THE REALNEWS MEDIA

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Just-ln: Obi Cubana Released After 24hrs Interrogation by EFCC

The Anambra popular socialite and business mogul, Obinna Iyiegbu, fondly goes by the name Obi Cubana, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Obi Cubana, who was earlier arrested on Monday and taken to the headquarters of the EFCC at Jabi, Abuja.

He said that he was released at about 1 p.m. today Tuesday 2nd November, 2021.

The socialite is believed to be answering a case that hitches on alleged money laundering and tax fraud.

Recall that an EFCC source had told BBC Pidgin that the businessman was not arrested as widely reported.

The socialite was invited two weeks ago but only showed up yesterday, November 1, the source said.

“We did not arrest Obi Cubana. We had invited him over to our office two weeks ago, which he only showed up yesterday around 11am in our office at Wuse Zone 6 Abuja”

Meanwhile, Abba Bichi, the son of the director-general of the State Security Service, SSS, faulted the arrest of Obinna Iyiegbu, aka Obi Cubana, by EFCC.

Abba, a soccer buff and partygoer, posted Obi Cubana’s picture with the title: “A man of honour and dignity” on his verified Instagram page.

PDP Will Take Back Power from APC in 2023, Says Sen. Ayu

Senator. Iyorchia Ayu, the newly elected National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has said the party is ready to take back power from the All Progressives congress, APC.

Ayu said this after he emerged as the Party’s new chairman in the early hours of Sunday at the national convention in Abuja.

Ayu giving quit notice to the APC said: “The PDP is back. We are determined. The other one is a contraption.

PDP did it before, we will do it again. This is a quit notice to the other party. We are taking back the country. We will develop the country.”

The PDP chairman promised to unite Nigeria and move the country ahead.

“In two weeks time, you will see the power that will come back in PDP in every state. A small group of people decided to divide Nigeria. We will unite the country and move ahead to develop this country,”.

EFCC Grips Obi Cubana on Alleged Money Laundering, Tax Fraud

Popular socialite and businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu, aka Obi Cubana, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for money laundering.

The Anambra-born club owner, who arrived the headquarters of the EFCC at Jabi, Abuja, at about noon on Monday, is currently being interrogated by operatives of the commission.

Though allegations against the socialite were sketchy as of press time, a source disclosed that his case borders on alleged money laundering and tax fraud.

The source said, “Obi Cubana was arrested and brought to the EFCC headquarters on Monday afternoon over allegations of money laundering and tax fraud. He is being grilled by detectives as we speak.”

The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said he has yet to be briefed on the development.

Obi Cubana made headlines in July when he hosted an ostentatious burial for his mother in Oba, Anambra State, in which over 200 cows were reportedly killed.

The lavish display of wealth set tongues wagging with many Nigerians wondering about his source of wealth.

Several celebrities, business people and politicians turned out in large numbers for the funeral.

Monday, November 1, 2021

Environmental Sanitation: Mobile Court Prosecute Defaulters ln Warri

As the compulsory Delta State monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise held yesterday 30th October, 2021 across the state, the Chief Magistrate of Warri, E.V. Tunde Smooth (Mrs), has prosecuted over thirty defaulters for disobeying the Environmental Sanitation Law.

The Mobile Court was set up at Estate Roundabout, near Okere market in Warri South Local Government Area of the State, in order to immediately try and prosecute residents who defaults during the environmental sanitation working hours between 7:am-10:am.

Briefing the presiding judge, the Prosecutor, Mrs. Obire Rachael, who is a Principal Environmental Health Superintendent attached to the Delta State Taskforce on Environmental, stated that the persons arrested where seen wandering in the street during the environment sanitation hour.

"They where suppose to be at home cleaning their surroundings within 7:am-10:am to observe the Delta state government compulsory monthly environmental sanitation order but they disobeyed," she added.

In her reaction, the presiding Judge at the Mobile Court, E.V. Tunde Smooth (Mrs.), interrogated the various defaulters brought before her to know the reasons they where seen wandering around the street during the environmental sanitation hour.

Many of them pretended to be ignorant of the exercise. Some pleaded guilty while others gave excuses of going to the hospital because of ill health.

At the end of proper interrogation, the Chief Magistrate Warri, with her prerogative power cautioned and set free those who pleaded guilty, having asked them to clean up the Estate Roundabout premises as well as nearby drainage as punishment.

