“Resign Now, Your Action, Shameless”, LP Tells Senator Onyewuchi, “You Cannot Carry Our Mandate To APC”

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July 26, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Chapter of the Labour Party, LP, has called on Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi to do the needful and resign his membership of the Nigerian Senate.

The Party, also, issued a three-day ultimatum to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, within which to declare the seat of the Senator vacant, and or risk a legal action.

The position of the party stemmed from the Senator’s defection from the LP to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that the Senator representing Imo East, on Tuesday, July 23 2024, resigned his membership of LP, citing internal crisis as reason.

The LP, however, is not persuaded by his stance. In a letter addressed to the Senate President on Friday, July 26, the Imo state LP described the action of Senator Onyewuchi as smacking of shamelessness .

The Imo State LP Publicity Secretary, Bright Ofurum, noted that the Party sincerely regrets ever supporting Senator Onyebuchi in the 2023 general elections.

In its letter, the LP recalled how it came to the rescue of the Senator after being defeated at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Primaries by offering him its ticket.

It is the considered opinion of LP that this single gesture was all that Senator Onyewuchi needed to revive his already faded political career.”

It regretted that the Senator has betrayed the trust reposed in him, with his decision to turn his back on the political platform that offered him a life line.

The Party insisted that the mandate being carried by Senator Onyewuchi does not belong to him as a person, but the LP.

The LP, therefore, demanded that he surrenders the mandate, and move on, adding that the party would not in any way miss him.

According to the Publicity Secretary, Senator Onyewuchi, until his defection, never for once attended any of the party’s meetings, and/or functions..

Furthermore, Ofurum described as a huge political mistake and suicide, the decision of the Senator to dump the party that stood behind him during challenging times,;insisting that the action will result in serious political consequences.

“Having contested and won the Imo East Senatorial seat on the platform of our great party, LP, Ezanwa Onyewuchi is carrying the mandate of our party as well as that of Imo East Senatorial Zone.

“Suffice it to point out clearly that Imo East electorate, passionately, voted for our party and not him as a person . He can not carry our mandate to APC .

“In the light of the current development, and in line with the letters and spirit of the 1999 Constitution as amended, we request Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi to do the needful and resign immediately from the Senate following his shameful defection.

Furthermore, we respectfully call on the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to, immediately, declare Senator Onyewuchi’s seat vacant in line with section 68 (2) of the Constitution”, Part of the LP letter reads.

With the Senator’s defection, the APC is now in full control of Imo’s three Senatorial zones.

Days of Rage: FG Blocks “Take It Back Movement” Bank Account

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 26, 2024

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The Take It Bank Movement has decried the decision of the federal government to block their account in the United Bank of Africa, UBA.

The movement is one of the prime promoters of the 10 -day planned protest by some angry Nigerians over the current hardship in the country. The protest tagged Days of Rage, is scheduled for August 1 -10.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has pleaded with the organisers to shelve their plan to protest, saying their demands are being addressed.

Amidst the ongoing efforts by some prominent Nigerians to discourage the protest from going ahead, the Movement, led by Omoyele Sowore, said on Friday that their account in the new generation bank has been blocked on the order of the Department of State Services, DSS.

Recall that the DSS disclosed on Thursday that it has identified the arrowheads of the protest, which it accused of trying to destabilise the current government.

The secret police said the action of the organisers constitute a coup against the Tinubu’s administration.

In a post on the TIB X handle today, the Movement said “It has now come to our attention that @UBAGroup has frozen our account on the instructions of the DSS,” ahead the planned protest.

The TIB said, “We describe this action as lawless, and demand our account be unfrozen immediately within the next 24hours, without which a legal action will be instituted against @UBAGroup.

The movement however issued an ultimatum to the bank to reopen the account failure for which it will be sued.

“Lawless @OfficialDSSNG will learn a hard lesson soon, and @UBAGroup, @TonyOElumelu for this act of cowardice and conspiracy, the people of Nigeria that you’re letting down at this critical moment in history will let you down soon, too! #DaysOfRage,” Sowore said posted on his X handle.

