President Tinubu Assures Early Completion Of East-West Highway

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April 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has said that the present administration attached importance to the construction of the East- West highway because of its commercial viability.

Describing the highway as a priority of the administration, the president stated that it connects the nation’s busiest and foremost commercial cities.

He spoke at the 6th meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta (NCND) in, Asaba, Delta State, with the theme “Stimulating Strategies for Economic Growth and Development in the Niger Delta Region.”

Declaring the meeting open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assured that his administration would prioritize the completion of the East-West Road in view of its importance not only to the Niger Delta states but to the entire country.

Represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the President declared that “The East-West Road project is the largest infrastructure project in Nigeria today, and the reason is not far-fetched; It is a very strategic road connecting the nation’s busiest and foremost commercial cities in the country.

“Its completion is a priority to this administration, and this I assure you will be delivered in the very nearest future. On a broader scale, we are dedicated to ensuring that our local refineries across the Nicer Delta and other parts of the country are made operational soonest.”

He said the administration was repositioning the Niger Delta Development Ministry and the NDDC to harmonize all development plans of agencies and partners operating in the region into a single integrated regional development plan to actualize their mandate.

The President restated his commitment towards resuscitating refineries in the country to ensure petroleum products availability and reduction in their retail prices.

His word: “It will gladden you to note that my administration has demonstrated interest in repositioning the NDDC to ensure it delivers optimally on its objectives and mandate, and to make it achievements manifest in different sectors of life across the Niger Delta region.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri and his Delta counterpart, Francis Oborevwori and other stakeholders called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Niger Delta Ministry to collaborate more effectively with subnational governments in the region.

In a goodwill message, Governor Diri noted that effective collaboration between the Niger Delta Ministry, the NDDC and the nine states would fast-track the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, maintained that such cooperation would equally enable the ministry and the interventionist agency to better deliver on their mandate.

In their separate remarks, the Governor of Delta State, Chief Francis Oborevwori and his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said it was high time the resources meant for the region were used for its development.

Chief Oborevwori emphasized the need for NDDC and the Niger Delta ministry to complete their uncompleted projects in the region, particularly the East-West road, which had been under construction for decades.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Zulu Adigwe Is Dead

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 24, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Once again, the Nigeria Movie Industry popularly known as Nollywood has lost one of its Veteran Actors. Zulu Adigwe is dead.

Adigwe died Tuesday evening. His death was announced in an Instagram post by Movie producer, Stanley Nwoko.

He wrote, “I regret to announce the passing of a veteran actor, late Mr Zulu Adigwe.

“What caused his death is yet to be reviewed. Rest in peace good actor,” he added.

During his career, Adigwe was famous in the movies: “Living in Bondage”, “Breaking Free”, and many others.

Fans of the veteran have taken to the Social Media to mourn his demise and lament recent deaths of Nollywood Actors.

bracha_blessing says, “Na wa o, all our legends almost gone.” Adanne: “Guys I’m tired of writing RIP to Nollywood people, una dëaths don tire person make una stop dying for God sake…haba….”

sweet_awilo: “Guys people are dying everyday in every spheres of life.. This is just because we know these pipl and it looks like it’s only on Nollywood people are dying.. This world is not our own… Do good and impact on lives B4 leaving.”

may_obi_official: “Nollywood need to come together and pray bcos the death news is getting out of hand.”

boo_over_bwoyz: “Legends are all going, leaving people who only shake nyash and act rubbish for us ..God.”

itz_blesshoney: “When is pastor Jerry going to start the prayer for Nollywood.”

Nollywood has lost six of its actors in 2024 They include: Quadri Oyebamiji, John Ikafor, Amaechi Muonagor, Andy Best, Jumoke Aderounmu and Junior Pope who died in a drowning accident.

Alaafin: King That Showed Kings The Way – By Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu

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The Source

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April 24, 2024

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Two years, just like yesterday. On the 22nd of April 2022. during the last ten of Ramadan . The news broke out, announcing the passage of the Alaafin Adeyemi the 3rd.

