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Ijaw Group Says Pipeline Protection Contract Should Not Be Linked With Death Of Military Officers

March 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Ijaw Youths Network, (IYN) has risen in defence of award of pipeline protection contract to private individuals.

The group on Friday faulted the position of a former Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Tajudeen Olarenwaju, (rtd) on the murder of 16 personnel of the Nigerian Army by Okuama youths on March 14, 2024 over land dispute.

In his reaction to the killings, which shocked the entire country, the retired general fought hard to create a non existent link between this crime against humanity and the collaborative protection of the nation’s oil pipeline between private security outfits, the military and security agencies.

The Ijaw Youth Network said that Gen Olarenwaju’s claim that it is unsafe for non state actors to protect oil installations in the country at this critical time is curious and wrong.

The IYN in a statement by its Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said that the utterances of a man who rose to the rank of General and one time Minister of Defence, should not bear semblance with those exploiting the disturbing death of our military personnel to push an obvious economic interest.

IYN leadership pointed out that the General should be concerned about how to track down and arrest those who brazenly assaulted the collective peace, safety and security of this country.

It added that the General cannot claim ignorance of massive theft of the nation’s oil resources by a virulent cabal comprising Nigerians and their evil foreign collaborators which made Presidents Jonathan, Buhari and the NNPC to explore the use of capable private security outfits to complement the efforts of the military and security outfits.

The group urged President Tinubu and the NNPCL to continue with the decisive policy against oil theft which has increased oil production and has been been applauded all over the country, noting that no distraction deserves no attention.

“The Military assets of the country are already over stretched. Successive Presidents have engaged private security outfits to fight the lethal scourge of oil theft in Nigeria. It is not unusual and it is a trend that is commonplace around the world.

“Even developed countries such as the US and the UK also employ the services private security consultants to maximize security of critical assets and facilities.

“Prior to the renewal of the contract of Tantita Security Services, the general had not found it necessary to besiege the media space about the purported inappropriateness of engaging private security outfit to fight oil theft.

“Perhaps, the various feats accomplished by Tantita and the widespread recognition accorded to the company should convince the General that private security outfit do not constitute any danger to the security of the nation’s critical oil pipeline.

“What should be of concern to the general is the sad story of oil theft that made the President and the NNPC to seek proactive response to the problem that threatened the nation’s existence.

“It is shocking that the general is reducing the cold blooded murder of soldiers as a fall out of gang violence in the region. This is an attempt to twist the facts of the matter.

“There is no link between the private security outfits and the gruesome murder of soldiers on lawful duty. This rush to throw curious, unsolicited advice should be beneath him.

“His suggestion is personal opinion inspired by lack of understanding of the story of the nation’s oil sector or a classic case of selective amnesia.

“Such hurried viewpoints seem to suggest that some ingrained interest who are jolted by the gains of the campaigns of oil theft are at work. A General’s statement shouldn’t be in that direction.”

Obasanjo In Abia; Calls On Other Governors To Emulate Otti In Repealing Pensions For Ex Govs And Deputies

The Source

March 22, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has thumped up Governor Alex Otti’s tenacity, courage and resilience in piloting the affairs of Abia state,urging him to continue on the path of re writing the narratives..

Particularly, Chief Obasanjo saluted the courage exhibited by Governor Otti in scrapping the vexatious pension scheme for former Governors and their Deputies, which he tagged outrageous .

The former President who spoke during a visit to Governor Otti at his Nvosi Isialagwa country home on Friday, March 22 2024, decried a situation whereby huge sums of money are allocated for the payments of benefits to former Governors and their Deputies,while the pensions of the ordinary retired public servants are left unpaid..

“I watched the television yesterday and I saw the repealing of Abia pensions law for former Governors and their Deputies. And I asked you what exactly is this ,and you told me that the pensions scheme for the former Governors here is outrageously high .

“It is like trouble because it allows them to have a house in Abuja and elsewhere and it also allows them to cart away what ever they can, yet the pensions of ordinary people from 2014 are unpaid .

“What sort of leadership is this? But you came and said there will be an end to that rascality. I congratulate you . I hope that your colleagues will follow your footsteps.” Obasanjo stated.

Emphasizing the importance of infrastructural facilities in driving economic growth and development, Chief Obasanjo urged Governor Otti to accord all the necessary attention to the provisions of infrastructures, noting that the administration is already on the right track in that direction.

