Why l Withdraw from Delta 2023 Guber Race _ Mulade

Why l Withdraw from Delta 2023 Guber Race _ Mulade

A frontline governorship aspirant from the Ijaw extraction, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff has withdrawn from the Delta State 2023 guber race.

Chief Mulade announced his withdrawal in a Press Statement signed by him personally, which he dedicated  to his late mother, Madam Ebikeseiye Christiana Mulade (Nee Timiyan) who died on the 27th October, 2021.

The renowned peace and environment activist, and CEO/Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, a notable non-governmental organization (NGO) was widely accepted as a governorship aspirant by Deltans, at home and in the diaspora, due to his doggedness in pushing for good governance, sustainable development, environmental justice and respect for human rights.

He described his withdrawal from the 2023 governorship race as a great sacrifice he had to make to honour his late mother. Chief Mulade said his decision to shelf his governorship ambition was predicated on two reasons - first is to avail the family ample time and opportunity to mourn his late mother in quietness while reflecting on the sterling qualities and legacies that she left behind; and second reason was the fact that, as the first child and now head of the family, he needed to focus more on maintaining the unity of the family that his late mother left behind, as well as to enable him redirect his energy to engage government and policy makers on the need to critically address the issues of pollution and under-development in the Niger Delta Region, especially because his mother died of Sarcoma Cancer caused by environmental pollution. 

The environmentalist promised to further engage stakeholders and advocate for a cleaner, healthier and sustainable environment, as well as justice for the Niger Delta host communities.

On behalf of his siblings, Comrade Mulade Sheriff promised that he would continue to celebrate his late mother who lived a life full of commendable qualities,  promising to ensure that same virtues are replicated and instilled in their children, as well as  generations yet unborn.

While bidding his late mother farewell, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, appreciated all his political advisers and supporters for their understanding over the painful personal decision to withdraw from the race and promised to always work with them for a better Delta State and Nigeria at large.

Dowen College: Three suspects are in our custody–Police

Dowen College: Three suspects are in our custody–Police

...... As Oromoni's family hires Femi Falana to prosecute management of Dowen College over death of son

Lagos_____ Three students of the Dowen College, Lekki Lagos are currently assisting the police in their investigation into the death of Sylvester Oromoni junior, a 12-year-old student of the college.

The Lagos State commissioner of police Hakeem Odumosu told Channels Television on Tuesday.

Odumosi said three of the five students mentioned by Sylvester before he died are already in custody and cooperating with the police in their findings.

Although Odumosu did not give the identities of those in custody he insisted that they are key suspects.

The police boss explained that the Command is set to go for the post mortem of the body in Delta state to ascertain the cause of death.

He assured that police authorities in both Lagos and Delta State are keenly interested in the outcome of the investigation to unravel the mystery behind Sylvester’s death.

Meanwhile, the Oromoni family has hired the firm of a foremost human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, to prosecute its case against the institution over the death of their son.

Channels Television on Monday obtained the letter written by Falana to the office of Lagos State’s Chief Coroner, requesting an inquest into the circumstances leading to the death of his client’s child.

The letter was dated December 6, 2021, signed by Taiwo Olawale, and addressed to the chief coroner, High Court of Lagos State.

Taskforce lssues Stop Work Order Abatement to Illegal Dredger in Warri

Taskforce lssues Stop Work Order Abatement to Illegal Dredger in Warri

Team of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment in collaboration with Delta State Ministry of Environment on Tuesday served Abatement Notice on Stop Work Order to one illegal dredger operating along a canal at Bendel Estate, in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State.

The action was prompted following a complaint made by owner of a building located at the dredging site whose life and prosperity was under threat due to the illegal dredging activities.

The combined team ordered the dredger to stop work immediately pending they provide Letter of Permit for Land Reclamation as well as Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report from the State Ministry of Environment.

It will interest Deltans to note that, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration through the Delta State Taskforce on Environment ably led by Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, is doing their best to ensure that the lives and properties of all Deltans are well protected.

