Home Blog Page 1172

INEC Set To Release Registered Voters For Edo, Ondo Governorship Election, Meets Observers

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Mahmood Yakubu - INEC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

With 52 days to the Edo State Governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has  assured that final figures of new voters in the state and that of Ondo will be released this week.

Details of their distribution by gender, age, occupation and disability will also be provided.

Thereafter, the timetable for the collection of uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registration, and new registrants from the latest CVR, will be published.

INEC chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with Civil Societies Organizations, (CSOs) in Abuja.

Yakubu reiterated that the Commission reserves the right to revoke the accreditation of any individual Observer or Observer Group that violates Code of Conduct for election observation.

INEC boss reminded them of their obligation as observers to comply with the objectives of election observation and the Code of Conduct contained in the Commission’s rules of engagement for accredited election observers.

While reminding the CSOs to submit the list of their observers by uploading the required information, including photographs, to the dedicated portal, Prof Yakubu revealed that as at Monday 29th July 2024, 56 organisations have uploaded the details of 894 observers for the Edo State Governorship election representing 33.6% of the expected 2,660 observers.

The chairman  pointed out that the Commission is aware that some organisations have not only responded in good time, but have also requested for additional slots for observers to deploy across the two States.

“The Commission will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis depending on the organisation’s previous experience, size, capacity and record of compliance with the guidelines and code of conduct for election observation.”

He assured the CSOs of security in Edo and Ondo as the Commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

“We are as concerned about the safety of candidates, agents and supporters as we are about the security of our own officials, observers, journalists, service providers and, above all, the voters.

“I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago.

“The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced.

“We have delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to Edo State for the training of election duty personnel as well as contingency for Election Day support.

“We have once again published the final list of candidates in compliance with the recent Court Order mandating the Commission to replace the running mate to the candidate of the Labour Party. The amended list is already published on our website.”

Secondus Fumes, Says President Tinubu Cannot Stop Planned Protest

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Uche Secondus

By Akinwale Kasali

Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told President Bola Tinubu to allow Nigerians express their feelings about his government, as they have the right to exercise their rights.

Secondus stated that the President lacks the moral authority to stop the planned #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest because he is the biggest beneficiary of protests.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media), Ike Abonyi, in Abuja, on Tuesday, Secondus stated that he recalled that Tinubu, while in opposition, was a notable arrowhead in anti-government protests and wondered why he should be selfish on it this time.

He noted that citizens have a civic duty to save our dear country from collapse in the face of an unprecedented economic crisis and insecurity occasioned by perennial bad governance by all tiers of successive governments.

He further argued that the state of anomie in which we find ourselves today has incrementally worsened because the citizens failed in their duty to hold governments at all levels to account.

Secondus asserted that this has been the case because political leaders often use partisan, ethnic, and religious sentiments to either discourage protests when they are in government or encourage them when they are in opposition.

According to the former PDP helmsman, the planned #EndBadGovernanceProtest “is a non-partisan pan-Nigerian and altruistic engagement of the citizens aimed at addressing the malaise in our country.

“This protest should not be discouraged. Protests remain the most potent democratic platform through which the consciousness of nations can be aroused, and indeed, the consciousness of the leadership elite can be nudged and compelled to act rightly in the interest of citizens”.

He contended that the injunction in the Holy Bible, which says, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” applies to our situation as Nigerians.

“In essence, this is not the time to sweep issues under the carpet; it is the time to speak truth to power and awaken our collective conscience so that we can work together to build a better society.

He, therefore, called on all protesters to be organised and peaceful and shun all acts of violence. Also, governments at all levels and security agencies should provide the necessary security environment to ensure peace and order by international law and the Nigerian Constitution.

Police Invitation: Adegboruwa Opts For Virtual Meeting With IGP

By
The Source
-
0
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa

By Ayodele Oni

Following his invitation by the Inspector General of Police,(IGP) in connection with the planned nationwide protest, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has opted for a virtual meeting with the police boss.

