News

By Uzair Adam Imam

Supporters of Comrade Julious Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), took to the streets of Gudu, Abuja, today to voice their grievances against what they perceive as unwarranted interference by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the affairs of their party.

Dozens of protesters, brandishing placards emblazoned with messages such as “On Abure’s mandate we stand,” “NLC leave Abure alone,” and “Nnawi’ National Convention is valid,” commenced their march from the new Abuja chapter secretariat.

The demonstration follows a recent escalation in tensions between the Nigerian Labour Congress and the leadership of the Labour Party, with the NLC accusing Abure of operating as a sole administrator within the LP. This accusation culminated in the NLC passing a vote of no confidence in Abure’s leadership and demanding his resignation.

The conflict between the two organizations has captured widespread attention and sparked debates regarding the NLC’s authority to intervene in LP’s affairs, as well as the underlying reasons behind their dispute.

Investigations by Vanguard have revealed that the ongoing power struggle between the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party and the Comrade Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress is jeopardizing the future of the Labour Party itself.

Central to the conflict is the battle for control over the party’s structure, with major stakeholders accusing Abure of treating the LP as his personal fiefdom, an allegation vehemently denied by Abure.

Trouble began brewing for Abure shortly after the 2023 general elections, when some party members, led by Alhaji Lamidi Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi, accused him of financial mismanagement. Subsequent court battles resulted in Abure’s leadership being upheld by the Court of Appeal.

However, fresh turmoil erupted when the party’s former National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, publicly alleged that Abure must be held accountable for over N3.5 billion, purportedly received by the party from the sale of forms and donations during the 2023 elections. Oparah’s outspokenness led to her suspension for six months on grounds of bringing the party’s reputation into disrepute.

Currently, the Abure-led NWC of the LP finds itself at odds not only with the NLC but also with the House of Representatives caucus of the party. This discord stems from Abure’s unilateral decision to proceed with plans for a national convention without soliciting input from party stakeholders.

As tensions continue to mount, the future trajectory of the Labour Party remains uncertain, with the specter of internal strife casting a shadow over its viability as a political entity.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Rwanda paused on Sunday to honor the memory of genocide victims, marking three decades since a brutal campaign orchestrated by Hutu extremists tore through the nation, leaving deep wounds as communities turned against each other in one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century.

The relentless violence, spanning 100 days until the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) rebel militia seized control of Kigali in July 1994, resulted in the deaths of 800,000 individuals, primarily Tutsis but also moderate Hutus.

Despite the immense tragedy, Rwanda has made strides toward stability under the firm leadership of President Paul Kagame, who helmed the RPF.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the atrocities persists, casting a shadow over Africa’s Great Lakes region.Following tradition, ceremonies held on April 7—the day when Hutu militias unleashed terror in 1994—commenced with Kagame lighting a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn site believed to hold the remains of over 250,000 victims.

Accompanied by somber melodies played by an army band, Kagame laid wreaths at the mass graves, joined by foreign dignitaries, including several African heads of state and former US President Bill Clinton, who had acknowledged the genocide as a grave failure during his tenure.

The failure of the international community to intervene remains a point of regret, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to express remorse for France’s and its allies’ inaction, acknowledging they could have halted the bloodshed but lacked the resolve to do so.

Kagame is scheduled to deliver an address at a 10,000-seat arena in the capital, where Rwandans will later gather for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of those lost to the slaughter.

The commemoration marks the beginning of a week-long period of national mourning, during which Rwanda will come to a standstill, with flags flown at half-mast. Public music, sports events, and non-remembrance-related television broadcasts are suspended.The United Nations and the African Union will also hold remembrance ceremonies to honor the victims.

Reflecting on the events, Karel Kovanda, a former Czech diplomat and the first UN ambassador to publicly denounce the 1994 massacres as genocide, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the genocide is never forgotten, asserting that the page cannot be turned on such atrocities.

The genocide, triggered by the assassination of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, led to widespread atrocities fueled by virulent anti-Tutsi propaganda disseminated through various media outlets.

Countless individuals were brutally murdered, and tens of thousands of women were subjected to sexual violence.Rwanda has taken steps to address the legacy of the genocide, including establishing community tribunals for victims to confront their perpetrators. However, challenges persist, with hundreds of genocide suspects still at large, some reportedly seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

Despite the passage of time, Rwanda continues to grapple with the wounds inflicted by the genocide, endeavoring to ensure that the horrors of the past are never forgotten while striving to build a future rooted in peace and reconciliation.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended a clergyman in Ilorin, Prophet Adeniyi James, on allegations of defrauding a member of his congregation to the tune of N3.9 million. 

James, who serves as the General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Freedom City Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry in Ilorin, was taken into custody by the Ilorin zonal command of the EFCC on April 2. 

Dele Oyewale, the head of media and publicity for the EFCC, revealed in a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday, that the arrest came following a petition lodged by the victim, Oluwole Babarinsa.  

