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Delta: Your Appointments Not Based On Ethnic Consideration – Gov Oborevwori Charges Special Advisers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oborevwori Charges Special Advisers

By Ayodele Oni

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has explained that the appointment of more Special Advisers was aimed at beefing up the executive capacity of the government.

Speaking on Tuesday at the swearing in of six new special advisers, the governor charged appointees of government and all public officers to pledge their loyalty to the State and not ethnic backgrounds, narrow political or social interests.

Those sworn-in are: Mr. Ramson Ikweki, Mr. Dimaro Progress, Chief Barry Gbe, Barr. George Orogun, Mr. Nicholas Ojei, and Chief Jeffery Azagba.

The governor noted that the appointment of the Special Advisers was a clear demonstration of his administration’s sincere drive to energize the machinery of government through the recognition of qualified and worthy persons from the pool of the vast array of skilled manpower which, he said, was readily available in the State.

According to him, the appointments have become necessary as it would enable the state government to infuse more blood in the governance of the State and strengthen the implementation of the policies and programmes of this administration.

Having established the desired administrative structures, Governor Oborevwori said, it has become necessary to provide and fortify them with more suitable managerial capacity.

“I sincerely appeal to all the new appointees and indeed, all public officers, that their loyalty should be to the State through this administration rather than seeing themselves as representatives of ethnic backgrounds and narrow political and social interests.

“As Special Advisers, you have a sacred role to play in rendering objective, sound and frank advice to me and your Chief Executives. It is important for you to adhere strictly to your oaths of office including familiarizing yourselves with the Constitution, financial regulations and other extant rules of public office.

“This way, you will be able to perform your duties creditably without causing this administration any embarrassment. We do not want to be distracted from our cardinal objective of leaving Delta State, better than we met it.

“Please note that the M.O.R.E Agenda of this administration is not mere hype. It is a well thought out agenda, which capture the policies and programmes of this administration aimed at comprehensively confronting the challenges of sustainable development headlong.

“Please, be prepared to inject fresh ideas into the implementation and successful outcomes of the Agenda. We owe our people the duty of meeting their yearnings. Please be part of this move to positively impact the lives of our people. the governor said.

“As Special Advisers, you have a duty to be discreet and see your offices as complementary rather than competitive, with those of the various Chief Executives of the administration.”

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Barr. George Orogun thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve, and pledged to contribute their meaningful quota towards the advancement of the MORE Agenda of the state government.

Orogun noted that the giant strides of the Oborevwori’s administration in the past eight months were quite commendable and called on Deltans to rally round the present administration for the accelerated transformation of the State.

President Tinubu Should Address Fundamental Challenge Facing Nigeria, Forget Renewed Hope Agenda – Prof Onyebeadi

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

A top management consultant, Prof Echefuna’ R G Onyebeadi, has described the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration as a fluke, advising President Bola Tinubu to address mirage of problems confronting Nigerians.

In an open letter to the president, the renowned academician pointed out that Nigerians are presently less concerned about any programme which does not address current economic hardship.

Onyebeadi states “Sir, not a few people are still wondering what your renewed hope agenda is all about. What hope is being renewed Sir?

“There is palpable hunger, despair, insecurity, wanton killings and unwarranted abduction of citizens for ransom from their homes, as it was, if not worse now, with your immediate past predecessor in office. Is that the hope that is being renewed by your administration Sir?

“You have already set an eight point agenda for your administration. That is fantastic Sir! But, going by past antecedents, which government agenda under the operating fraudulent 1999 Constitution as variously altered has ever worked out as intended and/or indicated?”

He advised Tinubu as a former as a former Critic and Activist to concentrate on governance and “forget about the second term for now and use this time in the office as President to address the fundamental challenge plaguing the country without necessarily neglecting the primary purpose of governance.

“There is nothing more left to achieve in your political career Sir. You wanted to be President and you are now the President! Besides, time and tide don’t seem to be in abundance anymore!

“Please Sir, kindly collapse your 8 point agenda into just one! –  Restructure Nigeria peacefully now, as envisioned by the founding leaders of this country Nigeria prior to and at Independence in 1960. If you do 2 above, all other things will most likely fall in place naturally.

“Four out of the six geopolitical zones of the country are in full support of Restructuring the country as envisioned by the founding fathers of the country. Even at that, only a fraction of the remaining two geopolitical zones seem to withdraw support for it due to their imaginary ‘fear’ which can be easily allayed by proper enlightenment.

“All the materials needed to accomplish 2 above are already with you Sir. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel now. You have the El-Rufai’s report, you have the 2014 confab report with its draft constitution.

“There are also many other reports preceding the aforementioned. All that is required now is the political will and for the National Assembly to enable law(s) or evoke the doctrine of necessity to achieve 2  above.”

