“My Government Committed To Free Press” – Uzodimma, Dismayed Over Laying Of Pipes Indiscriminately

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May 4, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that his Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State is, and will remain, committed to the pursuit of the tenets of free Press, noting that the role of the press in advancing the positive courses of the society cannot be underestimated.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, said Governor Uzodimma’s government will not only guarantee the practice of free Press in Imo State, but will continue to partner with the practitioners in the overall interest of the public.

Journalists all over the world marked the 2024 World Press Freedom Day on Friday, May 3, with the theme, A Press for the planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis.

The statement added that Governor Uzodimma is on the same page with journalists practising in the State in particular, and Nigeria in general, as they celebrate the World Press Freedom Day, insisting that partnership between the government, stakeholders and the media practitioners is key to dealing with the issues that give the journalists cause for worry.

The statement further said that the Governor appreciates the theme for this year’s celebration as being apt, and in line with the thinking of government, at both sub national, national, continental and global levels, as regards to how to deal with critical societal challenges plaguing humanity of late.

The statement said Governor Uzodimma also used the opportunity to felicitate with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS) who collaborated with students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the Imo State University to mark the occasion with the theme: The importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global crisis.

Nwachuku who was Keynote Speaker at the Imo State University event, assured the students studying journalism, on behalf of the Governor, that their future is bright, and that they should not be deterred by the things they consider as challenges, reminding them that his principal has done a lot to encourage journalism practice in Imo State and will continue to do so.

In another development,

in a Special Announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Government has frowned at the indiscriminate laying and construction of pipelines in the State.

The announcement reads:

“The Government of Imo State has observed with dismay the illegal and indiscriminate construction and laying of pipes in the streets of Owerri and other major towns in the state notwithstanding that

there is a subsisting law against such a practice.

“Government wishes to reiterate the fact that under no circumstances should a company or individual embark on digging and laying of pipes without a right of way approval from the relevant departments of government.

“Consequently, any company or individual caught violating the law of right of way shall henceforth be arrested and prosecuted without any further warning.

“Please be warned”

Ihediohas – Emeka & Ebere – Celebrate 27 Years Of Marital Bliss

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

Former Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, and his wife, Lady Ebere, an accomplished Public Servant, are celebrating their 27 years of marriage, Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The couple, through thick and thin, stuck to each other like a second skin.

Lady Ebere, described by many as a very prayerful woman, has been very supportive, in everyway, especially, with prayers, of her husband in his checkered political life.

Many people remember a strong Lady Ebere, who from Imo, rushed to her husband’s side in Abuja, the minute, on that fateful day in January 2020, when the Supreme Court removed him as the Governor of Imo State in favour of the now incumbent Senator Hope Uzodinma. Her photograph as she walked down to board an aircraft at Imo Airport, her thoughts focused on her husband, instead of the office they just lost, was iconic.

Ihedioha’s political career peaked when he became the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, later the Acting Speaker, and its antenna raised more than ever when he was elected the Governor of Imo State in 2019. That election was voided by the Supreme Court, seven months after he was sworn-in as Governor of the State.

It did not wane his interest in politics, as Ihedioha stuck to his Party, the PDP, and became both its face and engine room in Imo State, building it up for the 2023 Governorship election.

But in a surprise move, because of political bitterness and intrigues which engulfed the Party in the State, Ihedioha withdrew from the Governorship race. His withdrawal which made it easy for the National Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu to pick the ticket, factionalised the Party and contributed to its very woeful performance in the 2023 Governorship election.

Until he withdrew from the race, not a few people had taken it for granted that the Party would give him the ticket, unopposed, as compensation for his 2020 travails and loss. That did not happy to the surprise of many.

The Party never quite recovered from Ihedioha’s withdrawal from the race.

Last week, after much pressure from loyalists angry over what they saw as the shabby treatment given to him by, and in, the PDP, Ihedioha resigned from the Party which member he had been since 1999. His resignation triggered an unprecedented mass resignation from a political party in the history of Nigerian Politics.

A congratulatory message signed by Prince Ebube Mbah, Director General, Ihedioha New Media Centre, to the Ihediohas on their 27th wedding anniversary, the Centre reads:

“Your Excellencies,

“On behalf of the entire members of Ihedioha New Media Center, I extend our warmest congratulations to you both on reaching this significant milestone in your journey together – your 27th wedding anniversary!

“Your love and dedication to each other over the years serve as an inspiration to us all. Your bond exemplifies the true meaning of partnership and companionship, and we are honored to celebrate this special day with you.

“May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year, and may the years ahead be filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished moments together.

“Congratulations once again, and here’s to many more years of love and happiness!”

Ihedioha is a Knight of St. Christopher, Anglican Church and his wife, a Lady of the Knight of St Christopher.