Speaking during the operation, Mr. Ichei Ausken, Head of Warri Field Office Delta State Ministry of Environment, said it is against the State Environment Law for an individual to carry out Land Reclamation (dredging) activities close to a residential area. 

He further stressed that before one is allowed to embark on such dredging activities, he or she must first of all obtain approval letter for land reclamation and EIA report from Ministry of Environment. The essence of doing that is to be at the safe side of the Law as well as to ensure safety of lives and property of people living within that vicinity, he stated.

However, the Delta State Taskforce on Environment has charged residents in Warri and its evirons to report any illegal dredging activities close to their residential building for government prompt intervention in order to prevent erosion.

Wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu Condoles with Sylvester Oromoni's family over death of son

Wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu Condoles with Sylvester Oromoni's family over death of son

 

The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Sylvester Oromoni jnr, as a big slap on the state’s face.

The wife of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this while speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

This was contained in a statement by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs from the Office of Lagos State First Lady, Olubukonla Nwonah.

According to the statement, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu described the incident as unfortunate, saying such would never reoccur in the state.

She said, “I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly, it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.

“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.

“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment.”

The news of Sylvester’s death went viral on Wednesday following a social media post by his cousin, Perry Oromoni, who alleged that some senior pupils of the college beat him up in his hostel for refusing to join a cult.

But the school denied the claim, stating that the boy complained of pain in his legs and hip following an injury he sustained while playing football.

The state government on Friday ordered the indefinite closure of the school pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter.

The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeen Odumosu, has assured the family that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.

Just-ln: Late Friday Igbegbe burial rites Postponed to next year 2022

Just-ln: Late Friday Igbegbe burial rites Postponed to next year 2022

The Ozikana lgbegbe family of Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom, in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, has announced the postponement of the final burial rites of their beloved son, father and grandfather, late Alaowei Friday lgbegbe, to next year 2022 due to circumstances beyond their control.

In a statement released on Tuesday 7th December, 2021 and signed by elder Bouy Ogisi of the Ozikana lgbegbe family and the eldest son of the deceased, Comr. Kent lgbegbe, on behalf of the children, said the postponement of the burial became necessary due to the current prevailing security challenges in and around the community.

It would be recalled that the final burial rites of the foremost Niger Delta ljaw freedom fighter who died on the 23rd of October, was earlier scheduled to hold on the 10th of December, 2021, this weekend at his country home Ogbe-ljoh.

The family is deeply sorry to the general public of any inconveniences the sudden change of date might have caused you. 

However, new date for the burial shall be communicated to the public via this medium in due time. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding, the statement adds.

Signed:

Comr. kent lgbegbe, for the Children.

Elder Bouy Ogisi, for the family.

Omo-Agege Expresses Sadness over death of Dowen college student, calls for thorough lnvestigation

Omo-Agege Expresses Sadness over death of Dowen college student, calls for thorough lnvestigation

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Sylvester Oronomi Junior, a student of Dowen College, Lagos. 

The 12-year-old, who hailed from Delta State, was alleged to have been attacked by some of his senior colleagues for refusing to join a cult group. 

While sharing in the grief of the family, the Deputy President of the Senate noted that the pain of losing a child will always linger in the mind of every parent.

The Delta Central lawmaker tasked security agencies to get to the root of the matter and bring the perpetrators to book. 

He also commended the Lagos State Government for closing the school indefinitely. This, he noted, would allow thorough investigation. He tasked them to leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of the matter. 

"Closure of the school will help children who are back home to share their experiences with their parents and guardians. They are in the safety of their homes where they fear no immediate reprisals of the revelations. 

"The incident is one too many, as it reminds us of how children in schools are subjected to dehumanising treatments, with some losing their lives in the process. 

"My profound condolences to the Oromoni family and it is my prayer that God will give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss," he said. 

Yomi Odunuga, 

Special Adviser, and Publicity, to the Deputy President of the Senate.

Exposed: See Faces Of Sylvester’s Alleged Killers, Dowen School Mgt Staff

Exposed: See Faces Of Sylvester’s Alleged Killers, Dowen School Mgt Staff

Faces of the alleged killers of late Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos has emerged online, also revealed were the faces of the top management staff of the school.

