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Gov Yusuf To Face NNPP Disciplinary Committee Over Alleged Divided Loyalty

April 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has been summoned by the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) over allegation of divided loyalty.

The invitation to the Governor was signed by the National Secretary of NNPP, Oginni Sunday.

This is just as the crisis within the NNPP gets messier, which has led to division within the party.

Allegation against Governor Yusuf is that he participated in an illegal/ factional national convention of NNPP held by the Kwankwasiya group in Abuja on Saturday 6th April, 2024.

He is expected to appear before the committee on Monday.

The letter reads “I am directed by The Board of Trustees of NEW NIGERIA PEOPLE’S PARTY (NNPP) to invite you to the National Headquarters of NNPP located at Willand Plaza, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja on Monday 15th of April 2024 by 9.00 am.

“You are to explain the reason(s) why Your Excellency, who was elected on the party’s platform and a national figure of NNPP participated in an illegal/ factional national convention of NNPP held by the Kwankwasiya group at A CLASS EVENT CENTER, Wuse 2 Abuja on Saturday 6th April, 2024.

“In Accordance with Article 39 sub section 4 of our Constitution, the Disciplinary Committee is headed by Barrister Monday Mawah as Chairman while Prince Adetoyese Omokanye is Secretary.

“In accordance with Article 39.0, 39(1-4) on disciplinary procedures, Your Excellency would enjoy fair hearing with an unfettered opportunity to explore all other openings to resolve the issues being investigated as stipulated therein.

“Your Excellency is hereby respectfully expected unfailingly to explain to the Committee the reason(s) why Article 39. 6 (e,f & g) shall not be invoked as sanctions.

“Your Excellency’s positive response to this invitation shall go a long way to strengthen our internal disciplinary and democratic measures most especially in the area of Party supremacy which without prejudice shall in contrary decisively take necessary action according to the letters of NNPP Constitution 2022 as amended.”

Long Sallah Holidays: Enugu State Govt Queries Workers For Absenteeism

The Source

April 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 180 staff members of Ezeagu Local Council of Enugu State were on Friday, April 12, 2024, issued with letters of queries for allegedly absenting themselves from their duty posts .

On an unscheduled visit to the Council Headquarters in Aguobi-Owa ,along side other members of the Enugu State Monitoring Team On Work Attendance and Productivity, the Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, reportedly met only about 36 out of the Council’s over 200 workforce on seat ,a development that prompted an order for the issuance of query letters to the absentees.

But the Source findings have revealed that the long list of the absentee workers may not be unconnected with the long stretch of the just concluded Sallah holidays.

The Federal Government had initially announced Tuesday April 9 and Wednesday April 10 as public holidays for Muslims celebrations of Eid El Fitri,.

However, a last minute shift in the date of Sallah to Wednesday from Tuesday ,forced the federal Government to add Thursday April 11 to the Sallah holidays .

This is in addition to the Monday forced holidays in most Southeast states by the yet to be resolved Indigenous peoples of Biafra IPOB proclaimed sit-at-home order .

The Source findings revealed that after observing the holidays from Monday to Thursday,most government and public offices and ,even private businesses witnessed a lull in activities on Friday ,with many said to be still holed up at their various holidays resorts .

The Enugu State Workers monitoring team ,asserted that all employees of the state and local councils who absent themselves from work without official approvals will be disciplined in line with extant laws .

The teaam leader Ugwu, the state Head of Service ,who led other members drawn from Trade Union Congress TUC ,Governor’s office ,Joint Public Service Negotiating Council ,and other relevant bodies ,on the unscheduled tour also reminded the workers in the state on the need for them to key in to the vision of the state Governor Peter Mba .

According to the HOS , productivity remains the guiding principle of the state administration,noting that it is the only option in the quest to build a virile economy .

Ugwu,emphasized the need for all stakeholders to contribute towards the set task of growing the state economy from its current $ 4.4 billion GDP to $30 billion .

Gov Yusuf To Emir Of Kano: “Probe Panel To End Political Killings, Recover Looted Assets”

The Source

April 12, 2024

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

Again, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed his determination to unravel those behind the spate of violence and politically motivated killings that occurred in the state in the last few years.

