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Poor Internally Generated Revenue: Abia Govt To Wield The Big Stick Against Market Leaderships Across The State

June 23, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Palpable anxiety and apprehension at the weekend gripped the leaderships of the various markets in Abia State.

Their fears were premised on the high possibilities of being swept out of office by the State authorities who are not comfortable with their unserious attitude towards the collection of Government’s statutory annual levies/rents.

The Dr Alex Otti-led Administration appears to be running out of patience with a majority of them, and is believed to be set to ring some changes if their lackluster performance continues.

The authorities are said not to be amused by the lip service the Market leaderships are paying to the important issue of harnessing and collecting Government statutory levies and rents.

The nonchalant attitude of most of the leaderships to mobilise traders and other business entities under their bait is believed to have cost the Government hugely in its internally generated revenue projections.

With over 50 high profile markets, analysts believe that the internally generated revenue profile of Abia state should be hovering around N10 billion and N12 billion monthly, with the markets contributing about 40% of the revenue.

But the hugely endowed Abia has sadly remained one of the states in the country which internally generated revenue do not exceed N1 .5 billion monthly.

Worried about the ugly situation, the Abia State authorities have moved to plug perceived loopholes and leakages in its internally generated revenue collection exercise.

Only on Friday, June 14, the leaderships of the various markets were summoned to a crucial meeting with the duo of Dr Isaac Chimezie the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Commerce and the Chairman of the State’s Board of Internal Revenue BIR Professor Ogbonnaya Udechukwu in Umuahia the State capital.

Addressing the about 45 Market leaders during the meeting, Dr Chimezie expressed Government’s disappointment with the poor level of traders’ compliance with their statutory obligations to the system.

He reminded the traders of the importance of payments of taxes, levies and rents to the sustenance of Governments all over the world .

He noted that without payments of taxes and levies, no Government will be able to meet its obligations to the citizenry in terms of provisions of infrastructural facilities and other essential services.

The Abia State Commissioner for Commerce equally expressed surprise that even after slashing the annual statutory levies from N22 000 to N 19,500 annually, most of the traders still refuse to pay

Dr Chimezie admonished that the only way the traders and other taxable residents will show their support and cooperation to the Government is for them to abide by their mandatory obligations to the system.

He warned that Government will no longer tolerate a situation whereby the citizenry will continue to evade payments of their levies and taxes .

He directed the President General of Abia State Almagamated Traders Association ASMATA, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, who is also the Chairman of the Eziukwu Market to monitor revenue collection regime at the various markets.

Specifically, the Commerce Commissioner empowered the ASMATA boss to liaise with the leaderships of the other markets to introduce the model which has made the Eziukwu Road Market to be the only market in the state that has shown seriousness in collecting Government’s statutory revenues from the traders .

Dr Chimezie also directed that all machineries should be put in place to ensure the collection of the 2024 Government statutory levies at the various markets within a reasonable time frame.

The ASMATA President assured the authorities that he will work round the clock to not only introduce and monitor the Eziukwu Market revenue collection model at the markets, but also ensure that there is a remarkable improvement in the level of compliance.

Appointed on interim basis about nine months ago, The Source findings have revealed that the performance of most of the Market leaderships have been far below average .

Most of them, are still deeply rooted in the infamous revenue collection of the old order which promoted more individual interests than those of the authorities.

For one, over the past years, revenue collections at Abia State markets were appropriated by top Government functionaries using same to compensate cronies and family members.

With the payments of miserable sums to the State coffers at the beginning of every fiscal year, the cronies and family members will proceed to collect several billions of Naira from the markets the whole year.

The Source findings, also, revealed authoritatively that while a few of the Market Leadership are hamstrung by constraints beyond their capacity, a good number of them are yet to wean themselves of the control of the forces that manipulated the system to enrich themselves at the expense of the State before now .

Most of the them appear to be more interested in the pursuit of personal lucre that accrue to them from road side and other illegal business entities than working to collect Government’s levies.

Although the duo of Prof.Udechukwu BIR boss and the Commerce Commissioner did not expressly state what the authorities will do in the event of further complacency in collecting Government’s levies, sources in the know have revealed that most of the market leaderships may be shoved aside.

