NEWS
President Buhari Bids Farewell To Outgoing Ambassadors
At State House in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari bid farewell to two outgoing Ambassadors, Dr Eustaquio Quibato of Angola and Dr Fahad Al Taffaq of the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday.
During the farewell audiences, Buhari asserted that despite the numerous instances of unconstitutional regime changes across Africa in the past three years, “democracy remains the best option” for any nation-state.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, confirmed this in a statement titled ‘President Buhari bids farewell to Angolan and UAE Ambassadors,’ which he signed on the same day.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent comments on democracy being the best option for nation-states come just three months after he expressed concern about the growing number of coups in Africa during a meeting with the Universal Peace Federation delegation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to findings by a correspondent, there have been a minimum of 48 coups and coup attempts on African administrations and regimes since 2010.
Moreover, 24 coups and coup attempts have reportedly taken place since the beginning of the Buhari regime alone, resulting in unstable regimes and destabilized economies.
The list of African countries affected by the reported coups and coup attempts since 2010 includes Burundi, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Libya, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mali, Tunisia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, and Sao Tome and Principe.
During the farewell audiences at State House in Abuja, President Buhari recalled Nigeria’s contribution to the liberation of Angola and highlighted the country’s willingness to use its size and resources to assist other African nations.
The outgoing Angolan Ambassador, Dr Eustaquio Quibato, expressed gratitude to the President for his wise leadership, commendable efforts in championing the fight against corruption in Africa, and for successfully degrading the Boko Haram insurgency group.
Quibato also praised Buhari for his administration’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria’s economy to be less dependent on imports.
In a separate audience, President Buhari bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq. The President expressed his satisfaction that Nigeria made a positive impression on the ambassador during his tenure.
Buhari also recalled his warm receptions during his visits to the UAE and assured that both countries will continue to strengthen their relationship as they share many similarities.
Dr Taffaq equally pledged that the two countries will continue to work “on the details of our relationship,” adding that he made lots of friends in government, the private sector, and civil society during his five-year tour of duty.
The diplomat said he traveled extensively in Nigeria and has come to understand the diversity and culture of the people.
“I am leaving with beautiful memories. I will continue to be close to Nigeria in different capacities,” the Ambassador promised.
NEWS
Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
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The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.
NEWS
JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.
The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.
The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.
His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.
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The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.
While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.
The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.
“May He find rest with his maker.
“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”
Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.
He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.
He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.
NEWS
BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.
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Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.
Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.
The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.
This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.
More to follow……….