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No Regrets Working Against Jonathan – ACF, NEF

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No Regrets Working Against Jonathan – ACF, NEF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) on Wednesday defended their opposition to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan when he contested the 2011 and the 2015 presidential elections.

The groups, in separate interviews with The Punch, indicated that they had no regrets for their position in the two elections.

On its part, the ACF while justifying its position, said leaders should learn to honour their words.

The spokesman for NEF, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, said on the telephone that the North worked against the former President because he and his party jettisoned the power shift (zoning) policy.

He said the forum never hid the reason for working against Jonathan, as according to him, “We told him (Jonathan) why we worked against him,” he stated.

He added that the forum expected the former President to respect the zoning formula shortly after the death of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua but regrettably, Jonathan and his party reneged on the zoning agreement.

The former Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) vice-chancellor, stated, “Yes, it is true that Northern Elders’ Forum worked against Jonathan and we told him why.

“They themselves (PDP) admitted that they made a mistake in reneging on the power shift and why what happened,” the spokesman said.

On its part, the ACF adduced the same reason for working against the former President and his party, saying Jonathan contested in 2011 and 2015 against the arrangement of his party that zoned the presidency to the North.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim-Biu, told one of our correspondents that the former President’s assertion that the North worked against him was odd, considering the “circumstances at that time.” The spokesman admonished Nigerian leaders to always honour agreements they entered into.

He said, “It is on record that Jonathan contested the 2011 and 2015 polls against the zoning arrangement of his party that zoned the presidential slot to the North.

“Therefore, his assertions that Northern leaders and socio-political groups in the North worked against his presidency is rather odd, considering the circumstances at that time.

“Yet the ruling party secured 25 per cent in most states of the North. It may interest you to know that his party has since admitted the oversight in the party winning game plan.”

He added, “This clearly means that leaders should always honour their words with deeds if they want to earn the respect of their followers.”

The former President, in his new book, “My Transition Hour” had said that he battled opposition from Northern leaders and socio-political groups, which felt he was usurping power from the region.

Jonathan said the northern power blocs had tried to deny him his constitutional right of contesting the 2011 presidential election after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010.

According to him, despite the threats and opposition, he was able to win the 2011 election.

Credit Punch

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Man Charged With Murder Of 14-Year Old Nigerian Daniel Anjorin After East London Sword Attack

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A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder after a 14-year-old boy was killed in a sword rampage in east London.

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, of Newham, has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article, the Metropolitan Police said.

The dual Spanish-Brazilian national will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Daniel Anjorin, 14, died on Tuesday as he walked to school in Hainault.

Staff and pupils at Bancroft’s, an independent school, said they have been left in “profound shock and sorrow” at his death.

Monzo is accused of crashing a van into a fence in Laing Close just before 7am on Tuesday and then attacking two members of the public with a sword.

It is alleged he then killed Daniel before seriously injuring two police officers as they tried to stop him, one of whom nearly lost her hand.

Monzo was initially taken to hospital after he was injured crashing the van.

Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Marcus Arduini Monzo with the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was fatally stabbed in Hainault on Tuesday April 30.

“A further four people – including two police officers – were seriously injured and Monzo has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

“Our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the Daniel and all those who have been impacted by this horrific incident.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The boy’s family told Sky News he was “a wonderful child” who was “well loved” and “hard working”, adding that his death “leaves a gaping wound in the family”.

“No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,” they told the broadcaster.

“Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”

A statement from Bancroft’s said: “We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel Anjorin, who attended our school. This has left us in profound shock and sorrow.

“Daniel joined Bancroft’s at seven years old and quickly became a core member of our community.

“He was a true scholar, demonstrating commendable dedication to his academic pursuits.

“His positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact on us.”

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Lagos Govt Uncovers 86 Rooms Under Bridge Where tenants Pay N250k Yearly

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Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday said the government discovered 86 partitioned rooms, sized 10×10 and 12×10, under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi, on Lagos Island.

Tenants are said to be paying N250,000 per annum for the makeshift apartment under the bridge.

Wahab shared this information via a post on X.com on Wednesday, along with videos.

He added that the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had successfully removed all structures, including a container utilised for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge.

Sharing videos he wrote, “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

“They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources”

A Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, further confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi over illegal settlement and environmental violations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI on Tuesday.

He wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).

“These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”

He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he added

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PDP Calls For Investigation Into El-Rufai Government’s Expenditure In Kaduna

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State chapter, has urged the Kaduna State House of Assembly to initiate an investigation into the expenditure of the past administration of Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement on Workers Day, the PDP emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance.

Abraham Alberah Catoh, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said the call for an investigation comes amidst concerns over the unjust sacking of over 27,000 workers across the state without payment of their entitlements.

“The PDP reiterates its commitment to supporting good governance at all levels and government’s efforts in reducing the pains and plight of all workers, including the private sector, as they are the bedrock of the entire governance structure and economic development.

“We wish the Nigerian workers a Happy May Day celebration,” it said

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