Afenifere: With Assurance By FG, No Need For Nationwide Protest

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Ayodele Oni

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July 26, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Pa Reuben Fasoranti-led Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation has observed that going by assurance by the federal government, proponents of nationwide strike should shelve the idea.

A statement by the Organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, made available on Friday maintained that while the people have an inalienable right to protest, consideration should be given to the general atmosphere surrounding the planned protest.

“Information at the disposal of Afenifere is that the planned protest is to draw the attention of the government to the excruciating situation in the country. As the saying goes, those who feel it, know it.

“In other words, Nigerians consider protest as a way of registering their displeasure, perhaps, disenchantment over what many are going through. It’s in order.

“But there are some factors that need to be put into consideration. First is whether protest is the only means by which government’s attention can be called to perceived hardship in the land. And, if the protest path is to be taken, what form should it take?

“Engagement is a very potent instrument, not only to call attention to the situation on ground, but also to decide on what the ways out should be.

“Incidentally, the Federal Government has not only expressed its awareness of what is going on in the country, it also expressed a commitment to engagements with Nigerians so as to find solutions to the myriad of challenges that the country is facing; challenges that are the basis for the planned protests.

“When a cost-benefits analysis of the protests were done, it would be found that the outcome did not justify the actions, going by the number of properties, if not lives, that were lost.

“The experience of what happened during the #EndSARS protest in 2020 is still fresh in our minds. Scars of the protests can still be felt in various places.

“For instance, the non-pareil modern laboratory in Lagos that was destroyed then could not be replaced up till now. A laboratory that had nothing to do with what the protesters were venting their angers against.

“The destruction of the laboratory has meant that tests that could be routinely done in Lagos now have to be taken to the United States of America. Instances of such abound in other parts of the country.

“Since, dialogues would be employed to resolve conflicts, it’s better to engage in dialogues, rather than allowing conflicts to degenerate into street protests that stand the chance of being hijacked by irate mob.”

Afenifere concluded by calling on the planners of the protest to level up with the government that has expressed its readiness for engagements.

“We also call on relevant arms of government not only to meaningfully engage the people, but also to make manifest steps being taken to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians within the shortest possible time.”

Uzodimma: I’m Deeply Pained By Iwuanyanwu’s Passing

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The Source

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July 26, 2024

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has broken his silence over the reported death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, saying that he was deeply pained on hearing of the death of the revered Nigerian elder statesman.

Chief Iwuanyanwu passed on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in an Abuja hospital according to a statement from his family.

Condolences have been pouring in from the high and mighty in the country over his passing.

On Friday, Governor Uzodimma, Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, and also the deceased’s Governor, took to his social media handle to personally lament over the death of Chief Iwuanyanwu, noting that the deceased’s death has left a void that would be felt across the country.

He wrote: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the people of Ikeduru LGA, Imo State at large, and Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide.

“I am deeply pained since learning of the passing of the revered elder statesman, Aha eji eje mba Ndi’Igbo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, after a brief illness. His departure leaves a void that will be profoundly felt across Imo State, Igbo land, and Nigeria at large.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was not only an eminent philanthropist and leader but also a true nationalist whose contributions transcended ethnic boundaries. His tireless efforts towards national unity and peace were instrumental in ensuring that the government’s efforts in the restoration of peace materialized.

“He was a guiding light in turbulent times, providing wisdom and expertise that were indispensable. His dedication to the betterment of society and unwavering commitment to the Igbo cause has made Ndi Imo and the entire Igbo community immensely proud.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in the quest for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant his soul eternal rest and provide his family the fortitude to bear this immense loss.”

Hardship: FG Pays Cash To 600,000 Families

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 26, 2024

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No fewer that 600,000 households have benefited from the federal government direct cash transfer to Nigerians.

The Minister of Finance, and Coordinator of the Economy, Wale Edun made this known on Thursday during the half-year review ministerial press briefing, themed, ‘Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024’.