Reports had emerged that Oromoni was bullied and beaten by fellow students. The supposed injuries from the beating led to his death, according to a Twitter user with the handle @perrisonoromoni, who claimed to be the boy’s cousin.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the school denied all allegations stating that Oromoni was neither bullied nor beaten but only complained of hip pain after playing football.

Contrary to the school’s statement, the victim’s cousin rolled out photos and video evidence, which corroborates the fact that the child was bullied and beaten; an activity that led to his death.

According to the bereaved father in a live video interview with Punch news online , he and his wife transferred their deceased son to Delta State where a series of tests conducted and ”last-minute open confessions” by the late 12 year old Sylvester confirmed that he was molested and violently abused by five senior students in the school. He mentioned the names as Joseph Benjamin, Michael Kashamu, Anslem Temile while he said he couldn’t recognise the other two because the lights in the hostel room were switched off by the boys before they started beating him up. A dying Sylvester also revealed that the boys warned other students in the room not reveal what took place threatening to kill anyone who violated their order. The five boys further directed the fear grippen students to lie that Sylvester sustained injuries while playing football if queried by the management of the school.

The college management staff as revealed online are: Mrs. A. Layiwola B. Sc. (Ed) Bio. M. Ed. (Educ. Admin.) Principal/ Head of School , Mr. M.A. Olusesi M.Ed Mathematics Vice Principal/Deputy Head of School (Academic), Mrs. T. Yinka-Babalola B.A. Ed. English, M.Ed (Admin) Dip (Computer Programme) College Counsellor and Lami Phillips BSc (Business Administration), MA (Strategic Management), Executive MBA Director Of Student & External Affairs.

They told my son to describe his sister’s private part, says late Sylvester Oromoni’s father

The father of the deceased Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, who bears the same name, has revealed some of the atrocities his son went through in the school.

In an exclusive interview with The Cable, Oromoni Snr revealed that his son was subjected to severe bullying, disclosing that the boys who allegedly bullied Oromoni Jnr had been reported to the school management the previous term.

He said, “My son suffered. His birthday is next tomorrow (Dec 4). I’ll celebrate it. I’ll have a cake baked. I’ll cut it on his behalf. The boys they mentioned were also reported to the school last term when they bullied Junior and collected all his foodstuffs; clothes. I have two daughters, one of whom graduated earlier. I had to remove the second after this incident. They asked this boy to describe the sister’s privates and this got to us.”

The boy’s father also revealed to The Cable that Oromoni Jnr had been issued death threats if he ever revealed what happens to him in school.

He also stated that contrary to what Dowen College had said in a statement addressing the incident, the family friend who they sent to pick up Oromoni Jnr from the school described a totally different states.

“They put fear in him so much so that, when you ask him, he might keep to himself and say, ‘they will kill me’. This way, we didn’t know what to do. I considered removing him, reconsidered since his sisters were still in the school,” Oromoni Snr told The Cable.

“The new incident came to my knowledge on November 21st after the school called my wife to notify us that our son was in the school clinic, injured. My senior son, who was to make a London trip, came to see us in Warri.

“The next day, we sent a family friend to help pick up our son since he was the only person in Lagos and take him to the hospital. When he got there, he panicked, pointing out that he doubts it’s a football injury as the school claimed. He said the boy couldn’t stand because his waist was bent and swollen along with one side of his belly. His mouth was black. I asked, ‘is this really a football injury?’ He was taken to my house in Lagos but couldn’t sleep at night.

“I asked my eldest to fly to Lagos on November 24 while I took a trip to Asaba, from where I’d also make for Lagos. On getting there, he screamed. ‘This is beyond football injury. Come to Lagos now,’ he told me over the phone.”

Meanwhile, Dowen College, in an email sent to parents early Friday morning, stated that students should not come to school on Friday, 3rd December and Monday, 6th December because of the incident.

