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“Enough Is enough” Ohanaeze Vows To Retaliate Attack On Ndigbo In South West

By
James Orji
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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has warned that it will retaliate any attack on Igbo in Lagos or south west states, saying “enough is enough’ of such attacks.

Ohanaeze was reacting to a recent post  from an X user, Lagospedia, calling for the eviction of Igbo from Lagos and the entire south west region.

Recall that the promoter of Lagospedia has since been arrested by the police, as the Lagos state government warned that it will not permit such threats in the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo–olu has declared that the state is for all Nigerians, and no descrimination would be permitted against Nigerian.

Reacting to the threat, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said in a statement of Saturday, that any attack on Igbo will now be met with severe retaliation, adding that Igbo are also Nigerians, and should not be discriminated against in any part of the country.

Nnabuike said Igbo are not “second class’ citizens in their own country, saying they should be treated with respect.

The statement said in part, “We want to unequivocally declare today that Ndigbo are not cowards; our forefathers were not cowards; they were brave, and so are we.

“We warn those fanning the embers of discord not to mistake the calmness of the lion for weakness; we are not afraid and should not be pushed to the wall by faceless miscreants.

“Any attack on Ndigbo by anybody will be met with unimaginable retaliation. We are not second-class citizens of this country. No one is more Nigerian than the Igbos.”

The magazine reported that some Igbo residing in Lagos, were prevented form voting in Lagos during the 2023 general elections after they were threatened by some non-state actors believed to be working for the state government.

N70,000 Minimum Wage Not For NYSC Members

By
James Orji
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NYSC - Corps Members

Members of the National Youth Service Corps will not receive the new minimum wage, the management of the Scheme has said.

The clarification comes on the heels of the reports that the accounts of university graduates serving their country, have been upgraded to accommodate the N70,000 new minimum wage recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Recall that the president signed a bill passed by the National Assembly, to increase the minimum wage of Nigerians workers to N70,000 from N30,000.

Soon after President Tinubu signed the law, there were suggestions that NYSC members will also received the new wage.

But the management of the Corps while refuting the claim in a statement signed by Eddy Megwa its Director, Information and Pubic relations on Saturday, disclosed that it has not received official communication to that effect from the federal government, describing the report as misleading an should be ignored by the public.

The Scheme urged “corps members to desist from allowing mischief makers who are set to mislead Nigerians from continuing to play on their intelligence,” saying appropriate information will be communicated if the federal government decides to change the wage of NYSC members.

Part of the statement said: “The attention of National Youth Service Corps management has been drawn to misleading information circulating in the media regarding payment of N70,000 minimum wage to corps members and the directive to upgrade their accounts. This is an absolute falsehood which is far from the truth.

“Corps members, parents and members of the public should note that no directive has been received from the relevant sector of government responsible for wages matters.

“It is, therefore, impossible for the NYSC to issue any information on such. Corps members already know the approved channel and mode of communication in the scheme and should therefore ignore the directive accordingly.

“The NYSC, by this release therefore admonishes corps members to desist from allowing mischief makers who are set to mislead Nigerians from continuing to play on their intelligence.

“Bloggers and social media influencers are warned to stop issuing statements that concern the management of National Youth Service Corps without authorisation.”

Meanwhile, some state government already disclosed that they will not be able to pay the new wage.

Court Bars Enugu SWC Members From Office

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Enugu APC Chiarman - Barr Ugochukwu Agballah

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The crisis rocking the Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC has taken a turn for the worse.

The combatants are digging deeper into the trenches.

This followed an interim order by an Enugu State High Court restraining the Barr. Ugochukwu Agballa-led State Working Committee, SWC, from further parading themselves in their various positions pending the hearing and determination of a  substantive suit before it.

The motion on notice has been fixed for Tuesday August 13 2024 for hearing.