In a blink of an eye, two years are gone. We pray for the repose of the soul of the departed Iku Baba-yeye⁵. Oba Abdul Hammed Atanda Adeyemi the 3rd . The Alaafin of oyo.

Your 53 years’ contributions to the entire Yoruba race can never be forgotten till eternity. Your name has been written with a Golden Array .

Your existence was undoubtedly monumental , your words are encyclopaedia.

The glory and respect you brought to Yoruba-land havr6 placed the Yoruba race at the forefront of recognition across the black race.

Your illustrative Yoruba history has no peers.

You made it known to the world that:

. Yoruba language we all speak today solely belongs to Oyo.

. The name ” Yoruba” as a tribe we all claim to be today solely belongs to Oyo.

. General language we centralised as official language in the West solely belongs to oyo, and that is why it was accredited by WAEC.

. The glory we are all enjoying today as Yorubas is glory of Alaafin.

As a Yoruba man or woman, you are one way or the other related to Alaafin.

You further made it known to Yorubas generally and directly to their faces before your exit that,

Minimum of 25% of the population of every town in yoruba-land are Oyos.

. A Prince of Oyo founded Ede in Osun State.

A Prince of Oyo founded Offa.

. Osogbos was founded by Oyo Prince

.Larger parts of yewa are oyos

. Some parts of Remo are Oyos

. Larger parts of modakeke are oyos

. 55% of ibadan’s are oyo, and that’s why your hear names like oke are, basorun, idi ape.

. Shodeke (an hunter) flee from the disintegration of the oyo Empire to found egba.

. Igboho was founded by Alaafin Eguguojo.

. Ilaro was founded by oyo Prince, Aro.

. Prince of oyo ( obaseku) founded Eruwa.

. Ibarapa people are oyos.

. Ojumo , an oyo man founded Imala.

. Alaafin kori founded Ado awaye.

*Igbo ora was founder by oyo Prince. Obe alade.

. Olufioye, a prince and son of alaafin Abiodun adegoolu founded gbongan.

*Laderin founded Ilorin

*Aworis are traceable to Oyo, not Ife.

Kabiyesi made it known that any part of Yorubaland that has no relation with Oyo, his relation to Oduduwa’s House might be doubtful.

Dear Kabiyesi ,

i can boldly say that I drank directly from your well of wisdom. You were such a wonderful and disciplined monarch and father.

Dear Kabiyesi,

Just three months after your passage, we started seeing the reasons behind some of your decisions, some considered harsh. Then, we realised you were actually a real African king.

May your soul continually rest in perfect peace of Almighty.

Finally, Ihedioha Dumps PDP

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

His resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was long expected. It was not a question of if former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt Honourable Emeka Ihedioha will dump the Party, it was a question of when. The when Finally came on Tuesday, April 23. On that day, Ihedioha, a former Governor of Imo State, whose tenure in 2019 was cut short by the Supreme Court which sacked finally quit.

The seed to his dumping the Party was sown in 2023 when he and the National Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, popular as Sam Daddy, engaged each other in a battle for supremacy.

Ihedioha rightly wanted to fly the Governorship flag of the Party again. But Anyanwu, who had squared off with him in 2019, and fought to the Supreme Court declared interest. That fictionalised the party and weakened Ihedioha’s base. Yet, he had an upper hand as the State Executive Council was loyal to him.

But finally, Ihedioha withdrew interest and Anyanwu, who picked the ticket had a disastrous outing.

When Ihedioha withdrew from the race, it had a run on the State PDP. One day, in one fell swoop seven members of the SEC quit, joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, and pledged loyalty to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

From that period, Ihedioha literally gave the Party a some space. When in the past few weeks pressures began to mount on him to quit the Party, not a few people felt Ihedioha was behind it.

However, all that has become history as

Ihedioha has now announced his resignation from the PDP.

