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40 INEC Staff Held Hostage In Bayelsa As Militants Hijack Materials

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About 40 adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are currently stranded at Aboin community in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state.
One of the victims told TheCable that the suspected militants attacked the electoral officials who were conveying materials to riverine communities through boats. She said the suspects hijacked electoral materials in most parts of the area and abducted the party agents in all the boats they raided.
The election could not hold in the area on Saturday as a result of violence between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though the police denied the incident, residents, INEC staff and electoral observers who witnessed it confirmed that the party supporters engaged in a gun duel that lasted hours. Explaining that her team had its unfair share of the unfortunate incident around 3:20pm, the victim said officials of the joint task force came to their rescue after several hours but that they had to spend the night in the creek because they regained freedom very late in the day.
“I have really suffered and I blame myself for risking my life over how much,” she said.
“Yesterday (Saturday) was war. We lay on the bare floor for hours. The shootings were heavy and we managed to escape when the whole thing died down.
“I agreed to return here after I learnt that today would be peaceful. We heard that they signed peace agreement and the governor even visited Oporoma – headquarters of Southern Ijaw – to appeal for calm.
“After about 15 minutes into our journey from Oporoma, the militants just surrounded our boat. They ordered us out without firing a single shot. The policemen that followed us could not even cough. The guys had very sophisticated weapons.
They transferred us into another boat, seized the electoral materials and instructed the party agents to follow them.
“I and my team members were heading to our polling unit at Ward 15, polling unit 35 at Aboin community when this incident happened.

“After the JTF rescued us, they kept us in a place at Aboin, there again the villagers threatened to also abduct us until the party agents were freed. They accused of conniving with the militants.
“As I speak to you now, we are about 40 INEC staff, including corps members, who have been held hostage, excluding guys who are at a separate location. It was JTF that came to our rescue.
We tried to find our way out but those we called said it was late and we had no choice but to remain in this strange community. A jungle for that matter, we are being beaten by mosquitoes but we thank God to be alive.”
Efforts to get the reaction of Asinim Butswat, the police public relations officer of the state, proved abortive as he neither answered his phone nor responded to the text message sent.
Meanwhile, TheCable observed that the rescheduled election was marred by logistical challenges. Though INEC fixed the exercise for 8am, materials did not leave the commission’s office in Oporoma until 1pm and as at 5pm, some electoral officials were yet to depart for their units.
The exercise was delayed as a result of disagreement between supporters of PDP and their APC counterparts. While the APC wanted the exercise to go on as scheduled, the PDP asked INEC to shift the exercise.
Seriake Dickson, governor of the state, paid a surprise visit to the INEC office in Oporoma, trying to convince the officials to reschedule the exercise. However, when all efforts to make the commission shift ground proved abortive, PDP supporters took to singing in protest.
They were shouting on top of their voices: “We are not safe o! We are not safe!” Realising that their strategy was not working, they turned to the direction of corps members saying: “You are not safe o! You are not safe! Corpers, you are not safe!”
While the drama lasted, all the major streets in the community were taken over by rampaging youths. Security men also mounted strategic positions to apparently forestall fresh attacks. By the time the officials left for their polling stations, they were escorted by at least 10 security personnel, comprising soldiers and policemen.
Operatives of the Department of States Services (DSS) also provided cover. Some adhoc staff abandoned the exercise, alleging that INEC did not make adequate provision.
“After all I passed through during that heavy shooting yesterday, they still want to put me through all these,” a lady who refused to disclose her identity told TheCable as she boarded a canoe from Oporama to Nyama, a community in the mainland. “How much are they going to pay me? We were in the boat that was suppose to take us to centre, next they said we should disembark and we boarded another one again and they asked us to alight, the stress is too much”.

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In Search of Justice: Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu’s Plea for Recognition and Dignity

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In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.

Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.

This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?

At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.

The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.

She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.

Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.

Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.

 

Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

 

The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

 

Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.

 

The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.

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Investigation: How Unhygienic State Of Oko Oba Abbatoir Poses Health Hazards To Lagosians

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Time was when the Oko Oba Abbatoir was the cynosure of all eyes.

The professionalism and neatness depicted by the Butchers and the distribution Unit of the Abbatoir was applauded by all.

Conveying the neatly packed Meats in an enclosed Van called ‘Eko Meat Van’ to various locations saw the Lagos State Government receiving accolades from opposition Parties, Lagosians alike for the initiative.

Years down the line, the once celebrated initiative has become a shadow of itself.

For a first timer visiting the Oko Oba Abbatoir, what greets the person is an offensive odour oozing from the Canals that passes behind the Abbatoir.

The stench is very strong. It fouls the air. It often even triggers breathing discomforts in people not used to such a sudden and unpleasant odour.

The drainage at the entrance of the facility is filthy. It is a major source of the pungent stench disturbing passersby and visitors to the abattoir.

This however poses health threats to Lagosians who inhale this offensive odour.

Aside the Canals, the environment of the Abbatoir is in a pathetic state, as dirt litters the environment with bloods of the butchered Cows stagnated at some potholes in the Abbatoir.

This is however unhygienic to the health of Lagosians who consume the Meats.

The safety of meat processed at Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege, Lagos, has become a source of concern to beef consumers in the state owing to the unhygienic practices and poor sanitation that characterise meat processing at the facility.

Aside from the dirty drainage, the slaughter slabs where animals are slaughtered are not only dirty but also reek of the foul smell of cow dung as well as that of decomposing animal waste and blood.

The once upgraded processing equipment and units of the Abbatoir have become a shadow of itself.

Experts say poor handling of meat in abattoirs could lead to physical contamination, stressing that a situation where all manner of people accesses the slaughterhouse without check is inappropriate for a place where meat is processed for human consumption.

Investigation reveals that the handlers of the Abattoir are the one causing major problems by not allowing external body or professionals to handle the situation because of their selfish interest.

Moreso, it was also gathered that past administration has also put measures to salvage the situation but all to know avail as the activities of the centre is allegedly run by one family.

The said family is been alleged to be sabotaging the efforts of the Lagos State Government in changing the narratives in this regard, by monopolizing the administration of Abbatoir.

Sources who are in the know of the politicking happening at the Abbatoir that has made it leveraging on its past glory, say that if other Companies are saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining the Abbatoir, there will be drastic changes in the affairs of the Abbatoir, that will be a far cry from its present state.

It was also gathered that the Sub Concessionaire approved by the Ministry who has certain projects at the Abbatoir is allegedly been frustrated by the Main Concessionaire in connivance with the Commissioner.

This has further added to the pathetic situation of the Abbatoir.

Investigation also revealed that there are Shanties at the Abbatoir where some people allegedly live and pay rent to certain individuals at the Abbatoir.

This poses Security threat to the Abbatoir and residents around the Abbatoir, at a time when the economic fortunes of the nation has dwindled.

Sources revealed that the Abbatoir is porous, which exposes the State to impending danger that needs to be urgently addressed before it escalates.

No doubt, the present state of the Abbatoir is a far cry from what the Abbatoir was known for years back, leading to the call on the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led administration, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and the Ministry Of Agriculture to wade into this issue and earnestly address the worrisome and abysmal state of the Oko Oba Abbatoir, no matter who ox is gored.

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