Headlines
EFCC Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Assassination Claim, Urges Ex-Governor to Face Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, alleging an assassination attempt linked to the agency’s efforts to arrest him.
The anti-graft agency described the claim as “preposterous” and an attempt to distract from the ongoing money laundering case against him.
In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page, the EFCC expressed frustration over what it called “irresponsible and rascally efforts” by Bello to derail his trial.
The former governor faces an 18-count charge of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion but has yet to take his plea before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The EFCC criticised Bello for avoiding the court proceedings while alleging persecution and staging his supposed surrender to the Commission on September 18.
Despite this, the agency insisted that only his presence in court, as mandated by Justice Nwite, would demonstrate his commitment to the legal process.
The Commission stated, “Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists.”
Bello’s claim that EFCC agents attempted to assassinate him during a raid at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge was labelled as scaremongering and an unprecedented attempt to scandalize the Commission.
The EFCC maintained that such allegations were meant to manipulate public sentiment and divert attention from the charges against him.
Despite the ex-governor’s antics, the EFCC remains determined to pursue the case in court, where it plans to present the evidence it has gathered.
The statement also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to holding all public officials accountable, emphasising that corruption fights back but will not derail its efforts.
“Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy, or acts of brigandage,” the EFCC said.
The agency reiterated that it has already arraigned three former ministers, two ex-governors, and numerous high-profile individuals this year, and more would follow in due course.
While pledging to maintain its integrity, the EFCC urged Nigerians to exercise caution in responding to media reports about its operations, reminding the public that harbouring a criminal suspect is also a punishable offence.
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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