NAFDAC Arrests 66 Drug Hawkers In 10 Months

The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has arrested no fewer than 66 drug hawkers across the nation.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, stated this while destroying fake and expired goods in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Thursday.

Adeyeye, represented by the NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Francis Ononiwu, said 66 arrests were recorded from 50 raids across the country since January 2023.

According to her, antimalarials, codeine, cough syrups, aphrodisiacs, tramadol capsules, analgesics, and antibiotics worth N8 million were seized from people who hawked drugs on the street.

“Also up for destruction today are damaged and expired products, voluntarily handed over to the agency by compliant companies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations.

“NAFDAC has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the health of the nation is safeguarded.

“As such, it is committed to eliminating expired medical products, illicit drugs, unwholesome foods, chemicals and other violative products,” she said.

She recalled a recent arrest of one Sunday Chibuike, who was charged to court by the agency for producing unregistered alcoholic beverages.

She said that Chibuike was concocting alcoholic drinks laced with marijuana and other harmful ingredients, which were packaged and sold as Japata bitters in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos State.

“This act is extremely callous and worrisome because of the health implications which include pseudo hallucination, impairment of reflexes, acute psychosis, altered brain development and impaired motor coordination, among others.”

She, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to shun drug peddlers on the streets and patronise registered medicine stores.

“I hereby appeal to community leaders, religious leaders, health practitioners, newsmen and others to continue to educate their wards and family members to desist from patronising quacks and peddlers of medicine on the streets.”

The NAFDAC boss also appreciated the support and collaboration from the Nigeria Customs Service, Police, NDLEA, DSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

She assured Nigerians that NAFDAC would not relent in its effort to rid the country of substandard and falsified medicines and other unwholesome regulated products.

‘You’ll Actualize Your Aspiration After Tinubu’s Second Term’ — Ganduje To Atiku, Obi

 

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to put aside their differences and collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Kano State Governor averred that fulfilling their political aspirations will only be possible upon completion of Tinubu’s tenure in 2031.

He noted this while commending the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tinubu’s election victory.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, on Thursday, Ganduje stated that the judgment conclusively dismissed all allegations from opposition parties claiming that the presidential election results were manipulated in the President’s favor.

Ganduje furthered that the Supreme Court’s verdict will enable President Tinubu to focus on implementing the APC’s Renewed Hope mandate for the betterment of Nigerians.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, it is our responsibility as patriots to pool our resources together to move the country forward. I congratulate both Atiku and Obi for their dogged fight in extending the frontiers of our democracy and law.

“This is democracy. Tinubu’s victory is another victory for democratic rule in the country. There is still room for both Obi and Atiku to actualize their presidential aspiration after the second term tenure of President Tinubu in 2031,” he noted.

He also called on Nigerians irrespective of their political leanings to rally around the President to ensure that he delivers more dividends of democracy and moves the country on the path of sustainable growth.

Auction Police Barracks, Build Befitting Accommodations — Reps To FG

 

The House of Representatives on Thursday called for the auctioning of police barracks across the country to tackle the deplorable living conditions of of officers of the force.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by lawmaker Murphy Omoruyi of Edo State’s Labour Party during plenary.

The motion opined that the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Police Affairs to liaise with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to immediately assess the value of all federal-owned police barracks across the country and auction them.

The House said the move was to allow for construction of befitting accommodations for police officers, given the deplorable state of police barracks across the country.

Omoruyi recalled that the National Assembly passed the Police Reform Bill 2020 which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on September 16, 2020.

He however said the problem of adequate and dignified accommodation for police officers had persisted and so far outlived all previous measures.

“For example, between 2019 and 2022, over N5 billion was spent by the federal government on barracks renovations. Despite all efforts, barracks continue to fail to meet basic needs in their current state of disrepair and lack of maintenance,” he said.

He argued that the barracks method of housing for police and local law enforcement officers is “a relic colonial practice that has since been abandoned by the same colonialists in their home countries.”

The lawmaker expressed concern that police officers and their families live in squalor quarters characterized by “large cracks on the walls, bat-infested houses, leaking roofs and dilapidated structures.”

‘Nigeria Dodged A Bullet Of Dictators, Minority Parading As Majority’ — Keyamo Reacts To Supreme Court Judgement

 

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Friday gave an overview of the opposition parties regarding the outcome of the appeals challenging the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s President.

In a post via X, Keyamo averred that some set of people are with the assumption that all institutions of the state must accept their view before it is seen as credible, which is considered the classic predisposition of dictators and fascists.