Babarinsa recounted in his petition that during a church programme in 2021, James purportedly had a divine revelation about his (Babarinsa’s) imminent travel abroad. 

According to Babarinsa, James engaged him in a conversation about his preferred destination, to which he responded, ‘Canada’.  

Subsequently, James allegedly informed him of a friend in Lagos who could facilitate his relocation to Canada, albeit at a cost of N1.7 million for processing and an additional N2.5 million for flight tickets and travel documents. 

In his quest to fulfil the purported divine directive, Babarinsa resorted to selling some of his assets and taking out loans, ultimately amassing a total of N3,980,000, which he handed over to the prophet.  

However, despite the substantial sum provided, Babarinsa alleged that James failed to fulfil his promises. 

“The petitioner stated that all efforts and entreaties to the suspect to refund his money yielded no positive result,” Oyewale said, relaying Babarinsa’s frustration with the situation. 

The EFCC spokesperson affirmed that following the arrest, investigations into the matter are ongoing, with plans to arraign the suspect in court upon completion of the inquiry.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The FCT Police Command conducted a series of coordinated raids on notorious black spots and criminal hideouts in the Durumi and Dei-Dei areas of Abuja. 

The operation, carried out between March 31 and April 4, 2024, resulted in the arrest of eighty-five suspects for various offenses. 

Confirming the success of the raids, SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, highlighted the persistent criminal activities that had plagued these areas.  

She described the hideouts as notorious havens for hoodlums engaged in a range of illicit activities, including the peddling of hard drugs, manufacturing counterfeit currencies, and erecting illegal structures. 

During the operation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants on several structures within the targeted areas.  

This led to the seizure of numerous incriminating exhibits, including counterfeit paper and coins in both local and foreign currencies, light weapons, eight motorcycles, seven generators, various electronic gadgets, and a stash of ATM cards suspected to have been stolen from victims. 

Adeh stated that all the arrested suspects would undergo thorough screening, with those found culpable being profiled and subsequently arraigned in court to face justice.  

Additionally, the illegal wooden structures erected by the criminals were dismantled and set ablaze as part of efforts to deter further criminal activities in the area. 

CP Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, reiterated his commitment to ridding the territory of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of all residents.  

He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities through designated emergency hotlines. 

Residents were reminded to contact the following police emergency contact numbers if there is newd: 08032003913 – 08028940883 – 08061581938 – 07057337653 – PCB: 09022222352 – CRU: 08107314192

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Lovelyn Onyekachi and her suspected lover, Uchenna Ekwenye, find themselves in police custody amid disturbing allegations of serial sexual attacks and defilement involving Lovelyn’s three children, aged 5, 7, and 9. 

The case, originating in Lagos, has been moved to Abuja as investigations intensify. According to police sources, the children, lacking proper attention from their mother, reportedly fell victim to the assaults facilitated by Lovelyn’s relationship with Ekwenye.  

Neighbours, troubled by the children’s distress, alerted authorities, leading to the arrests. 

Lovelyn, who returned to Nigeria from South Africa with her children after a reported dispute with her husband, Pastor Paul Onyekachi, allegedly entered into a relationship with Ekwenye, who frequently visited their home in Lagos.  

The situation escalated when Ekwenye allegedly moved in and took advantage of Lovelyn’s absence to abuse the children, warning them against disclosure. 

However, a petition from the accused’s legal representatives challenges these accusations, asserting them as tactics orchestrated by the children’s father to gain custody through coercion. 

In a twist, Lovelyn’s lawyers claim that she was detained unlawfully by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency after being summoned for questioning regarding the allegations. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Minister of Defence and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Sen. Musa Kwankwaso, has emphasized the capability of the military to effectively address the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria, provided with the requisite support.

Speaking to journalists after the NNPP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Kwankwaso underscored the pivotal role of the Federal Government in addressing the security crisis while urging Nigerians to actively contribute by providing crucial information to security agencies.

Drawing from his extensive experience in security matters as a former Minister of Defence and Chief Security Officer of Kano State, Kwankwaso emphasized that the gravity of the situation necessitates the involvement of the Nigerian military.

He stressed that alternative security measures, such as state-led initiatives, fall short of addressing the magnitude of the crisis.

Highlighting the dire consequences of the security challenges, including disruptions to agricultural activities and rampant abduction of innocent civilians, Kwankwaso urged collective efforts towards restoring peace and security in the country.

Asserting his party’s readiness to tackle the nation’s problems, Kwankwaso positioned the NNPP as a beacon of hope for Nigerians disillusioned by the failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Echoing Kwankwaso’s sentiments, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf urged unwavering dedication among party members, emphasizing the need for wholehearted commitment to the NNPP’s vision for a better Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is bracing himself for a multifaceted showdown with President Bola Tinubu, poised to unfold in both courtrooms and the court of public opinion.

El-Rufai’s legal offensive is aimed at vindicating himself from allegations of being a security risk, which have tarnished his reputation and dashed his ministerial aspirations.