Reacting to the incident, Tonto Dikeh said, “Dear Dowen college, I have been informed. I’m just gathering all the facts and history of this misfortune together then we will talk. Don’t go anywhere. Our children can’t go to school to be great and end up 6feet below. God forbid. That’s not why we trust schools.”

“I could not bring myself to post the video, I haven’t even been able to watch it twice. I can’t imagine the pain this child felt, I cannot imagine. Sylvester’s life cannot be in vain, he cannot go like that,” actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie said, as this occurrence comes two months after her daughter, Purity, faced bullying in school.

Calling on the government, actress Toyin Abraham said, “How do you beat a child to the point of death? How do you wake up to the reality that the ‘living’ child you sent to school is returning to you as a corpse?

“Governor Sanwoolu @jidesanwoolu @lasgeducation please do the needful. People need to start talking. Dowen College needs to do better than that terse release.”

Reality TV star, Alexandra Asogwa, popularly known as Alex unusual wrote to Dowen college, “I tried to hold it in but I might explode if I don’t ask questions. It’s no news that bullying has been accommodated as one of the inevitable happenings in schools.

The Lagos State government has ordered the indefinite closure of Dowen College, located in the Lekki area of the state.

The decision is pending the outcome of an investigation into the death of a student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.

The decision was contained in a statement signed on Friday by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Ganiu Lawal.

The statement added that the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, announced the closure of the school after a meeting with the School Management and Staff.

Just-ln: Ariyo Accuses Omo-Agege of promoting ethnic disunity in Warri

Just-ln: Ariyo Accuses Omo-Agege of promoting ethnic disunity in Warri

.....Wants Buhari to call DSP Omo-agege, his aides to order 

....Says 2023 Delta won't support conflict generators, ethnic bigots 

Warri____ A Lawyer and development expert Chief Robinson Ariyo has accused the Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, DSP, Ovie Omoagege for encouraging ethnic disunity among the various ethnic groups in Warri and its environs with utterances capable of igniting Violence in the area and Delta state at large.

Ariyo Esq. a Chief from the Palace of the Olu of Warri in an electronic  terse  made available to the press Thursday December 2, 2021, said DSP Omoagege, who is a  public servant occupying positions in which he's  being paid with tax payers contributions, it behoves on him and his aide, Otive Igbuzor to keep their public expression of ethnic bigotry in their  closets and not exhibit it openly as they  have recklessly done in the the past few days.

Chief Ariyo described their actions as terribly bad example and a violent disrespect for public office; especially for a team aspiring to  power in such a Multi Ethnic State as Delta in 2023, at a time when the people are in dare need of a viable but certainly not a more terrible alternative.

He further stated that in  2023 Deltans won't support conflict generators, ethnic bigots to be elected as governor as the group is currently exhibiting their position earlier for Deltans at the moment, advising all who mean well for the state to shun such group of people clustering around them.

The Warri based  legal luminary called on President Buhari to urgently call the Senator representing Delta Central and Deputy Senate President to order in order to avert another ethnic conflict they are preparing in Warri and its environs as early as possible.

Chief Ariyo also want President Buhari to caution the utterance of the aides of the DSP Omoagege , Igbuzor others which is capable of causing ethnic violence as they are beating the amber of ethnic bigotry in the area that have been relatively calm and peaceful.

The Delta based legal icon, who  is also a Philosophy student, expressed his concern, noting thus in his electronic statement: "For one, we have two educated people; one a lawyer and the other a development practitioner. What more does one ask from exposure than such trainings? 

"It would therefore be ironical if notwithstanding, such heights of human capacity building, the cancer of ethnic bigotry can yet have the better of us and position us as major sponsors of disunity, possible unrest and ethnic conflict in our own state; while we are paid to do the exact opposite. 

"Let us view civilisation for what it is; the act of living peacefully together in a large group! Remember your contribution when the soup you are cooking now is done and ready for consumption. I will remind you if you forget. 

"The consequence of radicalization is what we see today in Bokoharam; easy to begin but difficult to manage. May the consequence of any unrest we nurture and sustain hit us first before any other person, amen". He stated.

