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Borno Govt Parleys With Shippers Council Over Speedy Completion Of  the Inland Dry Port

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Professor Babagana Zulum
Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To facilitate both National and  International trade, as well as fast track economic growth and development, the Borno State Government has announced its readiness to ensure the timely completion of the  Inland Dry Port, IDP, in the State.

The IDP which is sited in  the Jauri area of  Maiduguri the State Capital, will also boost economic relations between Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon – three African countries that share common boundaries with the State.

Governor Babagana Zulum who disclosed this on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, during an official visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, in Lagos, insisted that, the absence of a direct rail network to the  site of the IDP will not pose much problems to its smooth take off.

Addressing the media after the visit, Professor Zulum assured that the project will receive  priority attention within the next six months.

He noted that the overall objective is to create job opportunities, increase the Gross Domestic Product GDP, enhance economic development, and improve the precarious security situation in Borno State.

Governor Zulum who was accompanied on the visit by some top Government functionaries from the state expressed the optimism that the IDP, in addition, will create several thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the citizens and residents of the State.

Such numerous job opportunities, he maintained, will, in turn, help in mitigating the security challenges being faced by the State, as many youths will be taken off the Street.

According to him, with enough will- power and commitment, from the Federal Government, the dream project will come to fruition.

Further speaking, the Governor stated that, the  absence of a rail line to the project site will not stall its take off upon completion.

He insisted that the availability of good road network in the main, will aid operations of the IDP.

“It is not a most to kick-start the project with rail connectivity. But, I can assure that already, thousands of rail tracks have been moved to the State for railway connectivity to the IDP”,  the Governor stated .

Pius Akutah ,the head of NSC,  while  appreciating  the commitment of the Borno state Government, to support  the development of the project, also, emphasized the importance of the IDP towards facilitating the African Continental Free Trade Agreement AFCFTA.

He noted that the IDP will  assist in providing   seamless, shipping services to potential and existing shippers in the hinterland, as well as decongest the seaports.

State Of Georgia, USA, Honours Nigerian Born Samaye As Outstanding Georgia Citizen

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Anthony Olusesan Samaye

By Akinwale Kasali

Anthony Olusesan Samaye, a Nigerian, has been proclaimed an outstanding Georgian Citizen in the United States of America. He has, also, been  proclaimed a goodwill Ambassador of the state.

These honours were contained in a letter signed by the Secretary of State, State of Georgia, Brad Raffensperger.

The statement reads, “I, Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim Anthony Olusesan Samaye as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen.

“May this Outstanding Citizen be afforded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in his travels to other States, to Nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or whatever he may hereafter travel or reside. Thank you for your service to our State,” the letter read.

In his congratulatory message, the Spiritual Father & Chairman Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, His Grace, Baba Aladura Prophet Dr. Abiodun Alogbo, said the proclamation is no doubt in recognition of Samaye’s service to the State, in particular, and the United States of America in general.

“For this, I am very proud of you as your Spiritual Father. You are indeed a blessing to the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement World”.

The outstanding Samaye studied Banking and Finance at the Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria, and graduated in 1994, bagging a  National Diploma, ND, before proceeding to the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, where he earned his Higher National Diploma, HND in 1999.

He, thereafter, moved to Strayer University Owings Mill, Maryland, USA, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in 2005, and also got his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same university in 2009. In year 2020, he got his Doctor of Divinity (Honorary) from Kogi State.

He is CEO/Managing Partner, Smart choice, LLC, Atlanta Georgia; Board Chair/Executive Director, Truth and Liberty Center (Nig) Ltd, Nigeria; Chairman/Leader-in-Charge, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Atlanta, Georgia; Managing Partner/Chief Operating Officer, Humres Management Consultancy, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia; Cyber Security Analyst, Georgia State Government; and Human Resources Specialist/Personnel Specialist, United States Navy, Norfolk, Virginia USA, among others.

He however held several positions, which include Vice President, National Affairs, National Association of Nigerian Students, Nigeria, 1997-1998; Public Relations Officer, Student Union Government, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, 1993-1994; Western Representative (Parliamentarian), Student Representative Council (SRC), Student Union Government, Lagos, 1992-1993; and Pioneer Coordinator, Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, CDHR, Offa, Kwara State, 1997-1998, among others.

He has several awards and military decorations to his name. These include – National Defense Service Medal by the United States Presidential Order, USA; Navy Achievement Service Medal, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Presidential Executive Order, USA; and United States Navy Good Conduct Medal, Secretary of the Navy, USA, among others.

