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AFENIFERE CALLS FOR SGF AKUME’S SUSPENSION OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

The Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-political organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over allegations of corruption coordinated by his aide, Torhile Uchi. In a strongly worded statement signed by Dr. Bayo Adenuga, a factional publicity secretary of Afenifere, the group tasked President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption by suspending the SGF to pave way for an independent and unbiased investigation into the corruption case. “It is unacceptable that verifiable cases of corruption such as the one superintendent upon by the SGF and his aide will be swept under the carpet during the tenure of an administration that has sworn to fight corruption to a standstill,” the statement read. The group demanded that Akume be suspended to allow for a full, free, and comprehensive investigation into the gross allegations of corruption coordinated in his office and with his full consent. “An N80billion crime of money laundering uncovered by the EFCC using taxpayers’ money cannot be allowed to slip away like that. We demand accountability,” the statement added. Afenifere gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a 7-day ultimatum to update the public on the status of the pending investigation or risk a massive nationwide protest from the Yoruba nation, all lovers of democracy, and anti-corruption crusaders. The group also reminded President Tinubu of his commitment to fighting corruption, citing the cases of Beta Edu and the NNPCL management. “Let us remind you, Mr. President that as a group that supports your administration’s anti-corruption drive, we owe you a duty to always cooperate with you to prosecute corrupt elements no matter how highly placed they might be,” the statement concluded.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SUSPENDED FOR ONE WEEK DUE TO ESCALATING TENSIONS WITH PAKISTAN

The Indian Premier League (IPL), the country’s biggest domestic cricket tournament, has been suspended for one week following the escalating military tensions with Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the decision in a statement, saying the tournament will be halted with immediate effect. “Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders,” the BCCI said. The decision comes after a night of artillery exchanges between Indian and Pakistani soldiers across their frontier in Kashmir, amid a growing military standoff that erupted following an attack on tourists in the India-controlled portion of the disputed region. The IPL is the most popular cricket tournament in the world and features top players from around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, and Afghanistan. This year’s tournament has attracted hundreds of millions of TV viewers and featured 65 international cricketers. The suspension of the IPL is a significant development, given its massive popularity and following in India and around the world. The BCCI’s decision to suspend the tournament reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to prioritize the safety and security of the players, officials, and fans.

KEBBI GOVERNOR’S AIDE SUSPENDED FOR BRINGING SNAKE TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Kabir Sani-Giant, the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on Power and Politics, has been suspended with immediate effect by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suspension was announced by the APC secretary in Kebbi State, Sa’idu Muhammad-Kimba, in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Sunday. According to Muhammad-Kimba, Sani-Giant’s suspension was due to an incident on February 8, where he brought a snake to the Government House, causing panic among dignitaries, statesmen, and officials. The APC secretary stated that Sani-Giant’s conduct could embarrass and discredit the party, and that his actions violated the APC’s constitution. Muhammad-Kimba emphasized that the party deemed Sani-Giant’s behavior as “offensive and embarrassing.” He added that the suspension would remain in place pending further investigation and possible disciplinary action, which could lead to expulsion if repeated. As Muhammad-Kimba noted, “His suspension remains in place pending further investigation and possible disciplinary action, which could lead to expulsion if repeated”.

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS ATTORNEY-GENERAL, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN OVER ALLEGED FINANCIAL INFRACTIONS

The Edo State Government has suspended its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions”. According to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, the suspension takes immediate effect and is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations. Ikhilor stated that the suspension became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations. “The suspension of Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them,” Ikhilor said. “The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation.” The governor, Monday Okpebholo, has also ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations. The suspension comes less than three months after the two officials were appointed.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WARRI SUSPENDS PRIEST FOR SECRET MARRIAGE IN US

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following his secret marriage in the United States. The suspension was made known in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated January 16, 2025, and jointly signed by Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo. According to the statement, Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024. The footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media. “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1,” the statement said. Bishop Ewherido officially decreed that Oghenerukevwe is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry. “As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect,” the statement added. The Diocese of Warri had earlier reached out to Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process of releasing him from his canonical obligations. However, he went ahead to get married before the process was completed. The statement concluded by saying, “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”