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Rivers State: The Dümb Now Speaks

May 30, 2024

By Comfort Obi

In Rivers State, a miracle has taken place. It is a miracle different from the every second miracles often claimed by some “men of God”. We don’t see those miracles. We don’t watch them unfold. They just noisily claim they are performing miracles; that they have performed miracles; that the deaf is suddenly hearing; that the cripple has just leaped and began to walk. We have no proof. It is like magic, more magic than African Magic. And some people believe.

But what is happening in Rivers State is different. It is real. It is unfolding, as they say, “before our very eyes.” It is a miracle unprecedented. Suddenly, the dumb is not just speaking, he is screaming and roaring. The cripple is not just walking, he is galloping. The weak is not just strong, he could challenge our own Anthony Joshua to a boxing bout. And, boy, not a few people are excited. And clapping. And cheering.

Short of a miracle, I don’t know how else to describe the just unraveled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. This Fubara is so different from the Fubara Nigerians saw in the months leading to his election as a Governor. He is different from the Fubara we saw on the day he was sworn-in, the Fubara who told the crowd, literally, that he would be incapable of governing the State without his predecessor. He is different from the Fubara we saw in the first three months of his Governorship. He is different from the Fubara we saw during the Governorship campaign. Then, he was hardly seen. He was even a fugitive. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had declared him wanted. So, he was in hiding over allegations not a few people felt he did not commit. They felt he was not the main target. They felt his boss then, Nyesom Wike, was the target. Afterall, Fubara was a civil servant, answerable to his Governor, not just any Governor, but a Wike.

Unlike the scenario at the Federal level where we are told that the signature of then President Muhammadu Buhari was, atimes, allegedly forged, and hundreds of millions of Naira and Dollars signed away and stolen without his knowledge, or the scenario just unfolded in Imo State which alleges that the Governor’s signature had, on a number of times, been forged for land allocation racketeering, nobody would try that with Wike. The person “wan die?”

Without an express order or approval, people argued, Fubara, then the Accountant General of the State, would not dare release funds, a point he emphasized the other day.

With Wike, the EFCC was helpless. As a Governor Wike had immunity. So he took over Fubara’s Governorship campaign. The very few times Fubara managed to appear at campaign grounds, he looked as dull as dodo. Quiet. Face, expressionless. Unsure of himself. The Fubara we saw then looked weak. He could hardly campaign for himself. It was Wike, the powerful, the roaring lion, who was all over the place. Nothing was too much, too bad, too controversial, or too sacred for him to say. Even confidences he shared with a couple of people were thrown to the dogs.

And why not?

Wike is a powerful man. One doubts that at one’s peril. He walks where Angels fear to walk on. He oozes power. He stamps it; so much so that not a few people call him terror and/or emperor. They run when he approaches. They cower when he talks. He once, publicly, (and to his face), referred to aTraditional Ruler as “this small boy.” That insult was for nodding in agreement with what Wike was saying. The Governor lashed him for trying to impress him by nodding his head!

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State — Siminalayi Fubara , Governor of Rivers State

Examples of Wike’s power abound. And for the records, his power was obvious long before he became a Governor. In 2015, as a Minister of State, Education, under the Goodluck Jonathan Administration, he ran incumbent Governor Chibuike Amaechi out of town, almost, and defeated his candidate in the Governorship Election. Don’t forget that at the time, aside from being the Governor in full control of Rivers State treasury, Amaechi was, also, the Director General of then Candidate Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidential Campaign. So, Amaechi had much money to throw around. Yet Wike gave him a bloody nose. If you thought it was because of Federal might, since the PDP was in power then at the centre, Wike performed the same feat in 2019. With Amaechi’s Party at the Centre, with Amaechi as the Minister for Transportation, with Amaechi as, again, the DG of President Buhari’s Presidential Campaign, Wike gave Amaechi’s Candidate a technical knock-out. He proceeded to “banish” Amaechi, almost, from the State. He went after him, and finally set up a Panel of Inquiry to look into a couple of Amaechi’s actions as Governor of the State. (By the way, what’s the status of the outcome of that probe?)

But it was in early 2023 that Wike raised the ante of his powers. He weilded it with decisive precision both in his State and National levels. In Rivers State, he made all contestants under the banner of the PDP, from Governorship, State House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives to the Senate look stupid by purchasing the forms on their behalf. It ran into an obscene amount of money. He went after those who insisted on paying for the forms from their own pockets. At least, one of them was arrested, and detained till after the Primaries. A couple of them alleged he went after their businesses. And Wike never failed to shout from the roof tops that he paid for their forms each time they dared say any “pim”, or make any “gra-gra”. And as if they are under a spell, or they “swore for them”, none of them has had the courage to ask if Wike used his personal money to buy the forms for them. Or, if that is even allowed, morally right, or appropriate. Would that happen in any civilized climes without consequences?

