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Released FirstNews Editor, Segun Olatunji Says Those At Corridor Of Power Behind His Ordeal

March 28, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

After 12 Days in detention, Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, has blamed those at the corridor of power for his ordeal.

He said his abduction and incarceration are connected to his journalistic work, which displeased certain powerful individuals.

Speaking after his release, Olatunji said, “I was at home with my son on Friday, March 15, watching ‘Journalists Hangout,’ when I noticed soldiers outside”.

He described how his encounter with the military spiraled into a series of events that included being blindfolded, flown to Abuja, and detained without charges.

“An officer, who introduced himself as Colonel Lawal, approached me. I inquired about their reason for seeking me. He didn’t provide a clear answer, only stating they were from the military,” Mr. Olatunji continued.

He also stated that his phones were seized. After a blind-folded journey, he found himself handcuffed, both hands and feet, and stripped of his belongings in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

During his detention, Mr. Olatunji said he experienced physical discomfort due to excessively tight handcuffs, which led to numbness in his right hand and leg.

He disclosed that while in detention, interrogations focused on specific stories published by FirstNews, especially those criticizing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Chief of Staff to the President.

“The first story was an accusation against the Chief of Defence Intelligence. I informed them that it was a general story, and they did not say much about it.

“They also inquired about a story we published regarding the Chief of Staff to the President. This was the major issue. This is why I had mentioned to some people earlier that those responsible for my arrest were individuals in the corridors of power, suggesting that these stories were the reason for my detention.

“It was evident that certain individuals in positions of power were unhappy with the work being done by FirstNews,” he stated.

Mr. Olatunji’s wife, who witnessed the abduction, described the fear and confusion she felt as armed men took her husband from their home.

While the Publisher of FirstNews, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and Mr. Olatunji’s colleagues and family endured days of uncertainty, the International Press Institute (IPI), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) diligently worked to locate Mr. Olatunji, confronting various government and security agencies.

Their efforts met with denials until a press statement by the IPI and subsequent pressure on military officials led to Mr. Olatunji’s admission and release.

According to the Management of FirstNews, Mr. Olatunji’s abduction was linked to a recent story published by the media organization,” disclosed IPI Nigeria.

President, Musikilu Mojeed, during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The leadership of the IPI, NGE, and NUJ criticized the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for its actions, which they deemed anti-democratic and a potential threat to press freedom. They urged President Bola Tinubu to reprimand those responsible.

The Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, emphasized the importance of a free press.

He stated, “If the press is not allowed to carry out its social and constitutional responsibilities but is instead subservient to power, it simply serves as an extension of power.”

Uwugiaren added that the media community would remain vigilant and plan to consult on further actions regarding this incident.

He explained that the outcry over Mr. Olatunji’s detention underscored ongoing concerns about press freedom and civil-military relations in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Olatunji thanked those who supported him, notably mentioning Mr Yomi Odunuga, whose involvement aided his release process.

Enugu: LP Loses Six House Assembly Members To PDP

The Source

March 28, 2024

By Charles Igbo

The crisis rocking the Labour Party has triggered a run in its Enugu Chapter.

On Thursday, it lost its six members in the Enugu House of Assembly to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The six members who defected to the ruling party in Enugu are Ejike Nwa Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North 1, Johnson Ugwu, Enugu North, Princess Ugwu, Enugu South, Pius, Pius Onyeka Ugwu, Nsukka West, Williams Amuka, Igbo-Etiti East and Osita Eze, Oji River.

The defection of the Lawmakers during Plenary on Thursday did not take most people by surprise. On Sunday, they had attempted to dump the LP, but it didn’t quite work out as the venue became rowdy.

Their defection is a product of what the Speaker, Uche Ugwu described as “the existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the Labour Party at the National level and across all the State Chapters.”

Bemoaning the fate of the Party in which not a few Nigerians had so much confidence in, Ugwu noted:

“Regrettably, the Party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.

“The Labour Party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas has regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfill the aspirations of the electorate.”