Despite his instrumental support in Tinubu’s rise to power, El-Rufai was abruptly dropped during Senate ministerial screenings, citing purported security clearance failures.

This stunning turn of events has spurred El-Rufai to action, with plans underway to challenge the accusations in court. Sources close to him have affirmed his resolve to clear his name and restore his integrity, leveraging his extensive international connections and legal resources.

Simultaneously, El-Rufai is mobilizing politically to challenge Tinubu’s influence in the court of public opinion, setting the stage for a potentially contentious lead-up to the 2027 elections.

While his exact role in the upcoming political landscape remains uncertain, El-Rufai’s strategic maneuvering against Tinubu underscores a rift that has emerged despite their past collaboration.

El-Rufai’s journey from a key ally to a formidable opponent of Tinubu reflects a complex dynamic within Nigerian politics, where alliances can shift rapidly, driven by personal ambitions and ideological differences.

As the battle lines are drawn, the nation watches with bated breath to see how this clash of titans will reshape the political landscape in the years to come.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, called for unity and harmony among Nigerians during the holy month of Ramadan. 

He stated this in an iftar gathering he hosted on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. 

The event, attended by dignitaries including Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project, took place at the Nigeria Customs Management Estate in Abuja. 

In his address, CGC Adeniyi urged Nigerians to embrace the teachings of Ramadan, stating, “Only through eschewing bitterness, accommodating one another, and living with one another in peace and harmony can people achieve a prosperous country.”

He expressed the significance of Ramadan’s teachings. 

Reflecting on the recent celebrations of Easter and the ongoing observance of Ramadan, CGC Adeniyi stated the common values shared by Nigerians, stating, “What unites us is far more than what divides us.”

He called for collective action to address food insecurity in the country, noting that many Nigerians struggle to find adequate meals, especially during Ramadan. 

CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting Nigerians in need, pledging to implement measures to ensure food security.

He called on all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Ramadan in their daily lives, urging them to “eschew bitterness and accommodate one another in peace and harmony.” 

Wale Edun, representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, commended CGC Adeniyi for organizing the Iftar.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, on charges related to the alleged mutilation and misuse of naira notes. 

Bobrisky was reportedly apprehended in Lagos during the evening hours of Wednesday and is currently being held at the EFCC’s Lagos Office as investigations proceed, according to statements made by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a conversation with newsmen. 

This development comes amidst a flurry of controversies surrounding the social media personality, notably his recent controversial win of the “Best Dressed Female” Award at a movie premiere on March 25, 2024, which sparked widespread criticism from various sectors of the entertainment industry. 

However, in response to the public outcry, Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi noted that while cross-dressing itself isn’t illegal under Nigerian law, allegations of involvement in other illicit activities could warrant legal action. 

“I have not read anywhere that cross-dressing is an offence in Nigeria,” Adejobi affirmed during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on April 2, 2024.

“Let us be reasonable, you cannot arrest somebody you want to prosecute without having credible evidence, and as such, cross-dressing is not yet a crime in Nigeria.” 

Adejobi clarified that while cross-dressing may not be punishable, allegations of engaging in unlawful activities could lead to legal consequences.

“Some of them that are into cross-dressing, the allegation is that they are into something else, that’s where the problem lies. We need enough proof that they are actually into ‘that’. All those offences are natural in Nigeria and punishable under our laws,” he stated.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to unveil a state-of-the-art customs analytical laboratory, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, says. 

The initiative, slated to roll out between the second and third quarters of 2024, aims to fortify the NCS’s ability to detect and deter smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other unlawful practices. 

Addressing the media at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, CGC Adeniyi stated the laboratory’s significance in upholding customs regulations.

Describing it as a specialized facility equipped with cutting-edge analytical instruments, he highlighted its pivotal role in ensuring compliance through accurate testing and analysis of imported and exported goods. 

“The Customs Analytical Laboratory will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, safety, and economic interests,” said CGC Adeniyi.

By harnessing advanced technology and expertise, the NCS anticipates a substantial enhancement in its capacity to combat illicit trade activities, thus fostering trade facilitation and bolstering confidence in the customs system’s integrity. 

In addition to strengthening import controls, CGC Adeniyi shed light on initiatives aimed at fostering export growth and aligning with national agendas.

Discussions with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) have been initiated to sustain the positive momentum in export transactions, with a dedicated technical committee established for this purpose. 

“The NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting export trade, diversifying the economy, and positioning Nigeria for success in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” affirmed CGC Adeniyi.

As part of broader reforms, measures are underway to streamline customs processes and enhance public accessibility to verification tools for customs documents, including duty payments on vehicles. 

Noting ongoing efforts to enhance port operations, CGC Adeniyi disclosed plans for the introduction of a Single Window system under the stewardship of the Minister of Finance.

The imminent inauguration of the steering committee responsible for its implementation signals a proactive stride towards modernizing trade facilitation mechanisms in Nigeria.