He was of the view that carrying out restructuring of the country should not be herculean task as it is a cardinal item in both the political party’s constitution and manifesto adding that “executing it  will be a very important fulfillment of your political party’s constitution and manifesto.

“If it is the only achievement of your government, you would have eternally etched your name in platinum even for future generations! Then, all that had plagued you hitherto would be easily forgiven if not forgotten!

“Do not procrastinate Sir. Procrastination is the thief of time! So, start the process of actualizing it now. If you do, be rest assured Sir that posterity will be kind to you.”

Why South-east Will Not Join Protest Over Hunger – Iwuanyanwu, Cites Discrimination, Threatens Court Action Over Creation Of States

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

“It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven. But when Igbo youths get involved, they are arrested, incarcerated and charged for serious offences”

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has, officially, explained why the Igbo will not join in the protests quickly spreading across the Country over the unprecedented hardship being suffered by Nigerians.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, is the apex socio-political and cultural group of Nigerians of South-east extraction.

No thanks to the unprecedented hunger, from State to State, angry Nigerians are trooping out in  protest of the scary situation.

However, no Igbo group or State has joined in the protest. This prompted a vocal academic/politician of Northern extraction, Professor Usman Yusuf to, in an interview with Arise Television, wonder why the Igbo have remained quiet in the face of the protests rocking other ethnic groups over the hardship in the land.

In an apparent response to the Professor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Monday  in Enugu explained why. He asked Nigerians from the South-east geopolitical zone not to partake in any  planned national protest.

There are alleged plans by some groups urging that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora should embark on protests over the crushing economic hardships in the country.

Chief Iwuanyanwu, revealed that even though he had received entreaties asking him to call Nigerians from the geopolitical zone to join in the violent demonstration across country, he would never do it, and that Ndigbo will not join.

He wondered why the Igbo would join when they have always been discriminated against, even in the creation of States. He threatened to go to Court over the non-creation of an additional  State in the Zone if that was not done soon.

Iwuanyanwu: “As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or in the diaspora should join any protest against this government.

“I am still studying the situation and I have asked those who made entreaties to me to tell me what their position was prior to the current administration.

“I have asked what they did when Igbo land was disenfranchised in the past.

The current economic crisis in Nigeria is unfortunate, but  I will convene a meeting of top Igbo economists and experts to strategise on how to overcome the hardships.

“The economists and experts would proffer advice to President Bola Tinubu on the economy, and Igbo would rally round the President to ensure that he completed his tenure.

“Igbo are opposed to military rule and prefer a democratic government where we can express our views.

“Youths all over the world are very restive and sensitive to issues affecting their future. In Nigeria, Igbo youths and youths from other tribes at various times have expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country.

“It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven; but when Igbo youths get involved they are arrested, incarcerated and even charged for serious offences.

“For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for Igbo.

“Many Igbo, including Governors, Lawmakers, Religious leaders, Traditional Rulers, and Business leaders pleaded for the release of Mazi Kanu without success.

Many Igbo youths are in Correctional Centers over flimsy reasons.

“Most of the Igbo are in the Southeast and the region is sadly marginalised in all ramifications as it is the only geopolitical zone that has only five states.

“This situation has cost us billions in financial losses. It has also cost us losses in political appointments and legislative representations.

“In 2005 and 2014, we raised these issues at various political conferences.

“All men of goodwill at the conferences agreed that it was unfair for the Southeast to have only five states.

“They recommended that an additional state be created in the Southeast, but up till today, this has not been done.

“This statement should serve as a notice that if no step is taken by the Federal Government and the National Assembly to create an additional state in the Southeast, I would go to court.”

Nigeria Seeks Partnership With Qatar On Security, Tourism Development

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the pathetic state of the nation’s security, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has urged the Qatari Government to partner with Nigeria to boost the nation’s security and tourism development.

Wike said that the nation is ready to seek partnership with the Qatari Government to assist Nigeria in improving its security apparatus as well as tourism development in the country.

He made this call during Qatari’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Al-Hajri’s visit to his office in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

The Minister noted that Qatar has a lot of influence in the international community due to its economic potential and level of development.

He said that FCT was open to cooperation on tourism and security that would be mutually beneficial to both  countries.

According to him, tourism and security are top priorities in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“I will be happy if we can have a relationship, particularly as it relates to tourism. We have a lot of potential here that we can explore in terms of tourism with Qatar. So, it will be in our interest if you can explore this.

“We are willing to give out land for the building of a tourist center. We are willing to see how we can partner with people outside Nigeria to fully complete the Millennium Tower and Cultural Centre, which are the main tourist centres in Abuja.”

Wike said the FCT recorded appreciable achievements in terms of security and the provision of infrastructure due to  President Tinubu’s efforts to change the narratives in the country.

