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Emefiele: New Day New Allegation

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By Luke Onyekakeyah

The continued hounding of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on the ground of purported fresh allegations underscores the disordered order of Nigeria and its Judicial system. That those persecuting Emefiele have no clear picture of the offence (s) he committed that warranted his arrest and detention but have to literally search the internet to dig out possible offenses to lay on his head is reprehensible and confounding. It’s like government wakes up to fresh allegations every other day.

The trend makes a mockery of the judicial system in Nigeria.

Elsewhere, the right thing to do is to charge Emefiele to  Court and prosecute him accordingly or in the absence of any prosecutable charge release him, which would bring honour to the country as well as preserve his human rights. But none of these is happening. There seems to be a heightened desperation to nail Emefiele by all means possible and teach him a lesson of his life. Latest developments on the Emefiele saga seem to point to a predetermined dehumanising outcome.

For instance, the sudden and unexpected change of the case jurisdiction from Abuja to Lagos may be with ulterior motive, a political point job as it were.

Obviously, while Abuja portrays a pan Nigeria nationalistic outlook with a  not my own’ mentality,  Lagos is not like that but carries a Yoruba sectional interest that can easily be manipulated. It needs to be seen how Emefiele whose work base is in Abuja will be  given fair trial in Lagos.The question is why transfer the case to Lagos? What is the reason?

The fresh allegation that Emefiele spent N17bn to print N748bn appears ludicrous. It looks like a high-powered propaganda and falsehood deliberately cooked with the sole aim of painting Emefiele black, a smear campaign as it were. This sort of allegation makes one wonder if the CBN is a one man business in which Emefiele had unlimited and unrestricted freedom to do whatever he likes.

The question is, was there no board of directors at the CBN that sat over such an important matter like currency printing to analyse the cost and expenses involved? Was President Buhari, under whose watch the transaction was executed not aware of what was going on? Did Emefiele single handedly conceive, contract, discuss and approve  the transaction, as that was the only way he could have succeeded in ripping the CBN of the alleged sum. Otherwise, how did water enter into the coconut? Is there no due process that should be followed in a matter relating to currency printing? Was the board hypnotised not to know such sleeze? That is not the end.

There is yet another allegation that a staffer – a dispatch man  – or so, testified that he collected the sum of $600,000 bribe for Emefiele.This appears spurious until it is proven. The nitty-gritty of the corrupt transaction needs to be proven. Since when did bribery become an open transaction that tphe Governor of the CBN would send a dispatch man to go and collect such a huge sum on his behalf? It is akin to many false witnesses appearing before Pilate to accuse Jesus all with the sole aim to crucify him. I am imagining how Emefiele would opt to send a dispatcher to go and collect bribe for him. It is laughable.

It is not surprising that as part of this heist, these allegations are being orchestrated by some affiliate media platforms that hype only the biased aspects against Emefiele. In the same vein, the Senate appears to be goaded to join the fray with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio making uncomplimentary statements against Emefiele.

The Senate President should be reminded that we are in a democracy with clear and distinct responsibility between the executive, legislature and judiciary.  In a matter like this, the Senate is supposed to observe decorum and allow the courts to do their job. Therefore, Akpabio’s interference is totally ill-motivated and in bad taste.

Around the sane world, a person of Emefiele’s standing will be treated with some modicum of dignity. He would not be arrested on frivolous allegations. In places like China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere in Europe and America, before a man of Emefiele’s status is arrested, there would be air-tight and irrefutable allegations with concrete evidence to convict him in court. And without undue delay, he is arraigned in court and swiftly prosecuted and convicted or acquitted as the case may be. In the event that the allegations were unproven, he will be released forthwith without an attempt to tarnish his image because he is entitled to his human rights. There will be no witch-hunting or sentiment inspired blackmail.

But here in Nigeria,where law and order are turned on their head,  there are human rights abuses as impunity and ethnic sentiments reign supreme.

Emefiele, an erstwhile Governor of the CBN was picked up since June 10, 2023. After nearly a year after, he is still being held without any charge preferred against him. Rather than let him go, he is being subjected to a most inhuman treatment like a common criminal.

I have stated without equivocation earlier that nobody is against the move by government to curb the corruption monster that has eaten the fabrics of the Nigerian society. We all support the fight. Therefore, it is absolutely in order to arrest a suspect after investigation has been conducted and it is established evidentially that the person has a case to answer. Having said that, I must reiterate that it is offensive, indeed loathsome to clamp down on anybody with arrest without readily having charge (s) to prefer against him or her as the Nigerian government is doing.