She further issued a fine to some defaulters who claimed not guilty to pay having found them liable.

Meanwhile, the team of the State Taskforce on Environment led by Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, where fully on ground to strictly monitor the exercise from 7am-10am.

However, in this month's exercise, there was a massive turn out by residents in Warrri, Uvwie and Udu area to observe the mandatory monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise.

Moreover, some motorists, such as Keke drivers, private commuters plying the routes where forced to park their vehicles and join the state taskforce team to observe the mandatory environmental sanitation exercise before they where asked to go at the expiration of the working time frame.

Sunday, October 31, 2021

PDP Ready to Rescue & Rebuild Nigeria_Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said: "The PDP fought inflation to single digit and stabilised the foreign exchange market which the APC destroyed with its cluelessness and incompetence.

"All through my life, I have never seen our dear country in such a bad shape. We have become so disunited, with so much unemployment and insecurity in the country.

"Nigeria is now at a precipice because of lacklustre performance of the APC, but we now have the chance to atone for the mistakes of our past leadership, a chance to steer our country to its right position in the comity of nations.

"As humans, none of us is perfect and we will continue to strive to make our country better for the good of all Nigerians.

"The APC has proven itself to be incompetent and we are now ready to rescue, restore and rebuild the foundation of our beloved country.

"We have a collective aspiration to return Nigeria to the path of growth and development and I call on all members of our party and indeed, all well-meaning citizens of our great country to join us in this struggle."

Iyorchia Ayu Emerges PDP Chairman

Former President of the Senate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu from Benue State emerges the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after he was duly elected by the delegates of the Party.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his colleagues elected on the platform of the PDP were on ground to witness the announcement of the elective convention results in solidarity with Senator Ayu and other newly elected National Officers of the Party.

See the full list of the newly-elected national officials of the main opposition party below:

National Chairman – Iyorchia Ayu

Deputy National Chairman (North) – Umar Damagum (Contested)

Deputy National Chairman (South) – Taofeek Arapaja (Contested)

National Secretary – Samuel Anyanwu (Unopposed)

National Treasurer – Ahmed Mohammed (Unopposed)

National Organising Secretary – Umar Bature (Unopposed)

National Financial Secretary – Daniel Woyegikuro (Unopposed)

National Women’s Leader – Professor Stella Effah-Attoe (Unopposed)

National Youth Leader – Muhammed Suleiman (Contested)

National Legal Adviser – Kamaldeen Ajibade (Unopposed)

National Publicity Secretary – Debo Ologunagba (Unopposed)

National Auditor – Okechuckwu Daniel (Unopposed)

Deputy National Secretary – Setoji Kosheodo (Unopposed)

Deputy National Treasurer – Ndubisi David (Unopposed)

Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Ibrahim Abdullahi (Unopposed)

Deputy National Organising Secretary – Ighoyota Amori (Unopposed)

Deputy National Financial Secretary – Adamu Kamale (Unopposed)

Deputy National Women’s Leader – Hajara Wanka (Unopposed)

Deputy National Youth Leader – Timothy Osadolor (Unopposed)

Deputy National Legal Adviser – Okechukwu Osuoha (Unopposed)

Deputy National Auditor – Abdulrahman Mohammed (Unopposed)

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Bayelsa born Cyclist begs Gov. Diri, Philanthropists, others to save his leg from been Amputated

Yenagoa_____ Mr. Wisdom Stephen Benebo, who hailed from Ekeremor Town in Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa State, is soliciting help from the state government, organizations and individuals so that his leg will not be amputated.

Benebo who made this known in an exclusive interview with Mangrovepen.ng, stated that he is a cyclist and has represented the state in several competitions before his health took a drastic turn.

According to him, “Some months ago, my left hand started swelling all of a sudden. After a series of treatments, it stopped but the swelling later moved to my right hand.

“Despite the treatment, my right hand kept swelling till it burst and had to be amputated.

He explained that he stayed in the hospital for three months as a result of unpaid bills, despite pleas to his coach for assistance.

“During that period and even now, my coach has been showing less concern. I will call her and she will ignore my calls.

“It was my friend, Ms. Ala Fynface, women leader of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC Okpoama clan), who came to visit me that assisted me in paying part of the bill. She took me to the Commissioner of Sports, who asked me to come with my coach.