Adegboruwa also requested that the meeting be enlarged  to give room for all stakeholders to attend.

He specifically mentioned that the meeting will be led by Femi Falana (SAN), and will also have in attendance representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) other lawyers, and civil society organizations.

On the protest, he requested that the Inspector General of Police should make available the contact details of its officer who will be designated to cover the planned public meetings, rallies processions, to ensure a peaceful and crisis-free outing.

The lawyer writing as solicitor to the “Take it Back Movement” also listed some of the points of convergence for the said public meetings, rallies, and processions, including Eagle Square, Abuja; Alausa Park, Lagos, and Opposite Wema Bank, Akpakpava Lane, Benin City.

The other locations are opposite the School of Agric, Bauchi; Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road, Ibadan; Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State; Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium, River and Freedom Park, Osogbo.

Allegation Of Certificate Forgery Rocks Ondo Intervention Agency, Petitioner Invites ICPC

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The power tussle among Senior Staff of Ondo State Government Intervention Agency, Oil Producing Area Development Commission, (OSOPADEC), is taking a new dimension as one of the Staff accused two newly appointed Management Staff of certificate forgery.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently appointed Mrs Abike Justinah Bayoilawole as Secretary of the Commission and Akinola Orisamoluwa as Director of Administration.

The  duo have been dragged before the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for alleged certificate forgeries.

A staff of the Commission, Semidara Kayode, a level 16 officer at the Commission, apparently feeling sidelined with the appointments,  is praying ICPC to investigate the allegations against the two top officers in a petition.

The petition signed on behalf of Semudara by his lawyer, Femi Emmanuel Emodamori, alleged that Justinah Bayo-Ilawole, who was recently appointed as OSOPADEC Secretary by the State Governor Lucky

Aiyedatiwa, has been, allegedly, using a fake/forged certificate and allegedly making false academic claims to OSOPADEC that she obtained her Master in Public Administration (MPA) from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife in 2001, thereby conferring a corrupt or unfair advantage on herself, whereas she actually obtained the MPA in 2003.

Ilawole while reacting to the allegation stated that, “I don’t have issues with my Certificate. I am not an old person, I am a young person, at my age if  I start schooling, I will complete and I can have all certificates I need in life. I have no reason to forge certificate, I have no reason to have certificate scandal.”

The petitioner said in the same vein, Mr. Akinsola Orisamoluwa has been allegedly using a fake/forged certificate and allegedly making false academic claims to OSOPADEC that he obtained his MPA from the same OAU in 2000, whereas he actually obtained same in 2002.

The lawyer in the petition said, “It is important to state that our client informed us that he has been

persecuted, blackmailed and threatened since he chose to reveal this alleged certificate scandal rocking OSOPADEC.

“He personally wrote a petition to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa since 11th July, 2024 to direct an inquiry into this matter, with some of the above overwhelming documentary evidence. He wrote a reminder to the Governor through our Law Firm on 17th July, 2024.

“His petition to the Governor was necessary because His Excellency has dissolved the OSOPADEC Board, which would have ordinarily assumed the statutory administrative power to investigate such allegations. However, the Governor has failed to take any step in that regard till date.

“Rather, our client began facing greater vindictive actions from the same OSOPADEC officials he alleged of the certificate forgeries, for daring to report them to the Governor. Our client, who has vowed never to be silenced, cowed or compromised on this issue, is now calling on your respected office to urgently investigate the allegations of certificate forgeries and making false certificate claims against Mrs. Abike Justinah BayoIlawole and Mr. Akinsola Orisamoluwa.

“The allegations clearly constitute a serious offence under Section 25 and other sections of the Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Act, and the list of public officials already prosecuted or being prosecuted by your Commission for similar offences is endless.

“Your diligent and uncompromising investigation of this complaint would be appreciated, considering the serious but failed attempts to pressurize, intimidate, blackmail and/or silence our client over the monumental scandals and alleged criminalities. Please accept our highest regard.