Delta 2023: Mulade kicks against Ethnic and Senatorial Arrangement, Calls for Equity, Fairness and Justice amongst the component units

Delta 2023: Mulade kicks against Ethnic and Senatorial Arrangement, Calls for Equity, Fairness and Justice amongst the component units

Warri_____ A foremost Niger Delta born global Environmental/Human rights activist cum a front line Delta 2023 governorship aspirant, Comrade (Chief.) Sheriff Mulade, has kicked against the gentleman zoning arrangement of the seat of government on the basis of Senatorial or Ethnicity, stressing that who to become the next governor of the state should based on character, equity, fairness and justice.

Chief Mulade made the statement in Warri on the 3rd of December, 2021, during the occasion of Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS Warri Chapel Lecture/Awards presentation, where he noted that the purpose of Democracy is to give a sense of belonging to component units of the society.

He stated that the governorship position needs to be broadened and further deepened to accommodate only those ethnic nationalities that have not been given opportunity in the sharing formula which the progenitors termed a gentleman's agreement. He said the political alignment by few persons against the ljaws who are the second largest ethnic nationalities in the state should be nip on board.

In his words, he said: " lf the gentleman's agreement needs to continue as a state practice, the ljaw society must be part of the agreement, also knowing fully well that such practice will help promote tranquility and peace in the entire state".

Stressing further, Mulade emphasized that Delta State is politically dynamic due to the diverse nature of its political space. In that regards, all ethnic groups should therefore, be given equal right to produce the State Governor. And not on the basis of Senatorial or tribal lines that is termed as outright injustice, lack of equity and fairness.

Mulade asserted that when the state governorship position is practiced based on equity, fairness and justice, it will promote an inclusive government and improve development of all the districts. Where's, Ethnicity or Senatorial district arrangement will only encourage selective and sectional development, whereby some areas will remain and continue to remain under-developed.

According to him, said: " lt is imperative to state that, the time has come for Deltans to rise above the confines of our individualistic and ethnic consideration to broader perspective of electing a personality capable of giving Delta the desire development, rather than senatorial or ethnicity. I am using this opportunity to once again, offer my humble self to Deltans for good governance and development to our dear State".

Therefore, Mulade called on the Urhobos to drop their gubernatorial ambition and support the actualization of the ljaw nation for this noble cause of governing the state come 2023, the statement added.

Just-ln: Suspected cultists who kill 12 yrs old Oromoni is on the run to leave Nigeria

Just-ln: Suspected cultists who kill 12 yrs old Oromoni is on the run to leave Nigeria

Information just reaching our news desk that the suspected cultists who bullied 12 years old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, to death at Dowen College in Lekki Lagos, are currently making plans to fly out of the country in order to escape Justice.

According to our source, said the school authority in collaboration with parents of the suspected cultists are making all arrangement to fly out the suspects in order to save the battered image of the school before the public due to the recent development.

It would be recalled that master Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, was a JS 2 student of Dowen College who died on Tuesday 30th November, 2021, as results of internal injury he sustained from the assault meted on him by the suspected cultists in the college just because he refused to join them.

Meanwhile, parents of the deceased are demanding for justice and called on the Nigeria police force, DSS as well as other security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter in order to bring the culprits to book.

Developing story........

Tragic As Cultists Beat12-Year-Old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr to Death At Dowen College Lagos

Tragic As Cultists Beat

12-Year-Old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr to Death At Dowen College Lagos

..... Just because he refuses to join them

Sylvester Oromoni Junior, a 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College, Lekki Phase One, Lagos has reportedly been beaten to death by suspected cultists.

The deceased was a son of the Chairman, Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, whose sad event occurred on Tuesday 30th November, 2021.

His demise was first disclosed to the public on Twitter by one of his cousin brother, Perrison Oromoni, (@Perrisonoromoni).

According to Perrison, said the 12-year-old died on Tuesday in Warri from internal injuries sustained from a battery on Friday the previous week.

He stated that the management of Dowen College had contacted the father of the deceased, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni with claims that the boy sustained injuries while playing football at the school.