This is just as he has reassured that the move, for which two Commissions have been constituted, is neither propelled by the urge to witchhunt and/or persecute political foes.

Governor Yusuf who spoke in Kano on Friday, April 12, 2024, when the Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero paid him the traditional Eid El Fitri( Sallah) visit at the Government House Kano ,insisted that the panels of Inquiry were set up to enthrone a regime of accountability ,as well as ensure a halt in the practice of political thuggery and violence in the political space of the state.

He emphasized that the aim of the Inquisition is to fish out the masterminds and sponsors of political violence, and prosecute them accordingly ,so as to deter any future occurrences.

Governor Yusuf lamented that over the years unchecked acts of political thuggery and violence, has exerted its negative tolls ,on the state ,with several lives and property lost and destroyed.

He regretted that such unwarranted losses in human and material resources have impacted negatively on the economic development of the state .

The Kano State Governor promised to work in concert with the Emirate Council and other traditional institutions to bring about the transformation of the state ,which he noted is his ultimate priority

He announced that since mounting the saddle some ten months ago,his administration has paid more than a cursory attention to acts of thuggery ,and other criminal activities ,noting that the recent repentance of about 200 arrested thugs and phone snatchers who are now meaningful engaged,represents an eloquent testimony of his transformation agenda.

He said that one of the Commissions of Inquiry will be looking in to cases of wrong doings and misappropriation of state assets by the immediate past administration in the state ,with a view to recovering them.

Emir Bayero while lauding the Governor for his efforts at improving the wellbeing of the people through the execution of impacting projects, said he was at the Government House to pay homage as tradition demands.

The Kano Royal father appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to always monitor their children’s activities, insisting that it is a veritable means of establishing thuggery and violence- free societies.

Alleged Certificate Forgery: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Claims He Graduated In 1982 In School Established In 1980

Ayodele Oni

April 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has clarified that he went to one of the Secondary Schools in Lagos State which was affected by merging/closure policy of late former Governor Lateef Jakande’s administration which prompted allegation of certificate forgery against him.

He maintained that contrary to rumours of fake certificate making the rounds in some quarters, his certificate is genuine and authentic.

Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Friday at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja after he was cleared by the Screening Committee to contest the primary election.

The governor, who insisted that there is no vacancy at the Ondo state government’s house, declared that “I have been cleared that there are no issues.

“Questions were asked and answered and at the end of the day, I have been cleared that there are no issues. Especially the issue that has to do with the certificate that a petition was written, today that has been put to rest.

“My certificates are genuine and authentic. I think it is just a kind of mischief by some other aspirants who find me to be an aspirant to beat, trying to look for a way to discredit my person, but that has been verified and put to rest.

“I think the issue really regarding that was a school they claim was established in 1980 and how come I was able to write my WASSCE in 1982.

“If you are a student of history you will recall that in 1979, when the Governor of Lagos State at the time, Lateef Jakande became Governor, most private schools were taken over and schools were built for the communities.

“And Ikosi High School that I attended is one of the schools that were built by the regime of Lateef Jakande in 1980. So, it is on record that the school was established in 1980 and at that time I was already in Form ‘3’ in a private school.

“New Nation is in Ikosi while Royal Comprehensive High School is in Ajegunle, Ikorodu very close to Ketu. So all of us were moved to both New Nation and Royal Comprehensive High School and some other schools that were affected by flood.

“We were all moved into Ikosi High School, Ketu that was built by the government and that was how we wrote our WASCE in 1982, because we were in the first set. I was in Form ‘3’ at the time, it used to be five years, not now that you have six years for Secondary school.

“So their question, the petitioner is how can a school be established in 1980 and we have a first set in 1982 that the first set was supposed to be in 1985, but he didn’t take time to look at the history.

“So investigation has been conducted, the schools are still there, WAEC office is there where you can actually verify the subject that I took and the year that I graduated and the school.

“You just need to buy a scratch card and go to the website of WAEC, it will be there – Ikosi High School, Ketu and my name will be there with the subjects that I took and the various grades. So it is clear to everybody that my certificate is authentic and I actually graduated from that school in 1982.”

