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Edo: Gov Obaseki Inaugurates Members Of Civil Service Commission Few Days To Exit

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Obaseki Inaugurates Members Of Civil Service Commission

By Ayodele Oni

Few days to the end of his administration, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated the newly appointed members of the Civil Service Commission.

At the ceremony on Tuesday, the Governor  described the event as a “watershed moment” for the state’s public service.

Obaseki highlighted the significant reforms the state has undergone to reshape the public service, noting that the swearing-in was a result of years of dedicated effort to improve the attitude, structure, and efficiency of the government workforce.

“The Civil Service Commission is tasked with nurturing, hiring, and training our civil servants, who are the critical assets of the government.”

Apparently fearing possible dissolution of the commission by incoming administration, the governor cautioned that “This agency should not be treated as another political structure,” urging the new members to maintain professionalism amidst any distractions they may encounter.

He also encouraged the Commission to provide sound advice to the government and expand its scope to manage all public servants effectively.

“The new members are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the public service continues to function as a cornerstone of governance in Edo State.”

Borno Airport Upgraded To International Status, Operation Begins January 1, 2025

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Festus Keyamo - Aviation Minister

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Unless there is a last minute policy change, the Muhammadu Buhari Airport Maiduguri Borno state will effective January 1, 2025 commence international flight operations.

This followed its upgrade to an international status by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The upgrade comes on the heels of complaints that a number of Airports in some state are idle, and hardly yield any revenue.

The upgrade was revealed on Tuesday October 15,2024 by the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

Writing on his official site, Keyamo informed that the decision to upscale the status and operations of the Airport was officially announced on Monday October 14, during a working visit to his office by the Borno state Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum and the Senators from the State.

According to him, the Airport has been billed to start international flights as early as January 2025.

“His Excellency, Prof Umar Babagana Zulum the Executive Governor of Borno State together with Distinguished Senators from Borno state and other stakeholders, paid a working visit to my office yesterday (Monday ) where I formally announced the upgrade of Muhammadu Buhari Airport Maiduguri  to a full fledged International Airport with International operations set to begin on January 1, 2025” the Aviation Minister stated.

Keyamo emphasized the significant positive impact the development will have both on the economy of Borno State and the country at large.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation quoted the Aviation Minister as saying that the Airport will serve as a gate way for international flights to and from the Middle East.

He, also, highlighted the fact that the dense population and rich infra structural facilities of Maiduguri will be an advantage to its new status .

“Establishment of an international airport in Maiduguri is strategic to receiving international flights coming in from the Middle East into this country.

It has the size population and infrastructure to support an international airport”, the Aviation Minister  noted.

According to him, the new status of the Airport will unlock the huge economic potentials of the State, by impacting positively on its GDP.

Speaking on  behalf of the Borno state delegation, Prof .Zulum while expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Aviation Ministry for the approval, and giant strides within the industry, also highlighted the happiness of the people over the development.

The Borno State Governor promised that the North East Governors will provide all the necessary support for the smooth operation of the Airport.

Court Slams N500mn Fine On VDM For  Defaming Falana, Falz

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Femi Falana and VeryDarkMan

By Akinwale Kasali

Blogger and Social Media Critic, Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, has been slammed a whopping sum of N500 Million by a Lagos State High Court for defamatory comments and videos made against Senior Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, musician-son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.

The Court ordered VDM to pay N500 million to them for libel, as stated in the pre-action bundle of the judgment.

Justice M. O. Idowu delivered the ruling in suit no: ID/8584/GCM/2024 on Tuesday.

According to him, the publications made by VeryDarkMan on his social media accounts on September 24, 2024, linking Idris  Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky, to Falz and his father were defamatory and injurious to their public image.

The Falanas had asked VDM to pull down the offensive post, retract and apologise or they would head to the Courts. He never quite did that, hence the suit.

A source who claim closely to VDM said he may either appeal the judgment or find a way to settle amicably with the Falanas.

“Incessant Collapse Of National Grid Is Sign Of Leadership Failure” – Peter Obi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has Obi has reacted to incessant collapse of the national grid and criticized the disparity between Nigeria’s power generation capacity and that of other African nations.

Obi highlighted the differences between Nigeria and economies like South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.

Obi in his X account writes “Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis.

“The disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continues to hold back our growth and potential.”

He added that Nigeria, despite its larger population, generates significantly less electricity compared to smaller economies.

He expressed concern over the recent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which has once again left large parts of the country in darkness.

The grid reportedly failed on Monday evening at around 6:18 pm, causing widespread power outages.

Investigations revealed that electricity generation, which stood at 3.87 gigawatts by 5 pm, dropped to 3.56GW at 6 pm, and eventually plummeted to 0.00GW by 7 pm, continuing into the night.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) confirmed the grid collapse in a statement released later that same evening.

