Kaduna Community Celebrates Release Of Abducted Monarch’s Wife

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June 11, 2024

Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

Ninzo Community Development Association in Kaduna State has applauded the State Government over its consistent efforts towards securing the lives and property of citizens in the State

The Association, noted the latest release of the abducted wife of the paramount Ruler of Ninzo Chiefdom in Sanga Local Government Area of the State which sad incident occurred last Friday night.

In a statement in Kaduna by the National President of the Ninzo Community Development Association, Moses Audu and the Secretary General, Silas John Anche expressed satisfaction over the swift response by the state government and relevant security agencies to the abduction.

The statement also commended the proactive efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa and other Service Chiefs towards fighting all forms of terrorism, kidnappings and other forms criminalities in Kaduna state and the country in general.

The Ninzo Community Development Association, however, urged relevant security agencies to redouble efforts towards combing the hideouts of criminals and terrorists across the country with a view to securing innocent lives and property.

It stressed that what befalls the Ninzo Traditional Ruler and the his Council was unfortunate, uncalled for and a condemnable sacrilege that was strange to the peaceful and harmonious people of Ninzo chiefdom and indeed Sanga local government area of kaduna state.

The statement further commended the spirit of patience, sacrifices and prayers imbibed and exhibited by all Ninzo sons and daughters home and abroad over the tragic incident and prayed against reoccurrence.

There was a failed kidnapped attempt on the paramount Ruler of Ninzo chiefdom, Umar Musa that resulted to the abduction of one of his wives last Friday night at his palace in Fadan-Ninzo in Sanga local government area of Kaduna state.

Eid-El-Kabir Matawelle, Defence Minister, Distributes 4,860 Rams, N390 Million To Zamfara Muslims

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 11, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To ease the pressure of the Eid El Kabir (Sallah) celebrations on Zamfara State Muslim faithful, Minister of Defence (State) Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday June 11, 2024, announced the distribution of 4,860 rams to the people.

This is even as Matawalle,the immediate past Governor of the State, said he has set aside about three hundred and ninety million as assistance to the All Progressive Congress APC followers and the vulnerable in Zamfara State.

He informed that the gesture is in conformity with his tradition of extending assistance to the needy during such festivities.

Top on the list of the beneficiaries of the ram palliative, are the members of the APC Zamfara State Working Committee, SWC, Party executives at the Local Council and Ward levels across the State

Others to benefit are elders,youth groups ,women groups ,Islamic scholars ,the less privileged,orphans and the vulnerable members of the APC from all parts of the state

Also listed as beneficiaries are all former Government functionaries including Commissioners and, Special Advisers, who served under the immediate past administration of Matawalle in the state between 2019- 2023 .

High point of the palliative measure was the disbursement of N100,000 each to 140 people drawn from the 14 Local Councils of Zamfara.

The Defence Minister noted that the funds are to assist them in the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

While commending the people,particularly, APC members for their unflinching support to the party and President Ahmed Tinubu, before, during, and after the 2023 General Elections. He urged them to continue to offer their cooperation, as the Government will always strive to prioritize their welfare.

Anambra NUJ Serves Notice To Gov Soludo; Set To Black Out All Govt Activities

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 11, 2024

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Indications have emerged that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Correspondents Chapel Anambra State may toe a similar path with their Kano State counterparts, as they have served notice of their intentions to shun all Anambra state Government related activities.

The Source reports that the Kano NUJ Correspondents Chapel had on Monday June, 10, 2024, at a Congress meeting voted to boycott all activities involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ,his administration, and those of his officials, citing alleged ill-treatment, harassment, intimidation assaults and unfavorable working conditions for journalists in the State as reasons.

Its Anambra counterparts,on Tuesday June 11 ,warned that unless there is a demonstrable evidence suggesting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s readiness to create an enabling environment for the discharge of their duties soonest ,they may be forced to turn their back on him and his administration.

The Anambra NUJ Correspondents Chapel in a statement issued by Chief Chuks Ilozie and Lady Tochukwu Ifejika Chairman and Secretary respectively, said that since mounting the saddle, Governor Soludo has rejected all overtures to carry them along .

They have therefore insisted that a continued failure to see them as partners in the task of building Anambra, will be reciprocated ,as they are set to shun all activities involving him and his Government.

“Having reviewed our relationship with the Governor of Anambra state Prof.Chukwuma Soludo and those of his media team ,including the Commissioner for Information ,Sir Paul Nwosu ,and the press secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, for over two years, despite Correspondences. We, therefore, wish to observe as follows.

There is a serious lacuna in the relationship between the Chapel and Government occasioned by nonchalant attitude of the Governor, and his media team towards the Correspondents Chapel .

It baffles us that our Governor can stay for two years without meeting with members of the Correspondents Chapel to intimate Anambra people of his programmes and activities .