The Source reports that  about two weeks ago, a faction of the party in the State led by Nwafor Onyeacholam, had slammed an indefinite suspension order on  the Agballah-led  leadership, citing alleged abuse of office as major reason.

But the embattled Agballa had also dismissed the suspension as the handiwork of fifth columnists, being prodded on by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State.

Ruling on an ex- parte  application filed by  Onyeacholam, the Acting State Chairman and others, including the Chairman of Forum of Local Government Chairmen of the party, Justice CVC Ezeugwu,  also  restrained the respondents either by  themselves and or privies from further accessing the offices of the party in the State .

“Upon an application by Motion Ex-parte brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 24); Order 38 Rules 1, 2 and 4(a); Order 7 Rule 5; and Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the High Court Rules of Enugu State, 2020; Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); supported by a 46-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, and filed at the High Court Registry, Enugu on 2nd day of August, 2024; seeking an Order for Interim Injunction and Substituted Service

“AND AFTER Hearing the submission of J. N. Aloh, Esq. of Counsel, for the Plaintiffs/Applicants.

“The Court hereby orders as follows: An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from acting and parading themselves as occupying any of the following positions/posts to wit: State Party Chairman, State Party Deputy Chairman, State Party Treasurer, State Party Organizing Secretary, Nsukka Local Government Party Chairman of APC, Igboeze South Local Government Party Chairman of APC, State Party Youth Leader of APC, Enugu South Local Government Party Chairman, State Party Publicity Secretary of APC and Enugu North Party Chairman, respectively of State Executives Committee, Enugu State Chapter pending the hearing determination Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024.

“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from calling, arranging, organizing and holding any meetings, congresses or conventions as the leadership of APC State Executive Committee (SEC) and/or interfering, disturbing and meddling with the functions/activities of the Plaintiffs/Applicants (as well as other validly elected members of the said Executive) as the State Executive Committee of the Party in Enugu State, pending the  hearing determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024”, part of the court order reads

“Abia Resources Cannot Carry N70,000 Minimum Wage” –  Governor  Otti

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia State Governor, Dr.Alex Otti, has said that the resources available to his State will not be able to pay the minimum wage of N70,000 per month. He said he will enter into a negotiation with State’s Workforce.

To do that, the Governor has set up a Committee to review the N70 000 minimum wage as approved recently. The Committee’s main assignment is to  come up with a figure the State will be able to pay.

Otti noted that the Committee is already interfacing with the leadership of the Organized Labour so as  to work out a figure that will be acceptable to all parties ,taking into consideration the meager resources at the disposal of the State Government.

“The minimum wage means that every other salaries will be adjusted accordingly. So my team and the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, are already engaging,  and we will come up with something in line  with the meager  resources available to the State.

Only last month, the Government had also negotiated the Federal Government’s N35,000 wage award down to N15,000 to be paid for three months.

The payments took effect from July ending.

The Governor who spoke at his monthly media interaction on Friday night ,August 9, 2024, stated that so far, his administration has decided to limit its operations within the scope of available resources.

He informed that the administration has not accessed  any loan facilities since coming on board in May 2023.

“Our administration has not borrowed a single kobo since May 2023. We have been working within the limit of the resources available.

“We have been  getting offers from many quarters. But for now, we want to operate with what is available. We don’t want to plunge the State into unnecessary debts”, Governor Otti noted.

But this is one pronouncement that may not persuade many, particularly the opposition.

The opposition has insisted that the State is already into heavy debts incurred by the present regime.

They have alluded to several billions of Naira which some firms handling construction works in the State have secured from financial institutions on behalf of the State Government.

Specifically, they  noted that the contracting companies have been given irrevocable authority to borrow several billions from banks, using the State’s Federal Allocations as  collateral.

The Source reports that a few months back, at a meeting with stakeholders in Umuahia to breakdown the 2024 budget, Mike Akpara, the Commissioner for Finance, had informed that N309 billion will be borrowed to finance the about N500 billion total appropriation law.

