Press release by Mr. Festus Kenyamo, SAN

PRESS RELEASE BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE, LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, MR. FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, FCIArb (UK)- JUNE 30, 2020

PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF SELECTION PROCESS OF 774,000 JOBS BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES:
ALL STATES’ SELECTION COMMITTEES SHOULD PROCEEED WITH THEIR WORK UNHINDERED.

Today, in obedience to their invitation, I appeared before the Joint Committees on Labour of both the Senate and the House. The Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members sought to be briefed on the implementation of the Special Public Works Programme so far.
However, there was a misunderstanding between us when they questioned why I did not privately submit the program to them for vetting before taking certain steps. They suggested that they ought to have an input on how the programme should be implemented. In other words, they sought to control the programme as to who gets what, where and how.
However, I insisted that I could not surrender the programme to their control since their powers under the constitution does not extend to that. They insisted on a closed door session.
At this point, I remarked that it was only fair for me to respond to their position before the press, since their own position was also made public. In any case, I remarked that the Nigerian people deserve to know the details of the execution of this all-important programme.
I was then asked to apologize for insisting on a public interaction and I said there was nothing to apologize about, because their powers to expose corruption provided for in section 88 of the Constitution cannot be exercised in private. As such, there was no need to apologize by insisting on a Constitutional provision. Even their Rules that may provide for private hearings on public matters cannot override the provisions of the Constitution. I was then permitted to leave. I took a bow and left. I NEVER walked out on the respected Committees as they may want to bend the narrative.
After I left, I understand that the Joint Committees purportedly suspended the work of the Selection Committees nationwide until they decide how the programme should be run and who should be in those Committees. My opinion is that it is tantamount to challenging the powers of Mr. President.
I regret to say that their powers under section 88 of the 1999 Constitution is only limited to investigations, but NOT TO GIVE ANY DIRECTIVE TO THE EXECUTIVE.
A Committee or Committees of both Houses do not even have powers to pass binding Resolutions. They can only make recommendations to Plenary. In this case, even Plenary CANNOT give DIRECTIVES to the Executive.
All my life, I have fought for good governance and constitutional democracy. I will not come into government and be intimidated to abandon those principles. I will rather leave this assignment, if Mr. President so directs than compromise the jobs meant for ordinary Nigerians who have no Godfathers or who are not affiliated to any political party.
I therefore, respectfully further direct all the Committees set up nationwide made up of CAN, NSCIA, NURTW, Market Women, CSOS, Youth Organisations, respected traditional rulers, etc to proceed with their work unhindered. Only Mr. President can stop their work.
Thank you.
FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Hon. Minister of State.

Graduating pupils to resume in Ekiti from July 20

The governor , who spoke in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday evening , said , as part of efforts to curtail and contain community spread, the state would start random community testing for the virus .
“ Our random community testing starting with Ikere Ekiti Council on July 1, 2020 and moving from council to council , ” he said .
He added , “ Efforts are now on top gear to ensure our children return to school from July 20, 2020 as recommended by the interface between the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the education sector. ”
Fayemi, who said the resumption of schools would be in phases starting with pupils in graduating classes ( SS3, JSS3 and Primary six) to prepare for their examinations , said , “ Other classes will be gradually absorbed as schools meet all requirements to accommodate them safely and responsibly . ”

Credit: Punch

Africa Cup Of Nations postponed until 2022

The Confederation of African Football has moved the biennial tournament to January 2022, while cancelling the African Women’s Cup of Nations
The next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has been postponed by 12 months, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) confirmed in their Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday.
The 33rd edition of the biennial tournament was due to begin in
Cameroon on January 9, 2021, but has now been pushed back to January 2022 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic across the continent.
“After consultation with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation, the tournament has been rescheduled for January 2022,” Caf confirmed in a statement . “The date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be communicated in due course.”

Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu tests positive to coronavirus

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has tested positive to the coronavirus disease. He now joins the list of top public officials that have contracted the disease.
This was personally confirmed by the Governor through a tweet post on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
According to his post, ‘’Today I tested positive to coronavirus disease. All is well, I’m asymptomatic and have been self-isolating. Work continues. Your continued prayers over my well-being are most appreciated.’’
Arakunrin Akeredolu
@RotimiAkeredolu
Today I tested positive for #COVID19 . All is well. I’m asymptomatic and hav been self isolating. Work continues. Your continued prayers over my well being are most appreciated.
1,651 14:47 – 30 Jun 2020
1,434 people are talking about this
The governor said that he had malaria a few days ago and was treated. However, he said that after the National Executive Council of his party, the APC, one of his colleagues advised that he should have a coronavirus test. He said that the result came out today, June 30 and he tested positive.
However, the governor pointed out that he was asymptomatic and is yet to show any symptom of the disease. He said although he is not feeling sick or odd in any way, his doctors advised that he should take the normal treatment and self-isolate as he believes that supervised home management will be ideal for him for now.
Akeredolu also assured that work will be going on as he will be attending to files at home.
The Ondo State Governor will be the latest high profile Nigerian to have contracted the disease. The immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, passed away last week after a serious illness due to complications from the coronavirus disease.

Credit: Nairametrics

Highlights of the last presidential taskforce briefing

1] FG said there is a general increase in the prices of goods and services, saying airlines would have to increase their fares to remain afloat.
2] It would also work with state governments to see how 18 high burden local government areas can be locked down across the country.
As of May 29, about 11 of the local governments were in Lagos State. They were Lagos mainland, Mushin, Eti-Osa, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikeja, Oshodi/Isolo, Apapa, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos Island and Surulere.
Others that were listed include Abuja Municipal, Tarauni (Kano), Nassarawa (Kano), Katsina, Maiduguri (Borno), Dutse (Jigawa), Oredo (Edo), Bauchi and Ado Odo/Ota (Ogun).
3] Only essential movements would be allowed during curfew hours.

4] The Federal Government extended the Phase Two of the eased lockdown by four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020, through Midnight of Monday, 27 July 2020.
5] Interstate movement partially lifted only outside curfew hours
6] Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable
7] Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations.
Speaking during a COVID-19 briefing in Abuja, the Secretary to Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said that students in graduating classes were to resume in preparation for their exams while tertiary institutions still remain closed.
8] FG lamented the continued and general non-compliance with safety measures, noting that Nigeria could experience a resurgence of Covid-19 infections.

Oyo lost another statesman, Bode Akindele

Makinde mourns Bode Akindele.
Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has described the death of foremost Ibadan businessman and philanthropist, Chief Bode Akindele, as a great loss to Oyo State and indeed, Nigeria.
Governor Makinde, who described the late Parakoyi of Ibadanland and chairman of Modandola Group, as a worthy elder statesman and someone who is genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others, said that the late businessman will be sorely missed.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the late Akindele contributed in no small measure to the growth of the state and his community.
The governor also commiserated with the family of the late statesman, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the entire people of Oyo State, praying that the good Lord should grant them all the fortitude to bear the loss.
The governor said: “The news of the death of our revered elder statesman, Chief Bode Akindele, the Parakoyi of Ibadanland and chairman, Modandola Group, came to us as a shock.
“Baba Akindele was one of the worthy elder statesmen in the state and he lived a life worthy of emulation. As an elder, he was always after the progress and wellbeing of the state and its people.
“I remember that only a few months ago when the state put out calls for support towards the Oyo State COVID-19 Endowment Fund, Baba Akindele was one of the elders who responded by donating N25 million to the state.
“It is sad that we lost such a noble elder and philanthropist at such a moment as this.
“I pray to God to grant his entire family and the state the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Source: GSM Media