In his resignation letter addressed to the leadership of the PDP from the Ward, Local Government, State and the National Headquarters, dated April 23rd, which he personally signed, Ihedioha wrote:

“Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the party at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempts to offer counsel, the party is sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. While this decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one.

Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”

Update: NCAA Debunks Claim That Dana Aircraft Crash Landed, Says It Was A Runway Excursion

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has clarified the story which made the rounds Tuesday morning to the effect that a

Dana Aircraft, McDonald Douglas (MD-83) with registration 5N-BKI, from Abuja to Lagos crash landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The NCAA said that it did not crash but that what happened was a “Runaway Excursion.”

Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, said officials of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, were on ground to investigate the incident.

Achimugu said: “Even the images would prove that it was a runway incursion. It is called a ‘serious incident’ and not even an accident. There was no crash landing. The statutory agency for investigating incidents like this is the NSIB and they are on ground.”

A Runway Incursion is when an aircraft or vehicle that should not be on the runway enters the runway, while a Runway Excursion is when an aircraft veers off or overruns the runway.

“Contrary to reports from various New Medium that tagged today’s mishap as Runway Incursion is wrong, rather, it was a runway excursion.”

Fmr Kogi Governor Bello Gives Reason For Evading Arraignment As NBA Disowns Protesting Lawyers

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Ayodele Oni

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April 23, 2024

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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State — Yahaya Bello

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has disclaimed a protest by some persons claiming to be lawyers against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in support of former Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.

The protesters on Monday in Abuja claimed that EFCC resorted to what they called the illegal approach in handling allegations against Yahaya Bello.

The no fewer than 500 self acclaimed legal practitioners from across the country had stormed the Supreme Court complex.

The lawyers, under the umbrella of judicial watchdogs, faulted the siege on the ex-Gov’s residence, in a bid to arrest him, inspite of a valid court order to the contrary, which had not been vacated.

However the NBA through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Habeeb Lawal, on Tuesday clarified that the group of protesters are not lawyers.

The notice reads: “The above report refers.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is aware that some news outlets have reported this news.

“Please be informed that while the NBA respects the rights of citizens to assemble and protest, we insist that this particular group of persons are not lawyers.

“For completeness, their supposed leader or convener Sylvanus K. Alewu is not a name known to us.”

Meanwhile, the embattled immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello said on Tuesday that he was ready to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer to the 19-count charge the EFCC, preferred against him.

Though Bello was again absent for his arraignment, he briefed a team of lawyers who addressed the court on his behalf on Tuesday.

A member of his legal team, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that his client would have made himself available for the proceedings, but was afraid that he would be arrested.

“The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head,” Adedipe, SAN, submitted.

Consequently, he urged the court to set aside the exparte order of arrest it earlier issued against the former governor.

Adedipe, SAN, contended that as at the time the order of arrest was made, the charge had not been served on his client as required by the law.

Pandemonium In Lagos As Dana Aircraft Crash Lands In Lagos

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium at the Domestic Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport In Lagos, when an aircraft, belonging to Dana Airline Crash landed on the Runway.

No casualty was recorded as the 83 Passengers onboard the flight were disembarked safely.

In dousing the tension, the Management of Dana Air issued a Press Statement, urging Nigerians and their numerous customers not to panic.

Though Dana Air Management failed to state the circumstances that surrounded the incident, it stated that investigation was still ongoing to ascertain what really happened.

The Statement reads; “Runway Incursion”: Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos. today 23/04/24

“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

More later…..

Wike’s Wife, Suzette, Goes To Appeal Court

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 23, 2024

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Justice Suzzette Eberechi and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Away from the political crisis in his State, Rivers, where he is at loggerheads with a good number of who-is-who in the State, including his State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, and all his predecessors in office, Nyesom Wike, immediate past Governor of Rivers State, and currently, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has some good news and celebration.