“We’re from Delta State, but he goes to a boarding school in Lekki. They called my uncle that his son was injured when he was playing football. Reaching the hospital, it was confirmed that he was being bullied and beaten up, causing internal damages,” the relative disclosed.

“After tests and X-rays, it was confirmed he was beaten up badly. He died yesterday (Tuesday) morning, and his entire body was swollen,” he told The Gazette.

 

“Before passing, he said they’d been pressuring him to join a cult. He was admitted on Friday. He said they were going to kill him if he talked.”

The deceased reportedly mentioned a few names of those who pressured him to join their cult group before giving up the ghost.

Ayomide Falona, a representative of Dowen College representative, however denied claims that the boy was attacked by cultists.

She however, refused to reveal details of the incident, saying it is underinvestigation.

“It is not true, and there has never been a case of cultism in the school. Investigations are still ongoing, and that’s all I can say for now,” she said.

According to People’s Gazette, Dowen College had blocked its Instagram comment section following the incident.

Meanwhile, family, friends and well wishers of Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, has in their numbers thronged to his Warri resident in order to sympathize with him and the Oromoni's family of Ogbe-ljoh over the tragedy.

Sad, See 11 Nollywood Actors/Actresses who died in 2021

Sad, See 11 Nollywood Actors/Actresses who died in 2021

Nollywood has so far recorded about 11 deaths in the year 2021.

They include:

1. Mrs. Folake Aremu (Orisabunmi):

Veteran Yoruba actress, Mrs. Folake Aremu popularly called Orisabunmi, died on January 5, 2021.

Her death, which threw the theatre industry into sadness, was confirmed by a family source.

The veteran actress, who hailed from Olla in Kwara State, died at 60 in her residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Her death came four months after the demise of her ex-husband, Jimoh Aliu popularly called Aworo under whose tutelage she rose to prominence in the film industry.

2. Jim Lawson Maduike:

Veteran actor, Jim Lawson Maduike died on January 9, 2021.

The Imo-born thespian gave up the ghost after complaining of severe body pains. He joined the film industry in 2004 where he starred in several films.

3. David Mela:

David Mela was a fast-rising actor. He died from an undisclosed ailment on January 11, 2021.

The young actor was said to be passing through a hard time in his life as revealed by a post before his untimely death.

4. Dan Nkoloagu:

Veteran actor Dan Nkoloagu died on January 22, 2021.

His son, Dan Nkoloagu Jnr, announced his death on his Facebook page.

He wrote: “IT WAS A BLACK FRIDAY FOR US YESTERDAY as my Dad left us without saying goodbye.”

Nkoloagu, who died at 83, was popular for playing the role of a native doctor in many Igbo movies.

5. Ernest Asuzu:

Veteran actor Ernest Asuzu died on evening of Tuesday January 26, 2021.

His wife, Jennifer Asuzu, who confirmed the sad incident to The Nation, said he fainted on Tuesday evening and never woke up.

6. Victor Decker:

Veteran actor, Victor Decker, was found dead in his apartment on Monday February 15, 2021, by his neighbours at about 5 pm.

It was gathered Decker’s neighbours broke down the door to his apartment before they found his lifeless decomposed body in his sitting room.

He was 72 but the cause remains unknown.

Mayor of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja, Jesse Nazareth, confirmed the incident.

7. Sadiq Daba:

Veteran broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on Wednesday March 3, 2021.

It was learnt he battled with leukemia and prostate cancer before his demise.

Confirming his death, popular filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, said he spoke with his wife and son who confirmed his passage to him.

8. Bruno Iwuoha: 

Veteran actor, Bruno Iwuoha, died on Friday April 10, 2021, after a prolonged battle with diabetes.

Bruno Iwuoha hails from Ehime Mbano Local Government Area in Umunumo Umuanunu kindred, Imo state.

He was 68 years and survived by his wife and six children.

9. Abiodun Aleja:

Nollywood actor Abiodun Aleja died on Friday, May 21, 2021.

Aleja took ill and was admitted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where he breathed his last.