Uzodimma Laments, Says Ifeanyi Uba’s Death, Huge Loss

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has bemoaned the reported sudden passing of the Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Uba, describing the death as not just shocking, but a huge loss.

Senator Uba reportedly died in  in London, the United Kingdom on Saturday, aged 52.

Governor Uzodimma who is Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman South East Governors’ Forum as well as the Leader of the All Progressives Congress in the South East, said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, that Uba’s passing now is nothing but a monumental loss to the Senate, Nigeria, Anambra State, South East and the APC family.

The Governor recalled that Senator

Uba was at Abakiliki, the Enonyi State capital to attend the recent South East APC stakeholders meeting, described him as a young man full of developmental ideas and passionate about service to God and humanity.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
Senator Ifeanyi Uba.

He further noted that Senator Uba will be sorely missed as one who never withheld the blessings of God upon him to help the less privileged around him.

Governor Uzodimma therefore canvassed for prayers for the young family and for all those the deceased left behind to mourn him,  particularly for the wife and immediate family members, at this moment of grief.

He also commiserated with the Government and people of Anambra State, the Nnewi community where the Senator issued from, pledging the prayers of his family, that if the Government and people of Imo State for them at this moment of trial.

In Statewide Broadcast, Otti Expresses Abia’s Opposition To August 1 Nationwide Protest

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With two days to the planned nationwide protest against hunger in the country, Governor Alex Otti has insisted that violence and associated acts are not options.

Rather, he has sued for dialogue just as he assured Abia residents of the commitment of his Government to protect lives and properties.

The Source reports that a Nationwide protest to drive home the excruciating hardship in the country  has been scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

The organizers, who so far have largely remained nebulous have billed the action for a period of ten days.

But Governor Otti, in a statewide broadcast on Monday, July 30,2024, particularly called on the youths of the State to explore higher principles in the expression of any misgivings they may be having concerning the present situation in the land.

He urged them to embrace self-respect, as well as shun any temptation to engage in violent activities that may, in the long run prove to be counter- productive.

The Governor noted that with the massive infrastructural renewal recorded in  Abia in the last one year, aided by a peaceful environment, there is no need to engage in any negative disruptive actions in the State.

To this end, he called on parents, community and religious leaders to join hands in persuading their children, subjects and followers on the need to distance themselves from any acts capable of endangering the fragile peace in the state in particular, and the entire country at large.

He maintained that the youths, and residents should strive to resist the urge to be tools for the creation of disharmony and strife in Abia state .

While acknowledging the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country, Otti however, pointed out that concerted efforts are being made by his administration to improve the wellbeing of the citizens.

He promised to sustain and widen the recently introduced empowerment funds for small businesses in the state.

With the first set of 9 ,200  beneficiaries empowered with N1 billion last week, the Governor assured that more people will soon be accommodated.

Similarly, to cushion the effects of the excruciating situation on the state workforce, the Governor announced that he has commenced the payment of  N15,000 wage award.

His position re- echoes that of the South-east Governors Forum which last week registered its opposition to the August 1 Nationwide protest.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, speaking  after leading Anyim Pius Anyim, former President of the Nigerian Senate/Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to a parley with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said the South-east Governors are not in agreement with the planned Nationwide protest.

According to him, much as the Governors and the region acknowledge the realities on  ground, as well as the inalienable rights of the people to freely ventilate their feelings, they, however, express the fear that the protest might be hijacked by criminal elements to jeopardize the peace and security of the country.

Igboho Rejects Protest, Says Yorubaland Will Not Be Used For Disintegrating Nigeria

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Sunday Igboho

Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, the Yoruban Nation agitator says the South West will not be used to launch the disintegration of the Country. Igboho was reacting to plan by some angry Nigerians to protest against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the current economic hardship in the country.

The Yoruba Nation activist made his position known in s a statement On Wednesday, saying the current current hardship cannot be blamed on Tinubu who, according to him has done his best to move the country forward since he came to power on May 29, 2023.

