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Anambra Reps Caucus Denies Endorsing Soludo For Re-election

June 30, 2024

The Anambra State Caucus of the House of Representatives has denied that it endorsed Governor Charles Soludo for re-election in 2025.

The caucus said this in a statement signed by its leader, Afam Ogene, on Sunday, June 30, 2024, titled, ”Re: Anambra State Caucus, House of Representatives, Endorses Gov. Soludo – A Rebuttal.”.

Ogene said though the caucus paid the governor a visit on Friday, June 28, party and personal aspirations were not on the agenda as focus was on ”the multifarious development and security challenges that confront our people.”

The statement read, ”Our attention has been drawn to wild rumours, circulating across several WhatsApp platforms, to the effect that the Ogene-led Anambra state Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, has endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second tenure in office.

”Although the Caucus, made up of nine, out of its 11 members, paid Governor Soludo a courtesy visit on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, our deliberations centred, primarily, on forging a development synergy for the overall interest of our state.

”Indeed, at no time during the almost five-hour chit-chat – during which both sides dissected the multifarious development and security challenges that confront our people – everyone was allowed to freely make contributions, in a free, no-holds barred manner.

”As a matter of fact, Governor Soludo himself aptly captured the essence of our visit, when he wrote on his X handle thus, ‘Yesterday, I had the honor of welcoming the Anambra State Caucus of the Federal House of Representatives to the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia. It was a pivotal step towards fortifying our collaboration in infrastructural partnership and development.

‘Our discussions were marked by a shared commitment to transcend party affiliations and work together harmoniously to champion initiatives at the national level that will significantly benefit Ndi Anambra,’ Governor Soludo wrote.

”We wish to add that personal, or party aspirations, never featured in our exchanges during the visit. We, therefore, had no cause to endorse anyone.

”As we begin this new chapter of development-centric collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms, we urge meddlesome interlopers not to truncate this laudable gesture, in the guise of projecting narrow partisan considerations.

Zamfara Rejects Appointment Of ‘Pastor’s Daughter’ As Fed Perm Sec

James Orji

June 30, 2024

The rejection of the appointment of Maryam Ismaila as a Federal Permanent Secretary by the Zamfara state government may not be unconnected with her father’s religious background as a Christian, according to SaharaReporters.

Ismaila is one of the eight permanent secretaries appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday to fill existing and impending vacancies of some states and geo-political zones in the civil service.

Their appointments were announced on Friday, in a statement ,by Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

Not long after the announcement, the state government rejected her appointment saying she is not an indigene of the state.

The state’s position was contained in a letter to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, by Zamfara State’s Head of Service, Ahmad Liman, expressing concerns about Ismaila’s selection.

According to the state government, her appointment has stirred up unease in the state, urging President Tinubu to reconsider the matter.

The state government insist that allowing Ismaila’s appointment to stand will further fuel the suggestion that the state has been marginalised at the federal level in terms of appointment.

However, the decision to reject Ismail’s appointment may not be unconnected with her father being a pastor while he was alive.

Ismail’s parents, source told the newspaper, hailed from Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, where her father was a pastor in ECWA church, Tsafe while he was alive.

ECWA is the Evangelical Church Winning All, previously known as the Evangelical Church of West Africa.

One source informed the newspaper that “Tinubu’s appointment of Maryam from Zamfara as permanent secretary was rejected by the state government because her father was a pastor. Simple!” one of the sources said.

“She is Hausa and a medical doctor. She married a Yoruba Muslim and later converted to Islam. Their families are well known in Tsafe town,” another source said.

“Why I Want South-East Governors to Work Together” – Peter Obi

The Source

June 30, 2024

The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has reiterated his call for South-East Governors to collaborate, emphasizing that such unity is crucial for the region’s development. Obi made this statement at Jesuit College in Port Harcourt while responding to a question seeking clarification on his previous day’s call for the South-East Governors to work together.

Obi highlighted that the entire country faces diverse challenges, including his own South-East zone. He expressed his desire for all regions to work collectively for the progress of their respective areas, thereby contributing to the overall development of Nigeria.

“In the case of the South-East,” Obi said, “the problems, like elsewhere, are many. However, security is the most pressing issue. I again urge the Governors to work as a family, especially now towards solving this problem, because working in isolation will achieve less and consume more resources.”

Obi emphasized that now is the time for the Governors to collaborate among themselves, working towards becoming collective champions. He suggested they engage with one another and even seek insights from former governors to share experiences. This approach, he argued, is more effective than striving to be individual champions and failing in such selfish pursuits.