When those he bought forms for protested that he gave them false hope, and sent them on a wild goose chase when he knew he already settled for who his successor would be, he declared them enemies. He said they had no political clout; that they were 10 for a kobo. Cheap. That they didn’t matter; that they had since expired as politicians. And, no jokes, all of them, big men, true to Wike’s boasts, he made them politically irrelevant in the State. Combined, they hardly had enough political clout to challenge him.

One of them, Celestine Omehia, Governor of the State, until sacked by the Supreme Court in favour of Amaechi, Wike set out for a special humiliation. He told him, I should add, rightly, that he was no longer to be referred to as a former Governor. He stripped Omehia of the State Honour he, Wike, conferred on him. To rub it in, Wike made a show of personally removing Omehia’s portrait from the photo gallery of past Governors at Government House. Then, he did the unbelievable. Omehia was asked to refund pensions and all allowances paid to him as a “former Governor”. The Court saved him that refund ordeal.

Here’s the irony.

Amaechi, as a Governor, rightly, did not recognize Omehia as a former Governor. If you are sacked, you have lost title. But not in Nigeria. They cling to it.

It was Wike, to spite Amaechi, who recognized Omehia as a former Governor as soon as he was sworn-in. And then, suddenly, he woke up one morning, and stripped Omehia of all.

Wike’s power and influence peaked in 2023. It was the year he destroyed the Political Party which made him what he is today.

It was Wike who rubbished any chances the PDP had of winning the Presidential election in 2023. To the disbelief of not a few people, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and then National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, held unto their pride and ego and allowed Wike retire them from politics. He factionalized the Party, took four Governors along, as well as a number of top Party members, formed a formidable opposition within the Party, and made sure PDP went to the election a divided house. He prevailed in a style that would make Nollywood green with envy. And, he did more.

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

Only a Wike would perform the magic that happened on the day of the Presidential and National Assembly Elections where the Electorate voted, same day, for an APC Presidential candidate, and PDP National Assembly Candidates. But that is the Wike power.

With Wike’s installation of Fubara as Governor, and his own appointment as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, not a few people thought Wike couldn’t ask for more. Everybody thought he was now on a gravy ride. With his State Governor completely subservient to him, with the President treating him like an egg, a special child, Wike could have been walking like he had springs attached to his heels.

At a time, Wike owned Rivers State, literally. Before him, Governor Fubara was dumb. Looked very docile. Wouldn’t talk. Took orders from him. Fubara’s job was to answer “Yes Sir”. No questions. No arguments. No suggestions. If Wike asked him to jump, he would ask: “How high Sir?” He appointed all his political appointees for him. Chief of Staff. Commissioners. Special Advisers, Special Assistants. And more. He dictated who occupied which position in the State House of Assembly. And more.

Money was not an issue between him and Fubara. Unconfirmed sources alleged that Fubara, as agreed, parted with N2.5b every month for the boss. Even without that, Wike is rich, very rich. He is wealthy, very wealthy. He had Fubara in his pocket. Unconfirmed sources said even when Wike, allegedly, ordered Fubara not to allow his wife play the role of a First Lady, the Governor said “Yes Sir” – to the extent, it is alleged, that once, when Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, invited Wives of 36 State Governors to a meeting in Abuja, Fubara was forced to ask his wife, who was already at the Airport, to return to Government House Port Harcourt because Wike allegedly said so. If true, Mrs Fubara must be a good woman. I know a number of other First Ladies who would have ignored that order and proceeded to Abuja. Let the heavens fall thereafter. And let the scandalous story leak.

So, what was the problem? What destroyed the Master- servant relationship between Wike and Fubara? Like a fowl, people now say, Wike has scattered everything he labored to gather. They say he has destroyed the house he labored to build. Just imagine, if the relationship had not gone sour, Wike could have been entering Rivers State like a king. Each time he came to Rivers State, Fubara would have been at the Airport to receive his lord and master.

Neither Wike nor Fubara has said, exactly, what the problem is. All we heard from Wike is: “I don’t want my structure tampered with. I need to keep my structure.” Now, if money was not the problem since the alleged N2.5b deal was not threatened, one can only conclude that excessive control of the Governor was the problem. He says he regrets picking Fubara to succeed him. He made a mistake, he says. He has threatened to throw him out from office, and so.

correct his mistake.

From Fubara, nothing has been heard as such, not even now that he has miraculously been cured of his “dumbness.” But it has since been garnered from here and there that the main cardinal sin Fubara committed was to dare appoint one Commissioner -Information – without Wike’s permission. So, Wike hit the roof. And so, for that, Rivers State has been turned inside out, upside down. Anybody that dared ask Wike to thread “softly-softly, or let “your boy be”, became an enemy. Big mistake.

Now, Fubara has suddenly woken up. He has been pushed to the wall. The humiliation was too much, watchers say. For him now, all is fair in war. From his favorite song “Dey your lane, I dey my lane”, he has jumped to the centre of the lane.