Incidentally LP said it held a National Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State on Wednesday where it reelected Julius Abure as National Chairman by affirmation. But the event was boycotted by its 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, its only Governor, Abia State’s Dr Alex Otti, representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and most of its elected members including members of the House of Assembly.

The Board of Trustees, BoT members of the Party who also boycotted the Convention, has since distanced itself from the outcome. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade S. Ejiofor, the BoT dismissed the reelection of Abure as a no- event, and said it has taken over the running of the Party.

Why Abure and Co. chose to hold the much condemned Convention in Nnewi where the Party has no stake, remains a question still not answered.

Ondo Guber: Seven PDP Aspirants Undergo Screening In Abuja

Ayodele Oni

March 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The screening committee of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continued with the screening of governorship aspirants for its upcoming primary election in Ondo State.

Seven aspirants, according to Sam Egwu, chairman of the committee, have already appeared for the screening, which took place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Those screened included Adeolu Akinwumi, Olusola Ebiseni, Bamidele Akingboye, Kolade Akinjo, Bosun Arebuwa, John Mafo and Agboola Ajayi.

Other members of the Screening Committee are Isa Lau, Emmanuel Ogidi, Olivia Dazyman, ⁠Tanko Beji, Gladys Ashemuke as members

Others were Rahman Owokoniran as Secretary and Caroline Akinsete as Administrative Secretary.

Mr Egwu, a former governor of Ebonyi State, told journalists that all the aspirants presented themselves for screening.

He, however, said some of the aspirants, whose documents were incomplete, promised to come back to complete the aspect of documentation.

He explained that the committee would present its report to the party after the conclusion of the exercise.

“We feel like everyone should have a level playing ground, with no opportunity to say they were screened out deliberately.

“The screening is going on. PDP is the party that wants to give people opportunity provided you play by the rules of the game.

“If a candidate tells us he forgot a document and he is going to bring his document before 5 p.m, Why not?

“We don’t want to give them the impression that the party has a candidate it supports. Only few persons are involved in this case.”

The screening is sequel to inability of the party and aspirants to agree on a consensus candidate as earlier planned.

The off cycle Ondo state governorship election will hold on 16 November.

Ekiti Ready To Key Into Agricultural Revolution – Gov Oyebanji

Ayodele Oni

March 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said that agricultural revolution in the country has come to stay and the will not lack behind.

Declaring open a farmers training programme at Ikere Ekiti, Oyebanji stated that “I must say with emphasis agricultural revolution has come to stay and we in Ekiti must form synergy through creative thinking to turn our fallow land to arable crop in clusters.

“The state government is ready to assist in area like tractorization and other support where neccesary. I’m delighted with the initiatives to encourage our people to key to self sufficiency through agricultural produce, it will banish hunger, create job and bring income to us at grassroot.”

The two days capacity training for farmers in Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 with the theme: ‘Agricpreneur – Building Self Reliance and Sustainability in crop production and Animal Husbandry’ was organized and sponsored by Rufus Ojuawo, member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 in the House of Representatives.

In his Welcome address, Ojuawo expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the programmes which will gear us to do more.

“Without a doubt, we need to embark fully on Agriculture programmes to prevent hunger and more importantly to bring income to our household.

“Agricultural Economy is one of the pillar of our State, Ekiti and we must tap into this and turn it to source of income for our people. Else, this training is to open our knowledge on most of food crop such as Tomatoes, Okro, Pepper, Vegetable, Cucumber, Water Melon and etc.

“Our selected participants are for pilot programme and we’ll build on their process from time to time. I implored all the participants to listen attentively to their lectures, this is not going to be theory alone; we shall go into cluster farming in the next few weeks to put our training into practice.”

Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Kayode Fasae lauded the facilitator for creating wealth by empowering farmers through training, subsidy, and input to cultivate crop production.

Describing farming as very lucrative, the commissioner added that “we must invest in agricultural produce for food sufficiency and grow our economy in Ekiti State.

“I’m In Great Pains Over Death Of Varsity Students” – Peter Obi

Ayodele Oni

March 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi, has bemoaned the death of three students of Medicine and Surgery at the Abia State University, Uturu, saying death of every responsible Nigerian youth, signifies a huge loss to our nation.

