Ondo Governorship: Aiyedatiwa Says Nobody Wants To Be Governor For A Year, Declares Interest

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February 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared that he will contest the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in the State.

The Governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) is expected to take place in April.

Before declaring his stand on the governorship, groups have emerged from local governments areas of the state drumming support for Aiyedatiwa.

Apart from participating as a sitting governor in the race, the zoning formular of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also favours his aspiration.

Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded his late principal, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was buried on Friday in Owo, said he would like to contest and win the forthcoming election as required by the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria for one more term.

Speaking on TVC News on Friday night, Aiyedatiwa, when asked if he would be contesting the Governorship election said, ”definitely, I will be running because I am already a sitting governor.

“Let me say this that nobody wants to be governor for one year. Give me what the constitution allows me to do, at least let me have a chance also running for one more term as it were.”

The governor denied having crisis with the late Akeredolu before he died, adding that it was few individuals in the state who were being driven by their ambition that caused the crisis in the state last year.

”Let me put this straight for the record sake, I never had issues with former principal, there was no time we had a face off, there was no time we had an issue that will demand that I have to make up with him.

”All that were being pushed out at a time were basically political, there were all falsehood and insinuations because election was coming and they knew the governor was so sick and a lot of things were at play.

“There was no time, I had an issue that I needed to resolve with him in terms of crisis. All that you saw at a time, were basically political. It was driven by the ambition of few people who knew there is going to be transition in the state and I was advantaged as the deputy.”

Obi Not Quitting Labour Party, Berates Mischief Makers

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The Source

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February 23, 2024

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“The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR wishes to outrightly dismiss trending fake and fallacious news story suggesting that he was parting ways with the Labour Party.

“This is not true and it did not originate from Obi or the Obidient Movement but from mischief makers bent on sowing the seed of discord in the party.

“These rising misdemeanors on the party did not start today as they set out to destroy and disorganize the party all to get at Obi and derail the inevitable journey of rescuing Nigeria.

“Presently our principal is preoccupied with making Nigeria work not on partisan politics which ended on October 26, 2023, when the Supreme Court of the land took their final decision on the general elections.

Those bent on creating a crisis in the Labour Party are clearly enemies of democracy wishing for the failed status quo to remain.

OBI’s focus at the moment is on creating an environment where democracy is to be practiced according to the defined tenets not the rascality and all forms of impunity prevalent in the country today

“Peter Obi therefore would like to assure Nigerians, particularly the Obidient family that his way with Labour is unshaken and intact and that the struggle to rescue Nigeria from the criminal gangs holding it down will not stop until it’s achieved through the will of the Nigerian people.”

President Tinubu Directs Expeditious Processing Of Welfare

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The Source

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February 23, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has asked senior civil servants to rededicate themselves to their duties and work towards improving the lives of Nigerians by acting with dispatch on matters that border on the welfare of citizens.

The President, who met with the Head of Service, The Body Of Permanent Secretaries, and some Directors-General of agencies at the State House, on Thursday, said policies impacting the welfare of the people and the economy must be treated with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of duty.

President Tinubu warned that the ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that result in the delay of interventions on the economy and with programmes targeting vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated.

According to a statement by his Media Advise, Ajuri Ngelale, the President directed that a monthly briefing by The Head Of Service and submission of key performance indicator (KPI) reports should be made to his office for review, and that quarterly interactive meetings between the President and The Body of Permanent Secretaries will now be scheduled. The Head Of Service and The Body Of Permanent Secretaries have been mandated by the President to consistently measure progress in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

“Before the next meeting, I want to see progress in the civil service. I have been sending people to check the level of work that gets done. Service to the nation is extremely important. We are to change the narrative on Nigeria.

“You and I can change the perception about Africa, not just Nigeria. We might not get it 100 percent right, but if we are focused, I think we can totally change and reshape the trajectory of our country in the right direction,’’ he said.

President Tinubu asked public servants to always think and work with a generational understanding of their role in shaping national history, knowing that they serve as the engine room of the government and that their actions will affect more than 200 million people in the country and abroad.

“Let us make our children’s dreams come true. Why are we slowing that down?

“It is not just shameful. It is unacceptable. We made a pledge to bring our people out of poverty. You should not increase their vulnerability. Help Nigerians to get out of these problems, do not compound the tough situation with unacceptable delays,’’ the President said.

