ForceCID arraigned KOKOzaria for assault on Lawori

 Court Remands NURTW big boy, Kokosaria over alleged assault

* Granted 2million Naira bail with 2 sureties in like sum

A Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, has remanded a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo, a.ka. Kokosaria, in prison custody, following his arraignment on alleged offences of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.

Chief Magistrate B. Sonuga, remanded the NURTW chieftain, after he pleaded not guilty to the charges, made against him by the operative of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Kokosaria was arraigned before the court today, in a charge marked B/40/2024, by Barrister Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer in the legal department of ForceCID, Alagbon, Lagos.

Arraigning the defendant, Barrister Animashaun told the court that the defendant committed the offences in June 5, 2024, at Idimu area of Lagos State, by conspiring with some of his ‘boys’ and assaulted one Alhaji Ade Adele, popularly called Baba Lawori.

Barrister Animashaun further told the court that in the course of the assault, the said Kokosaria’s boys, broke Baba Lawori’s head with a bottle, which inflicted injury on him and caused him grievous harm.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences committed by defendant, contravened sections 411; 173 and 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State. And punishable under section 168 (2) of the same laws.

The NURTW chieftain, Kokosaria, denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty the charges.

With the defendant’s not guilty plea, the prosecutor, Barrister Animashaun, urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), pending conclusion of the charges.

But his lawyers, S. Bello with S. O. Egunjobi, orally moved their client’s bail application, saying that he is a noble person and a member of NURTW and that charge against their client is a bailable one, which the court can exercise it’s discretion judicially and judiciously.

They urged the court to grant him bail in the most liberal terms.

The lawyers told the court that their client is a noble person and a member of NURTW and that charge against their client is a bailable one, which the court can exercise it’s discretion judicially and judiciously.

The prosecutor asked the defendant’s counsel of their client is a governor or a popular police. He therefore urged the court to discountenance the bail application.

The prosecutor however, while citing the plethoras of legal authorites, vehemently opposed the bail application on the ground that he is a ‘flight risk’, and that being a member of NURTW does not make qualified him to be a noble person.

Ruling on the bail application, Chief Magistrate Sonuga, after hearing counsel’s submissions, admitted him to bail the defendant in the sum of N2 Million with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the Chief Magistrate, must be of unquestionable character, with evidence of means livelihood and who must be residing with the court’s jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate also ordered the sureties to present to court evidence of three years tax, and have their addresses verified.

Chief Magistrate Sonuga, while adjourning the matter to October 29, for mention, however remanded the defendant in NCoS’s custody, pending the perfection of the bail terms.

Charges against the defendant reads: “That you Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo (M) on or about the 25th day June, 2024 at Idimu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, Lagos conspired to commit Felony wit: Assault Occasioning Harm and committed an Offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

“That you Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo (M) on or about the 25th day June, 2024 at Idimu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District , Lagos unlawfully procured one of your boys (now at large) who unlawfully broke bottle and inflicted injuries on the head of one Alhaji Ade Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 173 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.

“That you Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo (M) on or about the 25th day June, 2024 at Idimu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, Lagos conducted ourself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace when you threatened and procured one of your boys (now at large) to break bottle on the head of one Alhaji Ade Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and punishable under Section 168 (2) of thé same Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos state 2015.”

Breaking news : Nigeria Government endorses Groundbreaking clean cookstoves Project in Nigeria

FG ENDORSES GROUNDBREAKING CLEAN COOKSTOVES PROJECT IN NIGERIA

... GreenPlinth Africa, Partners To Deploy 80 Million FREE Cookstoves Nationwide 

...Set to Plant 4 Billion Economic Trees Across The Nation

In a landmark move towards sustainable development and environmental conservation, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Council on Climate Change has officially endorsed a revolutionary initiative aimed at addressing global climate crisis, environmental challenges and improving livelihoods across the nation.

Under the auspices of Greenplinth Africa, in collaboration with strategic partners, an ambitious Article 6.4 project has been launched to distribute 80 million clean cookstoves free of charge to households throughout Nigeria. This initiative, the largest single clean cooking systems project in the world, marks a significant step forward in combatting the adverse health and environmental impacts associated with traditional cooking methods, such as indoor air pollution and deforestation.