Peter Obi, in a statement he released via his X account, commiserated with the bereaved families, the management, staff, and students of Abia State University, and indeed, Nigerians who are saddened by the loss of these youthful promise.

The statement : “I remain deeply in great pain over the unpleasant death of three students of Medicine and Surgery at the Abia State University, Uturu.

“The students were involved in a fatal vehicle accident while returning to Aba, having attended the induction of their senior colleagues, last weekend.

“They were young vibrant youths, training to become medical doctors who would contribute their quota to our health sector before their tragic end.

“Their deaths, and indeed the death of every responsible Nigerian youth, signifies a huge loss to our nation.

“My heart goes out to their respective families at this time of grief. Losing one’s child, with a promising future, is such a devastating experience. However, we cannot question the Almighty God, who has the power of life and death.

“I sincerely commiserate with their families, the management, staff, and students of Abia State University, and indeed, all of us who are saddened by the loss of these youthful promise, praying to God to give us the fortitude to bear their very sad irreplaceable loss and grant them eternal rest. May God protect and preserve our going out and our coming in always.”

Uzodimma Poised For South East Economic Turnaround As APC Coordinator For Zone

The Source

March 28, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is poised to champion the turnaround of economic activities in the South East as the All Progressives Congress has named him the coordinator of activities in the zone.

Governor Uzodimma was among six governors inaugurated Wednesday in Abuja by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as coordinators of activities in their respective zones.

Governor Uzodimma’s choice was based on his consistent extraordinary performance in discharging responsibilities thrust on him by the Party at both national and subnational levels.

As Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Governor Uzodimma has demonstrated capacity and competence in such ways that his colleagues are at peace with him.

Before this formal inauguration as coordinator of APC activities in the South East, Sen. Uzodimma was already referred to as the “Governor General” of the Region, a characterisation that was borne out of his love for his people, unwavering commitment to the good of the South East with regard to the pursuit of unity, peaceful coexistence and common economic and political interest.

Taking to his social media platform to elucidate on his new role, Governor Uzodimma said: “The quest to offer greater service to the people had propelled the need to zonally coordinate activities of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as our National Chairman, H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, inaugurated Zonal Coordinators for the activities of our Party with the major aim of rekindling relationships amongst members and coordinating party affairs and growth in the zones.

“Interestingly, I was inaugurated to coordinate our South East, accepting it as a call to more service for our Party and the nation at large. Even before now, I championed the cause for unity in our Party and across the South East, for national connection and development.

“Top on my focus will be the turnaround of economic activities in our region, discharged with utmost commitment and in harmony with my brothers and sisters from across the South East to actualize set objectives.”

Deputy National Chairman, South, of the APC, Chief Emma Enukwu while congratulating the Imo State Governor said Sen Uzodimma is the most fitting and appropriate person now to coordinate activities in South East such that the desired result would be achieved.

Former Minister of Science and Technology (State), Chief Henry Ikoh while corroborating Chief Enukwu’s position added that Governor Uzodimma has the mindset, capacity, competence, temperament and reach to galvanise support for the Party in the South East for regional and national benefits.

Both Party leaders therefore solicited total support for Governor Uzodimma on this additional role of service to the people.

Suspended Senator Ningi Writes Senate, Demands Reinstatement Within Seven Days

The Source

March 28, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, has asked the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led Nigerian Senate to rescind his suspension or face a legal action.

The Source on Thursday March 28 gathered authoritatively that the embattled Bauchi State Senator’s ultimatum is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Akpabio by his Legal Counsel Fami Falana SAN.

The Source reports that the Senate had, on March 12, 2024, slammed a-three month suspension on Senator Ningi over his allegations of a #3.7 trillion padding of the 2024 budget by the National Assembly.

Falana had, in the letter, argued that the suspension of Senator Ningi amounts to a gross violation of his fundamental human rights and freedom of Speech as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended) and the African Charter on Human Rights .

