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Imo Guber: Stakeholders, Supporters Want Anyanwu, Achonu To Withdraw Case

February 28, 2024

Say “Re-alignment Is The Way To Go”

By Enyinnaya Ubochi, Owerri

Echoes of the November 11, 2023, Imo state gubernatorial election that the incumbent, Senator Hope Uzodinma, won with a landslide are yet to die down.

In a sudden twist, Governor Uzodinma’s main challengers in the contest- Senators Sam Anyanwu( People’s Democratic Party, PDP candidate) and Nathan Achonu( Labour Party candidate) have come under immense pressure from some of their supporters and key party stakeholders to accept defeat, withdraw the case they instituted in the Election Petition Tribunal against the Governor’s victory and congratulate him.

Multiple party sources informed this magazine that a majority of Senator Anyanwu’s key supporters and some PDP partisans from Imo East Senatorial district also known as Owerri zone where he hails fear that their principal’s decision to challenge the outcome of the election in court would impact negatively on the zone’s chances of producing Governor Uzodinma’s successor in 2028 when the Governor’s second and final term in office will elapse given that the Governor himself has hinted his desire to have someone from zone succeed him.

According to a member of a pressure group within the Imo PDP, Imo East PDP Stakeholders Forum, “Politics is not a straightforward game; it’s not a straightforward mathematical application such as two plus two which gives you four. Politics requires a lot of balancing acts, deft moves and pragmatism to arrive at a desired result.

“Yes, we supported Sam Daddy( as Senator Anyanwu is affectionately called by his admirers), voted for him and wanted him to win because he is one of our own but unfortunately he lost; and in all honesty, looking at the result of the governorship election zone by zone and LGA by LGA you will notice that Governor Uzodinma won a popular mandate, a landslide, fair and square victory. And added to this is that he is delivering; he is reinventing Imo State socio-economically and infrastructurally, so why do we still need to disruptingly dissipate energy and resources in litigation?”

“I think what Owerri zone and our leader( Sam Daddy) need to do now and which is very vital, is to go back to the drawing board, reposition, realign and prepare for 2028 given that the Governor has indicated that he would want to see Owerri zone produce his successor”, the party stalwart who didn’t want his name mentioned “because of Imo’s volatile political and security situation”, said

In the same vein, for Chief Patrick Elesiokwu, a PDP chieftain from Oru-East local government area, Governor Uzodinma’s home local government, what the party needs now is not a time and resources wasting gubernatorial litigation but rebuilding and unity as the Imo PDP, according to him, is badly fractured.

His words: “Let the truth be told; we went into the November election a divided house, how did anyone expect victory under such circumstances? “Election victories are not hung on the shelves for you to go and easily plug, it is a function of concerted efforts and unity of purpose and these are lacking in Imo PDP.

“My advice to our candidate whom I vigorously campaigned for, is to stand down his court case against the winner of that election, Governor Uzodinma, and rather commit time and resources into rebuilding and uniting our party ahead 2028”.

Notedly, Imo East Senatorial district is upbeat about producing the next governor of the state. Save for Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s seven-month stint as governor, the zone has watched from the sidelines as Imo West( Orlu zone) and Imo North ( Okigwe zone) took turns to rule the state since the return of democracy in 1999.

Not a few PDP members from Owerri zone want Senator Anyanwu not only to withdraw his election petition “in order not to jeopardise our chances in 2028” but also to defect to the APC, strike a deal with Governor Uzodinma and then get the governorship on a platter of gold in 2028; this is even as rumours are rife in the state that former governor Ihedioha whose governorship was truncated by the Supreme Court in January 2020 in favour of Governor Uzodinma only after seven months in office, is on the cusp of moving to the APC to return to office in 2028 on the party’s platform.

In the case of Senator Achonu, his supporters want him to either return to the PDP from where he defected to the Labour Party or defect to the APC and then prepare for a return to the Senate in 2027.

Said a member of one of his support groups: “I believe that the judiciary will not upturn Governor Hope’s victory, we, therefore want our leader to reassess and re-align his politics, we don’t want him to continue to waste time and resources at the tribunal because nothing will come out of it.