Chapel members are bewildered that we are not being carried along in the coverage of Government activities, rather we are fed with press statements .

We, therefore, demand a review of this relationship, to enable us hold Government accountable as required by extant laws .” the NUJ statement partly reads

Remove LGs From Constitution – Afenifere

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Ayodele Oni

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June 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Pan Yoruba Socio-political Group, Afenifere under the leadership of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has advocated for a two tier system of Government for Nigeria.

The Afenifere factional group said the 774 local governments should be removed from the 1999 constitution as amended to enable State governments operate the third tier of the government themselves.

The Yoruba group, which made the call in a Communique issued at the end of the National Caucus of Afenifere held at the Lagos Residence of the Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on Tuesday, said President Bola Tinubu has not shown commitment to restructuring the country since he assumed office last year.

Afenifere, in the communique signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, faulted the suit instituted by the federal government against the 36 states at the Supreme Court on the local government autonomy as a mere distraction which would not yield positive result without amending certain sections of the 1999 Constitution.

“Afenifere insists that the only solution to this staggering injustice is to delete the list of Local Governments in the constitution and allow states to create their Local Councils as recommended by the 2014 National

Conference and the 2018 El-Rufai Committee on Federalism, as part of the holistic restructuring of the Nigerian Federation.

“That without prejudice to the suit pending at the Supreme Court, Afenifere views the position of the Federal on Local Government autonomy as diversionary, hypocritical and playing to the gallery without deep reflection on its implications for a true federal Nigeria.

“It is a clear demonstration of lack of political will to restructure the Nigerian Federation.

“That the suit rather diminishes President Tinubu’s claims on federalism and casts him in the image of his predecessors, who erroneously perceived the President or the Federal Government as a leviathan at whose feet the federating states must capitulate.

“Afenifere recalled that by letter Pres/87 dated 10th April 2004 to the Minister of Finance titled ‘Local Government Elections and Allocation of Funds from the Federation Account to LGAs’ President Obasanjo wrote interalia: ‘Available information indicates that some States namely Ebonyi, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa and Niger conducted the last Local Government election in the new Local Government Areas created by their respective State Assemblies’

“As the National Assembly is yet to make the necessary consequential provisions in respect of any of the newly created Local Government Areas in the country, conducting election into or funding any of them from the Federation Account would clearly be a violation of the Constitution.

“Consequently, no allocation from the Federation Account should henceforth be released to the Local Government Councils of the above-mentioned.”

“Why We Suspended The Commissioner For Health” – Abia State Govt

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 11, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr.Ifeyinwa Kalu, and Dr Ngozi Azodo, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Health are to jointly pilot the affairs of the State Ministry of Health, pending the conclusion of investigations into allegations of misconduct against the Commissioner Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, the Abia state Government has said .

The Source reports that the suspension of Dr Okoronkwo from office was revealed during an Executive Council meeting on Monday June. 10 2024.

A statement issued on Tuesday, June 11, by the State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kalu, said the suspension of the Health Commissioner is to pave way for the investigation of alleged gross misconduct levelled against her.

“The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the suspension from office of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo.

“The Suspension is to pave way for the investigations of allegations of misconduct levelled against the Commissioner.

“Governor Otti’s action is in line with his zero tolerance policy of any kind and strong adherence to the twin principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that actions of appointees must at all times advance the good and well being of Abians .

“The Abia State Government is committed to good governance and the rule of law under which persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Consequently, the administration is painstaking in investigating and establishing facts of infractions or misconducts uncovered by its internal monitoring and feed back system.” part of the statement reads.

June 12: Insecurity, Inflation, Youth Disillusionment Threat To democracy – Nwite Foundation

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James Orji

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June 11, 2024

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To commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the Senator Polycarp Nwite Foundation for Democratic Accountability (SPNFDA) has said that issues threatening the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria, include widespread hunger and insensitivity of the political class in the face of challenging economy, as it urged government to take urgent action to restore public trust in democratic governance.

The foundation named after the late 3rd Republic Senator, Polycarp Nwite, a democracy advocate and former senior Presidential aide, said that democracy ought to inspire hope, rather than despair, as it identified
“Palpable food insecurity,
Insensitivity of the political class and declining faith in political leadership as being responsible for the widespread disillusionment among Nigerian youths – the successor leadership generation – many of whom are now turning their back on the nation in preference for foreign democracies.

A ‘June 12 Democracy Day’ statement on Tuesday June 11, 2024, signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Michael Nwite, emphasized that these factors posed a significant threat to the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria, as they bruise the soul of democracy – the people.

It saluted the courage and selfless sacrifices of Nigeria’s Heroes of Democracy; and also commended the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian populace in weathering the current biting economic situation in the nation.