“The fact is that most of the leaderships of the markets have been self serving and have paid lip service to the protection of Government’s interests.

“This has led to a serious loss in Government’s statutory revenue .There is no serious system anywhere that will continue to condone a situation whereby people who are to protect its interests are the ones sabotaging them .

“It is left for the markets leaders to do their jobs and or the system will look for those who will serve the interests of the people”, one source stated

Tinubu Orders Head Of Service To Sanction Supervisors Of Workers Collecting Salaries While Away

Ayodele Oni

June 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the arrest of those behind payment of salaries to workers that have abandoned duties and travelled abroad.

Speaking Saturday night at an event in Abuja to mark the 2024 Civil Service Award and Gala Night, the climax of the week-long 2024 Civil Service Week, the President stated that “the Head of Service said some of these fraudulent workers have been uncovered. She should not stop there. The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected.

“While I was away in South Africa, I monitored some of the activities and especially read the shocking revelation by the Head of Service about hundreds of workers who had relocated abroad, without formally resigning their appointments and who were drawing salaries from the treasury, for years.

“The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected. Their Supervisors and Departmental Heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.

“The Nigerian Civil Service cannot just be a workplace where ‘anything is possible,’ where workers violate rules without the fear of punishment or repercussion. The civil service of any nation is too important for such delinquent behaviour to take root or be tolerated.

“The Civil Service is the bedrock, the engine, the locomotive of Government, which is necessary for the Government to deliver public goods to citizens. As politicians, we are no more than drivers of the locomotives that you provide.

“Those who say that a nation is as good as its Civil Service are close to the truth. You are the real establishment that remains to pilot government affairs as we politicians come and go.

“Over the decades, successive Governments initiated various National Development Plans and programmes and all relied on the Civil Service to translate such plans into high-impact programmes and projects across all sectors of the nation’s economy. We expect you to do the same under our administration.

“This is why we support building, nurturing, and empowering the human capital in the service. This is why there is a paramount need to enshrine a culture of professionalism and build confidence in Civil Servants.

“Our administration appreciates the inherent challenges the civil service faces. I want to give you the assurance that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the growth of our nation.

“In the past year, I have provided all the necessary support to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure the continued stability of the civil service and to implement far-reaching policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery.”

President Tinubu charged civil servants not to hide under due process to slow down government activities saying “I am aware that due process must be followed in conducting government business but that should not give room for any form of red-tapes or insistence on unnecessary bureaucracies.

“We have pledged to work for the Nigerian people, and it is critical that all civil servants, and indeed all public servants, recognize the key role they play in the achievement of our full potential as a nation.”

Kano: Gov Yusuf Warns Security Agencies Against Deviation From Mandate Amidst Upsurge In Thuggery Activities

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 23, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Group demands redeployment of Emir Bayero’s security to flashpoints

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called on security agencies to halt the spate of thuggery and other malevolent activities currently disrupting the peace and stability in some parts of Kano metropolis.

The Governor’s appeal comes on the heels of an upsurge in thuggery activities and clashes involving rival gangs of street urchins ( Yandaba) in the State.

He warned that his Government will not stand passively, while unscrupulous characters continue to endanger the relative tranquillity and harmony being enjoyed by law abiding citizens and residents.

A statement issued by his Media Aide, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday June 22, 2024, said the Governor spoke before the commencement of the 15th Executive Council meeting held at Government House Kano.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that under his watch the State Government is diligently collaborating with Security Agencies to ensure the safety and security of the populace and their properties.

He also cautioned Judges and other Judicial Officers against unwarranted release from detention facilities of thugs and other social miscreants, and noted that the trend poses a serious threat to the peace and security of the State.

The Governor advocated for a prompt and equitable dispensation of justice .

He urged Security Agencies to strictly adhere to their constitutional duty of safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizenry they serve .

This is even as he warned against their involvement in matters beyond their assigned roles .

Governor Yusuf while assuring the people of Government’s determination to ensuring their safety, also, urged them to continue to give support and cooperation to his Government.