Keyamo who opined that a group of people have moved to a virtual world, vowing never to acknowledge Tinubu as President, noted that a similar scenario played out in America after the former United States President, Donald Trump, won the election in 2016.

He further warned that those with the cliche ‘Tinubu is not my President’ would face the same institution they disparage any day they attempt to deny the authority of the President.

“So, this is the overall view of what is happening: we have a set of people who believe in the absolute rightness of their own ideas; the infallibility of their own positions and the fact that ALL institutions of the State MUST accept their own views before these institutions can be seen as ‘credible’.

In other words, they want to be the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary and even independent institutions like INEC – all in one! They brook no opposition to their set ways and views; they see themselves as God Himself that is immutable and does not change! That is the CLASSIC PREDISPOSITION of DICTATORS AND FASCISTS. Hence, the nation actually dodged a bullet in their case.

“Fellow Nigerians, these individuals are a small minority masquerading as speaking for the ‘majority’. They draw their oxygen from the attention the gullible ones give to them and the unending engagements they get from reasonable citizens who try to get them to see the other side of the coin. So, after the judgment by the Supreme Court, they say they have moved to a virtual world where they do not recognise our President. Fair enough. They will not be the first. When Donald Trump won, many Americans said they were living in a virtual world for 4 years.

“Therefore, my simple advice to my fellow compatriots is to leave these individuals in their virtual world. Don’t engage them; don’t argue with them. If you do, then it means you have also exited the real world to the virtual world; it is only a madman that argues with a madman. Leave them where they are. It is the DAY THEY CROSS THE VIRTUAL WORLD TO TRY TO DENY THE AUTHORITY OF THE PRESIDENT IN THE REAL WORLD THAT THEY WILL FACE THE SAME INSTITUTIONS THEY DISPARAGE.

“We are waiting for them to cross that line,” he posted.

“The Kiss With Groovy Was Scripted” – BBNaija’s Uriel Insists

 

Big Brother Naija reality show star Uriel Oputa has revealed that her recent romantic date with a younger colleague, Groovy, was staged.

Recall that Uriel and Groovy recently sparked relationship rumours after they were caught kissing in a viral video.

Netizens had berated Uriel, 34, for dating a younger man, Groovy, 29.

But appearing in the latest episode of Pulse’s Inside Scoop with Groovy, Uriel said the kiss and entire relationship was a facade.

She said: “These last couple of days have made me realise that I don’t want to act again. Nollywood actors, I salute you guys. It’s not easy at all.

“We [Groovy and I] had a fantastic time at Lagos Cocktail Week. We were there with an amazing brand. And we were on an assignment, and we took on roles. We basically acted like we were into each other. We were flirting and everything. Everything you saw basically was an assignment.”

Groovy added, “Yeah, it was an assignment. It was scripted.”

“Never Demand What You Can’t Afford From Men” – Toke Makinwa Tells ladies

 

Nollywood actress and  On-Air media personality, Toke Makinwa has advised ladies in relationships against making outrageous demands from their male partners.

The OAP said it was wrong for ladies to demand what they can’t afford for themselves from their lovers.

Speaking in the latest episode of her podcast, TokeMoments, she also cautioned ladies against putting pressure on their male partners.

She said, “As a woman, you’re living in Mushin, and you’re putting pressure on a guy to buy you a house in Banana Island. I’m sorry. Make it make sense. Can you buy it? Can you even move yourself out of where you are small?

“If he meets you maybe like halfway and you are saying to him that ‘Bros, I worked hard to get halfway but I’ve a dream. My dream is not to be here where you met. And I’m not lazy. For me to leave this point to get to that point, you can see the trait of hard work. Are you going to join me to move there or are you going to be there?’ Period.”

She added that women who make excessive demands from men are the reason men insult women.

“I’ve Never Been In A Romantic Relationship” – Ilebaye Reveals

 

Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has said she has never been in a romantic relationship.

Recall that the 22-year-old model on Monday, July 31, 2023, during the BBNaija show, stated that she was still a virgin.

In a recent interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Ilebaye attributed her virginity to her upbringing, adding that her father was very disciplined.

The host: “Have you been in a relationship before, in the past?”

Ilebaye: “No.”

The host: “How can you be in this…a Gen Z. Somebody born after 1998, the Tiktok generation. What happened? Were your parents strict? What is going on?”

Ilebaye: “My dad is strict sha. But I don’t know.”

