News
Fani-Kayode Must Not Die In ‘Jail’
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , yesterday, warned the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government that former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, must not die in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall that Fani-Kayode had alleged threat to his life following his re-arrest by the anti-graft agency at the premises of a Lagos Federal High Court.
The leading opposition party, in a statement by its spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the EFCC of having intentions to kill its former Presidential Campaign Organization’s spokesman while in the commission’s detention.
The party claimed that both APC and EFCC have, in what it described as, “campaign of attrition against members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party,” denied the former minister access to his doctors due to his health condition.
According to the statement, “the Federal Government must ensure that Femi Fani-Kayode does not die in detention. It is common knowledge that this is in furtherance of its campaign of attrition against members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party(PDP) in the guise of an anti-corruption war.
“Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Spokesperson for the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (PDPPCP) was arrested in the premises of the Federal High Court, Lagos. His re-arrest is the latest in a series of plans designed to further harass and intimidate our members and supporters using the security and intelligence apparatus of the Nigerian State.
“A few days before his arrest, his wife, Precious Chikwendu and their 8-month old son, Aragorn, were arrested and would have been detained but for the timely intervention of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State.
“What is not common knowledge is that at the time of his arrest, Chief Fani-Kayode was ill and taking medication.
“Since his arrest, he has been denied access to his medication and medical doctors who are conversant with his medical history.
“As at the time of writing this statement, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have continued to deny Chief Fani-Kayode access to his medication.
“The only conclusion that can be reached is that the APC led Federal Government and EFCC want Chief Fani-Kayode to die in EFCC detention.
“In the light of the prevailing circumstances where EFCC are detaining an obviously weak and ill man, this is an inescapable conclusion. These continuous violations of the constitutional rights and freedoms of the Nigerian people by the Buhari administration must stop.
“The Federal Government cannot, and must not, be allowed to use EFCC to continually infringe on the rights of the very people it swore to uphold.
“We call on all well meaning Nigerians to urge the Federal Government to desist from its path of human rights abuses.”
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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