He, therefore, described the suspension of Senator Ningi as unconstitutional,and abuse of power by the Nigerian Senate, urging the Senate to withdraw the suspension order within the next seven days or face a court action.

According to Falana, Senator Ningi was only exercising his right to freedom of expression as well as the responsibility to defend the interests of his constituents.

Labour Party BoT Sets Aside Election Of Abure, Takes Over Running Of Party

Ayodele Oni

March 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The purported re-election of Mr Julius Abure as the National Chairman of Labour Party, (LP) for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates has become questionable, controversial, and may not stand as the Board of Trustees, (BoT) of the Party has backed out of the exercise.

Instead, the BoT has announced its take-over pending the conduct of another election to pick new and legal members of the National Working Committee, (NWC).

For the records, Leader of the Party, and its Presidential Candidate who gave it an unprecedented life during the 2024 Presidential Election was not at the controversial Convention which re-elected Abure.LP Members of House of Representatives were also not present. They had objected to the Convention in an earlier statement.

Comrade S.O.Z. Ejiofor,

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Labour Party, said in a statement that the tenure of NWC, headed by Barrister Abure has expired.

According to the statement, the BoT will soon communicate the

processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National

Convention of the Labour Party.

The statement reads: “Following the expiration of the tenure in office of the immediate past National Working Committee of the Labour Party headed by Mr. Julius Abure, the Board of Trustees of the Labour Party in line with the Labour Party Constitution has stepped in to steer the affairs of the Labour Party.

“This step is to avoid any leadership vacuum in the Labour Party.

“Furthermore, the Board of Trustees of the Labour Party in consultation

with major stakeholders in the Party will soon communicate the

processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National

Convention of the Labour Party.

“This is in line with the March 20, 2018 Federal High Court consent judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole which recognized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the owners of the Labour Party and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the Labour Party be held.

“The decision of the Board of Trustees is also in furtherance of the agreement signed between the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 27th June 2022, which was mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

It commended members of the Labour Party, especially workers, students, youths, market women and men, Obidients, and candidates on the platform of the Labour Party for their contributions and fidelity to the ideals of the party.

“The Board of Trustees promises to quickly set in motion processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention, unlike the charade that took place in Nnewi .

“And in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive national convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and ultimately at the national level.

“This process will not leave any genuine member of Labour Party out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents and the general public.

“We commend the leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and key stakeholders in the Labour Party for declining to deodorize the

malfeasance that took place in Nnewi with their presence.

“The BOT assures all stakeholders that we are committed to reclaiming and repositioning the Labour Party as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of our dear country, her working people and populace.”

Abure has been engulfed in one scandal, controversy, or the other in the past couple of months. It climaxed a couple of weeks ago when the Political wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, stormed the LP Headquarters and demanded that Abure stands down as the Labour Party National Chairman over sundry allegations including fraud.

The purported Convention which re-elected Abure was scheduled for Umuahia, Abia State, before it was shifted to Nnewi.

“I Deserve To Serve Out My Full Tenure” – Governor Fubara

The Source

March 28, 2024

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Charles Igbo

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he deserves to serve out his full-tenure. He did not indicate whether it is his first four-year tenure, which he is already serving, or a second tenure which he is entitled to contest for and serve out if he wins, making it a full eight years in office.

It is not known why Fubara made the statement, but he has been having a very fierce running battle with his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, who installed him in office. A couple of months ago, the battle resulted in an aborted impeachment of the Governor by the Members of the House of Assembly most of whom are loyal to Wike. Just as he installed Fubara in office, he also installed them as Members of the Assembly. About 25 of them have since decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party through which they won election, and the Party Wike insists he is still a Member, even though he is a Cabinet Member in an All Progressives Congress’, APC, Government to the APC.

Apparently in response to the several insinuations and verbal attacks against him by Minister Wike which seem to be threatening his tenure, Governor Fubara, on Wednesday, assured Rivers people that he is going no where and would serve out his tenure in office.

He spoke when he addressed members of the Family Support Group which paid him a solidarity visit.