The worst thing that happened to Wike is the “awakening” of Fubara. It is Fubara “wisening” up. It is the untying of Fubara’s tongue. It is Fubara’s realization of the powers he has, the powers of a Governor. An Executive one for that matter. Governors like to prefix their offices with “Executive” so no one doubts their powers and reach. Powerful office!

So now, Fubara knows all that. And he is enjoying it. Who could have believed that Fubara could threaten to probe Wike’s administration? Who could have believed that Fubara could face members of the State House of Assembly, headlong, and tell them they “no longer exist”, or that they are there at his own discretion. Just imagine that Fubara has, on his own, appointed his own Commissioners, those that would be loyal to him and the people of Rivers State, and not to Wike?

I mean, just look at this: Fubara has become so independent that he is even now using “ungubernatorial” language. “The jungle has matured”; “the wind will blow, and we’ll see the ‘nyash’ of the fowl”; “there is a rat in the house eating our garri and I have the ‘otapiapia’ for it.”

And Fubara is now sure-footed. He is winning souls everyday. And he flaunts them. To those who tell him: “If you probe Wike, you are probing yourself.” The Governor has an answer: “I am ready. Bring it on. I have all the papers for approvals from him. I kept them.” Fubara kee? Interesting.

So, has Wike finally met his nemesis? His waterloo? Not a few people think so. It is an irony that this could come from a man he mercilessly stumped on other people’s feet to install a Governor.

So, what to do?

A number of people think Wike should surprise himself and make peace with his “boy.” Call him in and remind him of the early beginnings, of how two of them worked together. They also advice he should pay a nocturnal visit ta a couple of others, especially, the Odilis and make peace. Money is good, they say, and so is flaunting of power, but they are not everything.

Yet, others advice that Wike should have a conversation with himself; that he should interrogate himself. And ask himself questions like:

Why is it that I always end up quarreling with those I was close to – the Odilis, Amaechi, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Austin Opara, Lee Maeba, Prince Uche Secondus, Celestine Omehia and more?
Why is it that, right now, I don’t get on with any of my predecessors in office?
How come I think that everybody is wrong and I am the only person right.
At the Party level, why is it that I fell out with all the National Chairmen I helped bring into office – Ali Modu Sheriff, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr Iyorchia Ayu? How come I install them and pull them down?
Why is it that anything I don’t get, I tend to destroy? See what I did to PDP because I was not picked as Atiku’s running mate after I was defeated at the Party Primary.
Why do I go back on my promises? For instance, insulting and mocking the Odilis when I had publicly acknowledged their positive roles in my life, and promised to stick to them forever?
I had also said I would never interfere in the Government of my predecessor. So why am I giving Fubara a breathing space? Must I be in control of everything?
I had called APC cancer, and said I would have nothing to do with it. Yet, now, not only am I serving in an APC Government at the Federal level, all loyalists of mine in the Rivers State House of Assembly decamped same day from the PDP to the APC because of me. What does the future hold for them if the Constitution is followed to the letter?

I kind of like Wike. He is strong. Bold. Courageous.I have no use for weak men. He did quite some good job as Rivers State Governor. He opened up Port Harcourt, forget that we now hear that he did not pay for most of the projects he commissioned. At least, the projects are there. They are in Rivers State.

Wike was one of the reasons I stayed glued to the television and social media during the campaigns for the 2023 General Elections even when I was battling for my life outside our shores at the time. Watching him dance and sing and talk made me laugh and helped me handle my low moments. Watching him made me yearn to get back home quick and be part of the action. I would, therefore, hate to see him, one day, struggling to breathe – politically.

So, my unsolicited advice: Wike should get up and clean up untidy surroundings. He had done it before with the Odilis. Nothing stops him from toeing same path again.

Obi is the Editor-in-Chief/CEO of The Source (Magazine), https://thesourceng.com. Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Ex-NIMASA DG Says LG Financial Autonomy Will Be A “Game Changer”

James Orji

May 30, 2024

Ade Dosumu, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has applauded the decision of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to sue state governments over the management of local gov funds.

The federal government through the AGF dragged the 36 state governments to the Supreme court recently, praying the court to free local government funds from the stranglehold of state governors.

In the suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, the federal government is seeking the apex Court order to prohibit governors from unlawfully dissolving democratically elected local government councils.

Not a few Nigerians have condemned the mismanagement of funds belonging to local governments by governors through the State/ Local government Account created by state governments in the country.

The situation has led to underdevelopment at the grassroots level because funds required to provide amenities and critical infrastructure has been lacking as a result of governors’ manipulation.

According to Dosumu, serious minded administrators will be attracted to the local governments if fund are available to run them efficiently.

Freeing up funds from the state governments, he said, will also expand the provision of dividend of democracy at the grassroots level.