According to him, given the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Abia and the South Easterners in general, all they need is the creation of an enabling environment for them to freely showcase their skills.

The former president noted that although Governor Otti has started well,there are still a lot to do , expressing the optimism that with courage and determination the required targets will be achieved.

“There are a lot of work to be done. Good a thing you have started well. Don’t be tired and don’t be discouraged. You will be abused . You will be called names .But if we have one third of our states doing what should be done ,this country will be a different one.

“I have always maintained that if there is any zone that could really give what I call regional development, it is the South East. This is because you are almost monolithic in everything.”

“Governor Otti while appreciating the former president for his visit and commendations ,reiterated his belief that leadership is anchored on stewardship and never on exploitation of the people.

The Abia State Governor insisted that a true leadership is only out to offer services and not to fleece the people ,adding that his decision to operate from his home is part of the wider plan to reduce the cost of governance.

Two Feared Dead, Others Injured As Students Of Nasarawa State University Struggle For Palliatives

Ayodele Oni

March 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to get their shares from the free food subsidy of the State Government, two female students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have reportedly met their untimely death, following a stampede that occurred at the university’s convocation square on Friday.

The convocation square was the venue for the distribution of palliatives to the students by the Nasarawa State government.

A source within the university told newsmen that two female students have been confirmed dead as a result of the stampede which left others with several degrees of injuries.

“What we are hearing now is that two female students have died. They were said to have been suffocated because of the crowd and they were later declared dead by the healthcare workers,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku, told journalists that most of the students involved in the stampede had been rushed to hospitals in the area for medical attention.

He said, “Seriously, what happened this morning at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is uncalled for, and very pathetic.

“After our arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students, which was to hold at the University’s convocation square, they (students) suddenly arrived at the venue in their numbers and overpowered the security.

“They broke through the gate into the Convocation square where the bags of rice were to be shared.

“Unfortunately, most of our female students sustained several degrees of injuries, while others got suffocated because of the population at the venue for the distribution of the palliatives.

“Right now, I am at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, where we brought some of our students for emergency treatment. I got an official report that one student has died as a result of the unfortunate incident.

“For the numbers of those injured, I cannot confirm that at the moment because some of them are at the school’s clinic while others are here at the FMC, Keffi receiving treatment.”

Baduku, however, commended the university’s management, student leaders and representatives of the state government for their prompt action in assisting the students to get quick medical attention.

“I want to commend the school management, the student leaders and even the state government for standing by us at a time like this. They are all doing their best to address the situation, and to ensure that normalcy returns to the school environment.”

The State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, recently distributed two 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 to each student of the Federal University of Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga.

Insecurity: Miyetti Allah Leader Docked

James Orji

March 22, 2024

The leader of the Fulani cattle herders’ leader, Bello Bodejo was arraigned on Friday, more than two months after he was arrested and detained by the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, NIA, for allegedly supporting an ethnic militia group.

Bodejo was arrested in January this year by the NIA for setting up a security outfit, the Nomad Volunteer Vigilante Group aka Kunjiya Zaman Lafiya consisting of 1,144 volunteers, to combat banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and all forms of insecurity in Nasarawa State.

Recall that the establishment of the outfit had been greeted with mixed feelings from Nigerians who insist that, as none-state actors members of the vigilante group would cause more security problems for the country.

Arraigning him on a three-count charge today, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, said Boyejo’s action contravened the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Bodejo however pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that he be further detained in the custody the DIA.

Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, shortly after he unveiled a vigilante group.

Following his arrest, the AGF, Fagbemi, SAN, on February 5, through an ex-parte motion, obtained an order that allowed the government to keep him in custody, pending the conclusion of investigation and his arraignment in court.

Japa: Nigerians Slam First Lady

James Orji

March 22, 2024

Nigeria’s Frist lady Oluremi Tinubu has received uncomplimentary remarks from not a few Nigerians days after she slammed Nigerians moving abroad to do menial jobs.

The wife of the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the remark when some senators from Lagos state paid her a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the First Lady, not a few Nigerians, searching for greener pastures abroad are doing menial jobs such as cleaners, care givers amongst others.

Report indicates that hundreds of Nigerians have left the country to work abroad due to the current economic situation. Among them are graduates of universities, polytechnic, professionals who have moved into Europe, Asia and America in other to better their lives.

The Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), showed that about 2, 115, 139 persons emigrated from Nigeria in 2022, while 1, 574, 357 left the country from January to September 31,2023, making it a total of 3,679, 496 that have left Nigeria in the last two years.

Speaking when the senators met with her at the villa, Remi condemned Nigerians doing these jobs they would not do in the country, abroad in other to eke a living.

“Look at all those people saying they are going to Japa, they go there. What work are you going to do? You know, work that you refused to do at home where you have loved ones, you now end up to go and do there. With all their education, they’re driving cabs, but they won’t drive cabs here,” Tinubu’s wife said.

Some angry Nigerians who spoke insist that the First Lady is unaware of why some Nigerians left their country to work abroad because she living in affluence.

Posting on her X handle, Omalicha @Omalich73716748 said “wickeness is more rooted in her heart with a well-furnished apartment”

Keep Da Change@EdidiongT “It’s how they removed subsidy to enable them embezzle”

Abarba Tunji @abarbatunji337 said Wife of (Abalidiegwu) do us leg to break door

Awele@AweleVikenn11 said “are we children or slave”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians have appealed to their leaders to be sensitive with what they say in public, particularly at this time when many are facing serious hardship due to the current economic situation.

Nigerians need to be encouraged rather than been talk down on, they insist.

Economic Hardship/ Ramadan: Katsina Begins Distribution Of Palliatives In 31 LGA’s Targets The Vulnerable

The Source

March 22, 2024

The Katsina State Government is to commence the distribution of some essential grains and commodities to the elderly, wome /widows and the vulnerable across 31 local Councils of the State as part of palliatives to cushion the effects of the current hard economic situation in the country.

A statement issued by the media aide to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on Thursday March 21, 2024, said the distribution will target about 1000 vulnerable persons ,five hundred political groupings, and two hundred and fifty orphans and youths .

Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who announced this during the launch of the Ramadan commodities donated by the member representing Katsina Central Federal Constituency Hon Sani Aliyu Danlami at the old Government House Katsina also stated that the grains and rice given to the Katsina, Daura ,and Funtua Councils last year, will be distributed simultaneously, while assuring katsina people of his administration’s commitment to initiating and sustaining programmes aimed at alleviating the hardship they are facing.

“As part of this

commitment ,monthly allowances to Chief Imams,their assistants and Muezzins of Jumaat Mosques will now be disbursed directly into their accounts .

“Additionally, All Progressive Congress, APC, officials from ward to state levels have been incorporated into the monthly payroll” Governor Radda stated

Hon Danlimi said he was encouraged to provide the palliatives by the Governor’s benevolent actions before and during the ongoing Ramadan period ,adding that his modest contributions are to compliment the general efforts of the Government to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

The donated food items include two thousand bags of rice ,and one hundred bags of maize and millet each.

The items are to be distributed to the vulnerable groups, orphans ,youths and political groupings across the local councils of the state.

Uzodimma Reappoints Iwu, Anyaehie, Ekeji, Agbor, Names Ferdinand Uzodimma DCoS (GS) Nwaobasi, SA Programme, Policy Implementation/ Monitoring

The Source

March 21, 2024

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has reappointed Chief Cosmos Iwu as the Secretary to the Government of Imo State.

In the same vein, Sir Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief (Dr.) Patrick Ekeji and Barr. Olisaemeka Sydney Agbor have been reappointed as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) respectively.

Also, the Governor has approved the appointment of Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma, a one time Councillor, Transition Committee Chairman and Sole Administrator of Oru East Local Government Area as his Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) with Mr. Sam Anyalewechi Nwaobasi named as Special Adviser on Programme and Policy Implementation/ Monitoring.

The appointments take immediate effect.

Governor Uzodimma who congratulated the new appointees urged them to bring to bear their professional competence in the efforts to drive the vision of the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State.

Alleged Prohibition Of Christian Activities In Two Katsina Based Universities: CAN Distances From Law Suit

The Source

March 21, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Chapter of the umbrella body of Christian faithful in Nigeria ,the Christian Association Nigeria, CAN, on Thursday, March 21 2024, distanced the Association from a purported law suit challenging alleged discriminatory actions of two Katsina based tertiary institutions against Christian students

Katsina CAN Secretary, Dr Musa Daniel, while briefing the media, said Ibrahim Isah, the litigant is neither known to the body, nor has its mandate to institute the said court action.

