Connect with us

News

I’m not a thief, Kalu Cries Out at Senate valedictory session

Published

on

374 Views

It was a moment of Solemnity at the ninth Senate as Orji Kalu, burst into tears while giving his valedictory speech on the floor on Saturday.

Kalu, while weeping, stated that he was labelled a thief by some entities who conspired against him.

He said, “Before I came into politics, I could buy anything money could buy. I’m not a thief. Those who put me in prison know the reason. They took over my businesses and wanted to kill me, yet I survived it, and I’m in the Senate with you.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arraigned the former Abia governor and Ude Jones Udeogu, a former director of finance and accountant, on 36 counts of money laundering to the tune of N7.1 billion.

On December 5, 2019, Kalu was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, while Udeogu got a 10-year sentence.

The Supreme Court later nullified the trial of Kalu and his co-convicts.

The apex court held that Mohammed Idris, the trial judge who had been elevated to the court of appeal at the time of the case, ought not to have presided over the matter while he was an appeal court judge.

No fresh charges have been filed against him.

The chief whip said before he ventured into politics, he was wealthy and played a critical role financially in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Senator Kalu stated, “I have never lacked, while I was in the Peoples Democratic Party where I served for two terms as governor, I brought the money they used to form that party, every penny, in 1997 and 1998, and I later became a thief.

“People I gave transport money from my house in Victoria Island became agents. This is what Nigeria represents.”

Senator Kalu, who is also a frontline contender for the leadership of the 10th Assembly, said that the country was not fair.

News

Gas Leak in Ogun School: 30 Students, Teacher Hospitalised

Published

on

5 Views

At least 30 students and one teacher have been hospitalised on Wednesday following a suspected gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The incident occurred shortly after the morning assembly when a strange gaseous substance suspected to have emanated from nearby carbide cylinders spread across the school premises, causing students and staff to struggle for breath and triggering widespread panic.

Several students reportedly collapsed before school authorities swiftly contacted emergency services. Ambulances from the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, were deployed to evacuate the affected individuals.

Confirming the development, the Chief Medical Director of the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, Dr. Banjo Adeoye, said 30 students and one teacher were brought in for treatment. He added that they received prompt medical attention and are now in stable condition, with some already discharged.

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, also confirmed the gas leak, noting that most of the victims are very okay now.

The Ogun State Fire Service and relevant agencies have been alerted as investigations commence to ascertain the exact source of the leak.

Parents have expressed concern over safety standards in schools, calling for thorough inspections of educational facilities and stricter safety protocols.

No fatalities were recorded. Normalcy is gradually returning to the school, though authorities have advised parents to monitor their children for any delayed symptoms.

Continue Reading

News

Easter: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

Published

on

By

6 Views

Photo: Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

The Federal Government has declared Friday, 3rd and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

The minister who congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.

Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: El-Rufai Leaves State High Court for Federal High Court in Kaduna

Published

on

26 Views

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has concluded proceedings at the State High Court in Kaduna and is now proceeding to the Federal High Court for the continuation of another suit.

El-Rufai, who was earlier present at the State High Court for the continuation of his trial, left the premises after the sitting ended.

He is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna for further proceedings related to another case.

Security presence remained visible around both court premises as proceedings attracted attention from observers and supporters.

Details of the proceedings at the Federal High Court are expected to emerge as the matter continues.

Continue Reading

Trending