He explained that financial and political autonomy for LGAs will be a “game changer” at the local government level, adding that this will allow federal and state governments to focus on more “broader issues”.

He said development at the local levels have been very slow due to the governors’ manipulation, calling for immediate amendment of extant laws to stop the problem.

Dosumu said, “There is no doubt that our Democratic journey has been very slow due to lack of autonomy for the third tier of government as practised in other Democratic climes,” he said.

To correct the anomaly, he said, the National Assembly must amend necessary laws to enable financial and political autonomy at the local government level.

“This and other contradictory clauses need to be amended to reflect the complete financial and administrative autonomy as it’s been operated in other federal systems.

“I commend the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, for this bold step and urge him to go all out to break this jinx by removing the clog in the wheel of our development and progress.

“You can imagine the impact that will be created if 774 local governments are independent and free from the apron spring of the state governments.

“In summary, granting full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria will lead to better governance, increased citizen participation, improved service delivery, and accelerated development at the grassroots level,” he stated.

The Source magazine reported that The Supreme Court has fixed today May 30 for the hearing of the suit.

Kaduna: Terrörists Kill Many As Community Laments Abandonment By Security Agencies

James Orji

May 30, 2024

Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

No fewer than 12 persons have been reported killed in Kaduna state by suspected terrörists.

The incident occured on Wednesday

at Maro Junction, a weekly Market in Maro Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, one of the epicenters of terrörists enclaves in the country.

According to eye witnesses account, who said the bodies of those killed have been recovered, close to 20 persons have also sustained various degrees of injuries from yesterday’s attack.

Also, a former chairman of the local government, Cafra Caino, who spoke to journalists on the issue stated that the hoodlums opened fire as soon as they invaded the market, sending people into panic mode.

The former LGA boss said security forces appeared to have abandoned the community thereby allowing the criminals to have a free rein, appealing to the government to ensure that security is provided.

He said yesterday’s incident was the second time the hoodlums had attacked the market, describing the current situation in the community as very “critical”.

Caino explaned: “The situation is critical and has thrown residents around the area into confusion while they scampered for safety in neighbouring villages.

“Security operatives drafted to the area have already left. We are appealing to the government to deploy security operatives to help restore normalcy.”

One Year In Office: Gov Otti Celebrating Deceit And Half Truths – PDP

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State has described the Governor Alex Otti led Labour Party, LP, administration in the state as a huge disappointment, insisting that the regime only thrives on deceit and half truths.

A statement issued by the Abia PDP spokesperson Comrade Abraham Amah on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, said the State has, in the last one year of Governor Otti in office, become like a vehicle on motion but without movement.

The PDP said its honest and sincere assessment of the present administration is that Governor Otti has failed Abians because he has governed by the rules of autocracy, executive high- handedness, disobedience to the rule of law, deceit, visible lies, and ruthless propaganda.

Below is the full text of the statement.

“Abia PDP has seen the usual display of deceit orchestrated by Alex Otti to celebrate the one year anniversary of his administration.

“As he celebrates with weary Abians who are distraught about the directionless government that is in office, the honest and sincere assessment of this government by the Abia PDP, is that Alex Otti has failed Abians because he has governed by the rules of autocracy, executive highhandedness, disobedience to the rule of law, deceit, visible lies, and ruthless propaganda.

“The inevitable conclusion is that Abia has made motion without movement, and the people are worse than when Alex Otti met them.

“Our position is the true position of things, and any other alternative story is prominently powered by three sets of people: Alex Otti’s well-oiled propaganda machinery funded with taxpayer money, the ‘yes men’ of the Labour Party who know the truth and are ashamed to admit it, and the horde of netizens who have never visited Abia in their lifetime but rely on doctored social media clips to make their judgement.

“Beyond the re-asphalting of roads, which he has promoted endlessly, Abians must understand that under the cosmetics he used to make-up his record achievements for one year lie the catalogue of deceit and falsehood that not only characterise his government but eminently define its behaviour.

“To buttress our position, we have made a litany of Alex Otti’s conscious missteps, which clearly show that he set out to deceive Abians right from the electioneering campaign to his days in government, because he has always said one thing and done another, in a brazen disregard for the consequences of his actions on the very people he swore an oath to protect.

“1. Non-use of Abia Government House

“He has not packed into the State Government House, despite having an existing Government House, a Government House Annex at Aba and a state-of-the-art government house handed over to him by the immediate past governor, Dr.Okezie Ikpaezu.

“2. High cost of governance

“He excels in high cost of governance like using N5.6b to run the Governor’s office while operating from his personal house, N456m for information dissemination and N2.7b for security votes in just one quarter of the year, July to September, 2023.

“3. Sacking of Abia civil servants without due process

“He has sacked more than 15,000 Abia civil servants including Permanent Secretaries even when he denied saying such during the campaigns. In all the sackings, he never followed due process in relieving gainfully employed Abians from their positions.