Besides, several  Government officials, including the Governor’s Media Aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma had, at different fora, admitted some borrowings, while at the same time insisting that the Government “is yet to draw down from some facilities secured by the previous administration”.

Edo SSG Resigns, To Commence Campaigns For Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Osaridion Ogie - Edo SSG

By Ayodele Oni

In compliance with electoral law,  Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, has resigned from his position to focus on his political ambitions.

Ogie submitted his resignation on August 9, 2024, as he is the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for the September 21 election.

Ogie explained that his resignation aligns with electoral regulations, which require political appointees to step down at least 30 days before an election if they wish to run for office

He stated, “My resignation is in fulfilment of this requirement that I had to resign to face my deputy governorship ambition in the forthcoming election in the state.”

“No, We Will Not Allow Criminal Plunge Kaduna Into Crisis” – Govt Warns On One-Million-Man March

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kaduna State Government has vowed not to cede the State to subversive elements who are only hiding under the canopy of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests to undermine the peace and security of the state.

The Government has, therefore, warned that they will not sit idly and watch criminals masquerading as protesters to go ahead with their anti-state agenda.

The warning is coming against the backdrop of a purported one million man march allegedly  packaged by the organizers of the nationwide protest to cap their outing in various state capitals.

Today, 10th August, 2024, marks the end of the initially slated 10-day nationwide protest against hunger. The organizers are believed to be pushing for the million-man march across the country as a climax to the EndBadGovernance protest.

Security Agencies are said not to be handling the threat with kid gloves, as security is believed to have been enhanced in some protest- prone States particularly in the Northern region.

In a statement on Saturday August 10, 2024, the Officer-In-Charge of the Kaduna state  Ministry of Internal Security  and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said that the Kaduna Government has resolved not to tolerate any acts capable of compromising the peace of the State under any conceivable guise.

“The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani has reviewed the present security situation arising from the existing 6pm to 8am curfew and other issues pertaining to public safety.

“The Kaduna Security Council recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly, and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Nevertheless, the Security Forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalize public and private properties and unleash terror on innocent citizens ,as experienced on the 1st and 5th of August 2024” the statement partly reads.

Referring to the planned one million man march, the State Authorities insisted that they will not allow such, as no security clearance has been given, due to the precarious situation in the State.

The Kaduna State Government noted that allowing such a gathering

in the face of the unmitigated arson, looting and destruction that characterized the better part of the EndBadGovernace Protest, will tantamount to willfully compromising the peace and security of the state and residents.

According to the authorities, some forces seeking to plunge the State into crisis using the protest as a launch pad, have concluded plans to use children and the vulnerable as shields during the protest.

Aruwan, however, maintained that the Government will not allow such satanic plot to come to fruition,.

The Source reports that Kaduna, like Kano, Yobe and Katsina States were the worst hit by the unbridled looting, destruction, and arson that marred the beginning of the nationwide protest.

The ugly situation forced the various Governments to resort to the initial imposition of a 24- hour curfew, and later a slight adjustment.

The EndBadGovernance protest has so far resonated more in the Northern part of the country than in the South.

Group Urges President Tinubu To Prevent Anarchy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, Nigerian Working Group on Peace Building and Conflict Prevention, has  warned President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to prevent the nation from descending into widespread violence and chaos.

The Group said it is necessary for President Tinubu to address key national issues that call for urgent attention and prevent anarchy.

In a statement signed by several coordinators of the group, including Adewale Adeoye (National Coordinator), Taiwo Adeleye (South-West), Werinipre Digifa (South-South), Abuka Onalo Omobaba (Middle-Belt), Kudu Abubakar (North-West), Fred Onijika (South-East), and Lawan Idris (North-East), the Group expressed deep concern over the ongoing economic and social crises in Nigeria, which they say are driving citizens to the brink, and threatening the country’s sustainable development.