Aleja was a contributor to several Nollywood flicks and a collaborator with Kunle Afolayan and Tunde Kelani.

10. Sound Sultan:

Popular rapper Lanre Fasasi aka Sound Sultan died on Sunday July 11, 2021.

The multi-talented musician and actor lost his battle to cancer of the throat at 44.

His elder brother, Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee, confirmed the sad incident on his Instagram page.

He wrote “To Allah we belong and to him we shall return”.

11. Rachel Oniga:

Rachel Oniga

Veteran actress Rachel Oniga died on Friday July 30, 2021

The ‘Owo Blow’ actress, whose acting career began in 1993, died at about 10 pm, according to family sources.

Oniga, a native of Eku, Delta State, was born in Ebutte-Metta, Lagos on May 23, 1957. After she was made popular by her role in a Yoruba family drama, Owo Blow, she also featured in other films and drama series like The Wedding Party, 30 Days in Atlanta, Doctor Bello and the popular Wale Adenuga’s television series, Super Story, to mention a few.

Strange As Man Builds His House Upside Down in US

Strange As Man Builds His House Upside Down in US

.....toilet, kitchen and everything inside is overturned 

A man’s house has become a tourist attraction centre where people visit to pay a fee just to have a look at how it was built upside down and how the interior looks.

Marek Cyran from Niagara in the United States of America said he got the idea of building his house upside down after he saw it in Poland while on vacation.

However, when he returned and suggested the idea to his community members they only made fun of him wrote it off thinking it was just a figment of his imagination.

In a bid to prove that the idea was possible, Marek put channeled his mind, resources and efforts into making it a reality.

He succeeded in putting up a one-storey building at Niagara Falls which has now become a tourist attraction centre where people visit to pay a fee and watch the exterior and the interior.

BBNaija Dubai Trip: Angel Shows Off Her Gift From Cross, As She Looks Chic in Arabian outfit

BBNaija Dubai Trip: Angel Shows Off Her Gift From Cross, As She Looks Chic in Arabian outfit

Former Big Brother Naija housemate of this year’s “Shine Your Eyes” season, Angel has shown off a gift Cross, fellow BBN graduate, got for her.

Cross blessed her with the expensive gift during the Pepsi-sponsored trip to Dubai which was graced by some BBNaija housemates.

She posted a picture of a brand new bracelet on her IG story, appreciating her friend’s generosity, as she revealed he finally got it for her.

“Mr @crossda_boss ended up buying it for me,” the caption of her post read.

Cross also posted the picture on his picture, acknowledging her gratitude.

This act of kindness has warmed the hearts of fans who admired their friendship while some argued on the actual kind of relationship the two BBN finalists have.

Also, the reality star got her fans drooling following her post on her Instagram page.

It's been gathered that Angel Smith visited the holy city of Mecca, she was spotted looking gorgeous in her Arabian outfit as she took several pose for the camera.

The season 6 BBNaija star was excited to visit Mecca for the first time while sharing the photos on her verified Instagram page

(@theangeljbsmith),she captioned:

"Seen a bad b in Mecca and she mighty fine."

Angel Smith also flaunted her lovely nails which liked really nice.

Electoral Act Amendments: Buhari Writes INEC, Seeks Advice On Direct Primaries, others

Electoral Act Amendments: Buhari Writes INEC, Seeks Advice On Direct Primaries, others

...... Signs PIB Bill into Law

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, has signed the Petroleum lndustry Bill 2021 into law.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has equally written a letter to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, seeking comments from INEC over the Electoral Act amendment bill which was passed by the National Assembly on November 9, 2021.

Buhari, who received the bill on November 19, has until December 19 to sign it or communicate to the National Assembly his feelings and comments about the bill.

But if after 30 days, the President refuses to sign the bill and the National Assembly is not in support of the President’s amendments, the Senate and the House of Representatives can recall the bill and pass it. If the bill is passed in the form it was sent to the President by two-thirds majority votes in both chambers, the bill automatically becomes a law even without the signature of the President.