It will be recalled that Obi expressed similar sentiments while speaking to journalists in Onitsha on Saturday, where he stated: “I thank the government for their efforts so far, but there is a need to do more. All leaders must come together to join hands and fight this. In the South-East, the governors need to unite to tackle these challenges effectively.

“Even in economic matters, I want to see the South-East governors work more closely. We need them to come together and also engage other groups in the zone for comprehensive development.”

Imo State Takes Control of Electricity Market: NERC Grants Regulatory Oversight

The Source

June 30, 2024

In a significant development, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has granted the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) regulatory control over the electricity market in Imo State, effective July 1, 2024.

This decision is in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to take ownership of their electricity markets.

NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba signed the order, following a request from the Imo State government.

As a result, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is required to establish a subsidiary, EEDC SubCo, to manage intrastate electricity distribution within Imo State. The subsidiary must be incorporated within 60 days and obtain a license from ISERC.

With this development, Imo State becomes the fourth state to gain regulatory authority over its electricity market, joining Enugu, Ondo, and Ekiti states.”

APC Says No Zoning Formula Ahead Anambra 2025 Guber Poll, Disowns Amaefuna

Akinwale Kasali

June 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election gathers momentum, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected the Zoning Formula for the Governorship Election Primaries.

Valentine Iyke-Oliobi, the Party’s Publicity Secretary made this disclosure in a statement. He said the APC has never been part of any zoning arrangement with any political party in the State.

He emphasized that the party gives every member equal opportunity to vie for its ticket, regardless of their zone.

“The APC in Anambra State has no zoning formula and has never been part of any zoning arrangement with any political party in the state.

“We have always given every member of the party contesting for any position the opportunity to vie for the party’s ticket, regardless of where he/she comes from,” the party said.

The statement also disowned a certain Mr. Pope Amaefuna, who claimed to be a Chieftain of the APC in Anambra State.

Iyke-Oliobi said Amaefuna is unknown to the party and maybe a ‘fifth columnist’ trying to confuse.

“To the best of our knowledge, he (Amaefuna) may be a fifth columnist whose aim is to cause unnecessary tension and disunity in the party through unguarded utterances,” Iyke-Oliobi stated.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democratic principles and equal opportunities for all members.

According to him, the party’s candidate for the 2025 Governorship election will emerge through a popular mandate.

“The APC is a progressive party and will not restrict the democratic field to any section of the state.

“Candidates of the party at all levels are chosen by the people from across the state. We call on those aspiring for any elective post to work hard towards gaining the acceptance of the party members when the time comes, instead of focusing on the distracting argument of zoning, which is alien to the APC,” the statement concluded.

NAF Bursts Operation Of Oil Thieves In Rivers; Kills Terrorists In Niger

Ayodele Oni

June 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other Security Agencies have continued to re-strategize in order to checkmate activities of oil thieves and terrorists.

The NAF successful operations against oil thieves and terrorists has proved their effectiveness in combating criminal activities and ensuring national security.

According to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet in a press statement on Sunday stated that, Wilcourt, a riverine settlement within the creeks of Niger Delta region is becoming notorious for illegal oil activities.

He pointed out that in most cases, oil thieves in the Niger Delta region have continued to find new ways of concealing their overhead tanks used in storing stolen crude oil products from busted pipelines, just as they have continued to infuse the use of fast speed boats to convey their stolen goods.

According to Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet in a press statement on Sunday in Wilcourt, a riverine settlement within the creeks of Niger Delta region becoming notorious for illegal oil activities.

“The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe sighted and destroyed three Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) with a total number of seven overhead tanks concealed under thick mangrove vegetation.

“About five Kilometer downstream, four boats were also sighted moving southwards with suspected illegally refined products.

“The boats were subsequently attacked and destroyed. While heading back, the crew spotted a speed boat with five suspected oil thieves fleeing the area.

“Upon sighting the aircraft, the criminals increased speed, hoping to evade the aircraft. The air component then pursued the speedboat until they arrived at the blocking zone of ground troops where they were arrested.”

The statement further revealed that similar successes were recorded in the Northwest, following a tip-off of terrorists hibernating at Dandunu, after rustling cattle from communities around the Kuchi-Kapana axis in Munya LGA of Niger State.

“The NAF subsequently deployed its air assets to scan the area which led to the interception of the terrorists on nine motorcycles leading the rustled cattle.

“In several passes, the motorcycle-riding terrorists were struck by the aircraft, and most of them eliminated in the process.