Nollywood Actor, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) Welcomes First Child After Years Of Marriage, Says God Has Shame His Critics

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 4, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

After Six Years of looking unto God for a child, God, finally, answered the prayers of Nollywood Actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, as he has welcomed his first child.

An elated Ikedieze was unable to hide his joy as he announced the arrival of his bundle of joy and put an end to the assumptions and insinuations of people who had written him off that he couldn’t bear a child.

Ikedieze has been married to his Nneoma Nwaijah since 2011 without any child, before the arrival of their new born baby.

Taking to his Instagram Page to share the news, the diminutive actor did not disclose the sex of the baby for reasons best known to the couple. With a photo attachment of the baby, he wrote: “UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN.”

The actor has featured in over 150 films in a career spanning over 20 years. He has acted in the role of a kid in most of his films during his early career due to his stature and physical appearance. He is known as Aki for his performance in the film Aki na Ukwa.

Ihiagwa, Owerri West: How Husband And Wife Died Seven Days Apart

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By George Best Okoroh

Parishioners of St John’s Anglican Church, Ihiagwa, Owerri West are in deep mourning over the passing of two of their members. They were a couple, husband and wife, and died seven days apart.

A Knight of St Christopher, KSC, Sir Lucky Asonye, for two decades was the Pastor’s Warden at St John’s Anglican Church. He was, also, the Leader of God’s Own Family.

He was so active and competent and devoted in both offices, that new Vicar

ultimately chose and retained him as the Pastor’s Warden.

But on Saturday March 24, 2024, all that ended. Sir Asonye, 66, suddenly passed on.

Then, in a tragic twist, his wife, Charity, a Lady of Knight of St Christopher, who had been ill, and who he had, devotedly, nursed and been at her beck and call, also, passed on seven days after his own passing. Lady Asonye passed on March 30, 2024. She died heartbroken, as she was not able to bear the thought of the passing of her beloved husband who had looked after her for the period she had been ill.

The passing of husband and wife seven days apart, has left their two children – son,

Kennedy Ugochukwu Asonye and daughter Chinemerem Miracle Asonye – confused and devastated. They cannot understand why they suddenly became orphans in a space of seven days.

Sir and Lady Asonye were indegenes of Umuovum Ulakwo in Owerri North L.G.A Imo state, but lived the better part of their lives in Ihiagwa, Owerri West LGA.

A release by the Vicar of St John’s Ihiagwa, Ven Kingsley BC Okere, said the late Asonyes will be laid to rest on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Asonye family Compound, Umuovum, Ulakwo, after a funeral service at St. John’s Church, Ihiagwa.

Court Halts New Electricity Tariff Regime, Restrains IGP, APC, From Arresting And Detaining Alleged Masterminds Of Ganduje’s Suspension

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has halted the planned increase in the electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulations Commission NERC.

This is even as Justice Yusuf Ubale Muhammad of the kano State High Court on Friday May 3, restrained the Inspector General of Police IGP ,from arresting and or harassing the All Progressive Congress APC Ganduje ward Executives in Dawakin Tofa Local Council of Kano ,alleged to be behind the purported suspension of the party’s National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje early April.

Justice A M Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court , while ruling on an ex parte motion brought by A B Mahmud, SAN, Counsel to Super Sack Limited , Mama Sannu Industries Limited and others under the aegis of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN on Thursday, restrained the NERC and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company KEDCO from implementing the new electricity tariff regime within the respondents’ area of coverage pending the hearing and determination the motion on notice filed by the applicants .

The Presiding Judge ,also restrained the respondents from harassing ,intimidating and or disconnecting its services to the applicants over their refusal to accept the new electricity tariff.

The Source reports that the country’s electricity regulatory body had early April rolled out a new tariff regime ,premised on bands classifications for consumers.

According to the classification range, those on band A ,the apex class with a daily electricity supply of up to 20 hours will be paying 225 per kw, while N66 per kw,will be paid by those on the lowest rung of the ladder.

The new electricity tariff regime ,has however drawn more than enough flakes from apprehensive Nigerians since it was announced, with not a few calling for its suspension.

Ruling on an ex parte motion jointly instituted by Jafar Adamu and 10 others ,and Haladu Gwanjo led factional APC Ganduje Ward Executives seeking an enforcement and protection of their fundamental human rights ,Justice Muhammad also restrained the APC National Working Committee NWC ,and the Acting National Chairman ,Dr Ganduje from using security personnel to arrest ,and or detain the applicants pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit .

The applicants in the motion on notice filed on April 29, are challenging the power of the respondents, particularly the IGP, AIG Zone 1 Kano, the Kano Commissioner of Police,the APC NWC ,the Kano state chapter of APC and the National Chairman to invite , arrest and ,harass them ( applicants ).

