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You Can’t Be President – Primate Ayodele Tells Peter Obi

NEWS

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May 30, 2022

You Can’t Be President – Primate Ayodele Tells Peter Obi

The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Monday, warned a South-East presidential hopeful, Peter Obi against his presidential ambition.

Primate Ayodele disclosed that Obi cannot contest the presidential election and win, hence he should resign from politics or help suffering Nigerians with his resources.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, the cleric attested to Obi’s leadership qualities, but noted that he doesn’t have the backing of God for the presidential election, coupled with the fact that he was misled into joining another party to pursue his ambition.

He also mentioned that South-East leaders have successfully jeopardized the chances of the zone in the 2023 presidential ambition.

Ayodele noted that the coming generation will remember their actions and curse them for bringing such a predicament to the zone.

“There is no way Peter Obi can contest and win, it’s either he resigns from politics or wastes his money. Better still, he should help Nigerians that are suffering with his resources.

“He was misled into joining the Labour Party to pursue his presidential ambition; he has missed it, Igbos have missed it already, their generations to come will remember this and curse them.

“The South-East political leaders have successfully jeopardized the chances of the Igbos and turned the zone to something else.

“Igbo have no leaders; they don’t like themselves at all, Peter Obi is a fantastic leader, but he cannot become the next president of Nigeria, any party that gives him ticket will be a waste of time.”

Primate Ayodele had warned the South-East leaders not to allow the presidency elude them in 2023 because of their selfish interests and betrayal.

He had noted that for peace to reign, the South-East deserves to produce a president but if the leaders are not careful, they will miss it.

I’m Not Guilty — Okorocha Tells Court On Alleged N2.9bn Fraud

CRIME

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May 30, 2022

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I’m Not Guilty — Okorocha Tells Court On Alleged N2.9bn Fraud

The former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, has pleaded not guilty to the 17-count money laundering charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him and six others.

Okorocha, who mounted the dock around 9:35am, took his plea alongside a chieftain of the All Progressive, APC, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, and five companies- Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.

When the charge was read to him before trial Justice Inyang Ekwo, the former governor, said: “I understand the charge against me, but I am not guilty my lord”.

All the other defendants also pleaded their innocence to the charge dated January 24.

Okorocha, who piloted affairs of Imo state from 2011 to 2019, was accused of diverting funds belonging to Imo state, to the tune of about N2.9billion.

The charge against him bordered on conspiracy and stealing.

EFCC alleged that the defendants sequentially siphoned funds from the Imo State Government House account and Imo State Joint Local Government Project account, and diverted same into accounts of private firms.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants committed the alleged offence between October 2014 and February 2016.

Okorocha, who is currently the Senator representing Imo West, had initially declared his intention to contest for presidency in the 2023 general elections.

He was however arrested by operatives of the agency, few hours before his political party, the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, screened its presidential candidates.

The arrest followed alleged refusal by the former governor to make himself available for trial.

EFCC accused him of deliberately evading service of the charge on him.

Meanwhile, following plea of the defendants on Monday, Okorocha’s lawyer, Mr. Okey Amaechi, SAN, prayed the court to release him on bail pending the determination of the case against him.

Amaechi, further drew attention of the court to the fact that his client was roughly arrested before APC’s screening.

“My lord, without a warrant of arrest from this court, they went into the house of the defendant, broke into it and arrested him in a gestapo manner”, he added.

However, EFCC, through its lawyer, Mr. Gbolahan latona, told the court that Okorocha raised some issues in his bail application that would require its response.

While adjourning the matter till Tuesday to hear bail applications of the defendants, Justice Ekwo ordered that they should remain in EFCC custody, pending the determination of their bail request.

The court equally fixed November 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 for trial.

Thugs invade APC collation centre in Otukpo, injure many

APC

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May 29, 2022

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Thugs invade APC collation centre in Otukpo, injure many

The Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Electoral Committee for Benue South, Hon. Moses Mkeenem, has raised the alarm over the invasion of the election collation centre in Otukpo, Benue State.

Hon. Mkeenem said the thugs believed to be loyal to one of the aspirants in the election, invaded the premises, brandishing guns, machetes and other lethal weapons.

ALSO READ: APC Gives New Date For Presidential Screening, Jonathan Expected

The chairman said it took the assiduous intervention of security operatives present at the venue, for him to exit the premises of Apa Gate Hotel successfully.

He said the driver of the committee, Mr. Iorakaa was not so lucky as he was brutalized by the thugs.

Mkeenem said his car key was also snatched away from his drivers by the thugs.