Hushpuppi’s arrest: Mompha deletes all Instagram posts

The development comes days after the police authorities in Dubai had shared footage of how Hushpuppi was taken down in a special operation over alleged cyber-fraud involving 1.9 million victims to the tune of N168 billion.
Hushpuppi, whose real name is Raymond Igbalode, was arrested on June 10, alongside his associates of 11 other Nigerians, for committing crimes like money laundering, hacking, impersonation, scamming, banking fraud and identity theft.
As part of an operation dubbed ‘Fox Hunt 2’, the Dubai police said they had cracked the case and staged synchronized raids at midnight after monitoring the gang’s “social media accounts”.
At about the same time when Hushpuppi was arrested, Mompha, who appeared not to be in good terms with Igbalode — due to an altercation between them on social media — had taken to his Instagram page to advise people not to celebrate one’s shortcomings as no one knows tomorrow.
“Never mock anyone who is facing a trail case cos you don’t know tomorrow. For those who are worried about me am safe and sound. No shaking, God never disappoint his own,” he wrote on June 10.
However, due to the money laundering allegation earlier brought against Mompha, who — just like Hushpuppi — is known for often flaunting his wealth and luxury lifestyle on social media, Nigerians began trolling him online.
Apparently cheesed off, the socialite and self-acclaimed Bureau De Change agent poured out his annoyance at those drawing the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the International Police (Interpol) to him.
“O Allah, please grant every believing man and woman: Your mercy, Your guidance, Your blessings and Your forgiveness (Amin),” he wrote in an expletive-laden post.
“JUMMA’AT Mubarak ??!!! Note: For those idts tagging fbi and interpol on my page and saying you are next na thunder go fire those hand you use in typing by the special Grace you idt think fbi or interpol dont know mompha you must be really sick fking hypocrites they never mind their business Btards!!”
Nearly three weeks later, the controversial figure took to his Instagram page deleted all pictures showcasing his fleet of expensive cars and his luxury home furniture.
In the early hours of Monday, the socialite also shared an unusual post which reads: “I usually give people more chances than they deserve but once I’m done, I’m done”.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier arrested Mompha over alleged N32.9 billion money laundering while he was about leaving the Abuja airport for UAE.
He would later be released after the federal high court in Ikoyi in Lagos, had granted him bail in the sum of N100 million in bond.
His latest stunt also comes after the FBI had published a slew of photos and sought assistance in finding six Nigerians who were indicted for fraud by the United States.

Lawyer Drags Nigerian Army To Court Over The Illegal Arrest Of Lance Coporal Martins

In a statement that was released and signed by the revolutionary lawyer’s forum which is headed by Tope Akinyode

“We have just filed an action at the Federal High Court against the Nigerian Army, Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney of the Federation of Nigeria over the unlawful arrest and detention of Lance Corporal Martins and his Wife, Mrs Victoria Idakpini.

On 23rd June 2020, the Nigerian Army arrested Lance Corporal Martins for being critical of the army chief of staff over the handling of security crises and lack of adequate amenities to battle terrorism.

We are of the considered view that the continued detention of Lance Corporal Martins violates his fundamental human rights much as it violates the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian army displayed a higher degree of despotism on 25th June when again, it illegally arrested and has continued to detain the wife of Lance Corporal Martins, Mrs Victoria Idakpini leaving her 3 children, – twins of 2 years old and another who just clocked 3 years to the care of no one.

This unimaginable degree of wickedness from the Nigerian Army is worth the condemnation of all and sundry, to say the least.

Already, Nigerians are daily loosing confidence in the activities of the army but this recent arrest is a big blow on the generality of Nigerians.

We shall battle the oppressive and abrasive tendencies of the Nigerian army and we’ll ensure that justice is served in this case.”

Tope Akinyode
National President of Revolutionary Lawyer’s Forum

FG lifts ban on interstate travel, gives greenlight on school resumption

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the second phase of the eased lockdown by another 4 weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020, to midnight of July 27, 2020.
The Federal Government has also given permission for interstate movement outside of the curfew hours with effect from July 1, 2020.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 who also doubles as the Secretary to the Government of The Federation, Boss Mustapha, during the daily briefing of the task force which is currently going on.
The announcement was made following the end of phase 2 of the gradual easing of lockdown on Monday, June 29, 2020.
The Federal Government during the briefing also announced the safe resumption of domestic air travel as soon as practicable

FG should take closer look at the conditions before reopening schools- ASUU

The Drama continues in attempt to reopen academic sector. The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday opposed Federal Government to reopen school with the high increase in the novel virus.
The Union decided that the Government must make arrangements possible in line with the proposed condition set by the Federal Ministry of Education.
ASUU National President, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, made this position known on Monday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota, Ogun State and was confirmed by The Punch newspaper to CMM
“The Federal Government must lead and show the ways by meeting the conditions for reopening of schools before any school can be allowed to open because COVID-19 pandemic is a health challenge.
“When it comes to public health, it is something that should not be left in the hands of individuals but the Federal Government must take the lead.”
The ASUU National Chairman uses the medium to disclose all the NCDC measure sent to all University
( provision of materials for regular handwashing, provision of face masks, isolations spaces, hands sanitisers, amongst others). While not all University in having the financial capability to do this only the private Universities.
“It is suicidal to reopen schools now if the Federal Government itself could not meet the conditions spelt out by the NCDC and the World Health Organisation. The nation will expose innocent children to avoidable risks.”

Source: CMM