“After hearing Shamsu Ubale Jibrin ,Counsel to the two sets of applicants today 2nd May ,2024 ,it is hereby ordered as follows ….

An interim order of injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents in the two consolidated suits,their officers ,agents, privies or any other officers serving under them from inviting ,arresting ,harassing or detaining,the applicants in respect of the subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion notice already filed .

“It is further ordered that the interim order for the motion on notice ,and all other processes in this suit shall be served on all respondents, simultaneously and before the next adjourned date. The case is adjourned to 5th June 2024 for hearing of the motion on notice ” Justice Muhammad ruled .

2024 Fiscal Year: Abia To Borrow N319 Billion

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Government ,on Friday May 3 2024 ,said its 2024 fiscal receipts and expenditure estimate of about N567.24 billion, has a deficit of N319,billion.

The deficit component of the appropriation law will be financed with loan facilities.

This is just as Governor Alex Otti has said that under his watch, the interests and well being of the people will take precedence over all other considerations,including political matters and privileges.

The State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kingsley Anosike, who made this known at a formal budget breakdown event tagged ‘” A New Beginning” jointly put together by the Abia state Government and the Open Government Partnership OGP,held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre Umuahia, also stated that the state has so far received N6 billion in aids and grants from donor agencies and entities.

He expressed the optimism that more international aid to the region of about #16 billion, ,are most likely to pour in ,based on the favourable and positive perceptions of the performance of the current administration in the state.

According to the Budget Commissioner, Abia state with 84% of its budget estimate allocated to capital expenditure ,remains first among states of the federation,with the highest allocation to capital projects.,with Anambra state following closely with 76%.

He explained that Government’s strong commitment towards infrastructural renewal in Umuahia the state capital, Aba the commercial hub, and other emerging cities in the state informed the decision to make such a huge sectoral allocation to capital expenditure.

The Commissioner for Budget emphasised that Government will commit about N185 billion to transforming physical infrastructural facilities within the Social services sector , which include Education and Health .

While infrastructural renewal in the education sector is expected to gulp about N100 billion, health will be allocated N85 billion,

Anosike ,who stated that the huge sectoral allocation to health and education were intentional,insisted that the state will benefit immensely from the investments.

According to him ,Abia is already reaping from the enormous investments in the social services sector ,with the growing confidence of both local and international development partners in driving investments in the state .

,Governor Otti who spoke,while receiving in audience , a delegation of Course 17, Syndicate 2 of the National Institute For Security Studies Abuja at the Government House Umuahia ,insisted that. the policy thrust of his regime is to build the masses and not a few privileged political actors .

The Abia state Governor informed his visitors ,that his recent clearance of the pensions arrears ,accumulated over the past years represents an eloquent testimony to his determination to make the people ,and their interests ,the focal point of the policy thrust of his administration.

“This is the people’ time . Politicians have helped themselves enough for the past 24 years ” Governor Otti noted.

Electricity: What Nigerians Endure

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Valentine Obienyem

I have a friend who recently faced a frustrating issue with electricity providers. According to electricity workers, his prepaid meter was burnt. He was informed that prepaid meters were not available. Consequently, he was left with the option of applying for an estimated bill, which he was told would cost him around N45,000 to N50,000 monthly.

The problem is that my friend is a junior civil servant in Anambra State, earning a salary of less than N40,000. With a prepaid meter, he could manage his electricity expenses based on his budget. However, with an estimated bill, he would not be able to pay. This highlights the fact that an average civil servant’s salary cannot cover even basic expenses like electricity bills, let alone other necessities.

It’s perplexing that the government hasn’t withdrawn the licenses of distribution companies all over Nigeria (Discos) that fail to provide meters. When they claim that meters are unavailable, it’s as if they expect us to believe that these meters are manufactured in heaven. In reality, other countries like Rwanda have successfully implemented metering systems, with every household, no matter how poor, having a meter installed.

It’s disheartening that simple solutions that work elsewhere pose significant challenges in Nigeria. Nigeria as it is today is truly a failed country.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, prolific commentator on national issues, accomplished image manager writes from Awka

Nasarawa: FMC Keffi Sacks Two, Suspends Others Over Job Racketeering

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Ayodele Oni

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May 4, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Management of the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC) Keffi, in Nasarawa state, in a bid to address Indiscipline among the workforce, has sacked two of its staff and suspended others over job racketeering.

Dr Yahaya Adamu, the Chief Medical Director, (CMD), of the hospital disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Keffi.

According to Mr Ahmad, when the allegation was reported to the management, it immediately constituted a committee to investigate the matter.

He added that those found wanting were handed over to its Disciplinary Committee on Senior Staff Affairs for further action.