“Since the Labour Party euphoria has evaporated and eviscerated, we want Senator Achonu to either move back to the PDP or defect to the APC and prepare to return to the Senate in 2027 having previously represented Okigwe zone in the upper legislative chamber”

Uzodimma Congratulates The Punch At 50

The Source

February 28, 2024

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has felicitated with the Board, management and staff of The Punch Nigeria Limited on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the newspaper, The Punch.

The ceremonies for the golden jubilee of The Punch have been slated for this year, though the organisation was founded in March 1973, making her 50 years old in March 2023.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor of Imo State said Governor Uzodimma is pleased to identify with the success story of The Punch encapsulated in hardwork, perseverance, commitment, determination and penchant to serve the public.

The Governor said The Punch did not only build a brand for itself, but for Nigeria where the Board, management and staff ply their trade, noting that where her competitors failed the medium excelled enormously.

Governor Uzodimma who is the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum recalls that the media have a critical role to play in the growth, development and moulding of the Nigerian society, noting that over the past 50 years of The Punch’s existence, the medium has demonstrated willingness to contribute its own quota for the betterment of the country, taking into cognisance, the demands of the journalism profession.

The Governor reminded the medium not to shy away from the practice of development journalism which he reasons, serves as the route that will lead to Nigeria’s socio-economic, political and cultural development.

On behalf of the government and people of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma wishes The Punch many years of service to the society.

Ochanja Onitsha Market Building Collapse: Obi Condoles With Victims, Urges Strict Compliance With Standards

The Source

February 28, 2024

Ochanja Onitsha Market Building Collapse

The Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed sadness over the lives lost in the building collapse at Ochanja Market in Onitsha, while urging the general public to adhere strictly to engineering and building standards for people’s safety.

In a press release, Obi lamented the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained in the incident, emphasizing that the victims were individuals striving to make ends meet.

While expressing gratitude to those involved in rescuing trapped victims, Obi called on the government to investigate the root cause of the collapse. He advised strict compliance with regulations governing the building and construction industry.

“I firmly believe that building collapses will be a thing of the past if we adhere to standards and procedures. Only trained, licensed, and professional personnel should handle building projects, and materials must meet project specifications,” Obi stated.

He also urged the government to implement measures to ensure that building projects nationwide meet required standards.

Obi extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and eternal rest for the deceased.

Kebbi: Government Negotiates With Parties In Court Cases To Free 34 State Accounts Under Garnishee Order

Ayodele Oni

February 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Kebbi State Government through the Ministry of Justice has negotiated with parties in some court cases which led to the unfreezing of the State’s 33 bank accounts domiciled in various financial institutions.

The Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Junaidu Bello-Marshall who disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi, said eleven parties were involved the the various cases.

The ministerial press briefing was organized by the State Ministry of Information and Culture to showcase achievements of the present administration of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu in the last eight months.

Bello-Marshall explained that when the present administration came on board, it met several unresolved civil cases whichit led to Garnishee Orders attaching 33 Kebbi State Government’s accounts domiciled with 11 various financial institutions for the satisfaction of the total Judgment Debt plus interests.

“The ministry was facing many challenges on how to resolve these civil cases. However, approval was given by His Excellency and all those cases were re-negotiated and cleared by paying off those debts as ordered by the court.

“At present, no Kebbi State Government account is under any attachment by court order.”

The Commissioner added that the state ministry of justice recorded a total number of 853 criminal cases, motions, bail applications and legal advice within eight months in the state.

“The ministry has recorded a total number of 853 criminal cases, motions, bail applications and legal advice since the inception of this administration.

“The ministry is presently handling 80 appeal cases pending before the Kebbi State High Court of Justice as well as 70 cases at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

“Within the period under review, we have vetted more than 200 case files forwarded for legal advice from the relevant law enforcement agencies, out of which few were terminated for want of evidence and majority were advice to be persecuted.”

Bello-Marshall, said that the ministry initiated the establishment of Justice Sector Reform Team through sponsorship of an Executive Bill assented to by Governor Idris, with a view to improving justice delivery to all in the state.