Governor Fubara who spoke through Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of Service, also, assured Rivers people of the determination of his Government to protect their lives and properties. He posited that his Government is a Government for the youths, women, all good people of Rivers State, and well-meaning Nigerians.

One of the reasons the Governor adduced for his confidence serve out his tenure is that the people of the State stand by him because he “won the election fair and square” and has been delivering democratic dividends.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, on his behalf, after the courtesy visit by the Family Support Group quoted the Governor thus:

“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this administration.”

He then flaunted his achievements within the period he has been in office to justify why it is necessary for him to serve out his tenure.

Fubara: “Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara flagged off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will traverse six Local Governments. It will be completed within 36 months. But I think it will be completed before the time because the progress of the work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.

“The official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start very soon and will begin from Port Harcourt. A lot of plans have been made for that road, and very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.

“Just yesterday, you heard in the news, also, that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda- Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he us going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract.”

A few days ago, Wike bemoaned, for the umpteenth time, his regrets in allowing Fubara to succeed him in office instead of Honourable Kingsley Chinda, his core loyalist, a four-time Member of the House of Representatives, and the House’s Minority Leader.

Tinubu Govt Awards Multi-Billion Naira Superhighway Contract To Firm Owned By President

James Orji

March 28, 2024

Hitech Construction Company Ltd , a firm owned by the President of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has been awarded the multi-billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway contract.

An indication to this emerged last week after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved over N1 trillion for the first phase of the project.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi announced this after the FEC meeting in Abuja.

“Today, we had the the approval of FEC for the construction of 700 kilometer of coastal routes running from Lagos through the nine coastal routes or states up to Cross River, meaning that it goes to Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport, Ogun state, Ondo State, Delta, Bayelsa, Port Harcourt and Akwa Ibom,” the minister said.

According to him, “we have procured the first section, which is 47.47 kilometers, under 10 lanes and FEC graciously approved the contract for N1.067 trillion with no objection.”

The road contract expected to link most Nigerian coastal states in the country with Abuja, the nation’s capital was conceived by Umahi last year.

The federal government has since approved the ambitious project by putting in place modalities for its execution. The project, the minister said is expected to be completed within five years.

The magazine has learnt that Hitech, the road construction firm that got the contract to execute the project is linked to Tinubu who has substantial interest in the company.

The company was believed to have been set up by Tinubu while he was the Lagos state governor.

Under him as the governor of the state, the firm was said to have handled road contracts running into several billions.

After leaving office, Tinubu’s successors also awarded mouth-watering contracts to the firm to construct roads and other projects within the state.

The company only ran into problem with Governor Akinwumi Ambode during his feud with Tinubu in his quest to return to office in the run off to the 2023 governorship election in the state.

Governor Ambode had stopped paying the company for the contracts awarded due to the struggle for power in the state All Progressives Congress, APC.

For instance, key construction projects such as the Airport Road and Pen Cinema Bridge were brought to a halt as the feud between the two leaders persisted with the governor refusing to pay over N20 billion owed the firm.

In his piece earlier in the week, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media & Publicity said the Superhighway “will be a monumental civil engineering project that Nigeria has ever seen.

Ajayi outlined the benefits of the superhighway to Nigerians, saying it would be a game changer in the history of construction in the country.

According to the president’s aide, “The superhighway is being built by Hitech Construction Company. Part of the funding will be sourced by Hitech, the contractors.

“Starting from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island in Lagos, the Coastal road will pass through Lekki Deep Seaport, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom States. At a recent press briefing, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Coastal road would have two spurs that will link up with Northern Nigeria to further integrate the North and South in terms of movement of the people, goods and services.

“One of the fascinating and interesting features of the coastal road is how it will compress the distance between Lagos and Ondo State. For instance, the distance from Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos to Araromi in Ondo State is about 50 kilometres along the coast. This distance translates to about an hour journey.

“From Araromi to Ore, a major connecting hub in Ondo State is about another 50 kilometres, whereas the existing route from Ibeju-Lekki to Ore currently in use by motorists is 150 kilometres,” he said.

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