The statement reads: “While the Government is focused on addressing the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests, it must also recognize the possibility of these protests reoccurring if the authorities fail to fulfill their obligations to the people”.

The group also highlighted three major issues plaguing Nigeria: •The unresolved “national question that leaves the concept of national interest undefined •Pervasive corruption at all levels of society.

  • A complete breakdown of trust among citizens in both public and private spheres.

These three challenges, the group emphasized, “are at the core of the insecurity, ethnic violence, and armed rebellions currently ravaging parts of the country.”

The Working Group further stressed the crisis of ethnic identity, exacerbated by the fierce competition for resources, as a significant driver of internal strife. They pointed out that the struggle for control among major ethnic groups and the resulting marginalization of minorities have fueled discontent and unrest across Nigeria.

“Appointing individuals from ethnic minorities to positions of power does not automatically resolve the deep-seated injustices these groups have endured for decades. The creation of new states alone has not been sufficient to address these historical grievances,” the statement continued.

The group called on the Federal Government to address the fears and aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities through a “new, people-driven constitution” that ensures ethnic minorities are recognized as genuine stakeholders in the nation’s future.

The group  criticized the ongoing distribution of palliatives, arguing that the practice is exacerbating food scarcity and driving inflation due to bulk purchases by the government.

“The funds currently allocated for palliatives should be redirected toward agricultural investment,” the group suggested. “Had the government initiated this agro-investment eight months ago, Nigeria would now be experiencing a food surplus.”

It further argued that palliatives only provide temporary relief to a small segment of the population without addressing the underlying need for job creation and real economic growth, which are essential for the country’s long-term stability.

Protest: Governorship Candidate Arrested In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kunle Ajayi with Protesters in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

As the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest enters it 10th day Saturday, some youths in Ondo State who came out in Akure, the State Capital, to join the protest were rounded up by Security Operatives.

The arrested protesters included the Governorship Candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the forthcoming November 16, 2024 Election in the state, Kunle Ajayi.

AAC is the political party of one of the protest organizers, Omoyele Sowore.

An eyewitness disclosed that the protesters who converged at the popular NEPA roundabout, were dispersed by the security agents, but they refused to leave the venue.

According to one of the protesters, Tope Temokun, who condemned the arrest of nine protesters, there was no evidence of violence to warrant the arrest of the protesters.

“The resort to arrest of peaceful protesters by men of the Nigeria police in Akure today is unnecessary, dissipation of energy and uncalled for.

“Particularly regarding the manner in which the protesters have coordinated their protest and what engagement transpired between the protesters and the police before the arrest.

“As at yesterday a letter was submitted by the leadership of “Take It Back movement” to the Nigeria Police in Akure, notifying the police of today’s protest and inviting the police for protection.

“As the protesters were heading there peacefully, they were ambushed by the arresting team of the Nigerian Police who were acting on orders from above and arrested the youths.

“This style of engaging citizens with deceits in civic engagement will not only lead to further loss of total trust and confidence in the police, it is very disgraceful and smacks of playing to gallery to win empty accolade from the government.

“The arrest that took place is highly condemnable and stands condemned. If the government has any evidence of violence from the protesters it should come out with it.”

“Why My Health Commissioner Resigned” – Governor Otti

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Akinwale Kasali

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has finally broken his silence over what led to the resignation of Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, his  Commissioner of Health. The Governor disclosed that that the former Commissioner abused some procedures in the discharge of her duties.

Before her forced resignation,  Okoronkwo had been suspended from office over alleged “gross misconduct”

Responding to questions from journalists at a media parley in Umuahia, Abia State Capital, Governor Otti exonerated Okoronkwo of any financial impropriety, but explained that she decided to throw in the towel on her own volition.

According to the Governor, the committee set up to investigate her after she was suspended, did not find her guilty of any financial impropriety or theft.

”Her resignation has been received and accepted. Before she resigned, the committee set up to investigate her turned in its report.