The provision of clean cookstoves is set to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by the harmful effects of traditional cooking practices. The adoption of clean and efficient cookstoves by households will lead to improved indoor air quality, reduce respiratory illnesses, and largely contribute to mitigating climate change through lower carbon emissions. 

In a statement by Dr. Olawale Akinwumi, President and CEO of Greenplinth Africa Limited, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru recently issued a formal Letter of Endorsement (LoE) for the 'Improved And Efficient Cooking Energy Solution For Nigeria' – a Programmatic Article 6.4 Project.

Dr. Dahiru who is also the Designated National Authority (DNA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Focal Point in Nigeria averred that the project would result in greenhouse gas emission reduction and more importantly lead to sustainable forest development and job creation in Nigeria. 

According to him, besides reduction in domestic emissions, the project will decrease upper respiratory infections, thereby leading to improved health conditions; and equally enhance the nation in achieving sustainable development and the goals of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Speaking on the importance of the project, Dr. Victor Fodeke, Vice President and GMD of Greenplinth Africa Limited stated that the initiative will particularly benefits vulnerable communities, women and children, who bear the brunt of health issues linked to traditional cooking practices. “Nigerians will experience tangible benefits while collectively contributing to global efforts in combating climate change”, he said.

Dr. Fodeke, a former Technical Adviser on Climate Change to the African Union (AU) declared that in addition to the deployment of clean cookstoves, the project includes an ambitious aforestation campaign, with plans to plant a staggering 4 billion economic trees across the nation. This initiative not only aims to combat deforestation but also to promote sustainable land management practices, enhance biodiversity, and create economic opportunities for communities across Nigeria – stimulating economic growth by creating new avenues for employment and income 

generation.

“The Article 6.4 Clean Cookstoves Project will be a foreign exchange earner for the Nigerian economy. This is first time anywhere in the world that efficient clean cookstoves project of this magnitude is being launched to be fully funded for every household, and 100% financed by Carbon Credits.

Our PANDA Cookstove is also the first clean cookstove in the world to be launched with the co-benefit of Innovative Tree Planting and Nurturing to eliminate or reduce Poverty, Hunger, and Diseases”, he concluded.

The Federal Government's endorsement of this groundbreaking Article 6.4 initiative underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of its citizens. 

The Improved and Efficient Cooking Energy Solution for Nigeria is a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Global Climate Action Portal (GCAP) registered Initiative. 

https://climateaction.unfccc.int/Initiatives?id=134

https://cookstoves.greenplinthafrica.com/

https://greenplinthafrica.com/

15th May, 2024

Defamation: IBD Dende sues Arise TV,Soyombo, FIJ

 Defamation: IBD Dende sues FIJ, Arise TV, Soyombo

Court gives 30-day ultimatum

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has asked for the appearance of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Arise (TV) Media Group and Fisayo Soyombo, within 30 days, as defendants in a lawsuit filed by an Ogun State born Customs Licensed Agent, Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun.

In the writ of summons number: G/2286/24 dated 3rd May, 2024, Chief Egungbohun popularly referred to as IBD Dende institutes the legal action against the trio for assassination of his personality through numerous tweets on their “X” handles as well as broadcast on the Arise Television’s special programme tagged, “The Morning Show” as aired on 24th of February, 2024.

Egungbohun seeks the Order of the FCT Court for retraction of the libelous statements and tendering of public apology by each of the Defendants, to be published by the 1st and 2nd Defendants on their X handles @fisayosoyombo and @fijnigeria and on the 2nd Defendant’s blog fij.ng, and to be published/broadcasted by all the Defendants in the 3rd Defendant’s Television programme “THE MORNING SHOW”.

He also seeks the Court for restraining the Defendants from any further defamatory publications (including the use of innuendos) on their X handles, website, TV programmes or any other means of publication.

Chief Egungbohun is asking the defendants to pay as general damages of a sum of ₦5,000,000,000.00 (Five Billion Naira) and the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) being the cost of instituting (the) Suit”.

The Mandate Movement (TMM) holds LG meeting in Oshodi-Isolo LG

 THE MANDATE MOVEMENT HOLDS LG MEETING IN OSHODI

TTM Oshodi-Isolo LG Apex Chairman Hon.Chief Rilwan Usman at the event 

The Mandate Movement ( TMM) in Oshodi-Isolo Local government held its LG MEETING at Abayomi Street, off Daudu St, Oshodi on March 5th,2024 with massive attendance of members .

