The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: News

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  • Nigeria Decides 2023: Labour Party names Akin Osuntokun as Obi’s new campaign DG

    The Labour Party has announced a former presidential aide Akin Osuntokun as the new Director-General (DG) of its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

    Osuntokun succeeds Doyin Okupe who resigned of late as the director-general of the campaign council for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

    Until recently, Osuntokun was the Zonal Coordinator (South) of the campaign council. A former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Osuntokun served as Political Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and as Director of the Presidential campaign of the People’s Democratic Party in 2011.

    Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 19, 2022 had found Okupe guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, ruling that his action violated the Money Laundering Act.

    The court held that Okupe was guilty in counts 34, 35, 36, and 59 and sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine.

    Okupe, an ally of Obi right from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the duo joined the LP this year, subsequently paid a N13m fine and escaped being jailed.

    Okupe, a former aide to then President Goodluck Jonathan, later resigned as the director-general of Obi’s campaigns.

    (Channels TV)

  • Arthur Eze condemns Obi’s presidential ambition

    Arthur Eze condemns Obi’s presidential ambition

    Former governor of Anambra state and the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has been in the news in recent time. It is either he is being commended, supported or condemned, criticized over his quest to lead Nigeria from consumption to production.

    Yesterday, an Anambra born-business billionaire, Prince Arthur Eze, has condemned Obi’s ambition of becoming the next president of Nigeria after, President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

    Eze, while speaking at the occasion of the 2022 Ofala festival of HRH Igwe (Dr.) Robert Eze, the traditional ruler of Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of the State, opined that he warned Obi to drop his ambition, but he wouldn’t listen.

    He noted that he advised Obi to wait for next time after however listening to him lists the number of states he thought he would win.

    His words: “I warned Peter Obi to withdraw from this race but he would not listen. I told him plainly that I am not part of his plans. I told him to drop his ambition, and wait for next time.

    “When he told me about his ambition, I asked him the states he thinks he can win in the west and in the north – he told me; but I was not convinced. I told him he cannot not win; so that he would not waste his time and money.”

    (Vanguard)

  • US supports Nigeria with tools to fight drug abuse

    US supports Nigeria with tools to fight drug abuse

    The United States government has announced a project that will strengthen the forensic and chemical analysis capacity of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as well as its intelligence gathering and prosecution capabilities.

    The latest support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) comes on the heels of an award of N500 million grant to fund selected projects in the agency by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa).

    An official letter announcing the U.S. project grant to the NDLEA noted that the award followed requests by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), during a series of meetings with top U.S. officials both in Abuja and in Washington DC. The letter further noted that the project would be implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria.

    Aside from the support for the forensic and chemical analysis capacity of the agency, the U.S. government also said the project would further support NDLEA’s efforts to conduct intelligence-led investigations through diverse resources as well as legal books and an e-library for prosecution and other legal needs of the agency.

    “Through all this, the NDLEA will be better equipped to prosecute cases with reliable evidence, using improved collection, handling, and custodial procedures. We appreciate our strong and continued working relationship and believe this project will be an important step in advancing our shared goal of a united, peaceful, and stable Nigeria,” the letter added.

    (Sun)

  • Your administration full of nepotism, corruption, Kukah slams Buhari

    Your administration full of nepotism, corruption, Kukah slams Buhari

    Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is full of nepotism and corruption, claiming that the situation has not augured well for the country .

    This is as he accused the president of failing to fulfil his 2015 campaign promises.

    Kukah spoke on a television programme monitored in Lagos, yesterday. His position came a day after his Christmas message titled: “Let us turn a new leaf” where he accused Buhari of leaving Nigerians more vulnerable and the country more corrupt than when he assumed power in 2015.

    The cleric said “It is sad that despite your lofty promises, you are leaving us far more vulnerable than when you came, that the corruption we thought would be fought has become a leviathan and sadly, a consequence of a government marked by nepotism”.

    He lamented the high level of corruption in the country, saying no government can allow one person steal N12 billion without figuring out how the money was being moved. He argued tha if people were competent under the current administration, Nigeria would not be where it is.