Asked what his advice was for those trying to pull him down, Aiyedatiwa said there was no vacancy in the Ondo State government house.

“I should just advise them to repent and try to go to the field and work. If they are interested in the seat and the seat is not vacant, that is why they’re trying to do all that they are doing.”

Zenith Bank Hits Triple Digit Topline; 125 Percent Gross Earning Of N2.13trn In 2023

James Orji

April 12, 2024

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, achieving a remarkable triple-digit growth of 125 percent in gross earnings from N945.6 billion reported in 2022 to N2.132 trillion in 2023. According to the audited financial results for the 2023 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX this impressive triple-digit growth in gross earnings resulted in a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 180 percent in Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N284.7 billion in 2022 to N796 billion in 2023. Profit After Tax (PAT) also recorded triple-digit growth of 202 percent from N223.9 billion to N676.9 billion in the period ended December 31, 2023.

The increase in gross earnings is primarily due to growth in interest and non-interest income. Interest income increased by 112 percent from N540 billion in 2022 to N1.1 trillion in 2023. Non-interest income grew by 141 percent from N381 billion to NGN918.9 billion in the same period.

The increase in interest income is attributed to the growth in the size of risk assets and their effective repricing, alongside the rise in the yield of other interest-bearing instruments over the year. Growth in non-interest income was driven by significant trading gains and an increase in gains from the revaluation of foreign currencies.

The cost of funds grew from 1.9 percent in 2022 to 3 percent in 2023 due to the high interest rate environment while interest expense increased by 135 percent from N173.5 billion in 2022 to N408.5 billion in 2023. Notwithstanding the 32 percent growth in operating expenses in 2023, the Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved significantly from 54.4 percent in 2022 to 36.1 percent in 2023 due to improved top-line performance. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased by 118 percent from 16.8 percent in 2022 to 36.6 percent in 2023, underpinned by improved gross earnings, as the Group sought to deliver better shareholder returns. Return on Average Assets (ROAA) also grew by 95 percent from 2.1 percent to 4.1 percent in the same period.

The Group has continued to deepen its market leadership in key corporate and retail deposit segments as customer deposits increased by 69 percent from N9.0 trillion to N15.2 trillion in 2023. Its retail drive continues to yield dividends as retail deposits now constitute 46% of total deposits (compared to 44 percent in 2022) and grew by 77 percent from N3.97 trillion in 2022 to N7.04 trillion in 2023, also reinforcing increased customer confidence in the Zenith brand.

Total assets increased by 66 percent from N12.3 trillion in 2022 to N20.4 trillion in 2023, largely due to growth in total deposits and the revaluation of foreign currency deposits. Gross loans grew by 71 percent from N4.1 trillion in 2022 to N7.1 trillion in 2023 due to the revaluation of foreign currency loans and the growth in local currency risk assets. As a result of the disciplined and diligent approach to risk assets creation and management, the loan growth did not significantly impact the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio, which increased marginally from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent despite the heightened risk environment and challenging operating environment, an attestation to the Group’s resilience despite headwinds and a challenging macroeconomic environment. Also, the prudential ratios remain within regulatory thresholds, with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and liquidity ratio at 21.7 percent and 71percent , respectively, at the close of 2023.

As a demonstration of its commitment to shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of N3.50 per share, bringing the total dividend to NN4.00 per share.

In 2024, the Group will complete the transition to a holding company structure, which is anticipated to position it advantageously for exploring emerging opportunities in the Fintech space while bolstering its digital and retail banking initiatives. Furthermore, the Group is undertaking urgent necessary actions to meet the new minimum N500 billion equity capital requirement to maintain its international authorisation within the timeframe stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This will strengthen its presence in key markets to continue positioning for sustainable growth and value addition for stakeholders.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria, for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023, being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards

Death By Water: Nigerians Who Lost Their Lives

James Orji

April 12, 2024

Seven persons drowned in Lagos state this week the state police command has said.

The state police command made this known in a statement today by its spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, stressing that the victims died from swimming pools, beaches and the lagoon.

Recall that two persons died in the lagoon in the state on Wednesday after an 18-seater bus hit the railings on the Third mainland Bridge. Other passengers in the bus also sustain various degrees of injuries, and are now receiving treatment in the hospital.

