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Edo: PDP Stakeholders Call For Halt In Impeachment Of Deputy Governor, Shaibu

March 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo North axis have called for withdrawal of the impeachment notice issued by the House of Assembly on the Deputy Governor of the state in the interest of peace, unity, progress of the party ahead of the governorship election.

The stakeholders converged in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Sunday to protest the plot to impeach the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

The Assembly has already served the impeachment notice, signed by 21 out of 24 members, on the deputy governor and gave him seven days within which to reply. The petition was based on two grounds of alleged perjury and revealing of government secrets.

The aggrieved PDP stakeholders went round the major streets of Auchi, with some of them carrying placards on which were written advice of caution to the major players in the impeachment plot, Governor Godwin Obaseki; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and the other members of the House.

They stated that “we are bonafide registered and active members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State. We all are here today moved by the need to subsume our precious political differences arising from the that Governorship Primary Exercise especially as we approach the state election in few months time.

“We are most perturbed by the fact that the recent gains at reconciliation of the differences arising from the last primaries is again least complicated by the Notice of Impeachment served on the state Deputy Governor Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“We have therefore as serious stakeholders in the PDP project in our various local governments and state resolved on the following:

“We hereby appeal to the Speaker EDHA, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku all the PDP members of the House to urgently withdraw and rescind the impeachment notice issued by the house on his Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Edo State for the sake of peace, unity, progress of the party in the pre governorship election time.

“That the withdrawal of the impeachment notice on the Deputy Governor shall go a long way to heal the wounds of the divisioness and exclusion in the party, galvanizing grassroot support for our eventual victory at the upcoming polls.

“That PDP remains the party to beat in the state and in fact the party of continuity at Osadebe Avenue for only the needful as stated above done.”

Ramadan: Katsina Govt Constitutes Committee To Distribute Free Food

Ayodele Oni

March 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Katsina State government has set up a committee which will ensure that no person will go hungry during Ramadan period.

The state government announced that adequate arrangements have been made to provide soccour to 1,000 persons in each of the 361 wards in the state.

Already, Islamic faithfuls have been told to look out for the new moon which will signal the commencement of the Ramadan on Sunday or Monday.

The Government is also stepping up measures to ensure that the spirit of Ramadan is felt by all its residents, especially those facing economic hardship.

The initiative was unveiled during the inauguration of a committee tasked with overseeing the programme at the weekend by Governor Dikko Umar Radda.

Additionally, 33,000 people in Katsina State will receive 25kg of rice and a token, offering much-needed relief during these challenging times.

Governor Radda expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to compassion and fair leadership, emphasizing the apolitical nature of the committee to ensure equitable distribution.

The governor explained that the aim was simple yet profound, to ensure that no one in Katsina State goes hungry during this sacred month and to alleviate economic burdens.

He added that beyond fulfilling dietary needs, the provision of rice and tokens serves as a beacon of hope, offering relief and solidarity to those in need.

“The government’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens sets a commendable example of compassionate leadership and community solidarity.”

False! Father Of Late Access Bank CEO, Dr Herbert Wigwe Not Dead

James Orji

March 9, 2024

Herbert Wigwe - Access Bank MD arrested by EFCC

Shyngle Wigwe, father of the late Access Bank Holdings Group Managing Director, Dr Herbert Wigwe is not dead, he’s hale and hearty.

The magazine reports that the remains of the demised Access Corps chief executive had been laid to rest in his hometown, Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers state on Saturday, after a brief funeral service attended by dignitaries across the country.

Also, the state police command said it had put in place adequate security to ensure the safety of the dignitaries and mourners.

However, some reports claimed that the father of the deceased collapsed during the burial today, rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Meanwhile, close sources informed that Elder Elder was perfectly okay, and received some guests during the funeral today, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Earlier in the week the federal government had paid a glowing tribute to the late banker during the funeral services in Lagos.

Vice president Kassim Shettima who represented the federal government described Dr Wigwe as an “early bloomer in the garden of life, who “didn’t share the fate of those who faded away prematurely.”

Delivering his speech titled, “Herbert Wigwe: The Flower That Bloomed Before Spring,” Shettima said: “Herbert left us in winter before the season of bloom. Spring was just about to arrive at his last location, the United States when the Lord called for him.

“Spring is not the symbol of Herbert’s bloom; his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travellers.

“This spring, for us, isn’t the season of festive flowers; it’s the season of wreaths. This spring, for us, isn’t a season of tears; it’s a celebration of Herbert’s flight to a height that only a few of God’s chosen ones have attained.”

Group To President Tinubu: “It’s Time To Bring Killers Of Benue People To Book”

Akinwale Kasali

March 9, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the recent and continuous killings in Benue State, a Civil Society Group, CSO, under the aegis of Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, has urged President Bola Tinubu to fish out perpetrators of this dastardly act.