“The feedback from locals around the location have so far been positive, with most of them being able to recover the rustled cattle and returning to their livelihoods.”

Ondo: Government Bans Wearing Of Crowns By Chiefs

Ayodele Oni

June 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has initiated measures to end illegal use of traditional crowns and Obaship Tussle in the state.

As part of the measures, Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa has ordered Traditional Stools in the State without chieftaincy declarations to produce one and register it before the end of September 2024.

As a strategy to ensure seamless transition and put at bay agitations and tussles associated with Obaship selection process, the Governor said it has become imperative to take this decision.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, at a meeting with the Ondo State Council of Obas, advised the Chieftaincy Committee in each Local Government, to ensure that all stools in their jurisdiction, without declaration, have one prepared and registered within three months.

Aiyedatiwa, who promised to continue to prioritize the welfare of traditional rulers in the state, stated that five percent of local government allocation has been approved for their welfare.

Obas at the meeting eulogized the administration’s step aimed at forestalling Obaship tussles, as there are stools in the State that have existed for over 60 years without Chieftaincy Declarations.

In another development, the Ondo State Government has warned Minor Chiefs in the state to stop wearing crowns.

At a meeting with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and traditional rulers in the State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olajide Adelami directed the Commissioner in charge of the ministry to warn minor Chiefs, who disrespect the order on usage of crown.

The Commissioner, Alhaji Amidu Takuro stated that any Olu or Baale that wears crown henceforth, should be ready to face the wrath of the government.

He enjoined Obas to report any Minor Chief in their domain, that dares to put on the Crown.

Rivers Crisis: “Bomber Is Wike Supporter” – RVSG Alleges

The Source

June 30, 2024

By Charles Igbo

Not a few Nigerians were shocked on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, when an explosive device was detonated in front of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The questions were why?, and how? To detonate an explosive in front of the Hotel is serious, especially, as it happened when Federal Lawmakers, on an oversight assignment, were lodged in the Hotel, not to forget that the area is a very busy area.

Whoever was (were) responsible for that wanted it to have a maximum effect.

However, the opposite was the case. A twist of fate set in. As the bomb exploded, the alleged bomber was the most affected and serious victim.

Semi-conscious, he was quickly spirited away by his “colleagues” in the destabilisation business of Rivers State. Nobody, as at then, knew his identity.

But to effect his arrest, the Rivers State Government played smart. Its Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, issued an order and alerted all Health Facilities in the State to be on the watch out for any person with explosive-related injuries and report to both the State Government and the Police State Command.

That did the magic. His friends took him to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital where they dumped him and lied that he was a victim of a traffic accident. They disappeared.

A look at him, and the medical team confirmed they lied. As soon as he was stabilised, they reported as was requested.

On Saturday, June 29, the State Government made public the bomber’s identity. In a statement signed by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the suspected bomber was identified as Josiah Preye, University graduate, and an alleged supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He is, also, a staff of Sky Packing Materials Trd: LLC, and a Port Harcourt resident.

Proof: A video released by the Government showed Preye actively participating in a pro-Wike protest in Port Harcourt same day as the incident took place, and also showed him lying down on his hospital bed.

Wike and Fubara are engaged in a messy fight over the control of the State.

Following, full text of the statement released by the Rivers State Government.

BUSTED: ASSOCIATES OF RIVERS FAILED BOMBER, JOSIAH PREYE

“On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, ardent loyalists of the former Governor of Rivers State and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, entered Day 2 of their so-called pro-police protest to press home a smokescreen of the veiled narrative that they support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) decision to barricade and deny staff and officials of the third tier of government in the 23 local government areas access to their offices to perform their constitutional duties and advance democracy in the state and country.

“The narrative was anchored on their agitation for tenure elongation by six months for the former elected local government chairmen and councillors, whose statutory three-year term had expired at midnight of June 17, 2024, and therefore, constitutionally barred from continuing to serve in that capacity, except their mandates are renewed through a fresh election, and are sworn-in again after taking a new oath of office administered by appropriate judicial officer.

“But for a group, which claimed that they were on the side of the law, and embarking on ‘peaceful’ protest in support of law enforcement agents, to hire, empower and embolden thugs, suicide bombers, cultists, anarchists, and all manner of criminals, does not add up.

“This is Josiah Preye, hired together with other thugs, cultists, anarchists, and violent extremists, all sponsored by the likes of former Speaker, state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, former Obio/Akpor Local Government Council chairman, Barrister George Ariolu; Chief of Staff to FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi; President General of GDI, Bright Amaewhule; Timothy alias General Whosky; among others; who are all core unrepentant loyalists of Nyesom Wike.