However, top sources told The PUNCH on Monday that so far, the President saw no problem with the bill but was seeking advice from INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

A top INEC source said, “We received a letter from the President last week regarding INEC’s position on the Electoral Act amendment especially as regards the controversial direct primaries which many governors have kicked against. We are supposed to respond within seven days. I know that a response will be sent to the President anytime from now.”

When asked if INEC would endorse the direct primaries, the source said the commission would only indicate its position on the merits and demerits of the bill and let the President decide.

Another INEC official told The PUNCH that the National Assembly never discussed the issue of direct primaries with the commission but only electronic transmission of results and other issues.

“During the amendment of the Electoral Act, we met with the National Assembly but the issue of direct primary was never discussed. We discussed electronic transmission of results, electronic voting, Diaspora voting and other issues. It was at the point of the adoption of the report that the direct primary was added to the bill.

“So, INEC was never given a chance to present its position. What the President has done now is to get our position on the matter. The truth is that if INEC cannot undertake the direct primaries, it will make the law useless,” he said.

When contacted on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the President would continue to consult with relevant stakeholders on the matter before the bill is signed.

On whom the President would meet as part of consultations on the bill, Shehu said, “The President will consult with those who he believes are important to his decision and who can advise him on the Electoral Act. And he will meet them. But I cannot draw boundaries or name specifics and say this is who the President might meet. He ultimately decides.”

INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, did not respond to calls on Monday.

However, Okoye had said earlier in the month that the direct primary method would be far more expensive because of the huge personnel that would be needed to undertake the primaries.

Okoye had said the commission would also need about two officials to supervise the poll in each of the 8,809 wards in the country, bringing the total number of staff to 17, 600. He further told The PUNCH that the commission may need to use National Youth Service Corps members to undertake the direct primaries because INEC doesn’t have the manpower.

The PUNCH had also reported that going by the rate of inflation, exchange rate and the need to buy more equipment in the wake of the burning of INEC offices especially in the South-East, the 2023 elections may cost over N350bn.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had also stated that the President would take cost and security into consideration before signing or rejecting the bill. The PUNCH had reported that some of the governors who are members of the All Progressives Congress had begun lobbying Malami to advise the President against signing the bill.

When asked if the President had also written to Malami, the AGF’s Spokesman, Umar Gwandu, said, “I am not aware.”

However, the National Assembly had said no amount of money was too much in the quest for credible and fair elections.

Many of the governors have rejected the compulsory adoption of the direct primary. Some even argued that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be inappropriate to encourage mass gatherings in the name of direct primaries.

Although many civil society organisations have endorsed the direct primary method based on the argument that it would deepen democracy, the Inter-Party Advisory Council which comprises all political parties in the country have kicked against it, saying many smaller parties do not have the funds to carry out direct primaries.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the President, Major to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a letter to the President, described the bill as one of the most progressive bills and a product of thoughtfulness from the National Assembly in recent times.

He urged Buhari not to yield to the pressure from state governors and other groups, describing their opposition to the mode of primary contained in the bill as ‘a classic case of greed for political power, inordinate ambition, a ruthless quest for command and control in a democracy and mindless expansionist tendencies’.

The letter dated November 23, 2021, titled ‘Please assent the Electoral Bill’, reads, “We are not unaware of the tremendous pressure being brought to bear on you by state governors across party lines and other selfish interest groups and individuals to do otherwise.

“This pressure, we are afraid to say, represents a classic case of greed for political power, inordinate ambition, a ruthless quest for command and control in a democracy, mindless expansionist tendencies and further proof of the iron cast will of a few persons among us to erode time-tested democratic values and to subvert our democratic institutions.

“At the moment, it is trite knowledge that governors, against all decent norms, control the state legislatures, judiciary, SIEC (State Independent Electoral Commission) and local governments; in spite of your heroic effort to free them.

“Given their stranglehold on SIEC and their intolerance for the opposition, bestowing upon them the power to determine who goes to the National Assembly will amount to taking undue chances with our democracy.”

The congress called on Buhari to demonstrate courage, leadership as well as protect our democracy.