On executive bill, he said that the ministry in conjunction with the line ministries prepared and presented 18 bills to the State Executive Council for approval, transmission to the State House of Assembly and assented by the Governor.

“The implication is that they became laws of Kebbi state of Nigeria. The said laws are critical to good governance in the state as some of these laws established important Agencies, Commissions and or Bureaux in the state.”

Bello-Marshall also disclosed that the state government had paid off over N1 billion to various schools to settle the examination fees of 169 students whose certificates were seized for inability of the State Government to pay for their fees.

While speaking on the payment of witnesses expenses and appeal cases, the Attorney General said the present administration has continue to give regular approvals for quarterly witness expenses with a view to ensuring that its Chamber, has adequate resources to mobilize witnesses to give testimonies from across the state and beyond without difficulty.

He added that to hasten Justice delivery services in the state, the State Governor, gave approval for the recruitment of new Law Officers to prosecute numerous cases the state have across the country.

“At the inception of this administration, the ministry had 27 Law Officers throughout the state, which were grossly inadequate to prosecute numerous cases at the ministry.”

Hafsat Bakari Confirmed As NFIU Boss By Senate

Akinwale Kasali

February 27, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Hafsat Abubakar Bakari as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

Her confirmation is coming days after her appointment by President Bola Tinubu, sequel to the consideration of a report on the screening of the nominee presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Udende Emmanuel, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, representing Benue North East Senatorial District.

President Tinubu had written the Senate seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of Hafsat Abubakar Bakari as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

The letter was read by the President of the Senate during Plenary on Wednesday last week.

The appointment, President Tinubu said, is in line with the Act of Parliament that set up the NFIU, adding that Hafsat will replace the immediate CEO of NFIU, Modibbo Maman Tukur, whose tenure expired on January 27, 2024.

The letter was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Intelligence, chaired by Senator Emmanuel, for screening.

The Committee was asked to turn in its report to the Committee of the whole in two weeks.

Ondo NSCDC Nabs Fake US Army Captain For Visa Scam; UNICAL Mass Comm Student For Kidnapping

Ayodele Oni

February 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo state is in custody of one Megbowon Olumide Taiwo, a suspected fake Captain of the United States Army.

Megbowon, of Number 2 Joy Street, Okitipupa, Ondo state, is alleged to have duped many unsuspecting victims with a promise to secure jobs for them in the US.

Also nabbed is one 400 Level Mass Communication student of the University of Calabar, Anthony Edum Oscar, of number 31 Jordan street, Ikot Ishie, Calabar Cross River State, aged 21 years as a suspected specialist in kidnapping of teenagers for ransom.

Aidamenbor Daniel,

Public Relations Officer

NSCDC Ondo Command, disclosed on Tuesday that “The suspect was arrested on 17th February 2024 at his residence in Calabar by the Corps operatives.

“On January 30th 2024, a complaint of missing person was reported by Mr and Mrs Araba Alaba of number 24 Double Taiwo Street, Ijoka Akure of their missing daughter, one Araba Joy Temitope, 17 years old girl at the NSCDC headquarters here.

“She was reported missing since January 24th 2024 while returning home from her school; Elibest College of Education, Oba Ile, Akure North.

“The Command, through the office of the Public Relations issued a ‘Missing Person Statement’ to the Press same day, January 30th, 2024, for whoever knows her where about to contact the parents or the command with contact numbers.

“On 6th February, 2024, 7 days after the Command Press Release, a phone number which was later identified to be that of Anthony Edun Oscar’s contacted the parents of the missing girl that their daughter was in his camp for rehabilitation and demanded for N50,000.00 to be sent to a Monie Point Microfinance bank account No 8162041939 and that their daughter will be released.

“A sting operation was initiated and the parents were instructed to pay the said amount and the mobile number was tracked and the suspect was arrested on 17th February, 2024 after a detailed forensic analysis.

“The suspect confessed to the allegations and admitted to receiving the N50,000 ransom, but has not reveal the where about of the victim.