The command revelation also comes on the heels of the water accident in Anambra state which claimed the life of some Nollywood stars.

The magazine reports that, the star, Pope Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four others died in a water mishap while shooting a movie in the south east state on Thursday.

The deceased met their untimely death two days during a boat trip to a movie location in Asaba, Delta State

The incident has elicited a lot of sympathy from not a few Nigerians who have called on the government to ensure water transportation safety.

According to Hundeyin those that drowned were spread across the state.

He said: “This week alone, seven people drowned in hotel swimming pools and beaches. Two in one hotel in Mushin, One in one hotel on the Island, One on Ibeshe Island, Two fell off Third Mainland Bridge in an accident, Another one in one hotel in Shasha.”

ASUU Calls For Immediate Reconstitution Of Universities’ Governing Councils, As ASUU-UDUS Rejects Move To Appoint VC Others

The Source

April 12, 2024

The Academic Staff Union Of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Education minister and all other relevant authorities to immediately reconstitute the Governing Councils of Public Universities in the country earlier dissolved by the federal Government.

This is even as the umbrella body of Nigerian academics has kicked against the recent advertisement of the vacant of position the Vice Chancellor and other principal officers of the Uthman Danfodio University UDUS Sokoto ,insisting that the decision by the federal Government to jettison the miscellaneous provisions in the University administration System greatly undermines the essential doctrines of transparency, equity ,and merit-based selection of University Principal officers .

In a statement issued on Friday April12,2024 by Professor Nurudeen Al Mustapha and Dr Shu’aibu, Sadiku ASUU – UDUS Chairman and Secretary respectively, ASUU faulted the dissolution of the University’s Governing Council and those of others in 2023 on the grounds that the action negates established procedures and autonomy status of the institutions.

It will be recalled that in June 2023 ,the Federal Government had dissolved the Governing Councils of all Federal Universities ,along side the Boards of most parastatals .

The UDUS chapter of ASUU said the decision of the authorities to advertise the vacant positions of the Institution’s principal officers in the absence of a Governing Council violates extant laws and procedures, adding that it also threatens the university autonomy .

“The unauthorized advertisement of vacancies for the offices of the Vice Chancellors and other Principal Officers in the federal universities violates proper procedures and threatens the integrity and academic freedom of Nigerian public Universities .

It flagrantly violates the provisions of section 111, subsection 1and 2 of the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1993 ” the statement noted .

Further picking holes in the decision to dissolve the Universities Governing Councils across the country, ASUU-UDUS asserted that there are existing procedures to follow in embarking on such exercises.

“The law also prescribes the protocol to follow, in the event of Governing Councils absence ,particularly regarding the appointments of principal officers .

At no point does the law transfer the Councils’ functions to the Minister and or the Visitor” ASUU stated.

“Call Me Clueless, But You Have Dug Your Political Grave” – Fubara To Disrespectful Rivers LGA Chairmen

The Source

April 12, 2024

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Charles Igbo

An uncharacteristically roaring Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has sounded a note of strong warning to those who mock him as weak, call him clueless, and disrespect him.

The Governor said he has no problem with their disrespect, or his being called clueless by them. But he sent a strong message to them. They disrespect him at their own peril, he told them, but by doing so, he reminded them they have already dug their political graves.

Fubara, who has suddenly, in the past couple of weeks found a lot of courage to stamp his feet as the Governor of Rivers State, instead of cowering behind the back of his predecessor, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike spoke on Thursday at the commissioning of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Area built and donated to the Community by a former Governor of Rivers State Dr. Peter Odili.

Fubara’s remarks came when he noticed the presence of the Chairman of the Local Government Area at the occasion.

Almost all the Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State hold Governor Fubara in contempt because they are loyal to Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State who propped Fubara into office but with whom he now has a bitter misunderstanding because Fubara was getting frustrated with Wike’s alleged total control of him and his Government. For that, the LGA Chairmen so disrespect the Governor that they neither acknowledge him as the Governor nor attend State functions where he would be present.