A statement signed by the committee chairman reads: “I wish to inform the general public, especially Benue South APC stakeholders, that few moments ago, I was at the Apa Gate Hotel, venue of the distribution of electoral materials/collation of election results for the APC 2022 Benue South Senatorial Primary Election, and my committee had just distributed nomination forms to ward returning officers for six local governments; namely Ado, Apa, Otukpo, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, and Oju; when all of a sudden, thugs believed to be loyal to one of the aspirants in the election invaded the premises; brandishing guns, machetes and other lethal weapons.

“It took the assiduous intervention of security operatives present at the venue, for me to exit the premises of Apa Gate Hotel successfully. Unfortunately, the driver of the committee, Mr. Iorakaa Philip, wasn’t so lucky, as he was ambushed by the hoodlums and battered to pulp, his two phones were also snatched and his vehicle vandalized. At the time of this press release, he is in excruciating pains, with bandages all over his body.

“In addition, the thugs successfully snatched the key of my car from my driver. As I issue this press statement, I am reliably informed that the thugs are snooping all over Otukpo town, searching for me. Hence, I had to find a safe haven to hide for a while.”

Mkeenem said the collation exercises is now suspended following the development.

“Consequently, the collation exercise is hereby suspended, until further measures could be taken to guarantee the safety and security of members of the Electoral Committee and other APC stakeholders at the Apa Gate Hotel, venue of the distribution of electoral materials/collation of election results.
Above is the update on the Benue South 2022 APC senatorial primary election.”

Alleged N2.9bn fraud: EFCC clears coast for Okorocha’s arraignment

APC

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May 29, 2022

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Alleged N2.9bn fraud: EFCC clears coast for Okorocha’s arraignment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared the coast for formal arraignment of ex-Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, with the service of the criminal charges on his person in the detention facility.

Okorocha was said to have been handed a copy of the charge on Sunday evening preparatory for his appearance in court on Monday, May 30 to take his plea.

It was gathered that Okorocha, now a Senator representing Imo State in the Senate was made to personally sign for the charge to clear the legal hurdle for the arraignment.

Our correspondent learnt that immediately the former governor acknowledged receipt of the charge, he was permitted to phone about five lawyers on the development and to decide the next line of action.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential aspirant had been absent in court twice for arraignment on the excuse that the charge was not personally served on him as required by law.

But the anti-graft agency through its lawyer alleged at the Federal High Court in Abuja that Okorocha, upon the administrative bail granted him refused to pick phone calls from the agency while text messages sent to him to report in court were not honoured.

EFCC’S counsel, Mr Cosmos Ugwu could not be reached for comments on the latest development but a source said it was a good development for the agency.

“All we are after is to move him to court on May 30 for the arraignment and we have substantially achieved that with the service of charge on him.

“You will recall that the challenge of EFCC has been on how to get him served and we have crossed that hurdle now. I can confirm to you that Okorocha will be made to appear in court. We will help him to court”, the source said.

Okorocha was forcefully arrested on Tuesday in his Abuja residence by EFCC operatives as part of efforts to ensure his appearance in court on Monday.

It will be recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja had on Monday, March 28, issued a threat to strike out the N2.9 billion money laundering charges against Okorocha should the Federal Government fail again to cause his appearance in court.

The judge had threatened to throw out the charges following the inability of the Federal Government to serve charges on Okorocha as required by law.

At the March 28 proceedings, the Federal Government, for the second time through its counsel, Mr Cosmos Ugwu, had told Justice Ekwo that he has not been able to see Okorocha and serve him with the charges.

The Federal Government’s charges against Okorocha dated January 24, 2022, was signed by one A.O Ikota on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Okorocha, who is currently a Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, is to face trial alongside six others in the N2.9 billion money laundering criminal charges.

The senator is being put on trial by the Federal Government on 17-count charges involving criminal diversion of public funds and properties.

Benzema opens up on his relationship with Mbappe after Real Madrid snub

Benzema

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May 29, 2022

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Benzema opens up on his relationship with Mbappe after Real Madrid snub

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has said that Kylian Mbappe’s decision to snub Spanish giants will not affect their relationship.

Benzema also said he ‘respects’ Mbappe’s decision to remain at PSG.

ALSO READ: Ancelotti confirms four-time Champions League winner will leave Real Madrid

Mbappe scored 28 goals to help PSG win the Ligue 1 title this season and it was almost certain the 23-year-old was moving to Spain until a sudden change of mind last week.

Real were furious with Mbappe’s decision and Benzema did not seem best pleased either.

Benzema now addressed Mbappe’s matter after Real.Madrid’s 1-0 win over Liverpool that handed them the Champions League glory on Saturday.

“I would have liked him to have been able to fulfil his dream of playing for Real Madrid, being together,’ Benzema told Telefoot.

“He chose PSG, we must respect him. It’s his choice, he has a lot of responsibilities.

“We will enjoy playing together in the national team. Everyone makes their own choices.