Before President Tinubu’s address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan briefed him on the performance of the service in relation to previously established KPIs across multiple assessment streams.

Geometric Power Plant Will Assist In Power Supply Needs Of Nigerians – Prof Bath Nnaji

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The Source

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February 23, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

With barely 72 hours to the commissioning of the multi -million Dollars 188 megawatts Gas powered Geometric Power Plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Aba, Abia State, scheduled for February 26 2024, Prof. Bath Nnaji the Chairman and promoter has expressed the confidence that there will be a remarkable improvement in the power supply needs of the nine Locals Councils that form the Aba Ring Fence of the operational area of the company.

This is just as he has extended deep and sincere appreciations to the Abia State Government, the Egypt-based AFREXIM Bank, and entities and individuals that have made the 800m Dollars Geometric dream a reality.

The former Nigerian Minister of Power, who spoke at a pre- Commissioning Media parley on Friday February 23 at the Corporate Headquarters of the Power generating and distribution giant in Aba equally espressed the hopes that the subsequent powering of the three gas turbines will boost the supply abilities of the National grid.

“Actually, Geometric is licensed to generate a total of 188 megawatts. The three turbines we have will each generate 47 megawatts.

“The actual power need of the nine Local Councils that make up our area of operational mandate Aba Ring Fence is not more than 100 MW. That means when fully operational ,about 41 megawatts will be sold to the National grid,a development which will help bolster the power supply needs of the country” prof Nnaji noted

The former Minister of Power under President Goodluck Jonathan Government said the commissioning exercise will be done in stages ,with the first to hold on Monday February 26.

“The first turbine will increase power supply to Aba Ring Fence Area by 47 megawatts, which is almost double of the current 25 MW supply from the National Grid, through Niger Delta Power Holding Company NDPHC .

:When the first turbine is commissioned ,it will be monitored closely . Once the performance is considered satisfactory ,the second turbine will be commissioned. The same process will be followed in commissioning the third one. Aba and its environs may not absorb more than 100 MW for now. Excess power from the three turbines will be sent to the National Grid to assist other parts of Nigeria” Prof Nnaji stated .

According to him ,all necessary facilities needed for a seamless operation have been put in place in keeping with their avowed commitment to provide world class electricity services to their customers.

Similarly, to ensure a departure from the past as well as promote a regime of operational transparency, probity and integrity in service delivery, to its customers , Geometric, he said, has embarked on an aggressive mass metering campaign to compliment the efforts of the federal government in that regard,adding that in line with National Electricity Regulations Commission NERC rules individuals and corporate bodies have started to receive Pre paid meters at no cost.

The Source reports that the commissioning ceremony earlier billed for Saturday February 24 has been shifted to Monday February 26. The new date, according to a statement issued by the Management was chosen by the Presidency due to some unforseen circumstances. .

President Bola Tinubu and the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, are expected to top the list of eminent personalities who will grace the commissioning ceremony.

Uzodimma Congratulates Alozie On Election As Chairman, Imo State Correspondents’ Chapel

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The Source

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February 23, 2024

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Governor Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the Correspondent of Vanguard in Imo State, Mr. Chinonso Alozie on his election as the new Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel in the State.

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, Alozie emerged as Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council in a keenly contested election to replace the former Chairman, Mr Chris Njoku of The Nation.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Peter Okolie of the News Agency of Nigeria said Mr. Alozie polled the highest number of votes in a transparent exercise where the NUJ in Imo State, represented by the Secretary, Mrs Treasure Ihechi-Nwamah, monitored the conduct of the election.

Mr. Alozie scored 20 votes to beat Mrs Angela Nkwo- Akpolu of the Leadership who scored 11 votes.

The new Chairman emerged alongside five other officials, most of who were returned unopposed.

They include Mr Sabi Elemba of the Business Day who defeated Mrs Charity Wins of the Daily Asset with 20 votes against 11 to emerge Treasurer of the Chapel.

Others elected were Mr Collins Osuji (The Guardian) as Vice Chairman; Mr. Victor Nwachukwu (News Agency of Nigeria) as Secretary; Mr. Oliver Joseph (Arise Television) as Financial Secretary and Mr. Basil Ukwuegbu (National Light) as Internal Auditor.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his principal was happy to hear that Mr. Alozie emerged Chairman from a process that was transparent, competitive and representated the collective wish of his colleagues.

