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Imo Govt Condemns Re-Circulation Of Cloned ThisDay Story Against Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Imo State Government has condemned the resurrection of a cloned fake THISDAY story  against Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba regretted that those who are bent on stoking conflict between Ndigbo and the rest of the country were behind the re circulation of the cloned newspaper publication where it was alleged that Gov Hope Uzodimma has pledged to marry off Imo women to Fulani settlers.

He said the cloned Thisday publication first circulated in August 2021, which was promptly disowned by the management of the newspaper.

Emelumba disclosed that the resurrection of the fake news story has been traced to the same group raising a false alarm that Imo state was hosting an IDP Camp at Nsu,Ehime Mbano local government area of the state.

He named the sponsors as those who woefully lost the recently conducted local government election and were looking for ways to cause instability in the state.

Emelumba said it was ungodly for people out of sheer political banditry to resurrect an issue that had been settled three years ago.

According to him, Uzodimma doesn’t even have the power to compel any lady outside his biological children to marry anyone, and he wondered where they got that satanic idea from.

He said it was ridiculous for people to peddle such a rumour again ,even when they know that there is no iota of truth  in it.

“Honestly, I believe Imo people are too cosmopolitan to believe such a balderdash from empty brains whose quest for power has led them to all sorts of mischief and desperation”, he submitted.

He described Uzodimma as an unrepentant democrat who will never trample upon the human rights of any law-abiding resident of the state.

The Commissioner called on the people of Imo State to disregard any information that is intended to tarnish the image of  government officials or incite them against other Nigerians.

According to him, the resurrection of the fake news against the governor and the circulation of a video by one Chinonso Uba calling for insurrection against the federal government by Ndigbo was not a mere coincidence.

He noted that it was a deliberate action to cause instability in Imo state, leading to another wave of insecurity in the State

News Of IDP Camp For Northerners In Imo State Is Fake – Govt

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Government on Monday, September 30, 2024, vehemently denounced insinuations that it has established Internally Displaced Peoples, IDP, camps in the State to accommodate refugees  from other parts of the country.

The Imo State Government said the purveyors of such disinformation are notorious propagandists out to incite and promote hate between the Igbo and other people from other parts of Nigeria.

The Source reports that in the last 24 hours, a section of the social media has  been regaled with the claim that the Imo State Government has set up  an IDP camp in Ehime Mbano Local Council to shelter and train persons, particularly from the Northern part of the country.

But in a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan  Emelumba, noted that what was built in actual fact was a skill acquisition centre in Nsu area for South Easterners by the Federal Government.

He informed that the training facility is to serve the interest of Imo citizens and other South Easterners for the purpose of skills acquisition.

“It  is regrettable that enemies of Nigeria have decided to distort harmless information from the National Refugee Commission to pit the Igbo against other parts of the country.

“The purveyor of the disinformation is a notorious propagandist who has repeatedly disseminated seditious materials from his infamous hate speech gospel ministry to incite unrest in the nation.

“The training centre in Ehime Mbano is the South East slot as other geo-political zones received their slots and would train their people accordingly.

“At no time was it contemplated that refugees would be brought from the North or West to be trained in Imo state ” Emelumba stated .

According to the Information Commissioner, the latest attempt is yet another move by the notorious propagator of hate speech to incite Ndigbo against Northerners,to make the country ungovernable for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

” This is a man who is notorious for churning out hate speeches, founded on stark ignorance of public politics and current affairs, against Northerners.

He deliberately twisted the news from Refugees Commission to incite Ndigbo against other Nigerians.” the statement noted.

Oyo State Government Partners UNICEF To Eradicate Open Defecation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Seyi Makinde - Governor of Oyo State

By Akinwale Kasali

With the aim of eradicating Open Defecation in Oyo State, the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, OYORUWASSA, has partnered with UNICEF and LIXIL representatives from Kenya to ensure SATO PAN Toilets are installed across the state, towards eliminating open defecation in the State by 2028.

Before now, the World Health Organisation, WHO, had rated Nigeria as one of the Top 20 Countries in the World that still practice Open Defecation.

Inspecting some Egbeda and Ona Ara Communities in Ibadan axis where this initiatives will begin, Hon. Babalola Afobaje, Chairman of the Agency commended the Executive Governor of the State, Seyi Makinde and UNICEF for their unwavering support in fostering a clean and healthy environment, particularly for children.

Afobaje assured that the agency’s sanitation efforts would benefit both urban and rural residents, promoting the use of SATO PAN toilets to achieve this goal.