Meanwhile, a Civil Society Organization, War Against Injustice, WAI on Saturday called on Security Agencies to redeploy the security operatives attached to the 15th Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero at Nasarawa mini-Palace, to all the thuggery infested areas of the state to provide adequate security for the people.

This is even as it condemned in the strongest terms the recent escalation in thuggery activities in the Sharada-Jain and Dala areas of Kano State which it said have claimed some lives .

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Umar Ibrahim, the Group deplored recent attacks on innocent residents,including the killing of a Vigilante Commander.

It described the ugly development as unacceptable.

“We urge the Government and Security Agencies in Kano to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.

“It is alarming to note that these incidents escalated due to alleged lack of adequate security personnel in the concerned areas to handle the situation.

“Furthermore, we call on Security Chiefs in the State to redeploy the Security Operatives assigned to the Nasarawa mini-palace to the affected areas to protect the lives and properties of the people.

“We demand a thorough investigation into these incidents of thuggery and killings , and the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

“The Government and Security Agencies must take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future”, part of the statement reads.

Salary Payment: ASSU-ABSU Faults Otti’s Claims, Says Governor Not Sincere

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 23, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Academic Staff Union Of Universities, ASUU, Abia State University, ABSU, Chapter, has disputed claims by Abia State Government that it is not owing the Staff of the Institution.

The Source reports that Governor Alex Otti had on Friday, June 21 ,2024, during a Media chat, insisted that the State Government has been religious in meeting its monthly payment obligations to the State workforce, including staffers of the University and other MDAs .

Specifically, Governor Otti,had noted that as at the time of the Media interaction (Friday night), legitimate staff members of the University would have gotten alerts from their various banks for April and May salaries.

But, in a swift reaction, the ASUU -ABSU, on Saturday, June 22, faulted the claim, and cautioned against the continued politicization of the issue of salary payments in the institution.

In a statement issued jointly by Dr Chidi Mba and Dr Victor Obisike, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the umbrella body of ABSU teaching staff, called for a regime of transparency and accountability in the handling of the issue of salary payments to the University workers.

Following below is the ASUU-ABSU full statement

“Following the recent statement from the Government of Abia State that all Abia State University (ABSU) staff have received their April and May salaries, we, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, ABSU Chapter, wish to clarify and state the actual situation regarding salary payments in the University.

“Contrary to Government’s announcement and news circulating in the social media, the reality is starkly different. It is only a handful of Staff who have their salary accounts with commercial banks that have received their April salary and fewer have received their May salary. Very alarming are instances where the few staff who received their May salary did not receive their April salary in the same bank.

“Painfully, some of the Staff who received either April or May salary had unexplained deductions ranging between eight (8) to Fifty Three (53) Thousand Naira made on the paid one month salary at source.

“Moreover, NONE of the majority of the staff whose salaries account are domiciled with the ABSU Microfinance bank and teaching staff of Abia State University Teaching Hospital has received any payments for either April or May and this has caused significant financial strain, panic and uncertainty among the Staff.

“With this staggered payment system, the Unions in the university cannot ascertain the status of their Check-off dues which is usually deducted at the source of payment.

“Furthermore, it is important to highlight that our 11months outstanding salary arrears, remain unpaid. Despite repeated assurances, not a single month of these arrears has been settled.

“We urge the Government officials to refrain from politicizing the issue of salary payments in ABSU as people’s health, family needs and other critical issues like workers productivity are dependent on it.

“It is imperative that the government acknowledges the financial hardships faced by the university staff and takes immediate action to ensure that all outstanding salaries, including the arrears, are paid promptly and in full.

“We seek transparency and accountability from the Government in handling this matter and hope for a swift resolution to alleviate the financial distress faced by the staff of ABSU.

“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to our dear Governor and Visitor to our University, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Oti, OFR, who means well for the only State-owned University, and has left a standing instruction to pay all workers of the State government not later than 28th of every month, to quickly look into this issue by calling the attention of the concerned officials, so as not to truncate his good intentions for the State workforce.”

