend who distinguished himself in various fields including Sports, International Business, Politics and gave the Nzeribe brand worldwide acclaim.“The family has immediately commenced the necessary traditional consultations and will, in due course, release a programme for his funeral rites. We appeal to the public to respect the privacy of the family and the solemnity of this event to enable us to grieve in peace.”
Breaking News
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
Chinua Achebe’s Son, Chidi Bags Award In Medicine And Science At US College
Chidi Chike Achebe, son of the late Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, Chinua Achebe, has bagged the John and Samuel Bard Award in Medicine and Science. Achebe will on May 27 be honoured by the Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, United States of America for his excellent and meritorious service in healthcare delivery.
A brief biography of the medical practitioner reads, “Chidi Chike Achebe MD, MPH, MBA ’92 is a physician and an executive, with more than 25 years of healthcare experience. “He is chairman and CEO of African Integrated Development Enterprise (AIDE), an organization that works to bring together international companies and expertise to create sustainable, integrated delivery of medical care on the African continent. “Its goal is to build 18 health facilities, beginning in Nigeria and Kenya. Achebe has also served as president and CEO of Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, medical director of Whittier Street Health Center, and assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine— all in Boston, Massachusetts. ”He earned his medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School; a master’s in business administration from Yale University School of Management, and amaster’s in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. In his professional endeavours, Achebe advocates for health-care equality. “For his efforts in bridging health care disparities, he was awarded the 2012 Dartmouth College Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award for Ongoing Commitment.”
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
US Consulate In Nigeria To Mark World Press Freedom Day With Month-long Activities
The United States is set to mark the 2022 World Press Freedom Day with month-long activities. The U.S. Consulate in Nigeria said it was committed to advocating for press freedom, freedom of information and access to factual and accurate reporting provided by independent media which is foundational to transparency and accountability in any democratic society.
The U.S. Consulate General in collaboration with Media Career Development Network will mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day with multiple events from May 10 to May 27. Activities will begin on May 10 with a screening and panel discussion on the documentary “Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People” at the Ikeja American Corner. Similarly, the documentary will be screened on May 19 to a wide audience in Port Harcourt, as disclosed by Yayou. The “Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People” documentary highlights how the remarkable man behind the prestigious Pulitzer Prizes became one of America’s most admired newspaper publishers and a crusader for freedom of the press. On May 17, reporters and editors will participate in a fact-checking workshop that will help build their capacity, deepen their professional knowledge and equip them with skills to conduct investigations, identify reliable sources, and fact-check information. Participants will also discuss issues, challenges, and opportunities for the local media to play a greater role in helping the public identify misinformation and disinformation campaigns. On May 24, there will be a press freedom panel discussion on the theme: “Journalism under Digital Siege: The digital era’s impact on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, access to information and privacy.” The theme of the panel discussion underscores the increasing role of technology, which can be used not only to disseminate information more quickly and farther than ever before but also for spreading disinformation and misinformation. The month-long press freedom activities will end on May 27 with a reception in honour of journalists working to fight corruption, holding the government accountable, and calling out abuse and injustice, often at great personal risk. Speaking on the activities to commemorate the 29th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli noted that the events will provide an opportunity for journalists to discuss the state of press freedom, protection of journalists, and citizens’ rights to unbiased, accurate information. “The United States considers a free press to be a foundation of democratic governance. We believe a free press must be fostered to keep citizens properly informed and actively engaged in the issues that affect them in order to hold government and other institutions accountable to the public,” Ibelli added. Reporters, editors, students and faculty members from journalism schools as well as representatives from media development organizations interested in attending any of the events are encouraged to register using this link:
Journalism
MEDIA
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
Buhari Government Should Hide In Shame For Sponsoring Failed International Propaganda Against Us — IPOB
The Indigenous People of Biafra has accused the Nigerian government of sponsoring ‘a failed international propaganda’ against its struggles.
The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration office in its May 2022 policy update had been quoted out of context as saying IPOB was proscribed in the UK and its members could not be granted asylum. However, the British High Commission in Abuja has since refuted the claims.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, IPOB, through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the Nigerian government should bury its head in shame for rejoicing over the misinformation purportedly shared by the “enemies of Biafra”.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had said the UK’s stance was a welcome development and should be followed up with appropriate actions.
Shehu had said, “Nigeria welcomes the decision by the United Kingdom to proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist group. The violent secessionist organisation has long been proscribed as such in Nigeria where it carries out the majority of its murderous activities…”
IPOB, in the statement, said Shehu’s stance had only confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was behind the viral misinformation.
The group further alleged that the Nigerian government had been sponsoring insecurity and banditry in the South-East region to demonise IPOB and ESN (Eastern Security Network) operatives and falsely present them as terrorist organisations.
IPOB’s statement reads in full: “We are the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement worldwide ably led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Our attention has been drawn to the inaccurate and fake news purporting that the United Kingdom, UK Government has classified IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
“We, therefore, wish to clarify that there is no iota of truth in the said malicious fake news planted and being peddled by the enemies of Biafra freedom and independence. Nothing more may be said than the clarification already given by the British High Commission in Abuja, to the effect that the said media report is untrue and should be disregarded.
“The curiosity and childish haste with which the Nigerian Government celebrated the said fake news, commending the UK Government for the imaginary but non-existent proscription only confirmed that the Muhammadu Buhari and his Fulani-controlled Federal Government of Nigeria are behind the fake news.
“We are calling on British government to change their minds about continuing to humiliate Biafra, this is not jet age the world is going behind those old systems they used to humiliate Biafra at that time. Stone age has gone and they should understand that Biafrans are human beings and they must benefit from Biafra when the time comes.