    According to Kukah “We have a system of government that is designed in a way and manner and characterised by nepotism. Whether it is based on gender, race or whatever, when you put power in the hands of people on grounds of blood relationship, religious activities or whatever grounds, what you do is that you are laying down mantras of comfort. So, people will steal and they know that the next person who is supposed to oversight and check the system is the same tribe, what will happen? Nepotism in this government has many faces. If President Buhari goes tomorrow, and another tribe takes over, the language will change. So nepotism can only be consolidated as a system of government. That is the lack of honesty and transparency we are seeing in the system.

    “I don’t choose to insult or abuse anybody, but the facts are staring most in the face. I don’t think anybody in his right frame of mind can pretend in any shape or form that we are where we ought to be or we can even arrive at the destination.

    “So, I’m not saying anything that is new. I always want people to extrapolate what I’m saying. I’m not grandstanding, there is nothing actually that I’m saying that does not verify. So if APC is unhappy about what I’m saying, that is actually fantastic because they need to get their house together. Raji Fashola was delivering a convocation lecture in our university and he made a very interesting point. He said when a team loses a fight, they often say we didn’t lose, we only run out of time. I think there is a feeling now that people are thinking that they ran out of time. We must return to the scene of the fight and ask ourselves: how did we get into this situation?”

    On lack of progress by the country , the cleric charged Nigerians to start speaking up and holding political leaders accountable to their promises.

    “It is not about what the president promised. If the president made all these promises, it is our own responsibility to hold their feet to fire. I didn’t ask the APC to make the promises it made, I didn’t ask the president to make the promises he made on May 29, 2015. I didn’t ask them to make the promise that they were going to keep us safe, I didn’t ask them to make the promises that they were going to bring back our girls and promises that they would give us power and so on. What is missing in Nigeria’s politics is that we lack the politics of engagement. An engagement is about confronting them with the text of their own promises. It is the responsibility of Nigerians to question the people they voted for when they are not seeing results. Nigerians must demonstrate anger and doing it without breaking anybody’s property. We must hold our leaders accountable,” he said.

    (Sun)

  • Outrage, fury over Lagos lawyer’s murder

    Outrage and fury of monumental proportion have continued to trail the killing of a Lagos female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, by a trigger-happy policeman in the Ajah axis of the state on Christmas Day.

    Raheem and her family members were said to be on their way home from a Christmas Day church service when the policeman (yet to be identified) attached to the Ajah Police Station and his team tried to stop them. The deceased was said to have been shot at a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge and was rushed to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the mindless shooting of “a harmless citizen” by a police officer whose primary job was to protect the same citizen.

    He said: “I have studied preliminary reports on the matter and have instructed the appropriate government officers to immediately get on it. We must ensure speedy justice for the late Bolanle. Our government cannot sit back and watch our citizens killed by the same law enforcers that should ordinarily protect them.

    “I’m aware that the Lagos State police command has arrested, disarmed and detained the police officers involved in the shooting incident. I can assure you that the accused persons will have their day in court, and nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State, until justice is served adequately. We will ensure that it is done speedily because justice delayed is justice denied.”

    Also reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded that justice be served on the matter.

    National Publicity Secretary of the association, Akorede Lawal, in a statement, yesterday said: “This is yet another crime against a lawyer. Regrettably, our member is gone…We shall ensure that justice is duly served.”

    Popular comedian, Debo Adebayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, described Raheem’s killing as barbaric.

    “A Nigerian Police Officer from Ajiwe division shot and killed Bolanle Raheem on Xmas day. It is from this same division an Officer killed Gafaru Buraimoh about two weeks ago. This barbarism by the Nigerian Police must come to an end. These murderers must pay for their crimes,” he wrote on social media.

    Prominent human rights activist and a former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, also lent his voice to condemn the killing of Raheem. Another activist, Rinu Oduala, slammed Nigeria Police Force for alleged coverup of the identity of the trigger-happy policeman.

    A legal practitioner and founder, Stop Abuse Foundation, Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, the killing of the female lawyer is worrisome, not only that we lost a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), but it is one killing too many. It has become a constant development that policemen would use the taxpayers money to kill citizens who they are paid to protect. I am advocating for mental evaluation of officers bearing arms and for a public hearing of the case. I am, also, calling for the death penalty of any police officer found guilty for using his office to wrongly kill an innocent citizen. Lastly, the enrollment for the officer should be paid to the victim’s family. With the strict punitive measures in place, it will become a deterrent to others.

    Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and described it as “unfortunate and avoidable”, assuring the public that justice will prevail.

    “The ASP that shot and two others with him have since been taken into custody,” Hundeyin tweeted yesterday.

    “The Lagos State Police Command condoles with the family, friends and colleagues of Barrister Bolanle Raheem. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Abiodun Alabi, has been in touch with the family and the Nigerian Bar Association since yesterday and has given firm assurances that justice will definitely prevail,” he further disclosed.

    Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, yesterday, ordered speedy investigation and prosecution of the culprits after he condemned Raheem’s killing, describing the incident as unfortunate and sad.

    The IGP, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, yesterday, said the act didn’t portray the Nigeria police standard operating procedure and core values. The IGP commiserated with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and prayed for the repose of her soul and assured the general public of justice in the case, while he warned officers and men of the Force to be professional and people-oriented in the discharge of their duties.

    The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, commended the IGP on his prompt and reassuring response to the dastardly act.

    The group stated: “We’ll keep track of police action in this tragic case.”

    (Sun)

  • YULETIDE: Enugu APGA standard-bearer, Frank Nweke, prays for hope, urges Enugu citizens to vote in right leaders

    YULETIDE: Enugu APGA standard-bearer, Frank Nweke, prays for hope, urges Enugu citizens to vote in right leaders

    Ndi Banyi,

    This Christmas, I bring you warm wishes of hope and prayers of peace in your homes. Whatever this season may feel like for us as a State, I hope that you will embrace the joy of the season, have the courage to laugh at the little things, hold your loved ones close and be your brother and sister’s keeper in whatever way you can.

    I pray that our hope and our dreams will experience a rebirth even as we celebrate the gift of hope that Jesus Christ is to the world.

    In the past few months of our campaign tour, I have met with ndi Enugu from different places, of varying social status and interests. Yet, one thing is clear. Each one has a dream of a better life and a State that works for them. Many wished for a different Christmas and indeed a different life than what they have now.

    Maduabuchi’s father in Iva Valley wants a safer place for his children to grow up and a better education system that gives them opportunities to dream big and pursue those dreams. I share this dream and we will make it happen by ensuring that youths are productively engaged and our basic education system is run by the most competent people.

    Dabere’s mother in Aki, Akpugo wants an affordable and functional healthcare facility where her diabetes can be properly managed and she can look after her children. We will make this happen working with our Local Governments and keeping them accountable.

    Ngozi wants to wake up in the morning, get water from a running tap in her home and avoid the morning panic of going late to work or skipping a bath for that day. Water is life and the provision of a functional water supply within the first twelve months of our administration is a promise.

    Emeka, in Aninri, wants to know that his dreams will not be like the rice farm he cultivated, only to have it destroyed by criminals.

    Our brothers and sisters in Eha-Amufu, Ibagwa-Aka, Adani, Achi and many others in several local government areas across the State want to go to their farms, ply their trade, go to school and sleep at night without the fear of getting attacked.

    The security of lives and properties remains a priority and we will always go the extra mile to protect our people.

    We all dream of functional systems, an enabling environment and a government that is honest and truly cares for the people. This is the dream that drives me and the All Progressives Grand Alliance in our quest to form the next government in Enugu State.

    These dreams are not far from reach. If anything, they are much closer than ever. They are as close as the nearest INEC office where you will pick up your PVC. They are as close as the decision you will make to vote for the right leaders. They are as close as your family and friends who you’ll engage to participate in the electoral process.

    I believe that we can reach them, together. We are more powerful than we appear to be, more resolute and ready for these dreams to become a reality.

    Hence, #MyChristmasWishForEnugu is that we grow from a field of dreams to a forest of giant achievements, from hectares of arable land to a food hub of the nation, from people taking anything they are given to men and women rising to take back our future.

    Ndi Enugu, #Kunie!

    May our hearts be filled with the hope of a truly new beginning in 2023.

    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

    My name is Frank Nweke Jr

    Gubernatorial Candidate, All progressives Grand Alliance

    APGA, Nkea Bu Nke Anyi

    Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya.