“I called my coach but she kept giving me excuses. It is either she will tell me she's not around or she will ignore my calls. Even the last time I called her, she told me I should pack my bags and go live in the church.

“Some weeks ago, my left leg started swelling and it is currently giving me sleepless nights because of the excruciating pains,” he narrated.

When contacted, his friend, Ms. Fynface, pleaded with the state government to come to his rescue.

“He is the only child of his mother and she is currently broken and has fallen sick. Because of this issue, she used her only piece of land as surety in the hospital, so she can raise the remaining bill.

“The help he has gotten so far from the ministry of sports is from one Mr. Braveman Odu, who he is a director in the ministry. He gave him the sum of N80,000 to help foot his hospital bill.

“All he needs now is immediate medical attention so that his left leg will not be amputated like the right hand,” she urged.

Benebo can be reached via this phone number: 08068949542

Plz help share 🙏 to save a life..

IWC to host 2021 National Day Celebration on November 13, in Yenagoa

The Ijaw Women Connect, IWC Worldwide, has announced it’s National Day Celebration Event for the year 2021.

The foremost Ijaw Women Organisation made the announcement via a public notice, where they highlighted series of events in this year’s Celebration.

The IWC which is a Frontline Women Institution in Ijaw Nation with it National President being Mrs. Rosemary Aken John-Oduone. Has since it inception, engaged in the promotion, protection, Sustainence and betterment of the Ijaw Nation. And has kept their focus in agitating the unbearable marginalization, relegation and oppression of the Ijaw People by the Nigerian State.

The IWC, has on the above premise, fostered several National Summits and Conferences which are aimed at providing the needed answers to the Ijaw question. In order to actualize and bring to reality the aspirations of the Ijaw People.

This year’s Celebration of the IWC National Day is billed to hold on the 13th of November, 2021. With highly Distinguished Sons and Daughters of Ijaw Nation to address the numerous yearnings of the Ijaw People.

The Theme for this year’s Celebration is “Reappraisal of the Ijaw Quest In Nigeria”. With a Sub Theme; “Appraising The Ijaw Nation Political Economy From Pre-Colonial Era To Present Day. Way Forward”.

This all important Event which is hosted by the IWC, will have A Renowned Ijaw America Trained Strategies Development Manager, Amaopusenibo Bobo Osofiri as Keynote Speaker, Prof. Dauphin D. Moro, A Niger Delta Voice and Environmental Crusader as a Panelist, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo Agary. OON, KSM, A Retired Federal Permanent Secretary as Panel Discussant and Mr. Miabiye Kuromiema, Former President IYC-W as Panel Discussant.

The event which is planned to be held both Online and Offline will be one of it’s kinds. And will have it Offline Session at Azareels Place in Mechanic Road, Akenfa, Yenagoa, Capital of Bayelsa State. At exactly 1pm prompt.

Therefore, the IWC has urged all Sons, Daughters, Political Leaders, Administrators, Opinion Leaders and Lovers of the Ijaw Nation to turn up for this year’s National Day Celebration Event. So as to collectively share ideas on how to proffer workable solutions to the Challenges facing the Ijaw nation.

Mingo Commiserates with Mulade over Mother's Death

....Says mama's demise is a great loss to Ijaw Nation

The Egbema born Comrade Mingo Friday Saya Ogumaka, aka EgbemaVoice, who also doubles as the Chairman Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation Edo State Chapter, has expressed shock over the sudden death of Madam Ebikeseiye Timiyan Mulade, at the age of 66 years.

Late mama Ebikeseye, is the biological mother of a renowned Gbaramatu born High Chief Comrade. Sheriff Mulade, the Director of CEPEJ Cum human/environmental rights activist.

In a statement made available to newsmen at the traditional headquarters of Egbema kingdom, Ajakurama Town on Saturday, Comr. Mingo mourned the passage of the mother of Ijaw leader, Chief Sheriff Mulade, described mama as a selfless woman and mother of all Comrades in the Niger Delta region.

He further described mama as a caring and lovely mother, saying it is heartbreaking and saddened.

According to Mingo, said: " This is a great loss to the people of Gbaramatu kingdom and Ijaw Nation at large."