The APEX Chairman of the Oshodi mandate group Chief Hon.Rilwan Usman (ATG) thanked members for their uprightness with the group and assured them that the group leadership of ABDULLAHI Enilolobo Ayinde the number one Mandate in the state would never let them down.

Members of TTM Oshodi-Isolo LG at the LG meeting of the group 

He berated those wanting to create cracks and factions in the Mandate family to have a re-think and re-align with the mainstream leadership of the group.

 Those who never worked with the leadership of the group Apex Mandate Leader cannot claim the right to the position. Party Apex and Caucus Leadership are two parallel lines that must be respected.

He refreshen the minds of members of how the late Apex Leader of Mandate in Oshodi worked together with Enilolobo Ayinde in his lifetime and after his demise, He ( Chief Hon . Rilwan Usman) was endorsed as the Apex leader of the group in Oshodi by Enilolobo and other leadership of the group 

He advised those who claimed faction in of the group to seek for right political history of the group and desist from being used as a clog in the wheel of progress of the group. He emphasised that Chief Olu Arulogun the Chair of Chair for mandate movement is still alive to confirm his statement.

Furthermore, he said the group is open to working and accommodating every group and individual to complement the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos state. He appeal to Nigerians to pray and be patient with the president as his policy which we might consider harsh now is to direct our nation's economy to the right direction.

He directed the group ward and zonal chairmen to commence consultation with their members at various levels.

Members of the movement thanked the initiative of their Apex leader whom they eulogized as, an energetic, dependable, and dynamic leader with vision. They pleaded that the LG MEETING of the group should come up often.

The meeting was massively attended from across the ward in the local government, with the introduction of some new members who joined the group and were all welcomed into the movement by the exco of the party. The meeting was fun-filled where credible information were shared to get members updated with political events in the All Progressives Congress both nationally and locally 

TMM Media 

2024

Oyakhilome Bello foundation commences palliatives distribution in Abuja

 OYAKHILOME BELLO FOUNDATIONS GIVES PALLIATIVES TO ABUJA RESIDENTS 

The Director General of OYAKHILOME BELLO FOUNDATION and APC Youth leader in Diaspora Oyakhilome Bello has appealed to corporate organizations and wealthy individuals to continue to lend their support to complement the palliatives program of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ameliorate the pains of Nigeria as the nation faces challenges with the subsidy removal policy of the administration to reinvigorate the ailing economy of the country.

He said this at the presentation of cash donations , free medical services and foodstuff items to some residents at Fountain Park, Wuse Abuja on 21st October 2023 

In his welcome address, he appreciated President Tinubu for his appointment of youths in various positions of his administration and his bold steps in taking some decisions that would steer the ailing Nigerian economy to a quick recovery.

He further appealed to political officeholders to complement the efforts of the government policy through transparent, and sincerity in executing the presidency directives as this would give the people confidence in the administration's sincerity devoid of politics which has made the people lose trust in government policy.

The event was massively attended by residents and executed devoid of discrimination of party affiliations, religion, or tribe with party officials in attendance.

Mayhem in Abuja Nurtw HQ

 MAYHEM AND CONFUSION IN NURTW HQ ABUJA 

News of mayhem surfaced on social media X formerly twitter by an online news media the Editorial on 12th September,2023 which reported chaos at the headquarters of National Union of transport worked union ( NURTW) .

According to the news source , dangerous weapon are used by the union members to out with one another in a supremacy battle to control and stamp authority of the union .

The news source explained this was aftermath of the leadership tusle between Baruwa faction which claimed to be duely elected and Agbede faction supported by members of defunct Perk and garden mainly from Lagos and some states in western part of Nigeria who felt aggrevied by the outcome of the election .

As at the time of the report number of death and extend of casualties from both sides can't be ascertained . 

Our appeal goes to the relevant authorities , the presidency, Minister Abuja, Inspector general of police to restore peace to the federal capital Abuja 

Below is the report of The Editorial pasted online 

Guns were said to have been freely used, but the number of casualties could not be confirmed.

This conflict is an aftermath of the escalating tension within the NURTW.