“4. Owing of salaries/endless verification

“During his days in opposition, Alex Otti made a song of how the previous administration owed workers salaries. One year down the line, after sacking more than 15,000 Abia workers and subjecting the existing ones to endless biometric6 verification exercises, Alex Otti owes thousands of Abia workers 12 months salary, despite the quantum leap in the amount of money the State and local governments receive from the Federation Allocation Account Committee, FAAC every month.

“5. Lies About Abia Pension Arrears

“In what appears to be the worst display of official recklessness, Alex Otti said that he has cleared 9 or 10 years- (the inconsistency even triggers the suspicion of his ‘yes men’) pension arrears in Abia State. To puncture a hole in his lies about pension arrears, the Abia State chapter of the National Union of Pensioners, NUP duly acknowledges that its members were owed 45 months arrears before Alex Otti became the governor.

“6. The Abia Forensic Audit that Never was

“Last month, Alex Otti ran to the United States to tell the world that he commissioned one of the best accounting firms in the world, KPMG to carry out a forensic audit on Abia’s financial accounts between May 2015 and May 2023 and that the audit discovered over N118b that was stolen by the previous government, particularly, a said N10b which was paid out to contractors to build a non-existent Abia airport. When Alex Otti was pressured by Abians to make the records of the forensic audit available, he released a financial process review document which even showed how the said N10b was utilised for road contracts.

“7. “I met an empty treasury” but Dr. Ikpeazu left N3.49b in Abia treasury

“One of Alex Otti’s songs that filled the air waves in Nigeria moments after he was sworn into office was, ‘I met an empty treasury in Abia’. The Abia financial process review was in fact, fortuitous for the Abia PDP and the former governor Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu because it exposed one of many of Alex Otti’s wicked lies. The process review he commissioned revealed that Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu left N3.49b in the State coffers, excluding the FAAC money for the month of May 2023 that was paid in June 2023.

“8. Disobedience to the rule: the Case of Aaaron Uzodike

“In November 2023, the Appeal Court which sat in Lagos upheld the mandate of the PDP candidate Hon. Uzodike of Aba North State constituency and removed the Labour Party candidate, Destiny Nwagwu. For over six months, the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, under the instructions of governor Alex Otti has refused to swear in Hon. Aaron Uzodike, despite having all the requisites, including presenting a valid Certificate of Return issued to him by the election umpire, INEC.

“9. Non-Conduct of Local Government Elections

“During his days in opposition, Alex Otti vehemently criticised the use of transition committees to run the local government tier and swore that he would never govern for one day without elected council officials. One year into office, Alex Otti is using Transition Council Chairmen whom he illegally renamed as ‘mayors’ to run the local councils, and only appointed them six months after he assumed office and does not give them the full money that accrues to them from the Joint Allocation Account Committee, JAAC, jointly owned by the State and local councils. Just last week, Alex Otti said that he would only conduct local council elections when he has retrofitted the council secretariats with the transition chairmen. Isn’t that putting logic upside down and taking Abians for fools?

“10. Security votes and the spike in insecurity

“Before Alex Otti became the governor, he told Abains that he would not take any security vote, but the first quarter expenditure of his government July to September 2023 shows that he took a whooping N2.7b, amounting to N927m each month, in a State that was made peaceful for him by the previous administration.

“11. Opaque and direct award of contracts without due process

“Since he became governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has never followed the Abia State Public procurement Act to award contracts. The good people of Abia have never seen any publication inviting contractors to bid for any road or infrastructure contract. They have never heard that the State Executive Council which meets illegally in his private home sat to approve any road or infrastructure contract. The only thing they hear is that contracts for roads have been awarded without telling Abians which contractors bidded for the jobs, the costs and how the valuations were arrived at.

“12. Abia Has no Investment in Geometric Power Plant Limited

“Then comes the mother of lies that embarrassed Abains more than the government itself. After claiming that he built the Geometric Power Plant in just nine months in office, he publicly denied on national television that Abia State has no investment in the power plant even when the promoter of the business, Prof. Barth Nnaji had written to him days ahead of his public appearance that the former Abia government had invested N1.5b in the plant. Governing by lies is nothing but ineffective propaganda and today, Abians are aware that their investment in the Geometric Power plant is valued at over N28b.

“13. Abia Tower-Ossah six lane Road

Abians are clearly aware that the road leading from the Abia Tower at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway was already existing as a four-lane road. Always claiming credit for what others did, Alex Otti said that he was building a six-lane road from the Abia Tower through Ossah to the city centre. In all the noise he made and the attendant huge sum at which it was awarded without due process, Alex Otti just demolished properties along the road and added a walkway that he claims will make the road a six-lane road.

“14. Abandonment of shoe and garment factory

“In staying true to his pledge of not touching anything left behind by the PDP, Alex Otti has abandoned the multi-million naira shoe and garment factories and the modern hospital in Aba, that were built, equipped with state-of-the-art machines and computerised equipment and commissioned for use in the twilight of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration. One year after they were commissioned, those investments have been under lock and key.