“We Are Intentional In Our Disruptive Approach To Governance” – Gov. Otti, Swears-in Six New Commissioners

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Wednesday, injected six new Commissioners into his cabinet.

The erstwhile Commissioners of Health Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, Science and Technology, Chima Oriaku, and Professor Monica Ogbonna Agriculture, had,  in the last two months, exited the Abia State Executive Council in rather hazy circumstances.

The screening of the newly appointed Commissioners was, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, concluded by the State House of Assembly, which began the process last week.

The newly appointed Commissioners include David Kalu, Dr Uwaoma Ukandu, Dr Queen  Ijeoma Aghukwa, Ubochi Goodluck Chinedu and Professor Ogbonnaya Uche.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia, Dr Otti, charged the appointees on the need to uphold team work and administrative excellence as  veritable means of policies and programmes  execution.

The Governor harped on the imperativeness of dedication and commitment towards effective delivery of services to the people.

While congratulating the new Commissioners, Governor Otti  insisted that their appointments were simply merit-driving and a departure from the old and traditional pattern of recruiting Government functionaries from among cronies and allies.

Governor Otti noted that such skewed appointments trajectory has been instrumental to much of the stunted growth and development in the system over the years.

“We have carefully selected these highly accomplished individuals to bring new ideas and energy to our team. The new appointments were made in pursuance to our new agenda in creating a robust architecture that supports excellent service delivery .

“Effective leadership is an exercise in continuous team building ,finding the right people and placing them where they are best suited to thrive .

“The task of public sector governance is an enormous one that requires having the right people on board in the right position to drive the central agenda of administration across many important frontiers”, the Governor stated.

According to him, the most distinctive feature of the administration is its  unrepentant tendency for a positively disruptive approach to governance.

This, he noted, is eloquently attested to by the rejection of the traditional ways of doing things within the governance space of the state since mounting the saddle about 14 months ago

The Abia State Governor reiterated his adminstration’s aversion to corruption, in-fighting  and other unwholesome activities capable of detracting from its integrity.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Afuye Urges NBC To Adopt “Give And Take” Strategy To Resolve Boundary Disputes

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monisade Afuye - Ekiti state deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye has revealed strategy being adopted by the state to co habit peacefully with its neighbours.

This is just as many states of the federation are currently locked in fierce inter- state boundary disputes.

The Deputy Governor, urged the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to adopt and promote the “give and take” strategy to resolve some of these raging challenges.

Mrs Afuye described boundary dispute as complex in nature and that NBC, being an umbrella body for resolution of disputes can motivate the states to build the spirit of “give and take” to douse the tensions, which often lead to frictions and bloodshed.

The Deputy Governor gave the advice, on Wednesday, during a working visit to the NBC Director General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji at its headquarters in Abuja.

Briefing the Director General on efforts being made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to resolve the boundary disputes in Ekiti, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the strategy has been the magic wand deployed to resolve some intractable land tussles.

She expressed regret that some challenges being confronted in terms of conflict and crisis over boundaries among states predated Nigeria’s independence, which she said makes the situation more complicated and difficult to tackle.

“Many of these disputes have their origin in the creation of States and Local Governments by the Federal Governments. Some of the disputes dated back to the colonial period implying that they had been on for over 60 years.

“Since the commencement of the Governor Oyebanji administration, we have made all efforts to ensure peaceful resolution of many of our intra and inter-town as well as inter-state boundary disputes.

“We have continued to preach love, forgiveness, tolerance and the need for communities to embrace the spirit of ‘Give and Take’ among feuding communities.

“This has largely paid off in our quest to ensure peaceful coexistence between and among the various communities in our state. Ekiti State has boundaries with four neighboring states of Ondo, Osun, Kwara and Kogi.”

Mrs Afuye pointed out that she was aware that midwifing inter-state dispute resolution is the responsibility of the NBC, stating that the States have the obligation of taking the initiative in resolving inter-state boundary disputes based on peculiarities.

“In this regard, when we noticed the building of tension between Ogotun Ekiti and Ikeji Ile and Arakeji in Osun State, we not only appealed to Ogotun community to eschew bitterness and maintain peace, I also alongside some of my officials visited my counterpart, Prince Kola Adewusi, Deputy Governor of Osun State in Osogbo.

“The interface paid off as peace has since returned. We however took some decisions aimed at bringing permanent resolution of the dispute between our two states which we have started implementing.