Sources said the clash broke out when supporters of NURTW President, Prof. Tajudeen Baruwa, marched towards the union’s national headquarters, which is currently occupied by the a Committee led by Tajudeen Badru Agbede.

One of the sources said, “As you may be aware, members of the Committee, led by Agbede, forcefully occupied the Secretariat a few weeks ago, displacing the president and other executives.

“Therefore, supporters of the current president mobilized themselves in an effort to remove Agbede and his group.

“However, they were met by a police blockade which resulted in a violent confrontation. Shots were fired, intensifying the gravity of the crisis.”

Baruwa had been seeking intervention of the police and the Nigeria Labour Congress to resolve the situation, without success.

He subsequently threatened to defend “our mandate with the last drop of our blood.”

He accused the former president of the union, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, and Agbede, the former National Vice President, of holding illegal meetings with selected past leaders of the union.

Baruwa also alleged that the police seem to favour the Committee.

He called on the Inspector General of Police and Director General of the Department of State Services, to intervene in the matter.

News credit : The Editorial

The hide and seek game of Lagos state government with the state transport sector

 LASG HIDE AND SEEK GAME WITH TRANSPORT SECTOR IN LAGOS STATE 

James Anthony Okechuckwu perception 

Lagosians on Thursday 6th September woke up to wonders of individual superiority to constituent authority in Lagos state  with Musiliu Akinsanya the Ernest chairman of Lagos state park and garrage announced that the committee has been dissolved and he now led members of the dissolved committee back to NURTW to take charge of Lagos parks with instructiin that green and white uniform should be back on Lagos roads , only to be followed on Friday 7th September with similar announcement from the LASG agency which gives credence to Musiliu Akinsanya pronouncement. Why wasn't the LASG  that make such pronouncement  as it did before NURTW was suspended but left her responsibility to an individual?Does such prouncement means continuation of parks and garrage members and automatic switch over by same people but with new name? 

With the latest development reasonable Lagos residents are confused on who's order MC Oluomo derived his authority to sidelined the appropriate authority elected to informed the public of government decision .

In the last one and half years that the services of NURTW was suspended and replaced with parks and garrage committee. what has changed or improved to warrant the state government returning the control of Lagos transport sector to same set of people ?

Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration should remember that same man whom the state has given the control of a branch of the state transport sector still carries a lot of negative baggages that preceded the last election in Lagos state which almost marred the election that shake the peaceful co-existence of the people in the state . Would the state be safe and peaceful under such an individual? Would some commuters at a time not be threaten knowing fully well the characters of the former park and garrage committee chairman ?

The Hide and seek game of the administration in leaving the responsibilities of this government to a set of people with questionable characters are signs of leadership weakness and vision to right the wrongs of the transport sector whom many had complained.

Many had expected the state ministry of transport to highlight areas of mode of operations of the NURTW with an educated and experience individual to work in tandem with the government policy on transport not a compensation to political hawkers who live in delusion of bigger than constituent authority 

Would the Agberos still operates in their usual manner of constituting neusance on our roads and collection of illegal fees , disrespect of traffic laws , arrogance and treaten to other users in Lagos, used all available spaces for their garages ? Lagos residents needs a breath new of life on their roads and community .

If the Lagos state Assembly can scrutinized commissioner designate , it shouldn't be a big deal for the assembly to cautioned the state government and NURTW with clear instructions of how the state hope to have it's transport system function with consequences and review .

Which of the NURTW did the Lagos state government had discussion with that led to the lifting of the suspension of the union ? Is it Agbede and Musiliu Akinsanya faction that are serving members of park and garden committee or the National body of the union ? Is the dissolution of park and garrage means automatic take over of Musiliu Akinsanya Mc as state chairman ? This are cogent questions the state government must immediately put to rest to avoid chaos which is synonymous with the operations of NURTW

The more the Lagos state government folds it's hand and allowed some group or individual dictates to her , the government is just postponing the evil day where they would proof there is government in government in Lagos state and cause chaos in the state. A stitch in time saves nine .

Election is over, governance in Lagos state should be taken with all seriousness to ameliorate the pains of Lagos residents especially at this time of hardship. Lagos state government needs to stand up and announced with clear informations on transport governance in Lagos state.

Opinion 

September 2023