The Group said the Presidency needs to act on the continuous killings in the State and declare a state of security emergency in the State.

CONYL, an umbrella of youth groups in the country, has said that the incessant raids of agrarian communities by bandits and killer herdsmen are responsible for the scarcity of food in the country.

The Group in a Statement in reaction to the recent attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor communities in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State which claimed no fewer than 15 lives including a retired Army officer from the community, described the attack as barbaric.

The invaders razed over 50 houses, huts, farmlands and food barns in 11 settlements during the attack.

CONYL in a strongly worded statement by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, demanded the arrest of those behind the barbaric attack.

According to CONYL, mere condemnation of such provocative attacks by the Presidency without any concrete action against the perpetrators is no longer acceptable.

The group demanded action against the perpetrators to regain public confidence.

“These farmlands and foods were all destroyed by these terrorists at a time Nigerians are dieing of hunger, hardship and starvation.

“This gross act of wickedness must not be swept under the carpet. The culprits must be brought to book immediately.

“The hunger and hardship ravaging our nation today is as a result of the series of attack on the food basket of the nation and those behind the attacks left to go Scott free. This is gross injustice.

“No nation can survive if she fails the protect her food bank against invaders and terrorists. Food remains the backbone of any nation and without food no nation can survive.”

CONYL solicited the support of Nigerians for the people of Benue against their attackers.

We urge all Nigerians of good conscience and all lovers of democracy to rally round the good people of Benue State to ensure there are not swiped out by these terrorists who wants Nigerians to die of hunger and starvation.”

It also called for decisive military action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“We , therefore , call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately release all the military arsenals against the terrorists who are hell-bent on seeing Nigerians die of hunger, hardship and starvation.

“The truth remains that the attacks on Benue state is a well calculated attempt to ensure that Nigerians go to bed hungry which will make make revolt against the federal government and President Tinubu should not allow should orchestrated wicked evil plot to go come to fruition. The President must act now to stop these enemies of our nation.”

My Purported Suspension A Ruse As Abia PDP Affirms Suspension Of Four-time House Of Rep Member

The Source

March 9, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the crisis of confidence rocking the Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, a chieftain and four-time member of House of Representatives, Hon Uzoma Abonta, has described his purported suspension from the party as not only unconstitutional, but also a huge joke and laughable.

This is even as the Ukwa East PDP Executives on Thursday, March 8, 2024, affirmed Hon Abonta’s earlier suspension from the party by his Akwete/Ohandu ward .

The Party at the Ward level had, on February 28, slammed an indefinite suspension on Hon Abonta citing his romance with rival political parties,institution of a plethora of court cases against the PDP without first exploring the internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the party and gross anti party activities before ,during and after the 2023 general elections as reasons.

Rising from an emergency Executive Council meeting the PDP in Ukwa East ,the home Council of former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Senator Adolphus Wabara, as well as that of the Abia state Chairman Dr Allwell Asiforo Okere, said the earlier suspension of the former member of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly by his ward was carried out in compliance with the party’s extant laws and therefore is upheld and ratified.

In a communique issued and signed by the Chairman, Israel Bethel ,Secretary Comrade Ugwumba Adiele and others ,the party said that Hon Abonta’s unilateral constitution and creation of a faction and care taker committee for Akwete/Ohandu Ward was enough to revisit his membership of and loyalty to the party.

“That the PDP Ukwa East considers Hon Abonta’s activities against the party in the last election as anti party and act of ingratitude to the platform on which he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for 16 years consecutively.

“That the attempt by Hon Abonta and his cohorts to orchestrate confusion,disorderliness ,and faction in the PDP is vehemently condemned and ,rejected as same is not only unlawful but provocative .

“That the imputation of disunity between the BOT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara and the State Chairman Dr Okere is false and exist only in the imagination of Hon Abonta

“That we appreciate the leadership style of the state chairman Dr Okere who does not in any way interfere with the running of the affairs of the party both at the ward and Council levels,and therefore hereby pass a vote of confidence on him.” the communique stated.

But speaking in an exclusive interview with The Source on Thursday March 8,Hon Abonta said that all he is agitating for is for the PDP in Abia after its woeful performance during the last elections to embark on self interrogation with a view to repositioning itself for the task of providing alternative voice for Abians in the political space of the state.

“There are two basic issues that need to be addressed here. One is my purported suspension from the PDP. And my position is that it is an exercise in futility ,having emanated from an unconstitutional process .

“I have been a member of the PDP since inception in 1999 and a four time member of the House of Representatives . So l should know how things work and how things should be done. The PDP as a party has a constitution and any thing done without recourse to the constitution is but null and void.

“As far as iam concerned and with due regard to the party,s Constitution, my so called suspension is totally absurd ,misleading and an attempt by some people to create unnecessary tension and crisis .