Akoko Groups Tackle PDP Candidate Ajayi Over Remark On Nullification Of LCDAs By Court

Ayodele Oni

June 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Akokos made up of four local governments in Ondo state have engaged the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in November election, Agboola Ajayi for accusing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of having a hand in the recent court judgement which nullified the creation of 33 Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).

The people from the northern senatorial district who were plaintiffs in the case noted that Ajayi’s allegation was “provocative and baseless assertions.”

In a statement on Saturday signed on behalf of the Akokos by Fola Amure on behalf of Akoko Development Initiative and Amuda Abiola, for Akoko Consultative Forum, stated that the remark by the PDP candidate means that Governor Aiyedatiwa influenced the judgement.

“We could have ignored the outburst and concentrate on our struggle for the betterment of Akoko but when falsehood, particularly coming from a trained lawyer and a former Deputy Governor is left uncorrected, it could be made to wear the toga of truth.

“The Statement credited to H.E. Agboola Ajayi is laced with a lot of provocative and baseless assertions. For instance, he insinuated that Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa was the one behind the suit and as such might have likely influenced the outcome.

“This is a serious indictment on the integrity of the Governor of Ondo State, the Honourable Judge that delivered the landmark judgement and the judicial system in the state.

“His assertion also smackdown the reality that objections by the Akoko people started more than eight months ago even before the Bill was sent to the State House of Assembly; the hushed public hearing by the House; before the Governor’s assent in Ibadan and eventually at the court to challenge the law.

“Beyond Hon. Agboola Ajayi’s hatred for Akoko people, he has shown his inability to do justice in the redistribution of the scarce resources of the state without fear or favour.

“With the biased opinion of his against a competent court, Hon. Agboola needs to be reminded that he was in the past saved by the same Court which he has now chosen to castigate. He has no doubt taken politics too far.

“Hon. Agboola Ajayi doesn’t need to apologize to Akoko people and the rest of those who felt short-changed by the controversial creation of the LCDAs.

“Akoko is not joking and the people are not taking this issue of lopsided LCDAs lightly as we are ready to declare anyone working against the interest of Akoko on this issue as enemy of Akoko People.

“The landmark judgment has just set Akoko and other parts of Ondo State free from what would have been a perpetual slavery under some blocs who are not up to it in population and size.

“We stand by the landmark judgement in its entirety. We are proud of our Legal team and also thank the Judiciary for the novelty.

“The Governor of Ondo State cannot but accept the verdict of court on this issue that has returned the State to the original 18 Local Governments status in good faith.

“We urge the Governor to respect the judgment and suspend anything like creation of LCDA in Ondo State until equity, fairness and fair play can be brought to bear and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

“The law is sacrosanct and respects nobody. The Governor cannot and will not subvert the law.”

After Two Previous Threats, Neighbour Shoots US-based Nigerian Boxer Dead

The Source

June 22, 2024

By Charles Igbo

For two times in 2024, the life of a United States of America-based Nigerian Boxer, Isaiah Olugbemi, was threatened by his neighbour, Nicholas Francis Xavier Giroux. It is not known whether the boxer took the threat seriously or not. If he did not, that was a big mistake. The third time proved fatal.

Olugbemi was shot dead by Giroux who released a volley of bullets pointedly on him. By the time he was rushed to a Baltimore hospital, it was late. He had died.

He was shot a number of times on Monday night at Meadowmist Way and Stehlik Drive Odenton.

According to Police, the trial of Giroux, aged 36, will begin on July 17, 2024.

Giroux will be charged with first and second degree murder.

He is charged with first-and-second-degree murder of the Nigerian boxer. He will be in custody without bond as was decided on Thursday by a Country Judge at Anne Arundel.

It was a premeditated murder.

A footage from a video surveillance clearly showed

Giroux, walking straight towards Olugbemi, carrying a handgun before shooting him several times. Thereafter, said Court papers, he fled the scene on foot.

The Police reveal Giroux confessed to the shooting on June 18.

Olugbemi’s brother, Abraham was quoted to have said that Giroux had threatened his deceased boxer-brother, Isaiah Olugbemi “at least two other times with a gun this year – once in January and a second time in June.