The direct cash transfer is part of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assistance to some vulnerable Nigerians to mitigate their sufferings from the current economic hardship.

President Tinubu had on July 18 directed the immediate review of the cash transfer scheme to be coordinated by the national social investment programme agency, NSIPA.

Speaking yesterday, Edun stated that the administration is committed to the welfare and well being of all Nigerians.

“Following the resumption of payments, over 600,000 households have already received this direct transfer this week”, the minister said in a statement issued by Mohammed Manga, the ministry’s director of Information and Public Relations.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has restated his adminsitration’s plan to do more to meet the needs of Nigerians.

The president made the remark yesterday in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa during a meeting with traditional ruler in the country led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar and Ooni of Ife, as part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to stop some Nigerians from embarking on a protest next month.

Tinubu said, “Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertiliser, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens.

“I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper.”

Iwuanyanwu: Izunwanne, Group Of Journalists Mourns Passing

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The Source

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July 26, 2024

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Emmanuel-Iwuanyanwu - Ohanaeze President

IZUNWANNE, a body of senior Journalists of South-east geo- political zone of Nigeria origin, mourns the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a doyen of the newspaper industry in Nigeria.

We received the news of his death with surprise, as we never knew he was sick, let alone to the extent of going to be fatal.

Though he died as the President General of the apex Igbo non-political but socio-cultural organisation, OHANA EZE NDI IGBO, but Chief Iwuanyanwu is more remembered by us for his unassailable role as a leading light in the newspaper industry in Nigeria, with his establishment of CHAMPION newspaper in 1988, a newspaper that made a household name and competed favourably among other big national newspapers in Nigeria.

By the establishment of CHAMPION newspaper, which he located in Lagos, the hub of newspaper industry in Nigeria, Chief Iwuanyanwu gave the Igbo a strong voice as the newspaper endured the test of time. Many members of IZUNWANNE passed through Iwuanyanwu’s newspaper in the course of their journalism practice. His immense contributions in the development and growth of both journalism and the newspaper industry cannot be over emphasised. He was a father-figure in the industry and left an indelible mark on the sands of time in both journalism and newspaper world.

He will surely be missed.

We condole his family, the journalism world, the newspaper business community and indeed the country in general for the death of this towering a giant, a philanthropist, a kind man, a patriot, an illustrious Igbo son, an astute politician, a successful business and a newspaper proprietor of note, a well known figure in the construction sector, and a quintessential personality.

May his soul rest in peace.

Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu,

Coordinator, IZUNWANNE.

25/7/2024.

No Responsible Govt Will Allow Protest To Happen

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 26, 2024

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By Femi-Fani Kayode

There is nothing wrong with a peaceful demonstration and a lawful legitimate protest. What is unacceptable is a premeditated attempt by a group of faceless individuals who are on the payroll of subversive elements to destabilise the country and incite people to violence and carnage.

That is what this so-called #nationwidestrike that they have labelled as the #endbadgovernanceprotest is all about. Worse still there is a covert and subterranean attempt to provoke the security forces to open mutiny and rebellion against constituted authority and thereby truncuate our democracy.

Those that are behind it are attempting to take advantage of the undoubtedly enormous economic challenges in the land to create panic, fear, chaos and mass unrest with a view to provoking anarchy, mayhem and armed insurrection.

This is unacceptable and no responsible Government will sit back and allow it to happen. I urge those that are behind this surreptitious, subterranean and sinister subterfuge to have a rethink and not spark off a reaction from the security forces that they will later regret. We do not want or need a nationwide #endsars-like round of protests and neither can we afford the attendant violence, strife, division, damage to property and bloodshed that comes with it.

The way forward is to put off the protest, exercise patience, enter dialogue with the Federal Government and express our collective concerns in a lawful, restrained, responsible and legitimate manner. Anything outside of that will be dangerous and counter-productive

Edo: “I Can’t Watch Obaseki Derail Democracy, He’s A Dictator”- Shaibu

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 26, 2024

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Philip Shaibu, reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo state has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki to be a ‘dictator’ in the manner he has government the south south state.