Speaking also during the inspection, the General Manager, OYORUWASSA,  Adeduntan Mumeen, stressed the importance of SATO PAN toilets as a swift solution to the open defecation challenge

He reiterated that Oyo State would attain open defecation-free status through the collaborative efforts of all relevant stakeholders.

UNICEF WASH Specialist, Monday Johnson, emphasized that increased access to SATO PAN toilets would lead to a healthier environment and ultimately end open defecation in the state.

He urged stakeholders to educate the public on the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and praised OYORUWASSA, LGAs, and Toilet Business Owners,TBOs, for their contributions to this cause.

Similarly, representative from LIXIL Organisation, Samuel Langat stated that the use of SATO PAN toilets is essential for living in a clean environment.

Langat said that the team’s visit was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders and Toilets business owners, TBOs, regarding the sales, installation, and usage of SATO products.

He added that by 2030, everyone should have access to smart toilets through the use of SATO products.

Nigerian Courts In Cacophonic Rulings Over Rivers Local Council Election

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Justice Adolphus Enebeli

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Justice Peter Lifu of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday September 30, 2024, ruled to restrain the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission RSIEC, from going ahead with October 5, scheduled Local Government polls in the State.

The Court also ordered the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and other security agencies not to provide security for the said election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was also barred from releasing its voters register to the RSIEC for the purpose of the conduct of the Local Council Election.

Hon Justice Lifu gave the order while ruling on a motion on notice filed before the Court by the All Progressive Congress APC in Rivers.

The Court held that the RSIEC ,in arriving at the date of the said election, never met all the necessary conditions and relevant laws governing the exercise.

The Judge insisted that conditions, including the updating and revision of the voters register ought to have been carried by the electoral body before fixing the date for the polls.

Besides, the Court faulted the RSIEC for violating the law that provides for a 90 day notice before the exercise.

The Court apart from barring INEC from making available its voters register, also restrained RSIEC from requesting and receiving the voters register from INEC.

Ironically, before the Abuja Monday judgment, the RSIEC had informed that it had already requested and received the contentious voter register from the National electoral umpire . .

Justice Adolphus Enebeli rtd, Chairman of RSIEC last week Thursday September 26, at the occasion of the formal display of the voters register in Rumudara community in Obio-Akpor Local Council,said the Commission obtained the voters register since last year .

According to the retired Judge ,the Commission had proactively obtained all the necessary documents and material in 2023 before the court cases started from all the fronts .

” A wise man can never be taken unawares . We are protractive .We will follow due process .Even before the cases went to court ,we had loaded with the INEC .

“It is the gift of patience ,planningIam not a last minute man .I plan ahead .And so all these things  were concluded since last year” Justice Enebeli stated .

The Judgement, however, is coming just two days after a court of equal jurisdiction had given the greenlight for the election to be held.

Hon Justice IPC Igwe on Thursday September 26, while delivering judgement in the suit filed by the Action Peoples Party APP.,ordered the RSIEC to conduct the October 5 polls, using the national voters register of the 2023 elections.

The High Court sitting in Port-Harcourt directed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the country to provide adequate security and ensure the maintenance of peace, law and order during and after the election.

The APP had filed the suit against the RSIEC and the Rivers state Government ,including the Governor.

With the Monday Abuja order coming from a court of equal jurisdiction, as that of Rivers State High Court 14 which had ruled otherwise before now, Nigerians and indeed, the civilized World await anxiously for the one the RSIEC and the Security Agencies will obey.

Ogun 2027: Akinlade Says Adebutu Not Fit For PDP Governorship Ticket

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oladipupo Adebutu and Abdulkabir Akinlade

By Akinwale Kasali

The once rosy relationship between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate at the 2023 Election in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and his runningmate, Abdulkabir Akinlade, seems to have gone sour over their political aspirations come 2027.

Akinlade openly rejected Adebutu’s 2027 governorship ambition, saying that his former Principal is not the best option for the Party come 2027.

This is coming weeks after the party’s parallel congresses which were held separately by different factions of the PDP in the State.

The former Governorship Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, at the 2019 Election emphasized that Adebutu’s emergence as the Party’s Governorship Candidate in 2027 would be detrimental to the Party in the State.

Akinlade said: “The fact is that many of us in Ogun PDP are of the view that Hon. Ladi Adebutu should not,and cannot, run for the office of Ogun State governor in 2027.”