The suspect, allegedly, first fired six to 14 shots at his victim, and followed with about three more shots according to reports.

Uzodimma Pledges Collaboration With Assembly Members To Develop Imo

The Source

June 22, 2024

Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Amid encomia by the 27 elected members of the Imo State House of Assembly who marked their one year in office, weekend, Governor Hope Uzodimma has pledged continuing collaboration with the lawmakers to ensure that under his watch, the State is developed.

It was a moment of solemn reflection for both members of the Executive and the Legislature who attended the occasion as they listened to Governor Uzodimma and the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, make their remarks which centred on how Imo State could become the economic hub of the South East if both arms of government continue to work together.

“Let me assure you that I will strive to continue to provide the enabling environment for you to execute your legislative duties and support your training programmes and improvement. I will always have your back as we collectively render selfless service to our people,” Governor Uzodimma said while congratulating the lawmakers on their first anniversary.

The Governor added: “Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, let me reiterate that I am here today to demonstrate my deep respect for this institution and my genuine appreciation for your cooperation with my administration since I assumed office as the Governor of Imo State. I am also here to celebrate hard work, resourcefulness, and patriotism. You represent the best, and your constituents made the right choice in electing you. Your legislative excellence is in consonance with my commitment to serving our people with integrity, Transparency and accountability shall continue to be my watchword.”

Governor Uzodimma who explained that his administration is in hurry to turn around the economic fortunes of Imo State, said that the lawmakers have, through their bills and motions, shown that they are also in sync with his developmental plans for the State.

The Governor identified their motions on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) as particularly encouraging, noting that the lawmakers show clearly that they understand the dynamics of current global economic and development trajectory.

Part of the Governor’s remarks read:

“It gives me great pleasure to be at this hallowed Chambers today to celebrate with the representatives of our people, the all-important arm of government, the bastion of our democracy. As a law-making body, the House of Assembly is crucial, critical, and essential in the preservation and sustenance of our democracy. This particular Assembly has distinguished itself as a responsible, responsive, and cohesive House, thus engendering trust and hope among the diverse people of the state.

“Let me hasten to congratulate the Rt. Honourable Speaker, the leadership, and all other Honourable members on this historic occasion of your one year anniversary. You have indeed acquitted yourselves creditably in the last one year, given your vibrancy and resourcefulness. I salute you for being alive to your responsibilities.

“Within the last one year, you have justified the confidence your constituents placed on you by working assiduously towards achieving your core mandates of making laws, amending laws, and abrogating laws when necessary. I understand that you have successfully passed 12 bills and tens of motions within this period. I am proud of you indeed for the hard work, your sense of purpose, and your vision for a new Imo.

“This vision for a new Imo is what has welded all of us together. We have been chosen by the people to individually and collectively serve them. As servants of the people, we are expected to be humble, focused, committed, and dedicated in the discharge of our various duties, be at the Executive, the Legislature, or the Judiciary.

“This service we render should be selfless. It should be total. It should add value to the lives of the populace. It should be devoid of pecuniary expectations. It should be motivated by sacrifice, love, and a true sense of duty. It should be driven by passion with an eye on history, not on fleeting momentary gains or adulation. Since 1999, many illustrious sons and daughters of Imo State have sat where you are currently seated. How many of them do you readily remember? That is the question. You have to make your mark through selfless service so that long after you are gone, both from here and life itself, people would acclaim and say, yes, he was here.

“That, Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, is what is called a legacy. It is called leaving footprints on the annals of history. As David D Eisenhower once said, ‘The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionable integrity.’ That is what I crave that all of us leave for the people of Imo State when we leave the stage. I am happy that this house is on the same page with me in achieving this goal.

“The motion you recently passed urging the Executive to engage in public, private partnership in the development of our dear state gladdens my heart. It demonstrates that you are in sync with me on the roadmap to the development of our state. I wish to sincerely commend you for that bold, timely, and visionary initiative.