EgbemaVoice posited that mama death has created a big vacuum in Gbaramatu kingdom and Ijaw Nation at large.

Comrade Mingo sympathises with the Mulade family and pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May mama gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord, Mingo stated.

Friday, October 29, 2021

FG Lists Diezani’s Jewellery, Gowns, Waist Trainers, Braziers And Bras For Sale

Federal Government of Nigeria has listed Diezani’s jewellery and bras for sale.

Reports had it that Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the process for the valuation of properties belonging to several politically exposed persons, including the embattled former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

It was gathered that the former Petroleum minister’s property located in Banana Island Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, include 18 flats and six penthouses located at Building 3, Block B, Bella Vista, Plot 1, Zone N, Federal Government Layout.

Recovered items listed are 125 pieces of wedding gowns, 13 pieces of small gowns, 41 pieces of waist trainers, 73 pieces of hard flower, 11 pieces of suit, 11 pieces of invisible bra, 73 pieces of veils, 30 pieces of braziers, two pieces of standing fan, 17 pieces of magic skits, six packets of blankets, one table blanket and 64 pairs of shoes.

The Federal Government had last week begun the process of screening 613 independent valuers expected to manage the sale of the assets alleged to have been illegally acquired, which have now been permanently forfeited to it in about 25 locations throughout the country.

The total number of properties marked for auction across the country is 1,620, including cars, houses, phones, laptops, vessels and other valuables.

The Chairman, Inter-ministerial Committee on the Disposal of Forfeited Assets and Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mohammed Etsu, told journalists lasts week that 229 proposals were received for the valuation of plants, machinery, motor vehicles, furniture and equipment, while 75 companies submitted bids for the valuation of water vessels for disposal, and 25 companies presented bids for the valuation of jewellery, ornaments and clothing materials for disposal.

Nigerian Senate Reject Plans By FG to Borrow $200m For Mosquito

The upper chamber of the National assembly has turned down the plans by the Ministry of Health to procure mosquito nets with $200 million under its malaria programme in the 2022 budget.

When top ministry officials appeared before the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt for budget defence on Tuesday, members expressed concern about what they called an “outrageous” budget. Senator Gershom Bassey, enraged by the proposal, told the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmuda Mamman, that the proposed expenditure was unsustainable.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), clarified that the $200 million was for mosquito net importation and local production and that the World Bank required Nigeria to buy from a specific producer.

He went on to say that the funds are intended for 13 of the country’s most vulnerable states.

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, the chairman of the Health Committee and a member of the committee on local and foreign debt, criticized the move, calling it a misplaced priority.

Oloriegbe told ministry officials that the World Bank should not dictate to Nigeria where mosquito nets should be purchased.

“They can’t lend us money and tell us where to get mosquito nets at the same time.” “This is something that can be found locally,” he said.

Oloriegbe demanded all documents relating to the World Bank’s $200 million loan for malaria medicine and mosquito nets.

“We know we have challenges,” he continued, “but that does not mean we should borrow for malaria medicine.”

The committee also rejected Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the former Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)proposal ,’s for a $100 million external borrowing plan to combat Coronavirus.

In other news, the Senate Committee on Science and Technology has rejected the National Board for Technology Incubation’s budget proposal for 2022. (NBTI).

Senator Uche Ekwunife, the committee’s chairman, revealed this on Tuesday, when the board’s management, led by acting Director-General Taiwo Somefun, appeared before the panel to defend its 2022 budget.

Checks revealed that the Ministry of Finance had revoked the financial autonomy granted to the agency’s over 40 incubation centers across the country in the 2022 budget, combining their budget proposals with those of the agency’s headquarters.

Further investigation revealed that Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, failed to persuade Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, to reverse the decision.

Senator Ekwunife, speaking to the NBTI’s management, called the finance minister’s action unconstitutional and said it was harmful to the development of technology and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth.

Celebrity_Crush: The Man Don Jazzy And Music Career

Michael Collins Ajereh (born 26 November 1982), known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian record producer, audio engineer, record executive, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and the CEO of Mavin Records. Don Jazzy was co-owner of the defunct Mo' Hits Records record label with Dbanj.

He was born in Umuahia, Abia State to an Isoko father in Delta State and an Igbo Princess from Abia state. Apparently, he is of Isoko descent. Don Jazzy's family moved to Ajegunle, Lagos where Don Jazzy was raised.