“Real Madrid are Real Madrid, I’m not disappointed. We are good friends, it won’t affect our relationship.”

I look forward to be your opponent – Tinubu reacts to Atiku’s win

APC

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May 29, 2022

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I look forward to be your opponent – Tinubu reacts to Atiku’s win

Bola Tinubu, Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, has congratulated Atiku Abubakar over his victory at the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday.

Atiku won the presidential ticket of the PDP with the highest votes, defeating Nyesom Wike, Bukola Saraki and other presidential aspirants.

Tinubu, in his message, hoped that Atiku would be his opponent if he emerged as the presidential candidate of the APC.

“I welcome the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the just concluded primary.

“I look forward to squaring up with him as a worthy opponent in the coming 2023 election. I have known the former Vice President as a formidable politician and a patriot who believes in the unity and progress of our dear country,” he said.

The APC national leader also commended the PDP for a peaceful primary.

Tinubu said, “As we move further into the election season, I charge the PDP presidential candidate and all political actors across Party lines that we should make this election season one that is devoid of bitterness, rancour and strife.

“We should make our campaigns peaceful and issue-based. Election season should be a festival of ideas that will uplift our nation and improve the living condition of all our people.

“Nigerians are yet to forget the national ruin and mismanagement of our country for sixteen years by successive PDP administration and this bad memory will dog the campaign of the PDP candidate.”

Man Utd announce Rangnick will not stay on as consultant

Manchester United

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May 29, 2022

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Man Utd announce Rangnick will not stay on as consultant

Manchester United on Sunday, announced Ralf Rangnick will not stay on in a consultancy position.

Instead the 63-year-old will face his new role with Austria solely.

Rangnick was appointed as interim manager at Old Trafford in November but was unable to save their season.

The Red Devils finished sixth, with their lowest points tally (58) in the Premier League era, and failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

“We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.

“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford,” an official club statement said.

FCT Police confirm riot by Okada rider in Abuja

Abuja

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May 29, 2022

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FCT Police confirm riot by Okada rider in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed an unrest by motorcyclists in Same Global Estate, Dakwo, Galadimawa area of the territory.

MAIDAWAAREWA earlier reported that over 100 motorcyclists attacked the area on Sunday and set some houses on fire over the death of their two colleagues.

A statement issued and made available to press by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said normalcy has been restored to the affected area.

According to the statement the FCT Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday, was on the ground at the scene with a heavy deployment of operatives for an on-the-spot assessment.

“The CP assures residents of the Command’s dedication to the safety of lives and property within the FCT under his watch while urging well-meaning members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses without the fear of harassment and molestation of any kind from any quarters.”

The PPRO urged residents to “remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, While the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352.”

PDP primaries: EFCC told to arrest all delegates after Atiku’s victory

Atiku

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May 29, 2022

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PDP primaries: EFCC told to arrest all delegates after Atiku’s victory

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria,, HURIWA, has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to go after all the special delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the just concluded presidential primary election in Abuja.

The group also faulted the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said Atiku’s emergence was allegedly heavily compromised by undue monetisation, adding that the candidate gave their candidate slot to the highest bidder.

The rights advocacy group said it was disappointing that operatives of the anti-graft agency only showed up at the venue of the primaries election at the MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja as if they don’t know that bribery of delegates has already taken place elsewhere as usual.

The group berated the EFCC for failing to deploy Intelligence skills in order to catch both the alleged bribe givers and takers.

Delegates for the presidential primaries were reportedly given at least $35,000 each by some northern aspirants and the allegation of bribery is yet to be debunked by the individuals so accused.

Atiku, however, emerged victorious in the election, polling 371 votes to defeat his closest rival, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who polled 237 votes.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “Nigerians were shocked at the corruption fiesta called PDP presidential primary on Sunday night.”

The withdrawal from the PDP race by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; and businessman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; who both said the PDP had monetised the process suffices that the presidential primary was nothing but corruption fiesta.

HURIWA also said it strongly condemns the conspiracy of the EFCC that pretended that it doesn’t know that bribes exchanged hands.

Recall that operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed the primary venue and HURIWA said it observed that dollars still changed hands as seen in several media reports. “How shameful!”

HURIWA “urged the EFCC top echelons in Abuja to prosecute the over 700 delegates that voted on Saturday/Sunday.”

2023: I look forward to be your opponent – Tinubu reacts to Atiku’s win

MAIDAWAAREWA

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May 29, 2022

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Bola Tinubu, Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, has congratulated Atiku Abubakar over his victory at the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday.

Atiku won the presidential ticket of the PDP with the highest votes, defeating Nyesom Wike, Bukola Saraki and other presidential aspirants.

Tinubu, in his message, hoped that Atiku would be his opponent if he emerged as the presidential candidate of the APC.

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