“The second issue is that bordering on alleged anti party activities . Look between us and them ,they know who in the real sense committed anti party activities. I worked sincerely for the party ,including serving as the State Collection officer for Atiku/Okowa Campaign team.

“On the other hand , some people for some selfish reasons embarked on destructive mission particularly before the last elections proper. It was mainly due to loud discontent and disaffection within the ranks of the party in the count down to the elections that led to its disastrous outing.

“Now what we are saying is that after the election, and having lost ,the party should re strategize and reposition so that it can effectively discharge its new role of a leading opposition voice .

“But some people who want the narrative to continue are perceiving our sincere position differently. Iam not against any body or group of persons . Our concern is that the PDP in the state ,should wake up and form a formidable front. And in that case ,I don’t have any regret being one of those championing the course.” Hon Abonta noted.

“I Want To Make Peace With God And My Victims, I Have Indulged In Criminality Early In My Life” – 14 Year Old Detainee

The Source

March 9, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“The lessons of life is that l have cheated my self by getting involved in crime and criminality so early in life”

The words above were the pitiable and remorseful confessions of 14 year-old Abdullahi Surajo, currently cooling his feet at Kurumawa Maximum Correctional Facility in Kano for allegedly, forcefully, dispossessing a lady of her bag containing some valuables including a hand set phone in the Naibawa area of the commercial nerve centre of the North.

Young Surajo who looked completely sober and apologetic while narrating his walk into the correctional centre over a year ago, to Journalists during the recent visit by the Inspector General Police Duty Solicitors Scheme PDSS members to some Police formations and Correctional Facilities in Kano said his only wish now remains to walk back to freedom and, make peace with God and victims of his misadventures.

He has, therefore, called on the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to help him out of his present hellish nightmare.

“Tell our Governor to help me out of this hell, because I have been denied access to justice.

“As you can see, my condition is critical. Deep inside me, I know that I am slowly dying here and only the timely intervention of our Governor can save my life.

“I need a second chance to sincerely repent to Allah and also apologise to the victims of my criminal activities, as well as integrate into the society.” Surajo said

“The teenager, popularly known as “Bolo” was overwhelmed by emotions as he further narrated the hard side of life that propelled his early foray into the world of criminality.

“I am an orphan and being raised by my uncle in a household of about 33 persons which comprise my siblings, and other members of the extended family .

“There I was exposed to deprivation, starvation, and debilitating poverty, resulting from the retirement of my uncle from public service.

“I am the youngest here( Correctional centre ). I have spent over a year. I have no legal representation and the authorities hardly take me to court again.

“Earlier, I was taken to court on a few occasions ,without any legal representation.

There after it became where is his lawyer? Okay, take him back to remand ”

Lamenting further, Surajo noted that if the idea behind keeping him at the facility is to reform, then there is nothing reformatory about Kurumawa Maximum Correctional Centre.

“There is nothing reformatory about this facility. The senior boys are here. You are exposed to hellish and more criminal activities daily.

“Since I was brought here, l have been on one cloth with the hygienic condition so repulsive and nauseating. And in all of these ,nobody cares”, the minor stated.

Edo Community Issues Quit Notice To Oil Company Over Pollution

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Rather than facilitating development and Infrastructure, the people of Gelegele, a community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, have demanded that an oil company, Dubri Oil, operating within the locality should vacate the place as soon as possible, as its continued stay is a threat to their life.

The people made the call in their contributions to discussions at a capacity building workshop organized by a non-governmental organization (NGO), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in the community.

Making their contributions one after the other the inhabitants narrated tales of their near death experiences from the aftermath of the company’s exploration and exploitation activities over the years, such that their means of livelihood are destroyed, their growth is stunted and their skin is affected.

Prince Barbs Pawuru, President of the Host Communities Network of Nigeria Oil and Gas Solid Minerals Forest, who is an indigene of the community, said: “Our agitation stems from the fact that Dubri Oil operating here is actually causing our suffering and death.

“Infact, it is almost ending the life of this community and so they cannot just survive again with Dubri Oil Company in place.”

According to Stephen Oduware, HOMEF Programme Manager and Coordinator, Fishnet Alliance, “we’re here in Gelegele Community to have a capacity building workshop with them and to get their stories of survival.

“You will recall that Gelegele is one of the communities that’s highly impacted by the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas.

“There is a company here called Dubri Oil that positions its gas flaring stack right in the heart of the community and you will hear from the community that there is a lot of issues with that on them.

“Number one on the environment on the people even with their wellbeing and on their livelihood. So, we’re here to sit with the community people to hear those stories and also for us to talk together about solidarity, integration and responsibility.

“And you have heard it from them that there is a common demand that cuts across what the communities need which is Dubri Oil must go. This pollution must go.