”Going through the report, there was no financial impropriety established but there were conducts that were not consistent with laid down policies and procedures.

”But since she offered to resign, Government decided to accept her resignation.

” I want to repeat: There was no stolen money; money was not mismanaged but there were procedures that were abused, and we didn’t think that that was enough for more than a reprimand or warning or caution but she chose to throw in the towel, and Government decided to accept her resignation”.

The Governor added that the disengagement of Town Planning Authorities in Obingwa, Osisioma, Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas was not an issue as the affected staff were not civil servants but only contract staff.

As regards the conduct of a Local Government Election, the Governor said the state would soon present a draft bill before the House of Assembly for the amendment of the State LG Electoral law.

He explained that as soon as that is done, and the necessary changes effected, the State would then hold Council poll.

”The timetable for Council Election is not yet out. We believe things needed to be changed in the electoral law.

”In the next few days, we will be approaching the House of Assembly to change a few things, and make the conduct of the election as seamless as possible”, Otti said.

Kano APC Accuses Top Officials Of Alleged Diversion Of Palliatives

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas
Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Kano State has fingered top officials of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) administration, in the alleged diversion of palliatives meant for distribution to the populace.

The Party, therefore, called for an independent investigation and prosection of the culprits. It has threatened legal action, otherwise.

A statement issued by the State Party Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, in Kano on Saturday, asserted that Government’s failure to take necessary action against its officials found to be involved in the diversion of the palliatives may be interpreted as acts being perpetrated with it’s tacit support.

Citing a recent incident, Abbas said: “It was unfortunate that last week, hundreds of bags of rice labeled ‘Federal Government Food Security Program’ were discovered at a private school, Wada Sagagi Islamic School owned by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano, Shehu Wada Sagagi.”

Abbas insisted that no convincing argument was put forward by Sagagi as to how the bags of rice, which form part of the grains donated to the Kano State Government to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal among the poor and vulnerable residents were found in his private residence turned-Islamiyya school.

He stated that in December, 2023,  one Tasiu Al’amin-Roba, allegedly working for the Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Abdullahi Bichi, who was identified as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Cabinet office, was arrested over alleged diversion of the State’s palliatives.

He said that the suspect was found repackaging the rice and maize at a warehouse located at Sharada, and was subsequently arrested with a promise to drag him to court.

Abbas added that “the government of Kano State is in the habit of rebranding and repackaging of some parts of the grains they wanted to distribute, mostly to their members with the picture of the governor and logo of the NNPP.

The Party Chairman noted that in September, last year, the Managing Director of the State Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), Dr. Tukur Dayyabu Minjibir, was suspended for alleged involvement in an inappropriate sale of grains belonging to the Kano state Government.

“It is, therefore, very important that the Kano State Government should not stop at suspension or investigation.

“All actions taken should be concluded by prosecuting all those found to have been involved in these scandals to serve as deterrent.”

Abbas also alleged that recently, the Tinubu administration sent 70 trucks of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs for free distribution to farmers in Kano, but the State Government claimed the credit as if it procured the products and was said to have been sold to farmers at N5, 000 per bag.

The Party Chairman described the actions of the NNPP Government as a deliberate attempt to rubbish the effort of the Administration of President Bola Tinubu in supporting the people during this trying period.

“At different times, the Federal Government donated truckloads of grains to the Kano state government for distribution to the needy, but apart from symbolic official launch, these interventions have not been felt in the larger society.

“To our knowledge, Kano State Government received 100 trucks of rice, 44 trucks of sorghum, and four trucks of maize.

“It was also apportioned 969 metric tons of maize, 1,320 metric tons of sorghum, and 417 metric tons of millet, to be distributed equitably across all local Government Areas. Just recently, 20 trucks of rice were also given to Kano state.”

The Chairman observed that it was unfortunate the people have yet to see the impact of these efforts by President Tinubu in Kano state as evidenced in the level of frustration and expression of anger against the Government.

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