“Just like the defunct house, you have given a practical expression to the synergistic relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in the state. You have behaved like the patriots that you are. Although there is a constitutional separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislative arms, you have proved that the tongue and the teeth need to work together for a friction-free relationship inside the mouth. For that, I salute you again.

“In this regard, I am glad to inform you that we are working round the clock to tap into the rich potentials that abound in the Public, Private, Partnership space. As you very well know, the era of governments running businesses is now history. It has been proven beyond all reasonable doubts that government is a bad manager of businesses. What is trending in the global economy is Public Private Partnership. This way, government provides the enabling environment and logistics for the private sector to invest and manage businesses. Consequently, my administration is exploring Public Private Partnership opportunities in the Power sector, Agriculture, Oil and gas, and Digital Economy.

“In the area of power generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity within the state and beyond. I have set up the Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure that all the necessary things are done. The first phase of the project, which is the commencement of electricity generation distribution and transmission, will be commissioned in January. The second phase, which will provide the 27 local governments in the state with 24/7 electricity, will be completed in good time. The exciting news is that this project is at no direct cost to the government except for the provision of the enabling environment and logistics to make power available to our people.

“In the same vein, the government has facilitated through Public Private Partnership another agreement for the building of a 200-bed and operations of Marriot Hotel in Owerri and the complete rehabilitation and operations of Concorde Hotel. These are projects that would come in handy when our state becomes the industrial hub of the southeast. Our tourist industry will become the immediate beneficiary with the attendant economic development, generation of employment and skills.

“As part of this effort to make Imo an industrial hub, the government is vigorously pursuing the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean. Already, the pre-dredging activities of the project has been completed. The dredging proper is about to commence. This will surely open up the state for investment and facilitate the economic growth of the entire South East. A number of Gas-related small and medium scale international concerns have already queued up waiting patiently to take advantage of the free trade zone status of the area to invest in oil and gas. I believe that this House will in your usual manner collaborate with the Executive to ensure that there is no hindrance in the realization of the Orashi Free Trade Zone potentials and related matters.

“As you have noticed, my second tenure has taken off on a fast track just as the first tenure. As I declared during my second tenure inauguration, there would be no lethargy or complacency. My mission of leaving enduring legacies still remains on course. All the projects and policies necessary for the development of our state are on course.

“Indeed, the Assumpta Flyover is one of our signature projects.The road revolution is still ongoing all around the state. Soon, another iconic project, the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, will be commissioned. In the next few weeks, the Imo State International Conference centre, an edifice to behold, will be commissioned. You are all living witnesses to the final completion of the night landing facilities for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport awaiting official commissioning by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Upon commissioning, aircrafts will routinely land at night. We are currently working on the extension of the runway to ensure that bigger aircrafts can land there anytime. This is in readiness for the full take-off of the airport as an international cargo airport.

“The empowerment of 300,000 youths through the Skillup Imo project in the digital economy is still ongoing, the same with payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities. I shall continue to meet all our statutory obligations. Besides, our resolve to run an open, transparent, and accountable administration remains unshaken. Soon, I shall be convening stakeholders meeting to again render an account of my stewardship to the good people of Imo State.”

Earlier in his remarks, Rt. Hon Olemgbe welcomed the Governor with his entourage, reminding him of the number of bills and motions they have successfully worked on during the year under review.

He thanked God for the enablement to successfully complete the first session of the 10th Assembly which rounded off on June 16, 2024 and appreciated Governor Uzodimma for his “support and necessary assistance that have made our work easy and seamless.”

He described the Governor’s visit as a motivation for members of the House of Assembly and thanked him for finding time to celebrate with them.

The Speaker also acknowledged and appreciated his colleagues for their “cooperation, dedication to duty and unity of purpose,” saying he cannot take that for granted.

He promised better legislative years ahead where more bills and motions that will continue to better the lots and of Imo people will be enacted.

Rt. Hon Olemgbe also assured of “continued open door policy, transparent and accountable leadership,” saying he will not disappoint the House, the Governor and people of Imo State with God on his side.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady (Dr.) Chinyere Ekomaru, Senator Patrick Ndubueze ( Okigwe Zone), APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council joined the Governor at the ceremony.