“Maybe Fulani terrorist government has forgotten that the UK is not Nigeria where there is no rule of law and due process. Nigeria unilaterally proscribed IPOB and designated IPOB terror organisation while freeing and compensating Fulani bandits, the real mass murderers. What hypocrisy.
“Nigerian Government has been sponsoring insecurity and banditry in Biafra land and continues to link it with IPOB in its desperation to demonise IPOB and ESN operatives and present us as a terrorist organisation that we are not. Nigeria kills its own citizens like the recent case in Imo State where an Army couple was beheaded after the woman was allegedly raped. Can you believe this, all in a bid to nail IPOB and justify the likely military invasion of our land?
“Nigerian Government should hide its face in shame for sponsoring a failed international propaganda against IPOB, they have removed their evil celebrations on Twitter.
“They are using hoodlums to sponsor violence in our land to create the impression that our leader is leading a criminal organisation but they will keep failing. The Nigerian Government defends Fulani terrorists and bandits. They hardly talk about their atrocities in the media but any time there is little violence in Biafra land, they will rush to the media to blame IPOB.
“IPOB had been existing long before those criminals trying to blackmail the good work of IPOB in London for a long time. Nigerian media must be objective in their reportage and ensure they investigate news before giving the public wrong information that is not true. We commend the objective media platforms and enjoin others to emulate them and resist any attempt by Government to be used as a propaganda tool.
“IPOB is a peaceful and nonviolent movement seeking to free indigenous Nigerians from the bondage Fulani put every tribe in Nigeria, not terrorist activities in Nigeria.
“While commending the British High Commission for putting the records straight, we still don’t know why British Government has not come out openly to condemn the numerous abductions, killings and rape by Fulani bandits and other terrorists in the South-East Region, especially the killings in Agatu of Benue, Sothertern Kaduna, Uzouwan in Nsukka Enugu State, Plateau State and the rest of Middle Belt Region since 2014.
“The British High Commissioner in Abuja should endeavour to give accurate information about IPOB to her Government in UK, and resist peddling fake news sponsored by Nigeria against us. The global world knows how IPOB operates both in Biafraland and the entire world.
“It is only proper for the Ambassador to give accurate information about freedom seekers based on facts on the ground and not allegations and frame-ups by the Nigerian Government.
“Nigeria government, shame on you, IPOB must win this battle with you our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu started and show us the way to move forward to the free land. We advise Biafrans to be resilient and pursue our freedom with determination because Biafra must come in our time. We have gone far and cannot stop midway.”
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
* 2023: Kaduna PDP Celebrates, Boasts Of Victory As El-Rufai Endorses Uba Sani, Lawmaker In Alleged S** Video, As Successor
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has boasted of clinching victory at the 2023 governorship election in the state after Governor Nasir El-Rufai unveiled his preferred successor.
El-Rufai had recently endorsed Senator Uba Sani, the lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, as his ‘anointed’ successor in 2023.
The governor subsequently called on his loyalists to support Sani in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary.
PDP stalwarts and supporters across the state believe that El-Rufai’s endorsement of the senator, believed to be unpopular, provides it with high prospects of securing the governorship in the 2023 elections.
Sani became unpopular in areas of the state dominated by Muslims in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when a viral video showed him coming out of the bathroom after allegedly having s** with a young lady in a hotel.
The lady who recorded him naked without his knowledge later shared the video with her friends who then sent it to Sani’s political opponents.
It is understood that while close associates of El-Rufai such as Sani Dattijo, who himself was a governorship hopeful, accepted the decision, and agreed to purchase the form for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, as directed by the governor, other APC aspirants in the state dissociated themselves from the so-called “consensus”.
Sani Sha’aban, a former member of the House of Representatives, who has bought the expression of interest and nomination forms for the position of governor, is aggressively opposing the decision with hopes of using his connections in the Presidential Villa to get the ticket.
His son, Mohammed Sha’aban married President Muhammadu Buhari’s youngest daughter, Hanan in 2020.
Another top contender, Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the father-in-law to President Buhari’s Personal Assistant, Yusuf “Tunde” Sabiu, is also seeking to use his Presidential Villa connection to grab the ticket.
He has also opposed the governor’s endorsement of the scandalous Senator Sani.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Hadiza Balarabe has rejected an offer to deputise for Sani.
While her reasons for turning it down are not clear, it is believed that she is trying to avoid the stigma that will come with being paired with the senator.
In addition, it is suspected in some quarters that it may seem to her like an intellectual demotion to be asked to deputise for someone like Senator Sani after working with El-Rufai.
Politics
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
BREAKING: Former Nigerian Senator, Arthur Nzeribe, Is Dead
Former Nigerian Senator, Francis Arthur Nzeribe is dead. The late lawmaker was 83 years old.
He died on Sunday morning, a source told SaharaReporters.
According to the source, Nzeribe was declared dead at a foreign hospital following an undisclosed ailment.
“He died this morning in a hospital abroad. The family will soon release a statement,” the source said.
In 2017, the photograph of ageing and possibly sick Nzeribe, sitting languidly, with medics around him went viral on social media.
He was elected a Senator to represent Orlu first in 1999 but in November 2002, the then-Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim suspended Nzeribe indefinitely over an allegation of N22 million fraud.
Also, in April 2006, the Orlu People’s Consultative Assembly, sponsored by the then Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, staged what it called a “One million march” to drum support for Nzeribe’s recall from the Senate. Due to popular demand, in December 2006, Nzeribe was defeated by Osita Izunaso during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the 2007 Senatorial election.
News
AddThis
:
Original Author
:
Saharareporters, New York
Disable advertisements
:
Read also
You can also check