The foundation said it is concerned that “These factors in addition to diverse other economic challenges and the lingering intractable security problem in the country, have become the oxygen fuelling criminality and the current exodus by young Nigerians to foreign lands, in search of better economic and social fortunes, referred to as ‘Japa’ syndrome in local parlance.

“For the survival and sustenance of democracy in the nation, government must take urgent steps to stimulate real productivity, address the current alarming rate of unemployment, criminality and disillusionment among young Nigerians, which it said is fast destroying the fibre and potential of the youth demography and pose a significant threat to the nation’s security, development, and future.”

Mr. Nwite said further, “It’s no longer in doubt that the impact of the challenging economic environment, scarce opportunities, dysfunctional social infrastructure and weak institutions, have continued to erode the faith of the Nigerian youth demography in democracy and turning their backs in droves on the nation.”

He urged government to address these challenges and work towards regaining the trust of Nigerian youths, “who are the future of the country’s democracy.”

The foundation expressed hope in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to take the necessary steps to address these challenges and restore the faith of Nigerian youths in democracy.

It charged “President Tinubu administration to motivate youths for sustainable development in our democracy by offering opportunities for youth participation in governance and decision-making in job and wealth creation, by supporting youth-led initiatives and entrepreneurship, essentially, in agriculture, social and economic driven technology.

“Nigeria with huge resources in arable land and human capital has no business being listed as a nation with food insecurity. All government needs is an intentional policy backed up by sustainable investments in agriculture – including right training in relevant skills in food production, preservation and value chain development.

“Government must also encourage robust civic engagement by creating safe spaces for all citizens to express themselves and engage in civic activities – fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity and enthronement of an evidence-based political system that is transparent and credible enough to evoke patriotic zeal and belief in our people.

“Leaders at all levels must be honest and intentional about reducing the cost of governance, strategically
redirecting the Nigerian youths towards sustainable development and harnessing their potential for national growth, by implementing policies addressing the root causes of youth disillusionment.”

Senator Nwite was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Botswana, a Senior Special Assistant to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and a frontline activist of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, a broad coalition of Nigerians, formed in May 1994 to fight for the enthronement of civil rule in Nigeria.

Tolaram Takes Over Guinness Nigeria Plc As Diageo Sells Off Shares

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Ayodele Oni

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June 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Rather than total exit from Nigeria as a result of harsh economic policies like other multinational companies, Tolaram has agreed to purchase Diageo’s 58.02% stake in Guinness Nigeria Plc

The decision, described as unique and historic is expected to alter the beverage industry in Nigeria. Guinness made this known in a press release on signed by Abidemi Ademola, company secretary on Tuesday.

The purchase, slated to be completed in fiscal 2025 assuming regulatory clearances, will also see Tolaram enter into long-term license and royalty agreements to continue producing the legendary Guinness brand alongside Diageo’s ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits locally.

Based on its current share price of N50.5 per share, Guinness has a market value of N110.7 billion, indicating that the acquisition might surpass N64 billion.

According to the company, this move aligns with Diageo’s strategic vision to retain brand influence while leveraging Tolaram’s extensive distribution and manufacturing capabilities

The acquisition also marks a significant expansion of Tolaram’s footprint in Nigeria, promising enhanced innovation and value delivery to customers and shareholders.

Chairman of the Guinness Board, Omobola Johnson, reacting to the deal said, “This partnership brings together Tolaram’s deep expertise in manufacturing and distribution with Diageo’s exceptional brand-building and innovation capabilities.

“It positions Guinness Nigeria for robust growth in this dynamic market.”

Democracy Day Planned Protest: Anambra Police Warns Against Disruption Of Peace And Stability

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 11, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police authorities have said that they have uncovered plans by some forces to disrupt the peace and stability of the state under the guise of a protest match scheduled for June 12, the Democracy Day.

They have, therefore, called on the good people of the state to go about their lawful activities, and eschew any acts capable of breaching the fragile peace of the state.

But, they have also assured of their readiness to protect law abiding citizens, as well as ensure the maintenance of peace and security in Anambra state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, by its Spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu SP, the Anambra Police Command said it is in possession of credible intelligence, suggesting that some persons and groups are mobilising for a protest on same day that Nigerians are billed to be celebrating the restoration of democracy in the country.

“The Police envisage that the protest is capable of grounding all commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic in the State.

“The Command while noting the right of individuals or groups to advocate for any interest, wishes to emphasise the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities.

“The Command has deployed police operatives to different strategic areas ,and tasked with the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property ,free flow of traffic and most importantly ,a peaceful environment ” the statement further reads

“The Command, however, called for the support and cooperation of law abiding citizens and residents in its efforts to root out all forms of criminal activities ,as well as protect lives and properties in the state.”

The police also commended the people for their understanding and resolve to sustain peace and stability in Anambra state.