He went to Co-educational High school, Federal Government College Lagos. Don Jazzy found an interest in music early in life and at age 12, began to play the bass guitar and piano.

He also gained knowledge of traditional and percussion instruments. Don Jazzy enrolled in a Business Management program at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state.

In 2004, Don Jazzy collaborated with D'Banj to form Mo' Hits Records. In the next two years, Don Jazzy produced the albums No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up, thunder fire you had also been started. Around this time, Don Jazzy developed a recognisable introduction, "It's Don Jazzy Again!".

In March 2012, Don Jazzy and D'Banj confirmed their breakup citing artistic differences. That same year he announced a new record label, Mavin Records.

He said, "I see Mavin Records being the power house of Music in Africa in the shortest possible time." He has groomed many artists to stardom. Mavin records signed the vocalist, Tiwa Savage, Rema and many others.

Anambra Election: EFCC May Arrest Charles Soludo Over N2billion Hospital Project Fraud

The EFCC May Arrest Charles Soludo, APGA Governorship Candidate Over N2billion Hospital Project Fraud as group submit petition to EFCC.

Below is the petition:

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Corporate Head Quarters.

Plot 301/302, Research and Institutions District: Abuja: Nigeria.

Dear Sir,

PETITION AGAINST PROF. CHARLES SOLUDO OVER THE MISMANAGEMENT OF ABOUT N2BILLION ISUOFIA HOSPITAL PROJECT.

Mr. Chairman, Sir, 13 years ago (2008), Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, called for public donation for a hospital project at Isuofia in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.

It was a public launching that captains of industry, managing directors of banks, high network individuals and businessmen made donations for the building of what Soludo referred to as “a world-class hospital.”

During the said launch, about two billion naira was raised for the project which ought to be enough in building and equipping the hospital, given the low exchange rate at the time.

Sadly, this project has remained in limbo, with the said Professor Soludo, allegedly, diverting the money into political pursuits.

We, therefore, urge you, Sir to use your good offices to quickly intervene with a view to correcting this criminal breach of trust.

The huge money involved would have built and equipped the hospital to international standards, as well as institute an education trust fund for the less privileged, as promised.

Note that because this is a time the need for equipped medical facilities is most desirable, we thus consider it an obligation as citizens to call for action against acts of diversion of funds meant for the development of healthcare in the state by public-spirited individuals.

Please treat this petition as urgent Sir, as we see such action as contradictory to the good intentions of members of the public that donated their land and money for such social infrastructure.

We are also of the opinion that the non utilisation of the funds for the purpose which it was meant runs contrary to section 419 of the criminal code of Nigeria, and is therefore actionable.

Yours faithful,

James Afuba, Media Office, Anambra Democracy Watch.

Just-ln: Charles Taylor Sues Liberian Government Over Pensions

Former Liberian warlord-turned-president Charles Taylor has filed a lawsuit against his country’s government over its refusal to pay his pension and retirement benefits.

Charles Taylor is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a UK prison after being convicted in 2012 by a court in The Hague of fueling civil conflict in Sierra Leone.

The ECOWAS court said Taylor had filed a lawsuit alleging his right to property had been violated by Liberia’s refusal to pay his pension and retirement benefits since 2003.

He called the action of the government ‘a violation of his human rights, particularly the right to freedom from discrimination, equal protection of the law, right to dignity, fair hearing and property’.

The court said no date has been fixed for the hearing for Taylor, who was Liberia’s president from 1997 to 2003.

Taylor was the first ex-head of state to be jailed by an international court since the Nazi trials at Nuremberg in Germany after World War II.

He was convicted on 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity over acts committed by Sierra Leone rebels he aided during the war.

Taylor sparked a 13-year civil war in Liberia when he led a rebellion in 1989 to oust President Samuel Doe, which deteriorated into one of Africa’s bloodiest conflicts.

Just-ln: 3 Confirmed Dead ln Delta Communal Clash

A communal clash between Owhawha and Okwagbe communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has claimed three lives.

It was learnt that the clash between both communities broke out on Thursday yesterday the 28th of October, 2021.

Our source said that the two communities that share common boundaries have been living peacefully until recently. However, the cause of the crisis is yet unknown at the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development but, was quick to add that sanity has been restored.