As it were, Emefiele has, since July 2023, been dragged from one court to another on frivolous charges bordering on arms possession in the first instance to a cocktail of seventeen spurious allegations listed by Mr. Jim  Obazee, President Tinubu’s special investigator all to no avail. Both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have separately thoroughly investigated Emefiele and came out with nothing. The other day,news broke out that President Tinubu has contracted Deloitt consulting to still investigate Emefiele to the chargrin of bewildered Nigerians. While the outcome is being awaited, government is rolling out fresh allegations on which to arraign Emefiele. What is President Tinubu looking for? What does he want to do with Emefiele?

At this juncture, I would like to state that the trial of Emefiele is a trial of the CBN as an institution and Nigeria as a country. All the negative implications affect all of us.

To the best of my knowledge, Emefiele’s trial as Governor of CBN is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Because of the high honour and reverence the CBN governor commands, it is not common to arrest these personalities and put them on trial. The reason is simple – the CBN governor carries the aura of high integrity that supposedly insulates them from engaging in fraud or any untoward practices.

Unfortunately, changing times and bitter politics of hatred Have dragged all of us into the mud. The whole world is watching the Emefiele drama with consternation. After exposing the CBN to ridicule, many foreign investors will be afraid to come to Nigeria. For a man that presided over the affairs of the CBN to be treated like a common criminal says much about Nigeria. It sends a message to the world that nobody can be trusted in Nigeria. That is why there is no regard for any Nigerian outside the shores of this country. Not long ago, for instance, our reverred Professor Wole Soyinka was reportedly mistreated in Johannesburg in South Africa. Several other Nigerians have been subjected to humiliating and inhuman treatment at different airports around the world.

That reminds me of an encounter I had with an immigration officer at the JFK International Airport in New York. That was in 2007. I landed at the airport from Lagos and picked up my box. An immigration officer waved to me to come to his stand. I went. He opened my bag and saw my Bible which I usually carry when I am on such trip. Immediately he saw the Bible, he ordered me to follow him to his office. Once in the office, he emptied the contents of my bag on the floor and screened every item. I was totally embarrassed. He asked me what I do in Nigeria. I told him. He Googled my name and found it. I told him that I carry my Bible whenever I travelled. He said in Nigeria, everybody is a pastor and they are the criminals. When he was done, he asked me to repack my bag and leave. That is the extent we have made ourselves endangered species both at home and abroad. President Tinubu should help to redeem Nigeria’s battered image and not further drag it to mud through untoward actions.


Onyekakeyah, PhD, wrote from Owerri

Why We Occupied Rivers Legislative Complex – Police

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Police Special Squad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the festering crisis of confidence between the Executive and Legislative Arms of the Rivers State Government ,the police authorities have informed that the need to  prevent the breach of peace necessitated their occupation of the state House of Assembly.

The Source reports that following tensions and anxiety that trailed the the ruling of a Rivers State High court on Friday May 10 2024 restraining the Speaker Martins Amaewule and 24 other legislators from further parading themselves as members of the Rivers state House of Assembly,and the subsequent announcement of the planned renovation of the Legislative Complex by Governor Sim Fubara, the police had drafted its men to take over the premises .

In a statement issued on Saturday May 11, by its spokesperson,Grace Iringe-Koko in Port Harcourt the state capital, the police Command insisted that its personnel are at the House of Assembly complex to uphold peace and not for the promotion of any vested political interests.

Furthermore, the police alluded to the recent unfolding political events as all the more propelling its occupation of the Legislative premises to avoid a break down of law and order.

“Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible break down of law and order .

We assure the public that there is no cause for alarm and all individuals are encouraged to carry on with their lawful  activities without fear.

Cooperation from the public is greatly appreciated as the police command strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for all”the Police statement noted.

PDP Condemns Endless Verification Of Abia Workforce; Says It is Dehumanizing

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The People Democratic Party PDP Abia state chapter has knocked the State Government over what it described as an ingenious attempt to subject the state workforce to an endless and gruelling verification exercises.

This is even as it has urged the Labour Party Dr Alex Otti led Government to adopt more modern and efficient methods of personnel management and accountability that do not unduly burden the workforce and disrupt their productivity.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson Abraham Amah on Saturday May 11,2024 and made available to the Source ,the PDP said it is disheartening for the Abia state Government to continue the imposition of burdensome verification exercises on the dedicated workforce of the Abia state without due consideration for the negative impacts and consequences on the workers and their families.

“The frequency of these exercises raises serious questions about the motives behind such actions and the lack of regard for the well being of the workers.