Fubara was, therefore, surprised to see the Chairman of the Local Government Area present at the function. Nobody could explain why he was present. Many people felt that he came to honour Odili. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni is Odili’s LGA.

On noticing the presence of the LGA Chairman, Governor Fubara mocked: “I am surprised that I saw the Local Government Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni here. I am very surprised because I know that for a very long time, any event that has to do with the State Government, all the Local Government Chairmen, as it were, do not participate. I hope when he leaves here, they are not going to sack him.

“I know you are not loyal to me. Are they not going to sack you? Or, when you leave here, you will grant a press interview that it was not you. That it was your shadow.”

Fubara then tackled him and his LGA Chairmen- colleagues.”Let me say it here, everyone of you who thinks he is disrespecting me, you have already dug your pit. You will fall inside it. Siminalayi Fubara, like a river, will flow in a direction that there is no resistance. One way or the other, we will get to our destination, and we will go with our people.

“They say we are clueless. If providing quality education to our people is being clueless, I agree with them. I accept it. They say we are clueless. If providing quality health care services to our dear people is being clueless, then we agree with that. It is the truth. They say we are clueless.

“If targeting critical projects, like this road we have awarded, the Elele-Egbeda- Omoku road, we agree. But, we will not go and construct roads to our farm because we want to please somebody politically.

“We will do those things that our people want and will benefit from. If that one means being clueless, then, we are clueless. In fact, I will my name to “clueless”.

A now sure-footed Governor Fubara says his mission as the Governor is to develop Rivers State and give it absolute peace.

Ekiti: Governor Oyebanji’s Appointments Strategic, Conforms with Governance Norms – Akingbade

Ayodele Oni

April 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions continue to trail the appointment of many aides by Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as one of the beneficiaries, Debola Akingbade stated that it is to ensure effective governance.

He described reaction by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the appointments as being driven by animosity rather than objective assessment.

According to Akingbade, Governor Oyebanji’s decision to appoint 272 aides is not an anomaly, but a strategic move seen across Nigerian politics, aimed at grassroots engagement and effective governance.

He said “It is crucial to recognize that appreciating and rewarding loyalty and perseverance within political circles is a common practice, irrespective of party affiliations.

“The failure of past administrations to adequately compensate their supporters should not hinder the acknowledgment and encouragement of hard work and dedication.

“Governor Oyebanji’s approach mirrors strategies adopted by governors from various parties, including the PDP.

“For instance, in a PDP controlled Rivers State, former Governor Nyesome Wike appointed 200,000 Special Assistants to facilitate communication between the government and grassroots communities. This move underscores the importance of grassroots feedback in shaping governance and policy decisions.

“Similarly, another PDP Governor, Obaseki of Edo State appointed 186 SAs and NNPP Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State appointed over 338 social media aides to enhance information dissemination and promote good governance.

“These actions demonstrate that the appointment of aides, including social media influencers, is a recognized method to improve transparency and accountability in government operations.

“Governor Oyebanji’s decision to appoint additional aides aligns with these governance norms and reflects his commitment to engaging with diverse stakeholders to ensure inclusive development and effective service delivery.

“Contrary to the PDP’s criticism, Governor Oyebanji’s actions are in line with established practices aimed at enhancing governance and grassroots participation.

“It is essential to view Governor Oyebanji’s appointments within the broader context of Nigerian politics, where similar actions have been taken by governors across party lines.

“The focus should be on the positive impact of these appointments in facilitating communication, feedback, and improved governance, rather than on misguided criticisms driven by political differences.”

All Set For Emergence Of New Olubadan, As Council Forwards Names To Govt

Ayodele Oni

April 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

After disagreements and opposition, the Olubadan-In-Council on Friday nominated Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The seat became vacant on March 14, 2024, following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at the age of 81.

Report Indicates that the kingmakers agreed to appoint Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan at a meeting called by Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan.

He was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe.

His name is expected to be sent to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for approval.

Governor Makinde had earlier informed that there has not been any official communication by the Olubadan in council and his office on the appointment of a new Olubadan.

With the action of the Olubadan in council, a new monarch for the ancient city is expected to emerge next week.

One of the council members, Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun of Ibadan, said that his immediate senior in the line of the Olubadan system is not fit to become monarch now.

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