Reacting to the incident, Obi,  condemned the development, calling it a national embarrassment.

“For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

“This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.

“We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.”

He argued that the lack of consistent power hinders the productivity and growth potential of Nigerian businesses.

“Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development.”

2024 Ondo Election: PDP Calls For Removal Of INEC REC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola

By Akinwale Kasali

As the November 16th, 2024 Ondo State Governorship Off Cycle Election draws closer, Governors under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have joined some voters and other stakeholders to demand for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission,  INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, for allegedly plotting to manipulate the poll in favour of a particular party.

The Governors alleged that Babalola, who was expected to be a neutral umpire, has allegedly indicated her support for a candidate vying for the election next month, saying this will affect the outcome of the exercise in the State.

They also requested that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, remove the REC and replace her with another impartial umpire for the poll in Ondo.

They made the request on Tuesday during the flag-off of the Ondo gubernatorial election campaign in Akure, the state capital, which was also attended by the Acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and others.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors during the campaign, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said that the campaign against Babalola will be intensified until her removal by the INEC chairman before the poll.

Makinde alleged that the REC has renege on her promises of serving without giving preference to the any political party during and after the poll.

He added that Babalola has not hide her preference for a candidate vying for the election considering that they shared indigeneship ties in the state.

Ondo Assembly Set To Pass Supplementary Appropriation Bill As Finance Commissioner Honours Invitation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state House of Assembly has re visited debate on the supplementary appropriation bill sent to it by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This followed the appearance of the state Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac on Tuesday  to shed light on the bill and other previous approvals.

The assembly, had last week dumped further deliberations on the bill, meant for second reading, following refusal of the commissioner to honour the invite by the parliament.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, explained that the invitation was in line with the constitutional duties as lawmakers.

According to him, the House observed that it was necessary for them to call for the finance Commissioner in order to shed light on the 2024 amended appropriation law.

Oshati, who expressed the lawmakers’ satisfaction with the commissioner’s response at the meeting, assured that the three arms of government would continue to work in harmony for the overall development of Ondo State

The House’s spokesman noted that the invitation of Mrs Omowumi is for the benefit of the citizens of the State, lauding her for her comprehensive analysis of the grey areas in the 2024 appropriation law.

While stressing the importance of the law, Oshati expressed optimism that it would go a long way in addressing the current inflation and economic hardship in the country when passed by the House.

He later informed that the lawmakers have unanimously agreed to proceed on the passage of the 2024 amended appropriation law.

Stressing that nothing would deter them from performing their responsibilities at all times, the lawmakers expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his interest in putting smiles on the faces of the people of the State.

Uzodimma Names Ughala Special Adviser On Public Orientation

By
The Source
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Collins Chibueze Ughala

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved the appointment of foremost journalist, Collins Chibueze Ughala, as his Special Adviser on Public Orientation.

His appointment takes immediate effect.

During Governor Uzodimma’s first tenure, Ughala also functioned in the capacity of a Special Adviser on Public Communication.

While congratulating Ughala on his appointment, Governor Uzodimma expects him to bring his experience in the media sector to bear on his new duty post, and in sync with the administration’s 3-R mantra of reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery.

FG Summons High Commissioner Over Yoruba Nation’s Petition To UK Government

By
Ayodele Oni
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Igboho Submits petition To UK

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has summoned the British High Commissioner in Nigeria over the petition by Yoruba Nation agitator, Mr Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as “Sunday Igboho”, calling on the United Kingdom, (UK) to consider the Yoruba nation request.

Government stated that the petition was just an ordinary mail which was not endorsed by the UK government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through it’s spokesperson,  Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, explained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, that media reports on the petition “were highly misleading.”

According to him, “Following media reports on the petition submitted at No. 10 Downing Street by Mr Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was invited to shed light on the issue.

“During the meeting, the High Commissioner noted with concern that the matter was overblown, indicating that the media reports were highly misleading.

“Furthermore, the High Commissioner informed that he was aware of the letter being delivered, but added that it was merely an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions at 10 DowningStreet.

“It was not endorsed by any agency of the UK government nor the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

“The UK government typically does not concern itself with petitions concerning the sovereign affairs of another country.”

He quoted the high commissioner to have informed that such petitions had been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government in the past.

He further agreed to continue liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed, while reiterating the importance of the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Igboho, according to his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, in a post on Sunday via his X handle submitted a petition to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, to consider the creation of a Yoruba nation.

He stated that Igboho submitted the petition on behalf of the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, Prof. Adebanji Akintoye.

He wrote, “At exactly 14:00 hrs Dr. Chief Sunday Igboho delivered a petition to the UK Prime Minister on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the YORUBA NATION movement, and Olayomi Koiki, his spokesman @10DowningStreet.