The Abia state Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party strongly condemns the recent attempts to subject Abia workers to a fifth verification exercise within a single year.

We view this action as not only punitive,but also burdensome,as it unnecessarily subjects the hardworking employees. of Abia state to undue stress and uncertainty.

The Abia PDP calls on the relevant authorities to immediately halt any further attempts to subject the workers to additional verification exercises and to engage in transparent dialogue with the workers representatives to address any legitimate concerns or issues .

It is imperative that the welfare and rights of the workers are prioritized and respected in all decision making processes .

There is the need for a more strategic and sustainable approach to workforce verification that consider the wellbeing and dignity of the workers.

The Abia PDP stands in solidarity with the workers of Abia state and will continue to advocate for their rights and interests . We call for a fair and just treatment of  the workers and a more collaborative approach to governance that values the contributions of every  worker towards the development of the state ” part of the PDP Statement reads.

President Tinubu, Gov Aiyedatiwa Extol Virtue Of Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasoranti @ 98

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa have felicitated with leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on  his 98th birthday.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele described Fasoranti as “a paragon of integrity and peerless leader with a natural agency for rallying minds to the cause of peace, unity, and development.”

The President affirmed that Pa Fasoranti, as the leader of the respected Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, has brought honour and dignity to the organization and has also honed its voice as a noble and trenchant mouthpiece of the people.

The President extolled the sacrifices and painstaking contributions of the elder statesman to the development of Nigeria as a veteran teacher, seasoned administrator, and exceptional politician.

He thanked Pa Fasoranti for his support and generous measure of wise counsel, assuring him that the beacon of truth, fairness, equity, peace, and unity will always be held up.

President Tinubu prayed to God Almighty to grant the elder statesman more years in excellent health, while wishing him joy and happiness on this momentous day and always.

In his birthday message to the elder statesman, Governor Aiyedatiwa described him as a symbol of integrity, statesmanship and patriotism.

The Governor said: “On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, I congratulate a distinguished elder statesman, one of the founding fathers of our State and the National Leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, on the occasion of his 98th birthday anniversary.

“Pa Fasoranti is a great leader and a rare symbol of integrity, statesmanship and patriotism.

“His virtues of contentment, sacrifice, devotion and loyalty have contributed in great deal to the longevity that God has blessed him with.

“Baba remains one of the most refined leaders that Nigeria has ever produced. His impeccable strength of character and his fidelity to the traits that have distinguished him from his peers for decades will remain a lesson to generations of leaders.

“Sir, on this special day, we honour your dedication, wisdom, and tireless efforts in promoting the welfare of our people and shaping our nation’s future. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us towards a brighter tomorrow.

“I am indeed delighted to join your family, friends and well-wishers from far and near to celebrate with you today and I pray for more strength, sound health and peace as you mark this milestone.”

Zamfara Assembly Decries Attempt To Negotiate With Bandits

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By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have decried activities of some persons going around the state claiming that they were assigned by the federal government to negotiate with bandits.

The lawmakers vowed to resist the purported plan to negotiate with the bandits in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the assembly, Bello Madora.

According to the statement, calling for a peace accord and reconciliation with the bandits by some people would not solve the problem in any way.

“Those calling for a peace accord and reconciliation with bandits are only doing that for political and selfish interest.”

This followed a Notice of Public Importance, (NPI) presented by the Majority Whip, and member representing Anka, Honourable Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo.

Nagambo further stated that reports reaching members indicated that some unpatriotic people were going round the state, particularly areas that were most hit by the lingering security challenges, negotiating with bandits in the name of a peace accord aimed at achieving their political goals.

The Majority Whip therefore called on the lawmakers of the House to immediately draw the attention of both the state and the federal governments, as well as relevant security agencies to take serious action against such a group of people negotiating with bandits in the state.

In their separate contributions during the sitting, the lawmakers condemned such an attitude, describing it as sabotage to the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s effort in addressing insecurity affecting the state.

They stated that they were fully supporting the State government’s steps towards rejecting any negotiation with bandits whose nasty activities had made legitimate living difficult in the state.

According to the lawmakers, such people were also claiming that they were assigned by the federal government with the mission to negotiate with bandits.

After much deliberations, the Speaker, Bi’yaminu Ismail Moriki, said the House unanimously resolved to condemn the purported plans by some unpatriotic people who were trying to cause problems for Zamfara State government in the area of addressing insecurity.

According to him, the House decided to draw the attention of both the state and the federal governments, as well security agencies, to immediately take measures against such unpatriotic politicians.