Gov Otti Suspends Commissioner Of Health, Over Alleged Financial Recklessness

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 11, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, Abia State ,Commissioner of Health has become the second major casualty ,in the efforts by the Governor Alex Otti led administration to institute a regime of transparency, following her indefinite suspension on Monday June 10, 2024

Her suspension was announced during an Executive Council meeting held on Monday June 10 at the Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South Local Council country home of Governor Otti.

Although, reasons for the suspension of the Commissioner who, before now had been perceived as one of the untouchable figures and influential actors within the corridors of power, were not made public, it is, however, strongly believed that it might not be unconnected with some alleged financial untidiness within her Ministry.

For one, at the inception of the administration In May 2023 ,she was one of the officials that took up residence in anl hotel, incurring in the process ,humongous bills that sparked outrage .

However, as at the time of her suspension ,it was not clear ,if she was still enjoying her hotel accommodation.

Her suspension closely followed the sacking a few days ago of the Principal of the State owned Okezie School of Midwifery in Abiriba Ohafia local Council Mrs Ogbonna Chituru Adiele by the state Government.

Massive protest by the students over alleged embezzlement of school funds and conversion of college property into personal uses preceded her sack.

Until her sack, she was believed to be a trusted ally and confidant of the suspended Commissioner of Health.

Of recent ,there have been strident calls on Governor Otti to closely monitor the activities of some Government officials who, not a few, perceive to be swimming in different kinds of financial malfeasance.

Only last week ,a Civil Society Group – Society Groups Against Corruption, CCSGA, had raised the alarm over what it described as extortionist tendencies surrounding the person and office of the Special Adviser on internally generated revenue Dr Chimereze Okigbo.

Some of the charges leveled against Dr Okigbo bordered on alleged arrest and detentions of innocent citizens, extortion ,and human rights abuses .

Dr Okoronkwo’s suspension is coming on the heels of the recent sack of the erstwhile Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency Pastor Dike Nwankwo over issues also bordering on alleged financial mismanagement.

PSC: Tinubu Sacks Arase One Year Into Five-Year Tenure, Appoints Argungu As New Chairman

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Ayodele Oni

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June 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

It was an unexpected Sallah gift, in advance, from President Bola Tinubu to the Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector General of Police.

The gift was one that shocked Arase and shook the Police Service Commission.

While Arase was on official duties in Ogun State President Tinubu pulled the rug from under his feet. He sacked him as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission. It was in Ogun State that Arase heard of his sack.

In his place, President Tinubu appointed retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu from Kebbi State.

Arase was from Edo State.

Arase’s sack, which was announced in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, also announced the appointment of the very competent Taiwo Lakanu, a Lawyer and a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, as a member of the Commission. Lakanu will represent the Police on the Commission. Onyemuche Nnamani was, also, appointed by the President as Secretary to the Commission.

Onyemuche was, already, a member of the Commission representing the South-east on the Commission. Unless he would combine his appointment as Secretary with that of his position as a Commissioner, appointing him as a Secretary is a demotion. But more important, it would mean that that the SE has no Commissioner representing it, meaning that somebody needs to be appointed.

Until now, Federal Permanent were the only ones appointed as Secretary to the Commission.

Arase, a PhD holder in Law, was removed one year into his five year tenure as PSC Chairman. He was inaugurated as the Chairman, by former President Muhammadu Buhari after the unprecedented resignation of retired IGP Musiliu Smith as the Chairman, allegedly, over health issues.

It is not known yet why Mr President sacked him, but not a few people thought that Arase, a thorough bred officer, was doing a good job.

In the statement which announced Argungu’s appointment, Ngelale said the appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate, and that “other

members of the Police Service Commission will be appointed in due course.”

However, the announcement did not say the Board has been dissolved.

He stated that President Tinubu, also, approved the appointment of Mohammed Sheidu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund with immediate effect.

“The President expects absolute demonstration of integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in the discharge of these important functions for the overall wellbeing of the Nigeria Police and the nation.”

Speculations are rife over why President Tinubu did not allow Arase to serve out his five year tenure.

While a source at the Commission alleges he was sacked over the recent recruitment of 10,000 which sparked a controversy between the Commission and the Force Headquarters, another alleged it had to do with an investigative report by the ICIR which linked Arase with an alleged unwholesome land business. Arase strongly denied any involvement in any such land deal, and has sued the Reporter and his Publication to Court. On the recruitment, Arase insisted it that it is the job of tye PSC to recruit, as confirmed by the Supreme Court, and not that of the Force Headquarters.

Argungu, the new PSC Chairman was born on 10th July, 1957, and joined the NPF as a Cadet ASP in 1984. He retired in 2016 on the rank of a DIG. He has a Masters of Laws, LLM.