“15. I’m building an airport for Abia

Last week, Alex Otti gleefully announced to Abians and Nigerians that he is making plans to build an airport in Abia because it is the only State that does not have an airport in the South East and one of the two in Nigeria. According to Alex Otti, the federal government approved an airstrip for Abia and he is ready to upgrade it to an airport with Abia funds but he cannot fix just one of the dilapidated federal roads that dot Abia, like the Arochukwu-Ohafia road that is reputed to be the worst road in Nigeria and put up an invoice for refund from the FG if he can partner with them to do an airport upgrade.

“16. Borrowing of funds and putting Abia into debt

Since the creation of Abia 32 years ago, the total indebtedness of the State to local and foreign creditors is put at N90b. As an opposition figure, Alex Otti jacked the figure up to N190b and up till today nobody, except himself knows how he manufactured that figure. Already, he has borrowed over N100b secretly with the State House of Assembly under his thumb and without Abians knowing it. If he continues at this rate, Abia would become the most indebted State in Nigeria in just four years of his administration.

“17. Aimless and unproductive foreign trips

In the last 365 days, Alex otti has embarked on fruitless foreign trips to different parts of the world at the cost of over N1b. He went to Hungary, a poor Eastern European country to look for foreign investors and showcased “Made-in-Aba ” shoes and clothes when he kept the shoe and garment factory governor Okezie Ikpeazu built under lock and key. The Abia PDP challenges Alex Otti to mention just one company that has opened a shop or factory in Abia since he started globetrotting in search of foreign investors.

“All considered, it is very obvious that Alex Otti is not who he pretends to be and the PDP is using his one year in office to open a small window into the mind of the man who presented himself as a messiah and saint to Abians. As we step into the next year of the Alex Otti administration, the Abia PDP calls on Abians to watch Alex Otti closely, very closely, because his agenda might not pay Abia in the end and the only thing we can tell Abians is to continuously hold him to account and ask him to be what he promised to be.”

FCT: Celebrations As Tinubu Extends Free Rail Service For 8 Months

James Orji

May 29, 2024

Abuja residents would be allowed to enjoy the light rail service for free till the end of the year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared.

The president said on Wednesday that this is part of the dividends of democracy he promised Nigerians.

It’s also part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the All Progressives Congress, APC, government under his watch, Tinubu said.

Tinubu made the pronouncement today in Abuja, the nation’s capital while commissioning the Abuja Light rail project as part of the activities to mark his one year in office.

He was sworn in exactly a year ago on May 29, 2023 to succeed Muhammadu Buhari.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike had earlier announced that the free ride would last for two months.

President Tinubu however appealed to the minister to extend the bounty for another six months, to end in December.

Tinubu said, “Our dear landlord and his team had initially proposed two months of free rides.

“However, I appeal to extend this until the end of the year, providing the people with hope and reason to celebrate.”

The rail project had earlier being commissioned by former President Buhari but had not been functional due to vandalism by hoodlums.

Not a few residents in the nation’s capital said the rail will improve transportation in the city, and have welcome it.

“You Are The Real Heroes Of Democracy”, Gov Otti Eulogizes Abians On One Year In Office

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has lauded the courage, resilience and doggedness of the citizens and residents of the State for playing a pivotal role in the march towards changing the hitherto ugly narratives of the State.

According to him, but for the commitments and huge sacrifices made by the state electorate during the 2023 General Elections, Abia State would have continued its wayward journey in the wilderness 32 years after creation.

The modest transformation so far recorded ,Governor Otti, insisted are the fallouts from the heroic efforts of the State’s electorate who ,strongly displayed their belief in the potency of the ballot in engineering social and economic transformation.

“I want to thank you, the good people of Abia state, for your unyielding faith in democracy, for believing that the power of the ballot is the strongest force for social and economic transformation of a society.

“You are the real heroes of the new Abia and deserve the admiration of the world for what we have collectively achieved.

“You refused to give in to despair and the cynicism that would normally follow a long period of disappointment.

“It has been 12 long months, and today presents us two unique opportunities ; one ,to pat ourselves on the back for moving away from the old system that pauperized the majority to a new order that places the interests and welfare of the people at the centre of decision making.

“This day also presents us the opportunity to take stock, evaluate what has been achieved, identify where mistakes have been made because ultimately there are no human endeavours without errors, and then plan for another twelve months.”

Governor Otti assured of a better future ahead as his administration has garnered enough experience from the mistakes of the last one year.

“The beauty of democracy, beyond the demands of periodic elections, is the opportunity it affords leaders to regularly interface with the people and feel their pulse.

“In the last one week we have toured all the three Senatorial Districts. of the state to talk to, and learn from our people at the grassroots.