He further noted that Adebutu’s deployment of Billions of Naira to influence his aspiration at all levels is unacceptable, and as stakeholders, they have resolved to put “Ogun state first.”

He also highlighted the potential for geographical imbalance if Adebutu were to run, citing the incumbent Governor’s Dapo Abiodun completion of his Eight year term in 2027, citing that they come from the same area.

“There is no way the incumbent Governor, H.E Prince Dapo Abiodun, who is from Iperu in Ikene LG of Ogun State will be completing his eight-year term in 2027 God willing, and another self-entitled Iperu man will want to be governor in 2027, isn’t acceptable”, he stressed.

The party’s internal conflict began after the Supreme Court judgment that gave victory to Governor Abiodun as against Akinlade and Adebutu, who ran on a joint ticket in the 2023 election.

The duo have been at loggerheads over their political ideologies that has led to irreconcilable differences, have been at odds with former PDP Chairman Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele.

The PDP has failed to win back the State from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, after former PDP Governor, Gbenga Daniel’s relinquished power to APC’s Ibikunle Amosun who ruled for eight years from 2011-2019, before Governor Abiodun came on board in 2019 and won re-election in 2023.

“Voters’ Register Already With Us Before Court’s Ruling” – Chairman Rivers Electoral Commission

By
Ayodele Oni
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Justice Adolphus Enebeli

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli, (rtd) has announced that Voters Registers for the conduct of the Council Poll were already with the Commission.

Reacting to a Federal High Court ruling on Monday which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the document to the Commission, Enebeli stated that the Commission had proactively obtained the necessary documents in 2024, before the Court orders came into effect.

According to him, “A wise man can never be taken unawares. We are proactive. We will follow due process. Even before the cases went to court, we have loaded with INEC, the correspondence are there.

“It is the gift of patience, planning. I’m not a last minute man, I plan ahead. And so all these things were concluded since last year.”

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for 5th October 2024.

Justice Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment on a suit brought before him by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.

Justice Lifu criticized RSIEC for setting 5th October as the election date without adhering to the relevant laws governing the conduct of the election.

He ruled that the Rivers State Electoral Body violated the provisions of the Local Government Election law by failing to publish the mandatory 90-day notice before fixing the election date.

Enebeli had led the Commission’s team on Thursday in displaying the voters’ register at Rumudara community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

Enebeli emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible and violence-free elections.

The retired Justice explained that the display of the Voters’ Register provided citizens the opportunity to verify their registration and confirm their designated polling units ahead of the elections.

Enebeli urged the people of Rivers State to turn out en masse on October 5 to vote for their preferred candidates.

He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to providing a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates, assuring the public of RSIEC’s impartiality.

October 1 National Protest: Kano Police Warns Against Violence

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the nationwide protest march billed for 1st October, Nigeria’s Independence Day, Police authorities in Kano have warned that they will not condone any violent acts under any guise.

The Source reports that the #EndBadGovernance protest between August 1 to 10, had resulted in monumental violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of both private and public properties in the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region.

Particularly, day one and two of the 10-day long national protest against hunger and bad governance saw Kano protesters visit untold violence and killings on the ancient city. A number of people were killed and properties worth billions of Naira either looted or destroyed.

Of note was the looting and vandalization of the signature project of the Federal Ministry of Digital Economy in Kano, the multi-billion Naira, NCC-ICT park a few weeks to its commissioning .

Some of the protesters in the ever volatile city equally added a ting of treasonable act following their open wielding and display of Russian National flag during the exercise.

Already, many arrested  hundreds of protesters are currently being prosecuted by the police in the State.

Similarly, the Kano State Government empowered Commission of inquiry is also presently carrying out an inquest into the the circumstances that precipitated the unprecedented violent nature of the #EndBadGovernance protest in the State.

Part of the terms of reference of the panel is to, also, fish out those behind the orgy of violence and killings during the exercise which was initially conceived to be peaceful for possible prosecution.

Addressing the Media on Monday at the Bompai Police headquarters on the Planned October 1 nationwide protest, the Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa CSP, cautioned residents against joining the protest train.

He warned that the Police in the State will not sit- by idly and watch the peace of the state once again disrupted.

“We have concluded all necessary arrangements to provide adequate security during and after the Independence day celebrations .

“We urge all residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies while participating in the festivities responsibly ”

The police spokesman, however, informed that the Service is also ready to handle any possible security breach.

According to him, the Command has enhanced security arrangements at strategic locations, with a view to frustrating any potential acts of threat to the peace and order of the state.