“From investigation, the suspect who is a 400 Level Mass Communication student of University of Calabar has various photographs of missing persons and their families contacts on his phone suggesting that he is into kidnapping for ransom, fraud and Cybercrimes.

“Investigation is still ongoing to unravel the location of the missing girl and to arrest his accomplices

“On 20th of February, 2024, a complain of Visa scam was reported against one Megbowon Olumide Taiwo of Number 2 Joy Street, Okitipupa, Ondo state. Who claimed to be a Captain in the United State Army.

“The suspect met Ms Bolaji Odetunde on 2nd May, 2023 online claiming to be Army officer from United State of America that he was on annual leave in Nigeria.

“He promised the complainant a slot to work in America and asked her to deposit the sum of N300,000. he stopped picking calls after the payment.

“Several other unsuspected victims were duped of their hard earned money running into thousands of Naira by promising them jobs in USA and requesting for money to help them obtain International passports.

“The suspect was arrested at No 20 Ife Adejuwon street Oshinle, Akure and he has made confessional statement to the crime which is punishable under the criminal code Act section 422, section 421 and section 419.”

One Olaiya Timothy,(m), age 22 years of Messiah Avenue, High school Area, Araromi street, Akure was arrested on the 20th January, 2024 at Celestial Church of Christ where he went to steal phones.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect always attends church vigils where he carry out his nefarious act of burglary and stealing.

“The following items were recovered from him; Android phones, iphone, ATM card, Token, MP, Laptops and Laptop bags.

“At the end of our investigation which are already at various stages, the suspects will be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others.”

CBN: At First Meeting, Cardoso MPC Hikes Interest Rates

Tosin Olatokunbo

February 27, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has raised the monetary policy rate, MPR, by 400 basis points to a record 22.75 percent.

The last time the MPR was raised was under Acting CBN Governor Folashodun Sonubi, who raised it to 18.75 percent, from 18.5 perecent by the embattled former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The new rate is the first under Yemi Cardoso whose appointment and other members of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, was confirmed last week by the Nigerian Senate.

The CBN Governor is holding the Committee meeting for the first time since he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NLC Protest: Governor Makinde Hailed For “Street Credibility”

Akinwale Kasali

February 27, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Seyi Makinde is presently trending on the Social Media, as his pictures have gone viral leading the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its protest against the economic hardship Nigerians are facing.

The Governor led the protest which in Oyo State as Netizens hailed him for having “Street Credibility.”

NLC declared a two-day nationwide protest which kicked off today. Other states in the country are also holding the protest in order to register displeasure in the current hardship.

Though efforts were made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government to stop the NLC from going ahead with the proposed Nationwide Protest, but the NLC and FG failed to reach an agreement as the meeting held yesterday ended in a deadlock.

Nigerians are lamenting the hike in the prices of food commodities, as the fortunes of the economy continues to dwindle, which is having an adverse effect on the citizens.

They had called on the FG to address the situation in earnest as the two-day protest may escalate And plunge the nation into crisis if not speedily attended to.

Gani Adams Assures Olu of Warri Of Yoruba Support, Says “We Are With You”

Tosin Olatokunbo

February 27, 2024

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Abiodun Ige Adams has assured the Olu of Warri,Oba, Ogiame Atuwatse III and the Itsekiri people that the Yoruba are always with them.

Adams gave the assurances yesterday at the palace of the Warri monarch,saying Yoruba history has always shown that the Itsekiri have their ancestral lineage in Yoruba land.

The Yoruba generalissimo stated also that the Itsekiri are Yoruba descendants that are blessed with high-profile personalities like the late Pa Alfred Rewane and the former President of the Nigerian Football Federation( NFF)Amaju Pinnicks and a host of others.

While applauding the Olu of Warri’s intelligence, courage,humility and hospitality,Iba Gani Adams stated further that the monarch is brilliant and he is well-connected, insisting that all these qualities among others, reflected in the way the Itsekiri people guarded their culture and traditions jealously.

He added that over 250 million Yoruba from all over the world and more than 80 million descendants of Oduduwa in Nigeria proudly see the Itsekiri people as Yoruba.