Not a few Nigerians have blamed the current economic hardship on the hash policies introduced by the administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy and convergence of the foreign exchange market which led to the devaluation of the Naira.

To push back at the government, some Nigerians are due to protest from August 1-10, evn though the government has appealed to them to shelve the plan in the interest of the country.

Stating his position on the protest, Igboho said he does not support the protest because it could lead to the disintegration of the country, saying President Tinubu  May 29, 2023, “has implemented revolutionary policies” capable of turning the country around since he came to power last year.

Igboho “firmly declare that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval”.

The statement he shared on his verified X platform said: “I, Chief Sunday Igboho, am issuing this press release in response to the planned protests by some unknown & faceless individuals, who are working to disintegrate the country.

’Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumed office on May 29, 2023, he has implemented revolutionary policies, which his predecessors lacked the political will to pursue. These bold steps have, unsurprisingly, unsettled those who believe it is their birth right to rule Nigeria.

“The Yoruba Nation Movement and I firmly declare that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval. We stand resolute in our belief that the Yoruba nation will not be a launchpad for disintegrating Nigeria. We recognize that economic hardship is a global phenomenon, not unique to Nigeria.”

Ahead the protest in less than 72 hours, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, while speaking with journalists, after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, Meeting on Monday said the protest is no longer necessary as President Tinubu is already ‘protesting” on behalf of Nigerians by acceding to their demands to make life easy for them.

Part of what the President has done, the minister said, is the plan to sell a 50 kilogram bag of rice for N40,000 instead of the current N70,000.

Meanwhile, the magazine reported that Igboho had, severally, called for the disintegration of Nigeria saying Yoruba nation must be independent.

Zenith Bank To Raise N290bn Through Rights Issue, Public Offer

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Zenith Bank Capital Raising

Zenith Bank Plc is set to raise N290 billion through a combination of a Rights Issue and a Public Offer in compliance with the revised minimum capital requirements for Nigerian commercial banks introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. This announcement was made during the Zenith Bank Rights Issue/Public Offer Signing Ceremony held yesterday, July 29, 2024, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This event marks a significant milestone in the bank’s previously announced capital-raising programme, aimed at bolstering its capital base and supporting its growth trajectory across its banking and non-banking subsidiaries.

The Rights Issue offers 5,232,748,964 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N36.00 per share, while the Offer for Subscription presents 2,767,251,036 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N36.50 per share. The Rights Issue affords existing shareholders the opportunity to purchase additional shares in proportion to their current holdings and is being offered on the basis of one new ordinary share for every six existing ordinary shares held as of Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Conversely, the public offer for subscription is open to the general public and aims to attract new investors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed enthusiasm about the Rights Issue and Public Offer, stating, “Today, we signed  the transaction documents with respect to Zenith Bank’s N290 billion Rights Issue and Public Offer. This is slightly above the N230 billion required for us to meet the CBN’s minimum recapitalisation requirement. We are extremely pleased with the level of enthusiasm we have already seen from our existing shareholders for the Rights Issue. Beyond existing shareholders, incorporating a public offer is crucial to ensure that our customers, who are not yet shareholders, can have the opportunity to join in the ownership of this premium brand.

“In terms of Tier-1 Capital, Zenith Bank has been adjudged by The Banker, Financial Times to be number one in Nigeria and the only Nigerian Bank in the top 600 banks globally. Over the years, we have consistently rewarded our esteemed shareholders. Specifically, in the last five years, we have maintained the record as the highest dividend-paying Bank in Nigeria. In 2023, we set a record as the only Nigerian Bank to pay a dividend of N4 per share.” She added that the proceeds from the capital raise will be channelled towards expanding banking operations across Africa and internationally, investing in technology infrastructure, and supporting working capital on an ongoing basis. She expressed optimism that given Zenith Bank’s track record of profitability and consistency in creating wealth for shareholders, the capital raise will be a resounding success. She assured prospective investors that Zenith Bank will maintain its leadership in dividend payout in the years ahead and encouraged them to invest in value and invest in Zenith Bank.