“Wait For Your Turn” – Protesters Storm Supreme Court, Mock Obi, Atiku (Photos)

 Some suspected supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, were spotted at the premises of the Supreme Court, as the final judgement on the battle between the incumbent President, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi commenced.

Recall that Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party including, Obi of Labour Party had earlier rejected the verdict by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The PDP and LP’s candidates  are seeking for the nullification of the victory’s of Tinubu, announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The apex court, on Monday, heard the cases and on Wednesday announced that judgment would be delivered today.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the supporters were spotted  with placards, banners and shirts with different inscriptions. One of the banners, as seen in photos shared by Daily Trust, says: “2023 Na JAGABAN/SHETTIMA TURN, WAIT FOR YOUR TURN.”

Some of the banners held by the protesters at the Supreme Court entrance had inscriptions claiming that President Tinubu loves the Niger Delta people, while another said Presidency is not an MMM scheme.

See  photos below:

‘We’re Disappointed, Supreme Court Condoned Forgery, Falsehood, Perjury’ — PDP

 

Following Thursday’s judgement of the Supreme Court which trashed the petition against the declaration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the disputed 2023 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed great disappointment.

According to the Party, it was appalled by the result of the petition it filed alongside its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against the declaration of the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) Tinubu as President by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Debo Ologunagba, the Party’s National Publicity Secretary said in a statement, in Abuja that, “The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are alarmed, disappointed and gravely concerned with the reasoning of the Supreme Court which the PDP believes is against the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, the Guideline and Regulation issued by INEC under which the election was conducted.

“The PDP asserts that it is indeed a sad commentary for our democracy that the Supreme Court failed to uphold the provisions of the law.

“Instead, it trashed the expectation of the majority of Nigerians who looked up to it as a Temple of Impartiality to deliver substantial justice in the matter having regards to the laws and facts of the case.

“Nigerians earnestly expected the Supreme Court to uphold and defend the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution in terms of qualification and minimum requirement for a winner to be declared in a Presidential election in Nigeria, especially with regards to the required statutory 25 per cent of votes in the FCT as well as issues of violation of electoral Rules and Guidelines, brazen manipulations and alterations of election results by the APC.

“Nigerians are still at a loss as to how the Supreme Court condoned the serious issues of forgery, falsehood and perjury on the altar of technicalities.

“The general gloom, melancholy and sense of despondency across the country upon the delivery of the judgment is an ominous sign of eerie situation which portend grave consequences because of the disappointment embedded in the judgment.

“This judgment by the Supreme Court has shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man.

“The PDP remains undeterred and charges Nigerians not to be discouraged or allow the judgment to detract from their collective quest for the entrenchment of a credible electoral system that can guarantee a government that truly derives its legitimacy from the people,” it urged.

‘It’s Time To Build Nigeria Together’ – Tinubu To Atiku, Obi On Supreme Court Victory

 

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Following the defeat of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party at the Supreme Court today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended hands of collaboration.

Collaborating with him, he said, would aid building Nigeria and moving the country forward.

Recall that the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed appeals filed by Atiku and Obi against Tinubu’s emergence as President.

Reacting, Tinubu in a statement titled: ‘It is time for us to build our great nation together,’ said his victory at the Supreme Court has further energised and strengthened his commitment to serve Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes and faiths with honour and total respect.

His words: “I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour. There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.

“While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.

“It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.

“With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people. The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.

“Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.

“We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.

“In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.

“I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.”

Meanwhile Tinubu told his aides that their jobs are secure while responding to the affirmation of his victory by the Supreme Court.

As seen in a viral video, some aides of the President rushed into his office to congratulate him while he was attending to some files on his table.

Tinubu however paused and said, “Thank you very much!”, adding, “Your jobs are secure.”

Gov. Adeleke Orders Suspension Of Foreign Trips For Top Govt Officials For The Rest Of 2023

 As part of efforts to reduce cost of governance, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has suspended with immediate effect, foreign travels by government officials from the state for the rest of the year.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and made available to newsmen on Monday, in Osogbo.

A decision was reached at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held last Thursday, and foreign trips could only be used if there was a direct emergency and would be authorised by the state Governor.

Adeleke also urged cabinet ministers and all other administration members to show that they are willing to make personal sacrifices in light of the state’s dire financial circumstances by avoiding excessive spending.

The statement read: “Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorised by the Governor.

“The Governor directed the immediate suspension of foreign travels by top officials. He urged the application of virtual meetings for attendance and participation at international business and investment events.

“We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.

“Our needs from office to accommodation are much but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve.”

“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and accommodating spirit.”