“I am happy to be here because our history in Yoruba land attested to the fact that the Itsekiri people are descendants of our ancestor.

“Warri is blessed with a monarch that is brilliant,well- connected and humble.

“Our revered sage,the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his life,gave his all for the progress of the Itsekiri people because they are Yoruba and descendants of our great progenitor, Oduduwa.

“That was why you see great people of Itsekiri like the late Pa Alfred Rewane and a few others being great supporters of Yoruba cause.

“I remember how former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnicks urged me to make sure I visit the Olu of Warri.

“I was abroad during his official coronation, but I sent one of my chiefs to stand in for me at the grand event.The people of Itsekiri need us and we need them to keep the bond of our mutual ancestry”.

Iba Adams however,urged the people of Itsekiri to remain united as that is the guiding principle of progress and development.

Oba Atuwatse,who spoke through the Ogwa Olusan of Warri,High Chief Brown Mene, expressed great appreciation to Iba Adams for his sense of history.

Mene stated also that the Itsekiri people have their roots in Ode Remo in Ijebu,Akure, Ilorin and Tapa, adding that Iba Gani Adams’ role in seeking unity,as well as the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition, beyond the shores of Nigeria, is a worthy legacy that all descendants of Oduduwa are proud of.

“Our language is very similar to that of the Yoruba than any other tribes in the world.We are Yoruba and our forebears came with from Akure, Ode-Remo in Ijebu,Ilorin and Tapa.

“Our ancestors are the first settlers before the arrival of the Benin.We have our history and background as a people bonded by unique culture and traditions of the Yoruba.

“You cannot speak of Itsekiri people without remembering their ancestry as Yoruba.And I want to assure Iba Gani Adams that Itsekiri people are part of Yoruba.

“We shall swim together and fulfill the destiny of our race together”,the high chief stated

Meanwhile,the palace treated their guests with cultural and traditional rites and dances that signified the rich culture of the Itsekiri people.

Apart from the Warri chiefs and indigenes, members of the Aare in Council that were present at the palace include the Oosi Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland,chief Gani Balogun, the Parakoyi Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land,Prof. Kolawole Raheem,Bameeto Aare Onakakanfo,Hon.Akeem Ademola Ige,Barejiro Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland,Chief Dauda Asikolaye, Delta State coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress,Akeem Agboola,his counterparts from Edo, Mr Mathew Uwagwe,South-South coordinator,Chief Babatunde Ajayi, Special Assistant on Media to the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Kehinde Aderemi, Special Assistant on Special Duties, Samson Oseni, Lukman Adenuga and the Director of Graphics, Ibrahim Koleosho among others.

NLC Protest: Police Share Biscuit, Water To Protesters

Akinwale Kasali

February 27, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Against all odds, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has gone ahead to begin its two-day nationwide protest over the economic hardship the citizens are experiencing.

The NLC and the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government had met Monday in a late push to stop the protests, but the meeting ended with no agreement reached between the parties, prompting the NLC to go ahead with the proposed protest.

As early as 7:00 am, protesters started gathering in different parts of the country, carrying placards with different inscriptions wearing paraphernalia of the NLC.

In Lagos State, there is heavy presence of security personnel curtailing the peaceful protest not to go rowdy or hijacked by miscreants, as the People expressed their frustrations at the current nationwide hardship.

At Ikeja Under Bridge where members of the NLC and Nigerians who joined the protest including the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) among others, who adorned their various paraphernalia are ready to hold the rally moving from the convergence point in Ikeja to the State House of Assembly in Alausa.

The presence of Police personnel, manning every major junction along the three kilometres planned route was sighted, following the Force’s promise to ensure peace and order during the protests.

Surprisingly, the Police were seen distributing Biscuit and Water to all the Protesters, which led to a resounding applause from the Protesters who hailed the Police for such kind gesture.

Unconfirmed sources within the Police said that the Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Fayoade Adegoke, provided the Biscuits and Water for the protesters as part of the Lagos State Police Command gesture In cushioning the effect of the economic hardship the citizens are facing.

Details Later….

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