A private jet carrying Very Important Personalities (VIPs), including 10 individuals, crash-landed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The incident occurred around 11 am on Friday, and the jet, with registration number N580KR, overshot the runway, landing in a nearby bush.

Despite the crash, there were no reported deaths or casualties.

Firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were swiftly deployed to the scene.

The jet had reportedly flown from Abuja. In November, a similar incident occurred at the same airport when a plane carrying the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, crash-landed.

Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe, Hon. Farouk Lawan, had his hope for freedom dashed as the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal seeking to quash his 5-year jail term.

Lawan was found guilty of demanding $3 million from Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Chief Femi Otedola, during the fuel subsidy probe in 2012.

Justice Angela Otaluka sentenced him to seven years in prison in June 2021, a decision that was later reduced to 5 years by the Court of Appeal.

Lawan argued that he was not allowed to make a plea for leniency before sentencing.

The Supreme Court, however, affirmed the judgement, stating that the failure to call for allocution did not vitiate the sentence.

Lawan has been in prison since 2021, and the Supreme Court’s decision marks another setback in his quest for freedom.

The Nigeria Senate and the House of Representatives have expressed their readiness to grant the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) powers to prosecute offenders in the oil and gas sector.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, conveyed this during a meeting with NEITI officials.

He mentioned that the parliament is working on the review of the NEITI Act to empower the agency to implement investigation findings and execute recommendations.

The goal is to enhance transparency, governance, and accountability in the extractive industries.

The Deputy Head of the International Secretariat of NEITI, Bady Balde, emphasized the necessity of updating the NEITI Act to align with current realities.

NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Ogbonnaya Orji, highlighted the importance of implementing investigation reports for effective impact.

A coalition of 23 Fulani groups, operating under the Conference of Fulbe Group for Peace and Human Rights (COFUGOHR), has expressed commendation for the Nigerian Military’s intensified efforts in combating terrorism in the North West and across the country.

The coalition emphasized the resilience, determination, and patriotic zeal demonstrated by the troops, stating that it reflects their high morale.

In a statement signed by Dr. Hamza Ibrahim (President of COFUGOHR), Hajiya Zanaib Gidado (President, League of Fulbe Women Rights Advocates), and Ardo Yau’ Modibo (President of Fulbe Professional for Peace and Equity in Africa), the coalition declared confidence in the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The group affirmed that military actions against bandits and criminal elements align with international best practices and principles of transparency and accountability.

They specifically lauded the military’s commitment to denying criminal elements the freedom to operate, thereby addressing security challenges like banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and separatist agitations.

COFUGOHR urged the public to increase support for the military and cautioned against attempts to undermine authorities and weaken their resolve. The coalition clarified that military operations adhere to specific rules of engagement, respecting human rights and international standards.

Addressing recent incidents, the coalition absolved the Nigerian Army of 1 Division Kaduna of complicity in the killing of 11 Fulani in the Laduga grazing reserve of Kaduna State. They called on those affected to disregard false information aimed at tarnishing the Army’s image.

The statement acknowledged the ongoing security challenges in the country, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts by security agencies to boost the administration of President Bola Tinubu in securing lives and properties. COFUGOHR recognized that while the security situation may not be entirely satisfactory, the military’s aggressive posturing is yielding positive results.

In conclusion, the coalition commended the military for sustaining efforts against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, expressing hope for continued success until total victory is achieved.

They called for a secure environment where citizens can go about their daily activities without fear, expressing prayers for lasting peace in the nation.

…….As Former 2023 Chairman of Oborevwori’s 88-Man Transition Committee, Prays For God’s Wisdom For Oborevwori To Govern Delta State Towards Sustainable Development

……….UNIBEN’s Professor Emeritus, Professor of Biochemistry Hails Judiciary On Excellent Judgement, Thanked Deltans On Support For Governor Oborevwori

By Victor Bieni, Asaba

Former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his well deserved victory as Supreme Court on Friday, January 19, 2024 upheld the Judgement of the appeal court, ruled in favour of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the winner of March 2023 Guber election in Delta State and affirmed him as Delta State Governor.

The Former 2023 Chairman of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s 88-Man Transition Committee in a press statement which was made known to some group of Journalists today being on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Asaba Delta State capital, has commended the Supreme court Judges on excellent Judgement that affirmed the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Chief Sheriff Oborevwori as the winner of March 2023 Guber election in Delta State.

You could recall that E. A. C. Nwanze holds B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D, DIS. OON.[Officer of the Order of the Niger]. He is
Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and former VC of Uniben and currently the
Pro-chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor. Prof has Congratulated the Governor on his legal victory on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Staff & entire students of the University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State. He has held sway as a member of Delta State Universities Planning Committee that gave birth to the three new Universities in Delta State during former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s regime.

The Statement by the world acclaimed, erudite, seasoned and Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry reads in parts: “On Friday, 19th Day of January, 2024, in line with the Judgement of Appeal Court, the Supreme Court has affirmed Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Executive Governor of Delta State by a five-man panel of Supreme Court Judges. Your Excellency Sir, What a great news to hear of your recent Supreme Court Victory which affirmed you as the duly elected Governor of Delta State, I use this medium to congratulate you on your well deserved Supreme Court Victory”.

“I Commend the excellent Judgement as done by the Nigerian Judiciary, Supreme Court Judges. I thank all Deltans, entire PDP family for their immense support to you and your administration as hinged on M.O.R.E Agenda Policy. In fact, you have shown capacity and strength, wisdom and knowledge as you have continuously, strategically and tactfully work towards the implementation of the Committee’s full reports as recommended by the 88-Man Translation Committee which I chaired as the Chairman.”

“Your Excellency Sir, you have also shown deep knowledge and understanding in the implementation of your M.O.R.E agenda policy. I mean the lists of things to be done by your administration in continuity of the good legacies my brother and friend, the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. You have already started with the spirit of excellence in the implementation of Meaningful Development in Delta State, Opportunities
For All Deltans, Realistic Reforms in all economic sectors, Enhanced Peace & Security in the entire State which is the full meanings and acronyms of your M.O.R.E agenda policy to all Deltans”.

“Once again, I must commend the Supreme Court Judges for upholding Justice in the legal sector. And most importantly, I must commend your courage and tenacity. Also, I thank the Immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for standing by your side at all times, all Deltans, entire PDP family, all critical stakeholders for their support, firm believe, confidence in your administration M.O.R.E, I wish you a successful tenure in office as Executive Governof of Delta State”.

“I pray to God to guide you will more of his wisdom, knowledge and understanding promote good governance. I also pray the good Lord to grant you the grace that brings more unmerited, undeserved favour to you and your entire family; give you a heart of forgiveness, mercy, grace, tender heart, peace of mind to promote good governance, take Delta State to enviable height. We pray the good Lord guide your paths and help you to make right decisions that will give every Deltan the needed democratic dividends all through your regime as Governor of Delta State”.