“Why I Honoured Awujale With GCON” – President Tinubu

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Bola Tinubu and Awujale Ijebuland

“Because Oba Adetona has honoured our country and humanity with his many years of meritorious service, I therefore, on this special occasion of his 90th birthday ceremony, confer on him the second highest National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

“To ensure that the knowledge production and intellectual output of the Post-Graduate school benefit the entire country, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos will be asked to take over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies. This will be a fitting compliment to Kabiyesi’s educational legacy”.

Following, President Bola Tinubu’s full speech as read on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima

Protocols

“We are here today to celebrate and rejoice with an outstanding and extraordinary monarch on the occasion of his 90th birthday anniversary.

“It also gladdens my heart to see the Awujale in his full glory and majesty attain this important milestone.

“I had planned to personally attend this epoch-making event as a mark of honour to our reverred royal father. I returned from my travel abroad to be part of this celebration. However, the exigencies and demands of state duty have both conspired to make it practically impossible to be here.

“Earlier, I sent a personally-signed tribute to Kabiyesi Awujale, underscoring his transcendental and preeminent status as a royal father not just in our country, but also as one of the most adored around the world.

“Kabiyesi Adetona deserves all the accolades we can accord him because he earned them.

“In the last  64 years, Kabiyesi had  served the people of Ijebuland with great wisdom and rare dedication. It is not surprising that his kingdom and people have continued to thrive.

“While we rejoice with Oba Adetona today, it is important to state that what we are celebrating is much more than this 90th birthday anniversary.

“In Oba Adetona, we are celebrating courage, dignity, honour and a life that is wholly committed to duty and service.

“In time of adversity, Oba Adetona showed strength and kingly character. He stood his ground and confronted injustice and oppression during our just struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in the land between 1993 and 1999. If democracy is blossoming in our country today, it is because patriarchs like Oba Adetona stood firmly on the side of the people.

“Motivated by higher and noble ideal to entrench democratic good governance in our country, Oba Adetona recognized the importance of expanding the frontier of knowledge with his endowment of a professorial chair at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State.

“It is appropriate that as part of activities marking this birthday anniversary, we are also inaugurating the Post-Graduate School on Policy and Governance Studies funded by Kabiyesi.

“Because Oba Adetona has honoured our country and humanity with his many years of meritorious service, I therefore, on this special occasion of his 90th birthday ceremony, confer on him the second highest National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

“To ensure that the knowledge production and intellectual output of the Post-Graduate school benefit the entire country, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos will be asked to take over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies. This will be a fitting compliment to Kabiyesi’s educational legacy.

“I wish Kabiyesi Awujale more years of service to the people of Ijebuland and robust health on the throne.

“Many happy returns Kabiyesi.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”

Oba Adetona has by this become the first Traditional Ruler to be awarded Nigeria’s second highest National Honour – GCON.

Police Take Over Rivers House Of Assembly Members’ Quarters

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Police Special Squad

By Akinwale Kasali

At least 30 Police Operatives have taken over the quarters of Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This followed a letter written to the Inspector General of Police by the factional Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, to the effect that the Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, is planning to demolish the living quarters of the State Legislators.

Fubara had, on Thursday, paid an unscheduled visit to the Legislative quaters, and said he did so in order to assess the quarters and see where repairs could be effected. The Governor paid the visit on the heels of the election of a new Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo by three members of the Assembly loyal to him.

But Amaewhule in reaction to the Governor’s visit said it is a prelude to the demolition of the Legislative Quarters by the Governor. He said they did not complain to the Governor of any problem and that the quarters were built only two years ago and needed no repairs.

However, on Friday, a Rivers State High Court ordered Amaewhule and 24 other pro-Wike Legislators, to stop parading themselves as Members of the House of Assembly in an exparte motion filed by Oko-Jumbo and others. The ruling is a consequence of the defection of the Legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The argument is that having dumped the Party under which they were elected, they should vacate their seats according to the constitution.

Friday evening, Police Operatives from the State Police Command, with about 25 Hilux vehicles, took over the Legislative Quarters, and blocked both the entrance and exit of the complex.

There is no doubt that the Police action is sequel upon Amaewhule’s call on the IGP, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, for protection against alleged threats by the Governor to demolish the complex.

Court Bars 24 Lawmakers Loyal To Wike From Parading Themselves As Rivers Assembly Lawmakers

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Rivers State house of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly is getting messier by the day. A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has barred Speaker, Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from parading themselves as Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This is coming two days after the lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State Chapter, threatened to impeach the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Honourable Justice Charles Wali gave this order on a case in suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Victor Oko Jumbo ( the just elected Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly) Sokari Goodboy, Orubienimigha Timothy, all pro-Fubara members of the Assembly.