In congratulating Mr. Alozie, the Governor admonished the new Chairman to work hard to uphold the integrity and ethics of his profession and to ensure that he leaves no stone unturned in working in synergy with his colleagues to achieve the desired goal of serving the public well, including their State of domicile.

The Governor however thanked the former executive members for their commitment to the course of their profession in Imo State and advised them to support the new executive where necessary.

Governor Uzodimma assured the new executive of his willingness to always support the media in their quest to mirror and serve the society positively and urged all practitioners in the State to see the emphasis on development journalism as the new code to help the public.

Finally, he further advised Mr. Alozie to be magnanimous in victory by carrying everyone along, including those who contested the same position with him.

Breaking: Edo Guber: Former NBA President, Akpata Emerges Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Olumide Akpata, former Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, President, has been declared winner of the Labour Party, LP, Governorship Primary in Edo State.

Akpata scored 316 votes to emerge winner of the keenly contested Primary Election.

Ikechukwu Emetu, Abia State Deputy Governor, who was the Returning Officer of the Primary declared Akpata winner and the Party’s Candidate at the Governorship Poll slated for a later date in the year.

…Details later

Abia Traders To Gov. Otti: Your Second Term Is Guaranteed

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The Source

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February 23, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

With the 2027 political race still far away, Aba traders ,and major players in the business landscape of Abia state have assured that the mandate given to Governor Alex Otti, will be renewed, going by the level of focus and commitments which he has shown in the governance of the state within less than a year in the saddle.

This is even as they have called on the Governor to liaise with all relevant entities concerned to ensure adequate and regular power supply to the commercial nerve centre of Abia state .

Sir Jonathan Oguejiofor, Chairman Eziukwu Road International Market Stakeholders Forum Aba who spoke in an interview with the Source on Friday February 23, 2024, also appreciated the Abia State authorities for the high quality of the membership of the Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo led newly appointed Abia State Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA.

Sir Oguejiofor who is also Grand Patron and Stakeholders Chairman of Eziukwu Road Market Aba ,noted that with the massive transformation of Aba and Abia state in general, through unprecedented infrastructural renewal, which has in turn impacted positively on the growth and development of economic activities the government of Dr Otti, has spoken eloquently about its readiness to change the narrative of Abia .

Chief Ogujiofor, who is one the prominent business and Industry captains of Aba, said if Governor Otti, can finish the reconstruction of the all important PortHarcourt/Aba road ,in addition to the commendable efforts on. other roads and infrastructural facilities such as the Eziukwu Road ,his second term in office is secured.

“Without sounding sycophantic, let me say with all humility and sincerity that Governor Otti, is not just a blessing to Abians, but also to Ndigbo.

Until, he came on board ,we never knew and believed that there is sincerity of purpose in the state’s governance space.

We are grateful to God ,for using the present government of Abia state to visit his people. The true meaning of democracy dividends is now dawning on us , Abia resident” Oguejiofor stated.

The Chairman Eziukwu Road Market Stakeholders, expressed optimism that the interests, and welfare of Abia state traders have been placed in safe hands ,going by the exceptional antecedents of the members of the recently appointed ASMATA members.

While pledging the continued support and cooperation of Aba traders in particular, and Abia business community in general to the Governor Otti led administration, Sir Ogujiofor called for steady power supply to Aba.

“It is true that the Governor does not have much control over the power situation. But we are calling on him to exact pressure on the relevant entities concerned to improve the power supply situation in Aba .

The epileptic power supply situation at the moment is slowing down business activities and at the same time negatively affecting the internally Generated Revenue profile of the State. Let us hope that ,with Geometric commissioning their power Plant the problem will be ameliorated.

ASUU Laments Poor Remuneration Of Professors In Nigerian Universities, Calls It Slavery

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has lamented the poor remuneration of Professors in Nigerian Universities. It also accused the Government of perpetuating lawlessness in the Universities across the country.

ASUU said the Government must ensure that adequate attention is paid to the education system as the country would be doomed without quality education.

It frowned at the continued neglect of its Staff by the Government, as they earn meager amounts to services rendered.