The Source reports that earlier on Thursday, Barrister Isah, widely believed to be enjoying the backing of Alliance Defending Freedom International, ADF announced that he has instituted a law suit to challenge two Universities in Katsina for, allegedly, prohibiting Christian groups from conducting fellowship meetings and worships on their campuses .

The ADF had earlier on Monday March 18 in a statement rationalizing the law suit ,accused the two Universities of imposing restrictions on Christian religious activities as back as between 2017 and 2020 ,and has since refused to reverse and or relax same .

The Advocacy group further noted that the affected Universities have continued to enforce the restrictions order ,by allegedly denying Christians access to all worship and fellowship facilities on their campuses.

Conversely, the ADF said Muslim faithful have continued to enjoy unfettered gatherings at all University- owned worship facilities,adding that even though Katsina remains largely a moslem state there are considerable Christian students at the concerned universities .

However, the Katsina State CAN scribe, said the body has not engaged the services of Isah and or any other persons to institute any legal action against the authorities of the

universities.

According to him,findings by CAN have shown that Christian Fellowships and other related activities are running unhindered on the various campuses of the tertiary institutions concerned,contrary to the false claims of Isah .

Dr Daniel accused Isah of enjoying the sponsorship of ADF ,in the whole purported legal challenge against the authorities of the affected universities.

“Barr. Ibrahim Isah does not in any way represent the CAN katsina State chapter in any legal matter .We have our legal Adviser in the person of Bar Samaila Audu .

“CAN Katsina State Chapter has records of of peaceful co-existence and merit based leaderships in the two universities .

“On this note we disassociate ourselves from the legal actions .This is for the attention of the Federal University of Dustin-Ma and Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University katsina, the Federal High Court of Justice Katsina and the general public.” CAN stated

“My Life Is Under Threat” – Ondo APC Governorship Primary Aspirant

Ayodele Oni

March 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

One of the Governorship Aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, has raised an alarm over alleged threats to his life.

Akintelure, who served as the running mate to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the 2012 election under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), disclosed that there have been both direct and indirect attempts on his life.

He was among Commissioners that were recently sacked by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who succeeded late Governor Akeredolu.

As at last count, APC has five contenders for the Alagbaka government house and will slug it out in April primary election.

Akintelure, in a statement on Thursday by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, expressed his initial belief that the threats would subside over time.

However, he expressed concern that the situation has worsened as the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25 approaches.

Akintelure further revealed that he has reported the threats to the relevant security agencies and has received intelligence reports and recommendations.

Despite these challenges, he reassured his supporters of his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Ondo state.

The statement said: “Our determination remains steadfast, our spirits are high, and our resolve to drive positive change in Ondo State remains unyielding. For me, this endeavour is rooted in principles of peace, unity, and collaboration.

“We are high in spirit and won’t relent in our drive towards a better Ondo State. The threat against me only strengthened my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.”

Ondo: Two-Time PDP Governorship Candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, Confirms Non Participation In 2024 Race

Ayodele Oni

March 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Two-time Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Eyitayo Jegede, has formally announced his non participation in the November 24, 2024 Governorship race.

Jegede had had a shot in the Governorship race in 2016. He contested against former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, and in 2020, against late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. He lost on both occasions.

Although the PDP has ruled out zoning of its flagbearer in the 2024 Governorship, but from the arrangement on ground in the State, other political parties are shopping for Candidates in the Southern Senatorial District.

Jegede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), addressed his supporters in Akure on Thursday at his campaign office, and told them that his decision was an outcome of several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations.

He said: “The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party.

“As leaders, we owe it a duty to God Almighty and man to not only seek to give back what the Almighty God had endowed us with but also ensure that the party is meticulously supported, guided, and nourished on fertile grounds to provide a basis to grow a system that could yield good fruit for all and sundry.

“A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

“After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.”

Jegede maintained that the election of successive Governors on the PDP platform had not been based on zoning but on merit.

“I must also state here, albeit clearly, that the succession since the civilian administration had witnessed the emergence of two Governors (Chief Adebayo Adefarati and Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu) from the Northern Senatorial district. Governors Olusegun Agagu and current Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, from Southern Senatorial District.The central produced Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

“Their respective tenure had been based on both constitutional provisions and/or Providence.

“Today, we have an array of Governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings, we also have those who have shown exceptional qualities including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party.

“I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the Governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.

“The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the Party rather than join in compounding it.

“I recognize that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our various local government areas to ensure a rancor-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

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