IGP Egbetokun, At Police Conference, Raps Officers Ahead Ondo Gov Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - Inspector General of Police - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has urged police officers involved to replicate and build upon the successes recorded in the Edo State election.

“We must ensure a robust security architecture and that officers perform their duties with impartiality and the highest professionalism.”

IGP Egbetokun gave this charge on Tuesday at the fifth-quarter conference with the strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force to collaboratively review performance and significant national events since their last meeting in July.

“Our mission is to provide a secure environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

“We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and stakeholders to ensure that the Ondo State election is conducted freely, fairly, and credibly, empowering all voters to exercise their rights without any fear of intimidation.

IGP Egbetokun also seized the opportunity to commend the officers and personnel deployed to the recent Edo State Governorship election, as well as to members of other security agencies who participated in the election security management.

“Your exemplary conduct contributed to a peaceful election, exemplifying professionalism and best practices in election security. Despite assessments predicting high levels of violence, your efforts neutralized threats ahead of the election, ensuring a peaceful process.

“This achievement underscores our capacity to secure electoral processes effectively. We are grateful for the commendations received from the general public, election observers, both foreign and domestic, and civil society groups.

“Special appreciation is due to the personnel from other security agencies who joined us in providing security during this election, including the Department of State Services, the NSCDC, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Commission, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“Your discipline, neutrality, and unwavering commitment to law and order, public safety, and the protection of democratic processes are truly commendable.”

He reaffirm his confidence in the officers and the brave personnel on the field who confront criminal activities day and night.

“The Nigeria Police Force has grown stronger through our collective dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. Although the road ahead is laden with challenges, together we will overcome and continue to uphold our core values of integrity, service, and protection.

“Let us approach the future with renewed vigor and resolve, aware that the stability of Nigeria’s security lies in our capable hands. Remember, our primary mission and the respect it commands hinge on our discipline. You are all tasked with ensuring that discipline remains a cornerstone of your leadership and management efforts.

“Together, let us rise to uphold justice, fairness, and human dignity. Our united strength and dedication will forge the Nigerian Police Force into a pillar of hope and security.”

NANS, Ekiti Chapter, Decries Brutality, Harassment By NSCDC Task Force

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Civil Defence Corps - NSCDC

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has decried the brutality and harassment by officers of the Civil Defence Task Force, (CTU) a special security set up to arrest menace of crime on the state.

The task force is made up of officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC).

The CTU task force has been accused of invading rented apartment of some affluent individuals especially students and stopping them randomly on the highway to extort money from them.

State chapter of NANS cried out on Tuesday decrying “relentless and unjust harassment of Ekiti students by the Civil Defence Task Force (CTU) under Commander Bala leadership. This egregious abuse of power will no longer be tolerated.”

It said in a statement signed by Asaolu Samuel NANS JCC chairman; Olahoke Ayo Ami, Secretary and Olubodun Johnson, PRO, that “The CTU actions have created a toxic atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and vulnerability among students, making us feel unsafe and targeted in our own state.

“Arresting and confiscating students’ phones for no valid reason is an outrageous infringement on our fundamental rights.

“Is it a crime to dress well or own property in Ekiti State? Must students be harassed for expressing themselves? The CTU  warped priorities have turned them into perpetrators of injustice, rather than protectors of the people.

“We warn the CTU to cease their provocative actions, which threaten to incite chaos and destabilize the state. Commander Bala deliberate harassment of innocent students will no longer be tolerated. His actions reek of desperation and a blatant disregard for human rights.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Ekiti students, and an end to the CTU oppressive tactics. The Ekiti State Government must intervene decisively and reorient the CTU on their duties.

“NANS Ekiti will not stand idly by while our members are victimized. We will mobilize all necessary resources to protect our students and ensure justice is served.

“To the Ekiti State Government, we say enough is enough! Ensure the CTU respects students rights and freedoms. We will not be silenced or intimidated.

“To Commander Bala and the CTU, we say, stop your reckless harassment and focus on genuine security concerns. Your actions will be met with fierce resistance from NANS Ekiti.

“We urge the public to join us in condemning the CTU actions and demanding a safer, more just environment for Ekiti students.

“The Ekiti State Government to intervene immediately and provide the CTU with a comprehensive orientation on their responsibilities, emphasizing the protection of citizens rather than exploiting them. Specifically, we demand that the CTU cease charging Nigerian students and seizing their hard-earned wages.

“Commander Bala, we implore you to take swift corrective action and instruct your officers to refrain from these unjust practices.

“The Ekiti State Government must ensure that the CTU operates within the bounds of the law and respects the rights of all citizens, including students.

“We request that the Ministry of Information and Values Orientation, under Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatubosun, facilitates this process and ensures that the CTU  actions align with the state government agenda for human capital development and youth empowerment

“Together, we will fight for our rights, protect our future, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine our dignity.”

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