“The Director General would recall that Ekiti State wrote a letter informing the National Boundary Commission about the brewing unrest between Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara State. It is sad and regrettable to note that one of the youths of Eda Oniyo lost his life to the crisis.

“Ekiti state made spirited efforts to dialogue with Kwara to prevent the crisis but the meeting never took place. Meanwhile the Boundary Technical Committee of both States will be meeting with the National Boundary Commission on the matter next week. It is my hope that the NBC will resolve the matter very soon.”

Mrs Afuye regretted the challenges being confronted in the Eastern edge of the boundary between Emure Ekiti and Supare Akoko in Odo State, saying it is an established fact that River Oyinmo remains the border between the two states, but Ondo state has continued to breach the age long agreement.

“Only recently, Emure Ekiti community reported that Supare Akoko in Ondo State has erected a sign post at an area that is undoubtedly Ekiti land. While we have continued to appeal to our people to maintain peace, I urge the NBC to take action by bringing the Technical Committee of both states together to resolve the issue so that it does not escalate into avoidable crisis.

“It is important to ensure peace across our borders to boost our economy and check trans-border criminals, kidnappers and bandits that are constantly terrorizing our communities. It is therefore important that states must always strive to work together to make our nation a safe and secured entity.”

Speaker Abass Bows, Withdraws Counter Subversion Bill

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abbas Tajudeen - Speaker House of Representatives

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently in response to public outcry, the House of Representatives has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislations.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced the withdrawal in a press statement, citing extensive consultations with stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.

The bill sought to criminalize the refusal to sing the reintroduced national anthem and impose fines.

The decision, announced by his spokesman Musa Krishi on Wednesday, came after “careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.”

Krishi stated that Abbas’s decision “reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.

“The decision to withdraw the bill reflects my commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will, I will never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”

The Counter Subversion Bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, sparked public debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.

“I acknowledge the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that I will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”

Speaker Abbas introduced the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills in the House of Representatives.

However, the bill, which has passed its second reading, faced significant opposition from prominent figures such as former Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu, among others.

Herdsmen Unleash Terror In Ondo, Hack Two Farmers To Death

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fulani Herdsmen - Cattle Breeders

By Ayodele Oni

For the second time this week, a farmer has been hacked to death by suspected rogue Fulani herdsmen in Akoko area of Ondo State.

First incident happened on Sunday at Uba oka in Akoko south west local government area of ondo when a 36 year old farmer was killed in his farm by men suspected to be herdsmen.

The deceased farmer, Sunday Ayeni’s farm was vandalized by herdsmen last week while security agents and elders in the community intervened and restored peace as herdsmen paid an undisclosed amount to the late farmer as compesation.

The  herdsmen were said not to be satisfied with the judgment hence the reprisal attack on the farmer.

The deceased went to his farm with dog as usual on Sunday but he didn’t come to time and this led to a search party that discovered his lifeless body in pool of his blood with his and cutlass beside him.

Women in the area had on Tuesday embarked on peaceful protest, half naked to condemn activities of herdsmen in the area.

However again on Tuesday at Ifira Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area, 18 -year-old Joshua Gbolahan from Odoro Quarters, Ifira, met a gruesome end at his farm in Ogudu Farm Settlement.

His lifeless body was discovered after he was allegedly macheted to death by unknown assailants suspected to be herdsmen.

Eyewitnesses report that Gbolahan’s body was later recovered by the police at Isua Akoko and transferred to the morgue at Ipe Akoko General Hospital.

As of the time of filing this report, a joint team of police officers and Amotekun operatives were still scouring the surrounding forest in search of the killers.

The community has been left reeling, with farmers fearing for their lives as they confront the persistent threat of herdsmen attacks.

Traditional rulers and community leaders in the area have convened emergency meetings to address the escalating violence.

The Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, His Royal Majesty, Oba Victor Adetona Olasehinde, who also chairs the Akoko Divisional Council of Obas, has decried the killings as “callous, wicked, and unacceptable.”

He lamented that the unchecked activities of the herdsmen are driving farmers away from their fields, jeopardizing the region’s status as a critical food basket for the state.

How Miscreants Looted Documents Relating To Trial Of Fmr Kano Gov Ganduje During Nationwide Protest – Gov Yusuf

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Yusuf and Abdullahi Ganduje

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, still counting loses incurred by the State during the nationwide protest, has disclosed that miscreants looted from the State High Court, documents on corruption charges against the former Governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family and aides.