Abia Governor Otti Says Allegations Against Suspended Health Commissioner Yet To Be Proved

Ayodele Oni

June 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has spoken on the suspended Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo. He said the allegations against her are based on suspicion.

The Governor also clarified that contrary to media reports, he did not sack his immediate past and pioneer Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko saying he was only affected by a reorganization.

The Governor disclosed this in Umuahia Friday night in a chat with newsmen, stating, “We did not sack the former Chief Press Secretary. We only did re-organization. No appointment is permanent.

“The Suspension of the Commissioner of Health is on allegation based on suspicion. Already, a committee has been set up and the result will come in.

“Nothing is wrong in suspending a person when there is a prima facie case. If found not guilty, she will return to her job, if not, she will face the consequences of the infraction.”

The Governor, who restated his avowed commitment to bringing to account anyone remotely or directly involved in the recent killing of soldiers at the Obikabia Junction a few weeks ago, said, “This government takes security seriously.

“We are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that everyone connected with that dastard act where soldiers were murdered is brought to book.

“We have been getting the feedback. At the appropriate time, we will let you all know. We have empowered Operation Crush to crush crime anywhere in the state.”

Otti disclosed that he has engaged a Chief Information Technologist to prepare the State for digital transformation that would herald the broadband technology in the state that is already in its final stages of discussion.

Giving reasons for this appointment, Otti said “We are preparing our state for the next century. Wherever you are, you can have access to data.”

He further disclosed that his government plans to digitally transform Abia’s economy and boost technology in the State through the project that will be heralded by the broadband technology.

Otti assured that his infrastructural revolution will be extended to all the nooks and crannies of the 17 local councils in the next few months, and vowed to make infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, security and others the focus of his second year in office.

Labour Party Crisis: Abure, Apapa Faction Close Ranks, End Feud

Akinwale Kasali

June 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, for several months is gradually waning as the National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure has extended its olive branch to the Lamidi Apapa led Faction of the Party.

It was gathered from sources close to Abure and Apapa factions that there was need to close ranks between both factions after months of legal tussle over the leadership and Control of the Party’s structure.

Abure was said to have felt the urgent need to close rank with the Apapa’s faction following the open revolt and media war from its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi as well as the pressure from the NLC.

According to the source, “It is the only logical way for him to have a united front against the threat of the NLC in particular. I believe you already know Abure has a long history with Lamidi Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi before now,” the source explained.

Confirming this development, the factional spokesman of the Apapa’s camp, Abayomi Arabambi, disclosed that they had no problem with Abure from the outset because they knew he was being influenced and misled by some leading officers of the NLC.

He said, “We are together to stop all those political hawks from taking over our party. We thought they (NLC) were fighting for a just cause. But it is very obvious they only want to take over our party and we are not going to accept that. We in the Lamidi Apapa group are not lawbreakers like those who supported Abure in disobeying the court order. I have said this several times on air.

“It was because of this threat that Abure extended an olive branch for all of us to bond together. It was obvious that these people were not only with him to fight us but to take over the control of the party. So we cannot be outside and allow some people to take over our party. That was why Abure asked us to come together in the party’s interest.

“We are here to fight those people who want to use the Labour Party to foment trouble and destabilize the country. That is what we are against. Nobody is contesting or running for any election now. We know the next race is in 2027. Why should we now be seeking ways to bring the nation down? We are averse to that.”

He added, “I also want you to know that there is nothing like Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign here anymore. It has been dissolved. Everybody has reverted to former governorship and presidential candidate. We don’t want disinformation at the Labour Party.

“Again, you recall that there was a crisis in APC and the PDP. Yet, the warring parties came together and resolved it. So what stopped us from resolving ours? When you are fighting, there is no permanent enemy. It is all about permanent interest.”

Also confirming the reunion is LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, who stated that there was nothing out of place for Abure to extend olive branches to aggrieved members of the party.

He said, “Labour Party is united. We do not have a division in the sense that as a party that came out of the election hugely successful with a lot of results to show, several people would want to have a stake in the Labour Party. The implication is that a lot of stone-throwing and interest will begin to manifest. But the Labour Party has a constitution and it has a rule completely spelt out.