ASUU called on the Governments to address the lingering issues in Universities and insisted that public University education was deliberately being toyed with by Governments and their officials to keep the masses in a perpetual state of illiteracy and exploitation.

The ASUU Bauchi Zone called on the Government to make full payments of their owed salaries, restoration of Governing Councils (where there are none) for the smooth running of the Universities as the use of Vice Chancellors to run Universities are illegal.

ASUU Acting ZonalCoordinator, Prof. Nanmwa Voncir said that when ASUU held its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, the Union did a comprehensive review of the state of its engagements with Federal and State Governments on how to reposition Nigeria’s public Universities for a global reckoning by arresting the worsening living and working conditions in the Universities and the nation at large.

It added that ASUU is deeply disturbed by the reports received, on the failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfil its promises to the Union. We are greatly concerned with the continuing decay in the University system including the unabated brain drain.

He listed the lingering issues to include, renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU 2009 agreement, withheld salaries, arrears of earned academic allowances, illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard, CCMAS, the proliferation of Universities, TETFund intervention, underfunding of Universities and the deepening socioeconomic crisis.

It added that the promises made by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila are yet to be fulfilled, even as Gbajabiamila is the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander-in-Chief.

“There is no justification for withholding lecturers’ salaries if not for the grand design of the ruling class to emasculate and ridicule them. Members of ASUU have since made up for lost ground, covering two academic sessions in many Universities within the period, in addition to the fact that Research/ Community service of academic staff responsibilities never suffered during the strike period”, the Union said.

ASUU called on the Federal Government to, “as a matter of urgency, release all the withheld salaries and third-party deductions of our members to restore their fading hope in the Nigerian University system and Nigeria as a country. This is the only way industrial disharmony can be avoided.”

INEC Releases 2023 Election Report, Indicates Challenges, Successes

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Ayodele Oni

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February 23, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that the 2023 general elections saw victories for four political parties, in the governorship while seven parties secured senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in State legislatures.

The electoral umpire in a detailed report on the last year’s poll released on Friday, indicated a broad shift in political representation across Nigeria.

A statement, signed by Sam Olumekun, the national commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, revealed that the report was reviewed and approved for publication during the Commission’s weekly meeting on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

In adherence to a tradition of transparency, INEC announced the release of the official report, a 526-page document organized into 13 chapters.

“Enriched with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, the report offers a thorough analysis of key processes, achievements, and challenges of the 2023 General Election.

Highlighting the election’s diversity in party representation, the report notes significant democratic progress.

“Gubernatorial races saw victories for four political parties, while seven parties secured senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in State legislatures, indicating a broad shift in political representation across Nigeria.”

The report emphasized the pivotal role of technological advancements, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in enhancing electoral integrity and reducing fraud.

Addressing public concerns, it provided insights into the technical issues faced during the upload of polling unit results for the presidential election on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Logistics, security arrangements, staff recruitment and training, inclusivity measures, and the electoral framework are among the various aspects covered in the comprehensive report.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers To Move Bail Application Monday

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Incarcerated Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu would see his Lawyers move for his Bail Application on Monday, February 26th, 2024, pending the determination of his trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

It was gathered that the proposed release on bail for Kanu will be based on “life-threatening medical conditions, namely: the heart ailment, the hypertension and the potassium deficiency.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Security, DSS, since his repatriation from Kenya in 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The IPOB Leader is facing trial bordering on terrorism among others but the Appeal Court discharged and acquitted him of all charges.

However, in December 2023, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling and returned the case to the Abuja Federal High Court for continuation of trial.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed February 26 for the resumption of Kanu’s terrorism trial.

Feelers from the IPOB Camp has it that the lawyers are working for bail based on his lack of privacy during visitations with his legal team, which adversely affected his constitutional right to counsel and adequacy of facility for the preparation of his defense.

The lawyers will also argue that he had already spent a cumulative period of 50 months or over four years in “pretrial detention”.

According to the court document sighted by Vanguard, with suit no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, the IPOB leader’s lawyers said, “On the basis of the foregoing, we respectfully urge Your Lordship to admit him to bail on liberal and non-excessive terms.”

In the Motion on Notice brought in pursuant to sections 6(6), 35 and 36(5), and sections 158, 161 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the legal team will pray the court for “an order of this Honourable Court admitting the Applicant/Defendant to bail pending the determination of his trial.