Yusuf, on Wednesday said Ganduje, who is also the National Chairman of the APC, was facing multiple charges at the State High Court.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the governor made the disclosure when he paid an on-the- spot assessment visit to Kano State High Court which was vandalized by thugs during the recent nationwide anti-hunger protests.

“It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalize one of the historic public buildings with a mission of averting corruption charges against the Acting National Chairman of APC and former governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family and aides.”

The Governor stated that the miscreants destroyed virtually all units of the High Court, including the office of the State Chief Judge with losses “accruing to more than N1 billion through stealing of office equipment, destroying offices, burning cars and other relevant materials crucial to the dispensation of justice.”

He urged youths in the state to desist from being used by detractors to engage in violence.

Instead, he advised that the youths should concentrate on skills acquisitions for better future, assuring that government would not relent in securing the lives and property of the people of the state.

Yusuf said the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man must be protected at all costs, and directed the rehabilitation of the building with immediate effect and deployment of adequate security for effective justice delivery.

He commiserated with the state Chief Judge, Dije Abdu Aboki, and the entire Judiciary family over the ugly incident and urged them “to brace up to cover what was lost in the courts proceedings for the benefit of the common man.”

The governor commended the people of the state for their support and cooperation to the present administration in the state, and prayed that the gesture would be sustained for the peace, stability, prosperity and economic development of the state.

Court Sacks Enugu PDP Fed Law Maker, Declares Labour Party Winner

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Simon Atigwe - representing Igboeze North-Udenu Federal Constituency

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu has nullified the election of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Member Hon. Simon Atigwe representing Igboeze North/ Udenu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

The Source reports that Hon Atigwe had emerged victorious in the February, 3, 2024, re- run polls ordered by an Appeal Court.

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, declared Atigwe winner ,with a total of 23,863.

His closest rival, Hon Denis Agbo of the Labour Party LP, garnered 23,322 according to the electoral umpire.

But dissatisfied with the outcome of the re-run election, Hon Agbo petitioned the Tribunal, on the grounds that the re-run was marred by irregularities, alteration of results, substantial non-compliance with laid down rules, and other infractions.

In their verdict on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the Panel led by  Justice H. N. Kunaza, while upholding the petition as  merited, also, declared LP’s Hon Agbo as the rightful winner of the re-run polls.

According to Panel, the petitioner won the election after securing 23,221 votes as ,against the 21,863 lawful votes polled by PDP’s Hon Atigwe.

The Panel voided  2000 votes from the 23,863 earlier recorded for Hon Atigwe by the INEC.

It held that the PDP candidate was not duly elected, going by the number of valid votes cast during the election.

Subsequently, the Tribunal ordered the INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return earlier issued to Hon Atigwe, and issue same to the LP flag bear.

It will be recalled that Hon Agbo had won the earlier election of February 25 ,2023.

It was, however, nullified by the National/State Assembly Appeal Court sitting in Lagos, which ordered  a re-run.

Ezekwesili Dares Speaker Abass Over Proposed Imprisonment For Failure To Recite National Anthem

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Obiageli Ezekwesisli, a former Education Minister, has come down hard on the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abass, over the 10 Years Imprisonment Proposal for failure to recite the  National Anthem.

The proposed Bill  seeks to penalise anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem with a five million Naira fine,or a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

The bill also proposes that anyone who destroys a national symbol or a place of worship shall be liable to the same punishment.

The controversial Bill, sponsored by Speaker Abbas, is set for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated.

Reacting to the proposed bill on her X handle, Ezekwesili stated that the only National Anthem she will stand and recite is the old one and not the  one recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

Ezekwesili has  said that the House of Representatives should get ready to prosecute her whenever they pass their ‘obnoxious’ counter Subversion Bill.

“Counter Subversion Bill Not Targeted At Any Individual” – Speaker House Of Reps

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abbas Tajudeen - Speaker House of Representatives

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has addressed the controversies surrounding the Counter Subversion Bill saying it is for Nigeria’s national security and not targeted at any individual.

A statement on Wednesday by  Musa Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, explained that the clarification was necessary due to misconceptions about the bill, which is sponsored by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

He said, “The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.

“The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.

“However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:

“The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.

“The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.

“Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.

“The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.

“By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate.

“At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.

“The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill.

“It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.

“After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence.

“If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.

“The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.

“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.”

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