“That the people are now living corpses. The temperature here is far higher than normal. So it’s a call that this environmental injustice must stop. This destruction of the people’s environment, their livelihood and the people themselves must stop and justice must take its course.”

Remove Us From Contributory Pension Scheme – Police Retirees

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Kaduna State Chapter of the Association of Retired Police Officers, has lamented the plight of its members due to delay in the payment of their pensions and gratuities.

It has, therefore, called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to fullfil his promise by exiting them from the contributory pension scheme.

The Chairman of the Kaduna Chapter, CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria rtd made the call in a statement after a meeting with members in Kaduna.

The Senate President had during a protest last year by the police pensioners, pledged to invite the Inspector General of Police with a view of removing the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“But since then, the association didn’t hear any positive response from the members of the National Assembly.

“Since the Senate had already passed the bill to establish the Nigeria Police Pension Board, what is pending is to harmonize the two bills, with the one already passed by the House of Representatives to exit the Nigeria Police from the contributory pension.

”That, is why we are reminding the Senate President Godswill Akpabio about the promise he made.

“This becomes necessary because our living conditions are deteriorating everyday due to the constant increase of commodity prices.

“Our Children have been withdrawn from schools, ranging from primary to tertiary institutions, we can no longer afford our medical expenses and that of our families.

“We can no longer afford normal feeding, sequel to all these, most of us have developed a high blood pressure, to crown it all many of our members are dying day by day.

“Therefore, we are appealing to members of the National Assembly to come to our aid by immediately removing us from the killer contributory pension scheme, before we all perish.”

The association also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency order the Director General Pencom to immediately release the 2.5 percent differential into their salary savings account, which has since been approved by the Federal Government.

“The payment of our salary increase, which they missed three times consecutively, as well as the payment of the Federal Government approved palliatives.

“We are appealing to the members of the National Assembly as well as the President to consider our 35 years of meritorious service to the nation, seeing the obstacles and risks that we have escaped while in service.

“But now instead of us to enjoy our pension and gratuity, we are left to suffer under the killer contributory pension scheme that is killing us day by day.”

“My Visit To Electrification Project At Igbokoda Is To Ensure Early Completion” – Gov Aiyedatiwa Replies NNDC Commissioner

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said his visit to Igbokoda electrification project was to ensure its completion.

Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan explained that the electrification project, being funded by the Niger/Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been on stream for over ten years and remains uncompleted.

Reacting to claim by NDDC Commissioner, Otito Atikase representing Ondo state, that the state government was claiming credit for the project, the governor maintained that “Yes, the Federal government holds jurisdiction over electricity, but what has that gotten the people of the South in the last decade? Darkness.

“This is ridiculous, more so coming from a government appointee, who has just lampooned the same state government that nominated him for the position.

“How can you claim the state government has no say in a project being executed in its domain, albeit with no meaningful results in the last ten years?

“What result has NDDC achieved in ten years of awarding contracts there?

“What the issue demands is the political will to do the right thing and that is what Governor Aiyedatiwa is doing and he needs no approval of the Federal government to do that.

“Contrary to your baseless claim, the State government has not taken credit for anything. The government delegation went on that inspection with BEDC officials and I’m surprised you didn’t discredit BEDC too.

“Egbon, no be everything dem dey play politics with o. You need to cooperate with the state government on this whether you like the face of the Governor or not. Bitterness doesn’t bring any positive result.

“The most important thing, which the Governor is after, is for light to be restored to the south in a matter of weeks. Arguing over who should get credit is childish.”

Insecurity In South East: Igbo Women Have No Men To Marry

James Orji

March 9, 2024

Women in the south east will struggle to find husbands due to the killings spurred by the insecurity in the region, according to the Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, ATJPC.

The commission was commissioned by Governor Charles Soludo after coming to office two years ago, to restore peace to the restive state.

The state and the entire region have been engulfed in a bloodshed due to the clash between the Nnamdi Kanu-led separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and security agencies.

Most of those that have been caught in the cross fire are mostly men, according to reports.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NANS, quoted the ATJPC report as saying the killings have resulted in a structural imbalance between men and women, as the number of males has been seriously depleted across the south east.

The implication of this, the report said is that women could find it challenging to find men to marry them.

“The killings from the ongoing violence in Igboland generally and in Anambra in particular due to violent crimes and claims of agitation have once again disproportionately affected the stock of young males in the region.

“It has reduced the likelihood that women will be able to find suitable mating or marriageable partners while also increasing the likelihood that females will end up unmarried and reproductively unfulfilled.

“It will further swell the number of unmarried women in the region, particularly among those who reside in the homeland and have limited interaction outside the boundaries of home.

“These women could remain unmarried or wait out their productive years in search of a suitor who has likely been killed.

“They may feel intimidated about giving birth to a child outside marriage for fear of being labeled wayward and humiliating their families for birthing children into illegitimacy,” the report said.

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