He, therefore, advised residents to shun acts capable of compromising the fragile peace and security the State.

Anambra LG Polls: Again, It Is  100% Victory For  APGA

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

True to expectations, and in keeping with the record already set by his colleagues in other states, Governor Charles Soludo’s All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, cleared all the 21 Local Council Chairmanship positions in last Saturday’s Election in Anambra State

The Source reports that over a decade after the last Local Government polls was held, the State on September 28, 2024, conducted another exercise in a bid to meet with the June 20, 2024 Supreme Court ruling on Council autonomy.

Announcing the results Sunday evening in Awka, the State capital, Genevieve Osakwe, the Chairman of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, said that APGA also won all the Councilorship positions.

Osakwe, who is also a Magistrate in the State Judiciary, described the election which over 60% of eligible political parties boycotted as  free and fair.

The Source reports that the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, All Progressive Congress, APC,

Labour Party, LP, had  some weeks before the election, announced their withdrawal from the exercise.

They specifically and variously cited insincerity on the part of the umpire and the manipulative tendencies of the APGA led Anambra state Government as major reasons for shunning the polls.

The aggrieved political parties has  also approached the court to challenge the exercise ,which they described as illegal.

The Labour party, in addition, filed a case of impersonation against the ANSIEC and the APGA-led administration in the State.

The Party alleged that the electoral umpire working in concert with the ruling APGA had listed some APGA members as LP contestants in the election at a time it was clear to all that the party was not interested in the exercise.

In all, the major political parties had argued that their participation at the  polls would amount to conferring legitimacy on a manifestly flawed and highly compromised process.

Instructively, none of the opposition parties ,also, was present during the announcement of the result of the  election at the ANSIEC headquarters.

Besides APGA’s agents and officials, no agents or  representatives of other political parties were sighted at the venue of the result declaration.

That notwithstanding, the ANSIEC  insists that the exercise was free, fair and credible.The Chairperson of the Commission also thumped up security agencies and the people for the peaceful nature of the polls.

“This is to affirm  the result of the Chairmanship and Councilorship election held on September 28, 2024.

“The Commission carefully collated and analyzed the results to ensure that there were no mistakes.

“We ensured all scores and parties were announced at the polling units yesterday ( Saturday) . We are here today (Sunday) to affirm the results as recorded .

“The election held at all polling units across Anambra state on September 28 was free fair and credible” Osakwe stated.

“Your Freedom Is Guaranteed”, Tinubu Assures Justice Kekere-Ekun, As She Took Oath Of Office As CJN

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu and Kekere Ekun

By Ayodele Oni

Following the confirmation of her appointment by the Senate as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun

She took the oath of office as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Monday, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the Judiciary’s independence and sanctity.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy),  in a statement said that Justice Kekere-Ekun, is the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history.

The ceremony occurred at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.  Four former Chief Justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the Judiciary Divisions, witnessed  the ceremony.

President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the Judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

”The Judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian Judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.

”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.

”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”

President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.

He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow.”

The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.

”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women.

“Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating.”

President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband.

The President commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.

64th Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Will Prevail, Says Akpabio

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio has predicted a better Nigeria, saying the nation is on the path of overcoming its current challenges.

What Nigerians need now, Akpabio said, is to remain hopeful and prayerful adding that there would be light at the end of the dark tunnel.

The senate president made the remarks on Sunday at an inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence celebrations.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a low key celebrations citing the current economic situation in the country.

Akpabio’s remark is contained in a statement issued by his media office, noting that President Tinubu is more dedicated to change the country.

“As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face. Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy. Yes, there will be setbacks. But together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail,” he said.

He added “Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable.

“Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of.”

He said, “Undoubtedly, the Nigerian nation is defined by resilience. From our earliest struggles for independence to the challenges of modern governance, we have continually shown our indomitable spirit. When faced with adversity, we rise. When confronted by challenges, we unite.

“Today, I thank God for the Nigerian spirit that has led us through turbulent times, across our Red Seas and Jordan Rivers, over our hills and mountains and through every valley we have encountered.”

Ahead the Independence day celebrations tomorrow, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government Federation, SGF, said in Abuja, the nation’s capital few days ago that President Tinubu has directed a low-key celebrations in line with the mood of the country.

“In alignment with the mood of the nation, therefore, I wish to inform you that the President, Commander–in–Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved that the 64th Independence celebration should be low-keyed.

“It is in this context that the program of events has been designed to remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the SGF said.

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