He explained that the committee, headed by himself, had statutory membership with a representative of the Minister of Health and various health unions as observers.

“The investigation was done in the open and having concluded our work, we forwarded our recommendations to the minister since the board of the hospital is yet to be constituted.

“The recommendations were modified and a final position was taken over all those accused of job racketeering and others accused of committing other offences.

“Nine staff were affected and all of them were tried base on their levels of involvement. Only one them was found not guilty.”

The CMD explained that none among the accused staff was spared, adding that those who were not punished were found to be wrongly accused.

“So there was nobody that was guilty that was not punished and those who were suspected to be guilty, but for one reason or the other, their cases have not been concluded were asked to remain until we conclude their matter.

“For anybody to say we allowed some of the accused persons to resume work after these steps that have been taken is unfair.”

Ahmad further explained that out of the two that were sacked, Peter Dare, found to be the ring leader of the racketeering syndicate, has been outrightly dismissed, while the appointment of the second person was terminated.”

Fmr NULGE Nat President, Akinwalere Lauds Gov Aiyedatiwa On Appointment

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Ayodele Oni

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May 3, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former national president of the Nigeria Union of Local Governments Employees, (NULGE) Dr Deji Akinwalere has described appointment of Bola Taiwo as special adviser on labour matters to Ondo state Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as a welcome development.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had during the celebration of this year’s workers day announced Bola Taiwo, a former president of Ondo state chapter of NULGE as special adviser, labour matters.

Akinwalere, a retired permanent secretary, in a letter to the governor stated that Taiwo is a fit person to occupy the position.

The letter reads “I received with great delight the news of the appointment of Comrade Bola Taiwo as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Union Matters.

“I congratulate Comrade Taiwo on a well deserved appointment and equally thank Mr Governor for appointing a fit and proper person.

“I recall with pleasure that Comrade Taiwo had a four year tenure as Ondo State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) which witnessed remarkable industrial peace and activism.

“He notably refused to run for a second term thus sustaining the peace in the succession politics of NULGE in the state.

“I wish to once again appreciate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the appointment of a trade unionist from the local government extraction, who is noted for courage and commitment and also enjoys tremendous respect within the Labour circle for the sensitive job.

“This appointment is a demonstration of inclusive governance that recognizes the fact that power belongs to the people and that the Labour force in Ondo state is a strategic partner in deepening democracy and bringing development closer to the people.

“I like to remind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that the Public Service in Nigeria is entering a most challenging era of inevitable reforms.

“Deep engagement of government and Labour is required to navigate through the storms in order to ensure the outcomes are ultimately beneficial to the government, the workers and the people of Ondo State.”

Calls To Reopen Corruption Case Against Matawalle Intensifies, As Protesters Storm EFCC Office

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 3, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Bello Matawalle, Minister of State, Defence, former Governor of Zamfara State is in troubled waters. Calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to reopen the corruption case against him have intensified.

Protesters have besieged the EFCC Headquarters Office in Abuja, demanding that the Commission reopen investigation against the former Governor.

The Protesters were received by the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede. He assured the protesters that the Commission would pursue corruption cases to a logical conclusion.

It would be recalled that in 2023, the anti graft agency had stormed the residence of Matawalle and seized a number of vehicles as ordered by the court.

The incumbent Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, had in a Statement through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that the Federal High Court rejected Bello Matawalle’s claims over the ownership of the official vehicles.

According to him, the former Governor and his cabinet members had taken away all official vehicles belonging to the state government, leaving the present administration with nothing to use.

The statement said, “Recall that in June 2023, the Zamfara State government gave the former Governor and his deputy five working days to return all official vehicles taken away.

“All demands for the return of the said vehicles proved abortive, and as a result, the Zamfara State government resorted to obtaining a court order to retrieve them.

“In pursuit of that order, a total of over 50 vehicles were recovered by the police.

“After the vehicles were recovered, Bello Matawalle quickly rushed to the Federal High Court in Gusau. “The court granted an order for the cars to be returned to him.

“Additionally, he filed a separate suit at the same court seeking to enforce his fundamental right to own property, including the vehicles in question.

“ The Zamfara State Government requested the transfer of the case to another jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. “The Federal High Court of Nigeria, Sokoto Judicial Division, dismissed the matter on Friday.

The court refused the reliefs sought by Bello Matawalle and rejected his claim to the ownership of the official vehicles.

“As a result, the vehicles are still considered the property of the Zamfara State government.

“Our government is committed to recovering all that rightfully belongs to the people through an all-encompassing rescue mission that will leave no stone unturned.

“The judgment by the Federal High Court will encourage us to ensure that justice prevails and all perpetrators of financial banditry in Zamfara are brought to book.”