“Anybody that tries to go out of it will get his hand burnt because the law will not support what you are doing just as the NLC is doing. Besides, we have never seen the Lamidi Apapa people as having their camp because there’s only one camp. That is the one led by Julius Abure.

“Of course, they have the right to be aggrieved and take positions that are not aligned with the interest of the party. But as soon as they discovered it was not the right way, I think they took the better decision to begin to retrace their steps. That is what we have seen.”

He stated further, “Many people who were involved in anti-party activities in the past are beginning to discover that the laws are not on their side. The best thing is to retrace their steps and return to the fold.

“So many other persons have indicated interest in returning to the party. LP does not have any problem with that. Our doors are wide open. If you are out in the cold and you need shelter in the Labour Party, we will bring you back and shelter you.

“The distinguished gentleman you just mentioned (Arabambi) is still our member. He has also recognised Julius Abure as the only national chairman. The party is coming together and I can tell you that the party is a lot more united now than ever.”

Police Occupation Of 23 LGAs: “It Is An Insult To Rivers People” – 40 Coalition Groups, CLO Give Seven Days Ultimatum

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 22, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A coalition of over 40 Rights Groups led by the Civil Liberty Organization, CLO, on Friday, June 21, 2024, issued a notice of an imminent showdown with the Nigerian Police Force should it fail to vacate the premises of the Rivers State Local Council Headquarters within seven days.

The Source reports that the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, had, on Tuesday, June 18, in the wake of the expiry of the tenure of the elected Council Executives, ordered the takeover of the Secretariats of the 23 Local Councils by Police Operatives.

He had premised the development on the need to maintain peace, stability and security in the state.

The political temperature of Rivers State had soared following the unwillingness of the Council Executives to vacate their offices, just as some forces loyal to Governor Sim Fubara were set to force them out.

An attempt by the pro- Nyesom Wike legislators to elongate their tenure by six months crashed following the ruling of a Rivers State High Court that declared the move a nullity.

Justice Dagogo-Jack while delivering judgment on a motion on notice filed by the four pro- Fubara Lawmakers led by Victor Oko- Jumbo declared the seats of the pro-Wike members of the Assembly loyal to the vacant.

The trial Judge held that the Lawmakers are no longer members of the legislative body, having earlier resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that sponsored them for the election in to the office.

Similarly, he had, also, declared illegal, null and void all their legislations after their defections to the All Progressive Congress APC, including the elongation of the tenure of the elected Council Executives.

A last ditch effort to overturn the Lower Court’s verdict by the defected Lawmakers could not sail through at the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt .

The Appeal Court’s three- man Justices led by Jimi Olukayode ,had on June 14 opted for the maintenance of status quo, rather than a reversal order as prayed by the embattled pro-Wike legislators in their appeal notice .

The Appeallet Court’s judgement paved the way for Governor Fubara to appoint Interim Council Leaders on Tuesday June 19.

However ,the appointed Council Officials have been operating from different unorthodox locations since being sworn into office, due to the police barricade of the Councils’ Headquarters.

The IGP has insisted that the Police presence will only be vacated after the Appeal Court would have delivered its final verdict on the appeal filed by the Speaker Martins-Amaewfule led pro- Wike law makers.

The Appeal Court on Thursday, June 20, reserved ruling for a date to be communicated to the parties later .

But the Civil Society Groups led by Comrade Enefaa Georgewill, South-south Zonal Coordinator of CLO, are not persuaded by the position of IGP Egbetokun. They have, therefore, issued a seven-day ultimatum for the Police to withdraw from the various Council Headquarters or face a Statewide mass action.

“It is insulting and demeaning to the people of the State for the Police to occupy the Secretariats of the Local Governments. The police should stop turning Rivers state into a police state.

“A competent Court of jurisdiction has ruled that the Martins Amaewhule led House of Assembly has no right to extend the tenure of the past Chairmen and the Police should obey the subsisting judgement and remain neutral in the matter pending the final ruling by the Appeal Court” Enefaa stated.

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