“Josiah Preye was part of the protest on Monday – Day 1 of the protest – and on Day 2, he is seen in this video carrying improvised explosive device, with specific instructions on how to use, where and when to detonate the device.

“He is one, among others, in the crowd paid by the sponsors of the evil protest to cause anarchy and chaos in the state with the major aim of justifying their call for a state of emergency in Rivers State, so that they can usurp power from the back door, since they know that Rivers people have rejected them in their various positions.

“Again, their ploy was to create pandemonium with the explosive device while they matched the streets to demand for tenure elongation for local government chairmen who had served out their statutory three-year tenure.

“They chose near Hotel Presidential on the very busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, where some Senators and House of Representatives committee members on oversight functions in the State were lodging, to detonate the device but it failed. Nemesis rather caught up with Josiah Preye, and the explosive devise caused severe harm and injuries to the hunter – Josiah Preye. The hunter is now the hunted, Josiah Preye is now battling with karma, and the God who sees the hearts of the wicked and unleashes vengeance against their evil plots, is fighting for the innocents and real law-abiding citizens and liberated residents of the state.

“Their plan to get reason to support their call for a state of emergency and scuttle the God-ordained administration currently providing good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of the State, failed woefully.

“And by the special grace of God, they will continue to fail and falter.

“Security agencies should act now, and bring all those involved in the failed bombing in Port Harcourt to face justice.

“Josiah Preye is a graduate of Imo State University, Owerri; works at Sky Packing Materials Trd: LLC, and lives in Port Harcourt.”

Obi Remains Role Model to Youths and Political Class – Archbishop Ugorji

The Source

June 30, 2024

Donates N10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and Proprietor of Holy Rosary College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, has described the leader of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, as an obvious role model, not just to the youths in society, but to the political class of the nation. The cleric eulogised Obi for his humility, compassion and care for society.

Ugorji made the remarks at Holy Rosary College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, Imo State, when Mr Peter Obi visited the Nursing School and donated N10 million as part of his commitment to building a robust healthcare sector in the nation.

The Archbishop explained that right from Obi’s years as the Governor of Anambra State, Obi has remained a true citizen of the nation who is consumed by the desire to contribute to the progress and development of the nation. He confirmed that through his decent lifestyle, Obi has continued to inspire millions of youths to do what is right.

“The political class should begin to emulate Mr Peter Obi, who though not in government, has continued to use his resources to contribute to the nation’s development and make life better for the people.

“He lives above the walls of tribal and religious divisions to care for society. We follow the news and we see how he travels around the nation from the North to the South, East and West. He remains a shining example of citizenship to the youth and the political class. May God bless his endeavours, and grant his sincere desire to lead the nation better,” Archbishop Ugorji said.

Addressing the nursing and midwifery students, Obi maintained that investing in health, which is a critical measure of development remains a vital tool for development.

He appreciated the management and staff of the institution for their efforts while encouraging the students to remain committed to their studies.

Why NAF Invests In Education – Chief Of Air Staff

Ayodele Oni

June 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has said that the safety, wellbeing and academic excellence of students of Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools remains paramount.

He maintained that any attempt to infringe on such priorities will not be tolerated.

This is contained in a statement by Air Vice Marshall Edward Gabkwet,

Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force.

While interacting with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Air Marshal Abubakar also stated that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff or instructors in charge of NAF schools nationwide that leads to injury or threat to life of any student would not be tolerated.

According to him, “It is your responsibility to follow laid down guidelines as well as other means in identifying red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within your school environments so as to forestall avoidable incidents or tragedies.

“I will not condone any act that would lead to injuries or the death of any of our students.”

The statement added that, the CAS also stressed that the NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

He called on commandants and staff of NAF schools to always ensure they put the interest of the students first before any other interest.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that NAF’s investment in education is a vital aspect of its welfare package, aimed at supporting the families of personnel as well as those of civilians, while also contributing to the nation’s human capital development.

“It is also part of its soft power strategy aimed at endearing it to the populace and enabling it to engage with the civil populace through the provision of affordable and qualitative education for their wards.”

NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide consisting of nine boarding and four day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students as well as 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13, 758 pupils.

Its oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while its oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.

Currently, the NAF is building additional schools at NAF Bases located at Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna and Igbara-Oke in Ondo State, all expected to come on stream by September 2024.

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