  • Enugu 2023: APC, Labour Party leaders in Lejja collapse structures for Gov. Ugwuanyi, PDP

    Enugu 2023: APC, Labour Party leaders in Lejja collapse structures for Gov. Ugwuanyi, PDP

    …As community, Igbo-Etiti women back governor for senate, PDP guber candidate, others

    …Enugu commissioner, Lejja-born legal consultant, present Christmas gifts to widows, less privileged

    Louis Amoke

    It was wild jubilation in Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area and in Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area, yesterday, when the Governor of Enugu State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Enugu North Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi visited the two communities to witness the presentation of Christmas gifts to widows and the less privileged by his Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh and a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Abeokuta, Barr. Patrick Onyema Omeke, respectively.

    Governor Ugwuanyi who received loud ovation from the people of the communities on arrival, got their endorsements to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2023 in recognition of his commitment to peace and good governance as well as his passion for charity, almsgiving and the wellbeing of the less privileged in the society.

    In Ukehe, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Aroh, disclosed that Governor Ugwuanyi has been supporting the widows’ empowerment programme even before he became governor, adding that the event was in line with the governor’s long-held policy of sharing with the needy and the less privileged.

    Aroh revealed that the provision of Christmas gift items comprising 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, 2,000 bags of 25kg rice, 2000 bags of 10kg rice, 1,400 pieces of wrappers, 200 cartons of tomatoes, and 200 bags of salt, for the widows, was made possible because of the support that Governor Ugwuanyi has been giving him and his entire family.

    Speaking in an emotion-laden voice, the Commissioner on behalf of his father, HRH Igwe Chijioke Aroh and the entire family members expressed immense gratitude to the governor for his love and kindness, stressing that “it is only God that can pay you back.”

    Aroh informed Governor Ugwuanyi that the women of Ukehe, who came out en masse, asked him not to bother to come and campaign in the community as they have resolved to deliver him for senate, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Martins Oke for House of Representatives and other candidates of the PDP in the state.

    “Your Excellency, the women permitted me to say to you that they don’t want you to come for campaign here. I have told you this in private that they said that. I am also repeating it before them. They said you shouldn’t bother coming here for campaign. We will compete with your ward in Orba as to where you will get more votes.

    “The promise we are giving you is that not only you; every PDP candidate in the state that is on the ballot paper is Gburuguru’s (Ugwuanyi’s) candidate. None of the candidates including you will lose an election in our place. We will deliver you; we will deliver Dr. Peter Mbah; we will deliver Dr. Martins Oke, Hon. Ezenta and others.

    “Our votes will speak of what we think about you and our votes will also speak of what we think about all the PDP candidates in the state. The women have spoken to you from their hearts,” he said.

    In Lejja, where leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), Hon. Kingsley Ugwuanyi and Uchenna Okpe respectively, led their teeming supporters to formally decamp to the PDP in full support of Governor Ugwuanyi’s senatorial bid in 2023 and that of other candidates of the PDP in the state, the elated people of the community reiterated their endorsement of the governor to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

    The people of Lejja expressed delight at the commencement of construction work on Lejja-Aku road by Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, stressing that the intervention is unprecedented as past governments only gave lip service to the construction of the road during campaigns.

    The Lejja people who came out in their numbers to receive Governor Ugwuanyi at the presentation of Christmas gifts to the women and the less privileged by Barr. Omeke at his country home, reassured the governor of their overwhelming votes for him and other PDP candidates at the polls.

    In their separate speeches, leaders of the decampees from APC and LP in Lejja, Hon. Ugwuanyi and Okpe respectively, said that they joined PDP because of their conviction in the laudable efforts of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration in providing dividends of democracy in the community.

    They pointed out that the governor remembered Lejja in road construction and appointments, disclosing that one of their illustrious sons is the State Coordinator of International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Enugu State in the person of Dr. Edward Ishiwu, while their daughter, Evangelist Dr. Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi, is the Chairman of Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), among others.

    The leaders informed Governor Ugwuanyi that they have collapsed their structures in the opposition political parties for the PDP and will consequently mobilise all their teeming supporters to campaign and vote massively for the governor during the senatorial election and also give maximum support to other PDP candidates in the state.

    According to Okpe, a former Labour Party leader in Lejja: “Your Excellency, all the people who accompanied me to this place are members of Labour Party but as things are today in Lejja and with the commencement of the construction of our road by your administration, we have decided to return to the PDP.

    “Your Excellency, I am very grateful that work has started on this road. We are going to work with you and support you to win your senatorial election on the platform of the PDP.”