His wife of decades, the Honourable Justice Suzzette Eberechi Wike, nee Obuzor, has been elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Justice Wike is one of the lucky 22 Justices approved to proceed to the second highest Court in the land to fill the vacancies created by deaths and retirements.

Until her elevation, Justice Wike was a Judge of the Rivers State High Court.

Born on May 24, 1972, to the Obuzor family, Ahoada West, Rivers State, she was appointed a Judge of the Rivers State High Court in February 2012. She married Wike, her Law School classmate in 1999.

Chinese Supermarket Denies Discrimination Against Nigerians; Shut By FG

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James Orji

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April 23, 2024

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No Nigerian has been discriminated against or denied access to the Royal Choice, a Chinese owned supermarket in Abuja the China General Chamber of Commerce, CGCC, in Nigeria said.

The Chamber in a statement issued on Monday stated that the clarification has become necessary following reports that Nigerians are being barred from patronizing the super store.

A viral video had emerged on Monday where a resident in the nation’s capital alleged that he was stopped from entering the Chinese supermarket.

The report had angered not a few Nigerians who demanded a probe of the incident.

In response, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, on April 22, summoned the owners of the supermarket for interrogation.

The commission followed up by sealing the Chinese supermarket yesterday, as demanded by not a few Nigerians who contend that foreigners should not be allowed to discriminate against Nigerians in their own country.

Reacting in a statement yesterday, the Chamber denied any unfair practices and discrimination against Nigerians.

The statement signed by one Guangzheng said the supermarket has never discriminated against any individual, stressing that the store is situated in a residential area where all shoppers can have access.

He said: “No individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.

“We regret any altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.”

In March 2020, The Federal shut down two Chinese restaurants located in Victoria Island and Mall 33 Aboyade Cole in Lagos, for refusing to serve Nigerians.

Electricity: National Grid Collapsed 105 Times In 9yrs

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James Orji

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April 23, 2024

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Faced with criticism from Nigerians over the incessant national grid collapse in the country, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has blamed old infrastructure in the power sector for the problem.

The problem has resulted in the grid collapse 105 times in the last nine years, the company said.

This year alone, checks from TCN indicate that the grid had collapsed no fewer than six times in the last four months.

The situation has not been well received by many Nigerians who have issued scathing remarks against power firms because of the impact of irregular power supply on their business, for those that depend on electricity for their livelihood.

Power distribution companies have also not escaped criticisms from Nigerian who complained of lack of electricity to power their homes.

Epileptic power supply has thrown many major Nigerian cities into total darkness as a result of the epileptic power supply, critics say of the sector.

Reacting the TCN said many key infrastructures in the sector have been left unattended for close to 20 years by previous administration in the country.

Speaking during a visit by the Senate Committee on Power to the headquarters of TCN Monday in Abuja, its Executive Director on Independent System Operator, Nafisatu Asabe Ali, said the grid was interconnected with the generation, distribution and transmission, that a problem from any of the parts will automatically results in grid collapse.

Ali said grid collapse has been experienced at least 105 times since 2015. Stressing that the collapses are spread across the country.

She blamed insufficient gas supply, poor generation availability, among others for the problem.

The TCN executive director explained further that investing more in infrastructure will go a long way to turn the situation in the sector around.

She said: “The causes of grid collapse in Nigeria spread across all participants, from generation companies to transmission and distribution. From generation companies, there is the inadequacy of gas supply, improper coordination of plants and gas pipelines, poor generation availability.

“Customers can experience interruptions to their electricity Supply for three reasons such as reliability issues, where there is insufficient generation to meet consumer demand at a place and point in time; system security events and problems with the security of the network and transmission/ distribution network failures.

“There should be adequate investment in all types of capacity, as well as appropriate operational decisions so that supply and demand are in balance at any point in time.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu said on Monday that power firms currently under the management of Banks and AMCON will soon be sold to technical managers for efficiency. The minister made this note during a meeting with the Senate committee on power in Abuja, the nations capital.