She also expressed her profound gratitude to the Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia CFR, whose vision over 34 years ago laid the foundation for a reputable, dominant, globally recognised financial institution known for innovation, superior performance, and the creation of premium value for all stakeholders.

The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Mr. Oladele Sotubo, commended the management of Zenith Bank for their commitment to the transaction, which provides an opportunity for existing shareholders to consolidate their position and welcomes new investors to join the journey towards the future of Zenith Bank. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity for Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited to lead and guide the execution of the transactions. Speaking further, he said, “A combined offer that is both a Rights Issue and a Public Offer confirms Zenith Bank’s position as a pacesetter and a role model, which will undoubtedly spur more transactions in the capital market.”

The lead issuing house for the Rights Issue and Public Offer is Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, with joint issuing houses including Quantum Zenith Capital & Investments Limited, CardinalStone Partners Limited, Meristem Capital Limited, Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited and Vetiva Advisory Services Limited. The Offer will open on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and close on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Zenith Bank has provided a robust suite of platforms for the Rights Issue and Public Offer. Applications can be made through any of Zenith Bank’s electronic channels: Zenith Bank Internet Banking, Zenith Bank Mobile Application, Zenith Bank Corporate Internet Banking, Zenith Bank Branches nationwide and NGX Invest platform.

The Zenith Bank E-Application channels have been integrated into the NGX Invest platform, which can be accessed at https://invest.ngxgroup.com, and are available to all applicants and authorised receiving agents to submit applications on behalf of applicants. The electronic channels democratises the distribution of public offers and rights issues in the capital market, enabling investors to subscribe with the click of a button.

Gunmen Kill Four Policemen In Imo, None in Abia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Government has said that no security personnel was killed during a fierce gun duel between some gunmen and security operatives in Aba on Monday July 29, 2024.

But in Imo State, four Policemen were shot dead by attackers suspected to be sit-at-home enforcers in an operation along  Owerri/Onitisha Road.

A female customer of a Point of Sales, POS operator was also killed by the gunmen who attacked the Police officers who were on a stop and search operation at the Blossom Hotel check point close to SaveMore Market Place in Irete area of Owerri.

The incident, according to eye witness accounts occurred at about 6.30 pm .

The suspected hoodlums were said to have taken the Police Personnel unawares, and shot pointedly at them.

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the attack and loss of its officers, and said that Security Operatives will do everything to apprehend the hoodlums.

Instructively, the Command had last weekend warned that it would not condone the activities of elements purporting to be enforcing any kind of sit-at-home order in any parts of the state .

The Source reports that the Simon Ekpa led faction of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra had declared a week long sit-at-home in the Southeast  region beginning from Monday 29 .

His Autopilot militia are strongly suspected to be behind the wave of attacks that rocked some states of the region on Monday,July 29.

Henry Okoye ,the Imo state police Command spokesperson in a statement had informed that the police along side other arms of security agencies had beefed up security at strategic areas of the state.

While vowing to deal ruthlessly with any acts aimed at disrupting the peace of the state under any guise, the Police also warned parents to caution their wards against molesting innocent and law abiding residents .

According to him, security personnel drawn from the police ,army and other security agencies have been strategically deployed and tasked to carry out a 15-day show of force and confidence building patrol of all the 27 local councils of Imo state .

Speaking to the media at the end of Abia state Executive Council meeting on Monday evening, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu ,said that some hoodlums and criminal elements in three operational vehicles engaged the Military in a gun battle in Umuode ,by Tonimas junction on Enugu/Port Harcourt highway in Osisionma local council Aba.

The gun duel, he further  stated,  stretched to Umuojima area in same Osisioma area where the criminals were over-powered by the Military personnel.

The criminals, he added later fled with varying degrees of gun shot injuries  after having one of  them killed by the military operatives .