“The interests and enthusiasm shown by Abians across the zones point to the evolution and expansion of the democratic space in our dear State.

“It is heartwarming to know that our people have become passionate about democracy,using every available opportunity to make their views and sentiments on the important issues of the day known.

“The last 12 months have presented a special learning opportunity for us because leadership is essentially about learning.Ours so far has been the story of the man in the area as Theodore Roosevelt captured it.

“We do not seek perfection,but to make things better for the ordinary Abian who first believe in the beauty and prospects of democracy .

“We strive valiantly but again and again, we come short,not because we so desire but because it is the nature of human endeavours .

“Our modest success in the last one year has come from waking up with new enthusiasm each morning,believing that we shall achieve better outcomes in the new day having learnt from the mistakes of yesterday”

Ezekwesili Fumes Over Change In National Anthem, Says She Won’t Revert

Akinwale Kasali

May 29, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education under former President Olusegeun Obasanjo administration has lamented the reverting of Nigeria to the old National Anthem. She described it as obnoxious.

She said that the just signed Old Anthem Bill by President Bola Tinubu as the country’s new Anthem is suppressing her right to dissent, as she described the as an “obnoxious law repugnant to all who are of good conscience in Nigeria.”

Ezekwesili made this disclosure in a post on her X handle on Wednesday.

The former Minister said: “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, will, whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem, sing:

“ 1. Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey

“To serve our fatherland

“With love and strength and faith.

The labour of our heroes past

“Shall never be in vain

“To serve with heart and might

“One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”

She added, “2. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause.

“ Guide our leader’s right

“Help our youth the truth to know

“ In love and honesty to grow

“And living just and true

“Great lofty heights attain

“To build a nation where peace and justice reign.”

It would be recalled that both arms of the National Assembly, (the Senate and the House of Representatives), had passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, seeking to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” It was immediately assented to by President Bola Tinubu as the New Anthem.

The Bill on the changing of the National Anthem to the Old One generated controversy on the floor of the House of Representatives, as the promoter of the Bill, Julius Ihonvbere, anchored his argument on the need for patriotism and nationalism.

The Senator Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate passed the bill after reviewing a report by Tahir Monguno, the Lawmaker representing Borno North Senatorial District and Chair of the Judiciary Committee.

Kano Emirship: Sultan Abubakar-Led Islamic Council Warns Ulama Against “Contradictory Statements”

James Orji

May 29, 2024

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has urged islamic clerics in Kano not to directly interfere in the Emirship tussle between Ado Bayero and Lamido Sanusi Lamido, who was recently reinstated by the state government.

In a statement signed by Prof Salisu Shehu the Council’s Secretary General on Wednesday, the umbrella body of Muslims in the country said political and traditional leaders in the state should be allowed to settle the issue among contending parties.

Shehu stated that the islamic clerics should also refrain from making unnecessary statements capable of excerbating the political crisis in the state.

Following the reinstatement of Sanusi II by the state government last week, tension has surged among supporters on both sides.

The state government has accused some officials of the federal government, including the National security Adviser, NSA,, Nuhu Ribadu of smuggling Bayero back into the state, with the intension of distabilising the state.

Ribadu has denied the allegations, while conflicting court ruling on the tussle has also put the state on the edge of serious political crisis.

According to the NSCIA the issue can only be resolved by the political and traditional leaders in the troubled state, adding that the judiciary should do its job of upholding the law on the matter.

Part of the statement said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has noticed the contradictory statements emanating from some quarters of the Ulama in Kano concerning the current traditional leadership crisis in the state.

“At this trying period for the Ummah, the Council calls on Islamic scholars, who are custodians of Islamic learning, values and guidance, to exercise caution and refrain from making statements that can further exacerbate tension and polarise the Ummah.

“Ulama within and outside the state should prayerfully allow the current traditional leadership conflict in Kano, to be handled and resolved by the political, judicial and customary authorities.

“Meanwhile, the Council calls on Kano’s political, traditional and judicial authorities to resolve the current issue with the fear of Allah, fairness and justice.

“The Council calls on the people of Kano to sincerely call on Allah, remain calm and avoid taking laws into their hands. May Allah grant us sustainable peace in our dear Country, Nigeria.”

NSCIA is under the leadership of respected Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad.

“You Are A Desperate Politician”, APC Tackles Atiku

Akinwale Kasali

May 29, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has lashed out at former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, for “losing touch with reality.”

This is coming in the wake of the criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one year in office by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate at the 2023 Presidential Election. Atiku stated that the nation’s economic fortunes has worsened since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29th, 2023.

The APC leadership has, however, labeled Atiku as “a desperate politician suffering from primordial envy.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, knocked Atiku, saying he was too blinded by his ambition to appreciate the outstanding first-year achievements of the President.

Morka also disclosed that the former VP was not in a position to dismiss Tinubu’s ongoing policies as ‘trial and error.’