Wali, following the ex parte motion, and after hearing from Sammie A. Somiari, SAN with B. N. Owunabo, Esq, and others for the claimants/applicants, entered that Amaewhule and co should stop parading themselves as lawmakers.

It would be recalled that  Amaewhule and some other Lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had defected to the APC, following the disagreement between Fubara and Wike.

The ruling read: “An Order of interim injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/sitting at the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, or any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“An order of interim injunction is, hereby, made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 12023 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“It is further Ordered that this Order, the Motion on Notice and the writ and other processes, in this case, be served on the 1st to 25th defendants/respondents within seven (7) days from date by substituted means to wit: by pasting at the entrance gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Legislative Quarters, Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt and for such service to be deemed good and proper.”

The court adjourned the Rivers lawmakers case till May 29 for Motion on Notice.

Following this development, Governor Fubara has ordered the immediate relocation of the House of Assembly’s sittings to the Rivers State Government House.

According to an executive order contained in a memo, Governor Fubara noted that the relocation was necessary due to the fire incident that happened at the House of Assembly Chambers months ago, leading to the ongoing renovation of the House of Assembly Chambers.

Anambra Transporters Storm Government House, Allege Extortion, Maltreatment

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Anambra Transporters

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Drivers operating under the  auspices of Transport  Company of Anambra state TRACAS on Friday May 10, 2024 grounded activities in many parts of Awka ,the Anambra state Capital ,following their peaceful protest march against alleged maltreatment and the extortionist tendencies by the management of TRACAS.

Presenting their protest letter to  Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Government House Agu Awka ,the leader/Spokesman for the protesting drivers,Okwudiri Felix,said  the serial maltreatment and extortion of drivers particularly those plying   Lagos Abuja and other highways  have persisted despite contributing over #61 billion to the internally generated revenue profile of Anambra annually.

According to him ,the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the ill treatment being melted out to the drivers by the authorities of TRACAS ,adding that they were forced to speak out to avoid having their legitimate businesses stifled by the insensitive attitude of the Management team of the transport company towards the drivers.

” Every driver that plies Lagos and Abuja highways pay loading fee of N15,000. We don’t know why the management want to  stifle us with multiple levies .

We are protesting to draw the  attention of the Governor to the ill treatment being melted out to us by the TRACAS management despite our contributions to the state revenue..

Recently ,the management directed that we should pay N45 000 for the Installation of  trackers in our vehicles for the purpose of monitoring us.

We accepted to have trackers in our vehicles ,but on the condition that the management should pay for the project and not the drivers. We also told them that the management should sign an undertaking to bear responsibility for anything that happen to our private vehicles as a result of the trackers.

At a stage the Anambra state House of Assembly Committee on Transport intervened . But after ,three days ,the management commenced the enforcement of the trackers directive.

They will stop us on the highway and insist on collecting N85,000 for the trackers and renewal permit . We are therefore crying out to the Governor to intervene before the management drives us out of business” the leader of the drivers stated.

Further Speaking,the Secretary of the drivers union Benjamin Ogbonnaya alleged that the management in 2019 collected the sum of N29,000 from each of them for the installation of speed limit device in their vehicles ” But up till today they have not installed any and they want to force us again to pay N45 ,000 for trackers.

We are not against the tracking devices, but they ( management) must pay for them”

But reacting to the allegations against TRACAS management, Managing Director,Chike Obiakor ,denied the maltreatment claims by the drivers, insisting that the idea of the trackers was borned of the need to check mate evasion of payments of loading fees by the drivers.

” We are trying to install trackers to monitor their (transporters ) movements and activities because they are not paying their loading fees at our parks and we are paying heavily for that” Obiakor stated.

However, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG Professor Solo Chukwuluobe ,while commending the peaceful conduct of the protesting drivers assured that he relay he will.relay their  message to the Governor.

House Of Rep Member, Isa Dongoyaro, Is Dead

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Isa Dogonyaro is dead

By Akinwale Kasali

The House of Representatives has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Isa Dongoyaro, of Babura/Garki Federal Constituency, Jigawa State.

The 46-year old Lawmaker had been ill for a few days before succumbing to the cold hands of death.

The deceased contested for the seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Health.

His demise was confirmed through a statement released by the Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, who disclosed that  Dogonyaro was pronounced dead by medical experts at an Abuja hospital on Friday.