Kalu, who said the hoodlums escaped in one of their operational vehicles- a Toyota Lexus ,said security agents have launched a manhunt for them.

While urging Abia residents to be wary of  criminal elements, he sued for  vigilance and credible  intelligence from residents concerning their activities.

He reaffirmed the  commitment of the Abia state Government towards protecting lives and properties of the people.

N1.6bn Governor’s Office Renovation Controversy: We Did No Wrong, Open For Scrutiny, Says Cross River State Govt

By
The Source
-
0
Governor Bassey Otu
Governor Otu

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South South Bureau Chief

The alleged N1.6bn spent by the Cross River state government to renovate the Governor’s Office  has been described as neither “wrongful nor irresponsible”

An online portal had stirred controversy recently with a report alleging the state government has so far spent 1.6bn to renovate the dilapidated Office of the Governor situated at Diamond Road, opposite the historical Hope Waddel Training Institute, Calabar.

Upon assumption of office May 29 last year, Governor Bassey Otu relocated to a temporary office at the nearby Governor Lodge to enable renovation work commence at the Governor’s Office, which the magazine gathered was last renovated over 20 years ago.

Critics, according to the Online portal, are accusing the Governor of insensitivity for spending such a humongous amount spent on office renovation at a time Nigerians are hungry and angry.

However, reacting to the issue, the Governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, faulted the report, describing it as subjective and the figment of the imagination of the writer.

In a statement in Calabar signed by Nsa, the government said the Otu administration has its foundation in

transparency and openness and accountability and therefore has nothing to hide.

It further, disclosed that, the Governor has put in place a number of empowerment programs and socio-economic polices that aim to empower the people economically to cushion the effect of the current economic challenges, cautioning against fictitious and subjective reportage of activities of government whic is capable of inflaming violence.

It maintained that Governor Otu came to office on the mantra of People First Agenda and has remained true to that policy through accountability and prudent management of funds.

“The administration of Governor Bassey Otu values transparency and prudence. The government is committed to providing quality services to our people and ensuring value for every kobo released.

“All revenue and expenditure of the Government are publicly reported for transparency and accountability through the publication of the Budget Implementation Report every quarter” the statement said.

The statement further frowned at the report as capable inciting the people against the government and precipitating the Endsar like conflagration in the state in which many legacy assets of government as well as those of privstr individuals were destroyed.

“In line with our quarterly budget performance report, we take pride in running a transparent administration where business  transactions of government is published for public consumption.

“We are against biased reporting that distorts facts and against the good intentions of the government and capable of inciting public violence”

The said sum allegedly being spent, the government argued, “is not wrongful or irresponsible”

According to the government, the referenced quarterly report comprises over 300 pages of various items and subheads, “one therefore, wonders why only the subhead on the renovation  of the Governor’s office and residence was singled out, if not for cheap blackmail”

“The project mentioned is an ongoing holistic renovation  which started in 2023, and the contractors are paid in phases after due evaluations. The last major renovation of the governor’s office and lodge in Cross River State was done about twenty years ago.

“Since Governor Bassey Otu assumed office on May 29th, 2023, he has been operating from a temporary office; one of the old government lodges, while the renovation of the office is ongoing.

“We assure the public that Governor Bassey Otu is not oblivious to the present economic situation.

“Aside from temporary interventions using palliative measures, including provision of food and none food items to vulnerable households, provision of conditional cash transfer, distribution of farm inputs and only recently residents in some riverine communities were empowered with fishing boats and cash backing; all these government policies and programs aim at providing  succour to the youths, women and the vulnerables.

“A lot is being done to ensure food security and availability, the state government in collaboration with the federal government are taking proactive steps through investment in sustainable agricultural practices, supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening crops value chains and improving post harvest handling and storage systems that will provide opportunities  and guarantee food sufficiency”, the statement added.

1...1,1711,1721,173...3,092Page 1,172 of 3,092