Israel on Wednesday warned that a new era of war was beginning, CNN reports.
This is even as Israel tacitly acknowledged its role in shock twin attacks targeting Hezbollah that have pushed the Middle East back to the brink of wider conflict.
Lebanon was rocked by more deadly blasts as walkie-talkies detonated in Beirut and the south of Lebanon.
The development came almost exactly 24 hours after explosions targeting the pagers of Hezbollah members killed multiple people, including children, and injured more than 2,800.
According to the report, at least 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured in Wednesday’s explosions, citing Lebanon’s health ministry.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appeared to reference the attacks during a visit Wednesday to the Ramat-David Air Force base in northern Israel.
“We are at the beginning of a new era in this war and we need to adapt ourselves,” Gallant said.
He also extolled the “excellent achievements” of the IDF together with the country’s security agency, the Shin Bet, and its intelligence agency Mossad.
Thursday, 19 September 2024
EFCC besieged Kogi lodge to forcefully arrest Yahaya Bello, says his media office
Wednesday night, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja, in a bid to forcefully
arrest the former governor.
The claim comes hours after Bello’s media office said the
ex-governor had honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation.
The EFCC had immediately denied that Bello was in its
custody, restating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was still
a wanted man.
However, Bello’s media office responded by saying the
politician was not interrogated when he visited the EFCC office and was turned
back.
“He was accompanied
to the commission’s office by Gov Usman Ododo,” the media team had said.
‘THEY SHOT
SPORADICALLY’
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Ohiare Michael,
director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, said the operatives shot
sporadically during the siege.
“It has come to our
notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in
an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello,” the statement
reads.
“They were shooting sporadically.
“It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to
the EFCC Office voluntarily, but the commission told him to leave and come at a
later date, only to mount an attack on the Kogi Government facility in Asokoro.
“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held
accountable if anything untoward happens to him.
“Tonight’s attack was
needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC in their
office for interrogation.
“The EFCC had no question to ask Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the
morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.
“This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very
reason many Nigerians believe they are fighting political battles instead of
the mandate to fight corruption.
“This action reflects much more than a fight against
corruption. We will keep Nigerians posted.”
BACKGROUND
On April 18, 2024, the EFCC declared Bello wanted over
alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation to the tune of
N80.2 billion.
The commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts
to arrest him proved unsuccessful.
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, would later allege that Bello
withdrew $720,000 from Kogi’s coffers to pay his child’s school fees in
advance.
The anti-graft agency also filed a 19-count charge against
Bello over alleged money laundering.
However, the arraignment was stalled due to the absence of
the former governor.
In May, Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel to Bello, told the
court that the former governor’s whereabouts remain unknown and that he was
nurturing some safety concerns.
On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to
surrender himself for arraignment.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, had said the court’s ruling
was a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.
Sources have said that Bello has been hiding in plain sight
— holed up in the “protective custody” of the Kogi state government — since he
was declared wanted by the EFCC.
Do not harbour suspected cultists – Timi of Ede warns house owners
Oba Lawal also asked the landlords, especially those harbouring students, to report any of them suspected to be engaging in secret cult activities.
The traditional ruler issued the warning during a meeting with the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, who visited him in his palace on Wednesday.
The meeting was called to seek ways in improving the security around the campus of the institution.
The monarch said, “Some of these students are living in our community. If you are a member of a cult group and you take an accommodation and we get to know your involvement, we will call the landlord to eject such students if they refuse to denounce cultism.
“We will invite all the landlords here. If you suspect any student that takes accommodation of being a member of a cult group, we will call such a student and counsel him or her. If he or she fails to yield to our advice, then we send him or her out of that building.”
Speaking earlier, the Governing Council led by its Chairman, Prof Taiwo Olaiya said house owners in the community would be invited and briefed on their roles in the security measures that would be applied henceforth.
Olaiya also revealed that the security situation on campus had improved significantly.
He called on the polytechnic host community to collaborate with the management to further secure the lives and properties of both the students and members of staff.
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Edo Guber: APC accuses 3 INEC staff of plot to compromise election
The party alleged that three staff of the electoral umpire, HOD Operation, Inoyengieni Frank Ogbise, the Head of ICT, Lawrence Akan and the Electoral Officer, EO, of Akoko Edo LGA, Blessing Suleman, are concluding plots to thwart the will of the people of the state.
The APC made the allegation in a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman and titled ‘Attempt to Compromise the Edo Governorship Election’.
The letter reads: “Our concerns and reservations are directed at three (3) Staff of your Commission: 1. THE HOD OPERATION EDO STATE: MR. INOYENGIENI FRANK 0GBISE.
“The above officer has been recruiting some staff of your commission from outside Edo State to work for the interest of the P.D.P. in the September 21st 2024 Governorship election in Edo State.
“It is further noted that the said HOD Operation has been involved in the planting of some INEC staff from your headquarters in a Hotel belonging to the Director General of the P.D.P. Campaign organization.
“We urge you to ensure that all the INEC staff who are currently accommodated in ETERNO HOTEL belong to the Director General of the P.D.P. Campaign Organization, one HON. MATTHEW IDUORIYEMKEWEN are relocated to ensure that the election is conducted properly.
“It is noted that the said MR. INOYENGIENI OGBISE and a Deputy Director lCT of your Commission in Edo State were sited at the Edo State Government House on the 17th of September, 2024.
“We also have it on good authority that shortly before this period, the said HOD Operation, relocated his family to Canada, as he is planning to travel out of the country immediately after the election.
“THE HEAD OF ICT EDO STATE: MR. LAWRENCE AKAN We have on good authority that the head of ICT of your Commission in Edo is acting to Compromise the election in Edo State.