    In his words, Hon. Ugwuanyi, a former leader of the APC in Lejja said: “Your Excellency, we are grateful that you remembered Lejja in road construction, and appointed our Mommy, Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi as the Chairman of PPSMP. You also appointed Chijioke Ugwuoke as Administrator, Nsukka South Development Centre, Dr. Edward Ishiwu as State Coordinator of IFDA in Enugu State, among other people from our community whom you gave appointments.

    “These people you gave appointments have been contributing to the progress of Lejja, and I decided to move all my supporters in APC to join the PDP family to move our community forward and deliver you (Ugwuanyi) at the poll to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, because you are a good product. So, we have joined the PDP family.”

    Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi to his country home, Lejja, Barr. Omeke told the governor that the visit offered their people an opportunity to appreciate him for the commencement of construction work on the long-neglected Lejja-Aku road and inclusion of the project in the 2023 budget estimates.

    Barr. Omeke added that the gesture is a confirmation that the road will be completed before the end of the governor’s tenure. He reassured Governor Ugwuanyi of their unanimous decision to vote massively for him to go to the senate to represent Enugu North Senatorial District; vote for Dr. Peter Mbah and his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; vote for Engr. Abba to represent them in the House of Representatives, among other PDP candidates.

    Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Lejja community and Chairman, Nsukka Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Tony Ojike, the State Coordinator of IFAD, Dr. Ishiwu, the Chairman of PPSMP, Evangelist Ugwuanyi, Barr. Omeke’s younger brother, Emeka Omeke, the Umuadas and representative of the beneficiaries of the Christmas gifts, all applauded Governor Ugwuanyi’s interventions in their community in road construction, water project, health facilities as well as empowerment of their people, restating their resolve to vote for him and other PDP candidates in the state.

    The PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Abba, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko and the party’s candidates for Nsukka East and Nsukka West constituencies, Barr. Mrs. Christiana Onah and Amos Amadi Agbo respectively were at Lejja for the event while the PDP candidate for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Oke, the candidate for Igbo-Etiti East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, the member representing Igbo-Etiti West Constituency, Rt. Hon. Arc James Akadu, and the Chairmen of Udenu and Isi-Uzo LGAs, Hon. Solomon Onah and Hon. Obiora Obeagu respectively, witnessed the programme at Ukehe.

  • Simon Ekpa slams Soludo over his vow to end sit-at-home order in Anambra

    Simon Ekpa slams Soludo over his vow to end sit-at-home order in Anambra

    Self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, has slammed Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, over his vow to end sit-at-home order in his state.

    Soludo while speaking at the 2022 Public Servants Day held in Awka on Wednesday had described Ekpa as a “mad man staying in Finland and dishing out orders for a sit-at-home” in the South-East.

    The Governor said: “A few days ago, one mad man living in Finland said he was declaring sit-at-home, it was only in Anambra that it was not observed. By the time you return next year, we shall stop sit-at-home.

    “We must get back to work, working five days in a week, we must take back Anambra from the criminals, we can not build a prosperous Anambra when we work four days, when our children go to school four days, that is a 20 per cent loss in productivity.

    Ekpa who reacted to the development on Friday described Soludo’s threat as inconsequential.

    The controversial Finland-based Nigerian dared the governor, adding that the Biafra movement was bigger than anybody, including all the governors in the region.

    Ekpa also branded as inconsequential the suit filed against him by Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

    “The Biafra movement is bigger than Soludo and all the governors of the South-East region. Soludo cannot stop sit-at-home. The Biafra movement is bigger than any sit-at-home.

    “This movement will destroy Nigeria beyond recognition. After the 25th of February 2023, these few confused bunches of ignorant Biafrans will all troop in to support the Biafra exit for the remaining weeks and months of the year 2023. Thirty-three days to go!”

    Ekpa had declared no elections in the southeast following the completion of five-day sit-at-home ordered by him.

  • US Court convicts Tory Lanez of shooting his ex girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion

    US Court convicts Tory Lanez of shooting his ex girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion

    A jury in Los Angeles County District, the United States, on Friday convicted Canadian rapper, Tory Lanez of shooting his former girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion in the foot in 2020.

    The American Grammy-winning rapper, Stallion had accused her colleague and ex-boyfriend, Lanez of shooting her in the foot after the duo left a Los Angeles party at Kylie Jenner’s home, two years ago.

    Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, pleaded not guilty to shooting her and dedicated an entire album to rebutting Megan Thee Stallion’s version of events, CNBC reports.

    He was formerly charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.

    According to the reports, prosecutors added a third charge, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, earlier this month.

    Lanez faces a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months in prison and also stands risk of deportation to his home country of Canada after serving his sentence.

    He was immediately taken into custody after jurors reached the verdict following seven hours of deliberations.

    A sentencing hearing is set for January 27, 2023.

    (Vanguard)

  • Netflix to end password sharing among multiple users in 2023

    Netflix to end password sharing among multiple users in 2023

    Netflix is set end to password sharing among multiple users as from the first quarter of 2023. The move will require subscribers to pay extra charges for additional members to use one account.

    This comes as part of the steps the streaming giant plans to take in raising its revenue which has fallen drastically in the past few months.

    In recent months, the company has been subjected to low numbers of subscribers and plummeted stocks, and its reaction to the loss is to put a stop to the sharing of Netflix accounts password among multiple users.

    To effect the new rule, the company would give the primary account holder a code that other users will have to input on their device before having access to the account. The code will change every month to make it difficult for sub-accounts to continue using the Netflix account of the main user.

    The company has kicked off tests in Latin American countries. It includes a feature that identifies sub-accounts and encourages them to pay $3 for an extra add-on to allow sharing.

    In October 2022, the company stock fell to 60 per cent as a result of rising inflation, loss of subscribers as well as other new competition from other streaming platforms.

    (People’s Gazette)

  • Max Air Vice Chairman/CEO, Bashir Mangal Dies at 65

    Max Air Vice Chairman/CEO, Bashir Mangal Dies at 65

    The Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Max Air, Alhaji Bashir Barau Mangal, is dead.

    Bashir, who was the younger brother of the business mogul and Chairman of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Bara’u Mangal, died in the early hours of yesterday in Abuja after a brief illness.

    The deceased was described as a seasoned administrator, an excellent manager of human and material resources, a consummate investor and a complete gentleman whose words were his bonds.

    Bashir Mangal was at the route of the establishment of Max Air who worked ardently with his brother to actualise the dream of operating an airline, which has been doing very well over the years.

    The airline was established in 2006 as Mangal Airlines and rebranded Max Air in 2008. It operated its first commercial flight to King Abdulaziz International Airport from Kano.

    The airline began its operations with two Boeing 747-400 aircraft for its Umrah and Hajj operation services.

    Max Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines operating a domestic, regional and international flight network.

    In June 2018, Max Air began domestic operations to three destinations, which include Abuja, Lagos from the airline’s main hub (Kano). On November 1, 2018, Max Air announced two new routes to its domestic operations, which include Port Harcourt and Yola as part of its expansion drive.

    (This Day)

  • MASSOB attacks Buhari over alleged cancellation of Eastern railway project

    MASSOB attacks Buhari over alleged cancellation of Eastern railway project

    The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has hit the Federal Government of Nigeria, over the alleged cancellation of the reconstruction of the Eastern Railway project by the federal government.

    The leader of MASSOB, Uche Madu, stated this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.

    MASSOB disagreed with the federal government on the excuse that the railway construction was cancelled because the youths in Abia state were harassing the workers of the construction company was not true. The Igbo group added that even the construction company (China Civil Engineering and Construction Company) did not have staff in Abia staff.

    According to the Igbo group, “The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB) have disagreed and lambasted the Nigeria Federal government on their resolution to cancel the reconstruction of the Eastern Railway project with an excuse of no money to fund the project.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal government is not ashamed of the impunities they have committed and are still committing through various sectors of his corrupt administration.

    “Muhammadu Buhari led Federal government speedily and rigorously developed the core northern states, build and promote modern railway transportation across northern states and Lagos state including constructing a highway with money from crude oils from southeastern states.

    “They showcased their hypocritical tendencies against the eastern region with reckless abandon. It is hypocritical and unacceptable that there is no money to fund the Eastern Railway project.”

    “MASSOB also disagree and rejects the report by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal government that the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company workers are incessantly harassed by youths in Abia state.

    “This Chinese construction company have not started their work in Abia state, even their staffs are not in Abia state,” MASSOB said.

    (Vanguard)