The Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service has impounded over 200 unroadworthy vehicles across the state.

The Director of Lagos VIS, Mr Akin-George Fashola, stated this in a press release made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

The statement was signed by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

Fashola, who recently led an enforcement operation that resulted in the impounding of several unroadworthy vehicles, noted that the initiative was aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing accidents caused by unfit vehicles.

So This Happened (181) reviews resignation of Lagos commissioner, new UK’s Prime Minister, other

Explaining the rationale behind the operation, Fashola reiterated that the enforcement exercise targeted a wide range of vehicles, with a significant number comprising commercial minibuses, including danfos and korope vehicles.

“The operation is not restricted to private vehicles alone, as is commonly believed, but extends to all categories of vehicles contributing to the state’s transport ecosystem.

“All vehicle owners, especially those intending to use their vehicles for commercial purposes, are urged to ensure they meet the required roadworthiness standards.

“Before commercialising your vehicle, make sure it is fit for the road. You can even take it to any of our annex offices for proper inspection before putting it into operation,” he advised.

He also assured the public of the directorate’s commitment to sustaining the enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety and promoting a safer, more efficient transport system in Lagos.

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee, Texas, Mr Ike Chidolue, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to present credible evidence to support her allegations or resign from the Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her.
Chidolue made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

His reaction followed the senator’s recent Facebook post, in which she dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by Dr Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke).

Akpoti-Uduaghan had described the broadcast which featured audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict her public denials on several matters as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”
However, Chidolue said the senator had failed to present any facts or evidence to defend her position.

According to him, “Her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.

“What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now-familiar pattern sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence.”

Chidolue added that if the materials presented by Duru were authentic, they portrayed a troubling picture of a public official weaponising unproven accusations for political mileage.

He cited a number of claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan which had not been substantiated with verifiable evidence. These included allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio, claims that former Governor Yahaya Bello was contracted to assassinate her, and accusations that the Akpabios were involved in the 2021 death of a minor.

He also referred to her assertion that her reassignment on the Senate floor was punishment for rejecting advances.

“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, Senate resolution, or authenticated document.

When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable: attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts,” Chidolue stated.

He therefore recommended a four-step approach to restore public confidence.

According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan should first verify or refute Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic laboratory publicly.

She should also present evidence including police reports, court filings, and Senate records to support every claim, or pursue legal redress if defamed,” he said.

Failing all else, Chidolue added, she should issue a public apology and vacate her Senate seat.

“Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment.

“When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama.

“The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now hers: evidence or exit,” Chidolue concluded.

Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Hashim Dungurawa, has declared that wherever their political leader Senator Musa Kwankwaso goes, they would follow him.

Dungurawa is the chairman of the faction of the party led by Kwankwaso.

Responding to questions on the planned defection of the senator to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the NNPP chairman told LEADERSHIP Sunday that wherever Kwankwaso decides to go, they would follow him without hesitance.

“We are all blind and he is our political leader and guide, so wherever he goes is where we will be.

“Whatever he chooses for us is what we will do; no more no less. Therefore, whatever party he moves to, is where we will all move to,” he stated.

Kwankwaso enjoys the support of the members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement who are known with the red cap identity.

In the last general election that brought the current administration to power, Kwankwaso defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the NNPP and he was followed by the members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also. The NNPP won the election and is now governing Kano State.

EFCC prevented us from giving VDM food – Friends

Friends and associates of popular Nigerian social media personality and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have voiced concern over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) refusal to allow them to provide him with food.

Recall that VDM’s legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, in a statement, alleged that VDM was arrested by EFCC operatives on Friday.

The arrest has sparked outrage online and raised questions about a certain bank’s alleged complicity in what critics describe as a targeted crackdown.

In a five-minute video released by Koko Pee, one of VDM’s close friends, he revealed that the EFCC denied him the opportunity to bring food to VDM, stating that the Commission would provide food themselves to him.

“We are here at the EFCC headquarters, trying to take food and go and see VDM. The body that took the beating needs to eat,” Koko Pee said.

A few minutes later, he released another video while returning from the EFCC headquarters, saying, “There is a standing order for no one to see him or give him food until Monday.”

At the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale was unavailable for comment or call. As all number attached to the EFCC social handles proved abortive.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has announced that the Commission will be inaugurating several projects in the Niger Delta region to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

Ogbuku, who spoke during the NDDC Quarterly Management Meeting with Staff at the Commission’s headquarters complex, called on the staff to brace for new challenges in developing the oil-rich region as the agency delivers more people-oriented projects.

In a statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC boss expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s recent achievements, especially in project delivery. He said the interventionist agency had lined up projects to mark President Tinubu’s second anniversary.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer assures that while the staff give their best in discharging their responsibility, the Board and Management will not hesitate to meet their welfare needs.

He said: “With your support, the NDDC has gained significant awards and commendations locally and internationally, including commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dr Ogbuku remarked. He further highlighted the commission’s success in road construction and solar street light installations under the transformative “Light Up the Niger Delta” project.

As part of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebrations, several developmental projects have been inaugurated across Delta, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Bayelsa states. Ogbuku announced that another round of project commissioning will commence this month to reinforce the commission’s ongoing commitment to regional development. He urged staff to continue their dedication to the commission’s mission, emphasising that their contributions are crucial to its growth and impact.

The NDDC Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Patrick Ekade, said regular engagements with staff were responsible for the cordiality between Management and Staff.
He commended staff for their professionalism and encouraged continued support for management initiatives. He also acknowledged the collaboration between the Commission and the staff union.

The meeting also witnessed a raffle draw, in which two staff members won various prizes, including a three-bedroom house, a brand-new car, and household equipment.

Earlier, the NDDC Managing Director met with the newly elected executives of the NDDC Staff Union, where he charged them to prioritise the region’s development over personal gains.

The United Kingdom has resumed visa application services in Enugu, months after closing its centre in the city.

Last November, the UK shut down its visa application centres (VACs) in Enugu and Port Harcourt following the launch of its largest facility in Lagos, operated by VFS Global.

At the time, VFS announced that Nigerians applying for UK visas would need to book appointments at VACs in Lagos or Abuja.

The now-reopened centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt were previously managed by TLScontact.

In an update on Wednesday, the British High Commission said visa application services have resumed in Enugu.

“Residents of Enugu, Nigeria, can now enjoy a smooth UK visa process from the comfort of our Premium Application Centre at Omedel Luxury Hotel,” VFS noted earlier.

In Port Harcourt, applications are processed at Hotel Presidential, according to VFS.