The embattled Deputy Governor was recently reinstated by a federal high court in Abuja, barely three months, after he was impeached by the state House of Assembly on April 8, 2024.

Shaibu has blamed Governor Obaseki for his predicament, saying his principal turned against him after he declared his ambition to succeed him as governor.

Following his reinstatement, Shaibu has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Speaking when he was received by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital Shaibu said the reason why he insisted in becoming the governor of the state, is because Obaseki threatened to destroy him if he refused to drop his ambition.

He said he refused to be pushed over by the governor who he assisted to win reelection, saying his quest to succeed Obaseki “is where the fight started.”

Part of what he said: “He (Obaseki) said, ‘You cannot contest because I have my plans’. The next thing was that he would destroy me if I continued. For me, no man can destroy the plan of God. As an activist, that day I made up my mind that I was going to contest. As of the time our conversation was on, I was still consulting. I went into the race and I won it because I played high-powered politics. They are not politicians. They rode on our back to where they are. In the politics I played, I actually had 400 out of the 572 delegates.

“A week to the primary, I lost some and had 381. So I brought those 381 on the day of the primary but they were refused accreditation. They took the accreditation tags and gave to their appointees to go and do Aso Ebi reception at the stadium they call primaries. Now, the court has ruled that the delegates I had were the authentic delegates and the ones they brought were fake. So as it is, they have boxed themselves into a corner where I don’t want to go because it is a legal issue.

“We are in court and by the grace of God, I had already been vindicated by two judgments. What is critical is that I want to prove internal democracy must be respected and allowed to play.

“You can lobby, you can talk to people and people will understand. If the governor had shown leadership, maybe I wouldn’t have contested because I am not a desperate person. My ambition is not inordinate. I have an ambition to fix the state.

“If somebody else can agree that we collectively fix it, I will follow. But the governor wanted to behave like a military dictator. And for me, we fought. I have captained people that have fought for this democracy. I started from the youth wing. I am sure I am one of the top people you will mention for this democracy that we now have. And for me, I cannot watch this democracy be derailed and allow dictatorship to take control,” Shaibu said.

The magazine reported that Shaibu’s return to the state recently following his reinstatement sparked violence leading to the death of one policeman.

Anambra Judiciary Staff Suspend 10-Day Old Strike, Re-Open Courts

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 26, 2024

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ten days after keeping all Courts in Anambra state under lock and key, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria JUSUN ,said it has decided to reconsider its indefinite industrial action .

The Source reports that the umbrella body of Judicial staff had on Monday, July 15, 2024, embarked on an indefinite strike action to press home its demands for the implementation the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure CONJUS by the Anambra state Government.

But in a circular issued on Thursday, July 25, 2024, and endorsed by its Chairman, Henry Ezeoke, the judicial workers announced the suspension of the strike.

The Union cited a fruitful meeting held between Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the officials of the Union on Wednesday July 24, as reason for the suspension.

“Sequel to the meeting held between the Governor of Anambra State and the Executives of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Anambra State Branch on the 24th of July, in respect of the Consolidated Salary Structure CONJUS, a peculiar allowance for judiciary workers ,we hereby suspend our indefinite strike .

“The Governor promised to set up a Committee to address the issue of CONJUS after the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

“After much deliberations and considerations by the Congress at its emergency meeting held on the 25th of July at the Judiciary Headquarters, High Court of Justice Awka ,the Congress decided to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the Branch”

The circular ,which was copied to all Directors ,Deputy Directors, Assistant Registrars and Registrars, directed staff of the State Judiciary to resume at their duty posts on Friday July 26, 2024.

Iwuanyanwu Left Remarkable Legacy – President Tinubu Mourns

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Ayodele Oni

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July 26, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on Thursday.

Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.

In a statement, President Tinubu condoles with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.

The statement, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, says Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.

President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.