“It is noted that the Head of ICT, was seen giving out money to his immediate staff to share, stating that the money came from P.D.P. It is also noted that he took some staff of your Commission to ETERNO HOTEL, which is owned by MR. MATTHEW IDUORIYEMKEWEN, who is the Director General of the P.D.P. organization.
“THE ELECTORAL OFFICER (EO) OF AKOKO EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE: BLESSING SULEIMAN It is noted that the Electoral Officer, BLESSING SULEIMAN was sited at the Government House. She was also seen with the unit Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, who is a member of P.D.P.
“It is further noted that she gave PvC belonging to registered voters to the Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, thereby depriving the registered voters of the opportunity to collect their Voters Card.
“Flowing from the above, we urge you to use your good office to intervene, as our party has lost confidence in the ability of these staff to conduct a free and fair election in Edo State on behalf of your Commission.”
Pope bestows Papal honour on Otedola’s mum for service to church
Christine Doja Otedola, the mother of Femi Otedola, the
Nigerian billionaire businessman, has been conferred with a Papal honour by
Pope Francis.
A Papal Papal honour — one of the highest awards in the
Catholic church — is a distinction granted by the Pope to individuals in
recognition of their service to the church and society.
On September 14, the title was conferred on Christine by
Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, on
behalf of the Pope.
She was honoured in the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice category.
Otedola took to his X page to share photos from the event
and congratulate his mother on the award.
“Congratulations Mummy – Dame Christine Doja on your award
of the Papal honour of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by His Holiness Pope Francis.
This is a honour well deserved,” he wrote.
See photos below:
Born on April 3, 1932, in Ijebu, Ogun, Christine married the
late Michael Agbolade Otedola, a former Governor of Lagos, after six years of
courtship. They welcomed six children; Ayokunle, Femi, Rotimi, Tola, Lola, and
Olumuyiwa.
The 92-year-old is also blessed with grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
Christine’s dedication to her faith is evident in her
multifaceted contributions to the church. She was an active member of Ladies of
Lumumba and president of Christian Mothers at St Anthony’s, Gbaja. She remains
the vice president at the Catholic Front-liners Society of St Sebastian
Cathedral, Ijebu Ode.
Edo Guber: HURIWA raises concerns, calls on US, UK, others to intervene
The group said it is alarmed by the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, who is allegedly a kinsman of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The rights association expressed fears that this could undermine the neutrality and integrity of the election process, especially given the close ties between Onuoha and Wike, a minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
In a press conference ahead of the election, held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HURIWA and its coalition of 13 affiliated NGOs highlighted several red flags, raising concerns about the impartiality of the election’s key players.
The association questioned INEC’s decision to retain Onuoha despite calls for his redeployment from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The PDP has been vocal about Onuoha’s past service under Wike during his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State, arguing that such a relationship could compromise his ability to oversee a free and fair election,” HURIWA noted.
It reiterated that the neutrality of INEC officials is essential to ensuring credibility in the electoral process, warning that Onuoha’s continued presence could lead to accusations of bias, particularly if the election outcome is contested.
“We are calling on INEC to reconsider its stance on this matter. The refusal to redeploy Mr. Onuoha raises serious questions about the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election in Edo State.
“INEC’s reputation is on the line, and the Nigerian people deserve an election that is transparent and free of external influences,” HURIWA stated.
Adding to its concerns, HURIWA pointed to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, whom it claims is also compromised. The association alleged that the Commissioner of Police has demonstrated a clear interest in favoring the APC in the lead-up to the election, citing reports of biased policing and arrests targeting PDP chieftains.
According to HURIWA, these actions signal a concerted effort to intimidate and undermine the opposition, further calling into question the fairness of the electoral process.
The human rights group expressed dismay over the perceived collusion between the Edo State Police Command and the APC, which it claims is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the state.
It referenced recent incidents where PDP leaders were allegedly arrested and detained under dubious circumstances, only to be released after prolonged legal battles. HURIWA described this as a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition and stifle its capacity to campaign effectively.
In light of these developments, the group made a direct appeal to the National Security Adviser (NSA), urging him to take charge of overseeing security for the election.
The association emphasized that the NSA, as a non-partisan figure, is best positioned to ensure that the police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout the electoral process.
“We are calling on the NSA to take immediate and direct control of security operations for the Edo 2024 elections. Given the compromised state of the Edo Police Command and the allegations surrounding its leadership, a non-partisan body must take charge to prevent any form of manipulation or undue influence. The Nigerian people deserve an election that is free from fear, coercion, or intimidation,” HURIWA stated.
The association argued that the involvement of the NSA is necessary to restore confidence in the electoral process.
According to HURIWA, the current situation in Edo State threatens to derail the progress made in electoral reforms, and all stakeholders must work together to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.
It also urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State.
The association appealed to diplomatic missions, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, to send observers to the state and ensure that the election is conducted in line with international democratic standards.
HURIWA further requested the United States and the United Kingdom to impose visa bans on any individuals found to be involved in undermining the credibility of the Edo State governorship election.
“We urge the USA and UK governments to take decisive action by imposing visa bans on any person or group attempting to compromise this election. International pressure is vital to ensuring accountability and upholding democratic principles,” the statement read.
“Edo State is at a crossroads, and the upcoming election will determine the future of its governance. We must not allow any form of compromise or malpractice to mar this critical process. We are calling on the international community to stand with the people of Edo and ensure that their right to vote is protected,” HURIWA concluded.
Four Soldiers killed in Southern Gaza combat – Israeli Army
Among the fallen was a female paramedic. Six additional soldiers were wounded, with three critically injured.
The fatalities are the latest in Israel’s ongoing ground offensive in Gaza, which began on October 27.
According to official figures, the military’s death toll has now reached 348 since the operation commenced.
The situation remains volatile, with frequent clashes between Israeli forces and militants in the densely populated Palestinian territory.
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