He said: “Atiku’s self-serving efforts to minimize the bold, genuine, and metamorphic policies and interventions of the present administration only smacks of primordial political envy and crass desperation for the power Nigerians have so wisely denied him. He lives in an alternate reality of prejudice and unpatriotic desire for Nigeria’s failure so he may scavenge his way to an even more elusive presidency.

“The President needs the support and encouragement of Nigerians, not the bile-filled pessimism of partisan Atikus. Atiku’s false alarm of an imminent food scarcity boldface ignores the widely acknowledged proactive measures already introduced by President Tinubu to guarantee food security in the country.

“ The former Vice President’s swipe on the administration’s national security management again betrays his lack of touch with the reality of our current situation. Not only did the administration revamp and reconfigure the country’s security apparatus, but it also created a Special Security Fund to boost its superiority and operational effectiveness against merchants of crime and insecurity.

“Yet, Atiku turns a blind eye to considerable improvement in our security, especially in the North East where Atiku hails from. The opposition’s efforts to burden the administration with ceaseless, contrived, unjustified, and diversionary reproval is grossly miscalculated and misleading.

“Tinubu remains unshakable in his commitment to building concrete blocks of progress and greatness for Nigeria. While Atiku and his band of mudslingers idle away, the President will continue, unstoppably, to deliver high-grade infrastructure not only in our nation’s capital, Abuja but all around the country.”

Kogi: Arrest Bello Now Before He Flees Nigeria, Action Aid Tells FG

James Orji

May 29, 2024

Action Aid Nigeria has challenged the federal government on the need to use the force of state to arrest the immediate past governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.

Andrew Memudu AI country Director in Nigeria while speaking to Vanguard said the former governor no longer enjoys immunity, and should be arrested immediately.

The magazine reports that Bello is being wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged over N80 billion fraud while in office as helmsman.

Last month, the former governor was allegedly aided by his successor Governor Usman Ododo to escape from his Abuja home after the antigraft agency laid a siege on the property will the aim to arrest him.

Bello has challenged the planned arrest by the EFCC in court.

Speaking, Memudu noted that the fact that Bello has been able to escape arrest by security agencies speaks of the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration commitment to fighting corruption.

Considering the weight of the case against the former governor, AAN said the Presidency should have come down hard to ensure that Bello is arrested at all cost to answer to the fraud allegation against him.

He said Bello should come out of hiding to prove his innocence instead of making himself a fugitive of the law.

According to him, the international community is watching Nigeria, on how the case will be prosecuted, urging the EFCC to prove that its war against corruption is not a ruse.

He added that Governor Ododo should be investigated to ascertain his culpability in the escape of Bello in Abuja, and If found guilty, should also be prosecuted.

AAN said, “When a former governor eludes legal accountability, it reflects poorly on the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and justice. This situation with Yahaya Bello demands more rigorous intervention than what is currently being deployed.

“In such extreme circumstances, one would expect the Presidency to wield its full authority and do more towards the immediate arrest of the former governor, ensuring he faces charges in a competent court of law.

“Allegations of corruption totalling over N80 billion against a former governor and his aide are grave matters that cannot be taken lightly, and the handling of their arrest should reflect the seriousness of these charges.

“If Yahaya Bello believes in his innocence, he should not hide behind any false pretense. Instead, he should step forward to defend himself and his integrity. His evasion of law enforcement only adds to public suspicion and further tarnishes his reputation.

“Surrendering to authorities and cooperating with the judicial process is essential for addressing the charges against him in a lawful manner. Demonstrating respect for the rule of law and legal institutions is not only in his best interest but also crucial for upholding the integrity of the nation’s justice system.

“The EFCC must ensure stronger coordination with the police, customs, navy and other security agencies to prevent further evasion, particularly under disguise. Engaging with international anti-corruption agencies to track and apprehend all those involved in the corruption charges who may want to flee the country, including Yahaya Bello, is very important now in ensuring that justice is served.

“Additionally, the National Assembly and the Kogi State Assembly, should exercise its legislative function to investigate and address any misuse of power by Governor Ododo.

“Where the constitution empowers the State Assembly, to investigate and hold to account (including motion to impeach) the Governor of Kogi State, who enjoys immunity as a sitting Governor.

“Upholding the independence of the judiciary is paramount to prevent political interference in investigations and prosecutions. All individuals, regardless of their status, must be held accountable under the law.

“If both Governor Ododo and Yahaya Bello are found guilty, they must face the full consequences of their actions. After all, the immunity of a sitting Governor is not absolute. The national and state assembly should take appropriate action to ensure that Governor Ododo is held accountable and that Yahaya Bello is brought to justice.

“The eyes of Nigerians and the international community are on this case, and failure to address it decisively may tarnish Nigeria’s reputation and deter international engagement in governance and judicial partnerships.”

Reports claimed recently that the former governor is planning to flee the country to escape prosecution.

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