He also pledged the commitment of the FCT administration to continue to provide support to all foreign missions in the nation’s capital.

“You will agree with us that in the past few years, it wasn’t that good, but things are moving on.

“ We are ready to cooperate with you in terms of security. It’s very key. Yes, there was a time when it did appear that we had some security issues. But as it is today, there is a lot of difference.

“ Security is one of the eight-point priorities of the President’s renewed hope agenda. So, we can assure you that we will make it very convenient for all our friends who reside and carry out business in Abuja,” the minister said.

Responding to what Wike said, Al-Hajri said Qatar was ready to increase bilateral relations with Nigeria, adding that opportunities existed for investments in the tourism, education, and health sectors in the FCT.

He added that Abuja was one of the biggest capital cities in Africa with investment potential.

Even In Death, Late Ondo State Gov Akeredolu Remains An Enigma, Tributes Pour In As For Him

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Wife honoured by First Ladies

The remains of the former Governor of Ondo State Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will arrive his country home, Owo, Ondo state on Thursday.

Burial programme for Akeredolu, who died on December 26, 2023, commenced last week with activities in his honour held in Ibadan, Oyo state, where he sojourned and practiced law before he became Governor.

Torrent of Tributes were poured on the late Governor  as notable politicians, professional colleagues, Church members, and other stakeholders gathered to honour him at the Evening of Tributes and Service of Songs.

The event held at the Jogor Centre in Ibadan on Monday, witnessed an emotional outpouring of heartfelt tributes for the late Akeredolu.

Each speaker at the event, eloquently described the late Akeredolu as a champion of the voiceless and a defender of the people of the Southwest region and the entire nation.

Distinguished guests in attendance at the Evening of Tributes and Service of Songs included Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, and his wife; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

The late former Governor’s widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, received special honour as First Ladies from across the country attended the event.

Notable among them were the Wife of Kwara State Governor; Amb. Dr. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq; Wife of the Ekiti State Governor,  Olayemi Oyebanji, Wife of the Lagos State Governor,  Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Gloria Diri; Titilola Adeleke, the Wife of the Osun State Governor; Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, the Wife of the former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, among others.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Fayemi, paid tribute to the late Akeredolu, saluting his exceptional qualities in the political arena.

He said: ”I witnessed his trials and triumphs up close. He was a dear friend, a trusted adviser, and a pillar.

“As a lawyer and politician, he achieved great success. But his greatest achievement lies in the countless lives he touched. He was the voice of the voiceless.

“As the Chairman of the Southwest Governors, he was the Commander-in-chief in defending the defenseless people of the Southwest.

“His relentless advocacy for community policing has now gained widespread acceptance, transcending political affiliations. His greatest joy was serving the public good and building a united nation. He fearlessly spoke truth to power.”

In his brief message, Venerable  Dr. S.F.O Jolayemi emphasized the lifelong commitment of the late Akeredolu to serving the Lord until the very end.

He described him as a man who was deeply loved and had a profound impact on many lives.

The cleric reminded the congregation that everyone has a date with death, stressing that no one can live for 200 years. He urged people to live well and leave behind a positive legacy.

Other speakers at the event included a childhood friend of the late Governor for over 60 years, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola; Sir Biyi Adesanya; former Special Adviser to the late Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties,  Mr. Dare Aragbaiye;  a family friend, Mr. Ayo Sotirin; a friend and professional colleague, Prof. Wole Akintayo among others.

Before his body begin its homeward journey to Owo, a Commendation Service will be held at All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan.

Protests Rock NAFDAC Office Over Ban On Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The ban on Sachet Alcoholic Drinks that is less than 20cl has continued to generate uproar from the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, DIBAN, and their employees. They stormed the office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC on Tuesday to stage a protest against it.

The protesters stormed the Lagos Office of NAFDAC at the Isolo area of the State with placards with different inscriptions. “Let poor Nigerians breathe,” “Let beverage workers breathe,” amongst others.

Since the announcement of the ban by NAFDAC and its enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets, and glass bottles of 200ml and below on February 1, 2024, there has been call for the Commission to rescind its decision, as it was alleged that over N2.4 Billion will be lost by stakeholders.

But NAFDAC’s boss, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye has said no such beverages were registered with the NAFDAC, and that the ban stays.

On February 13, 2024, members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association of Nigeria gave NAFDAC 14 days to reverse its ban on sachet alcohol.

The association, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), issued the threat during a protest at the NAFDAC headquarters in Abuja, but NAFDAC remained defiant.

Members of the association threatened to spread the protests across the Agency’s offices nationwide if nothing is done about it.

Hardship: Your Wristwatch Worth $750k, Netizens Hit Seyi Tinubu After He Told Nigerians To Endure

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu son has incurred the anger of Nigerians after he advised them to endure the current hardship in the country.
Not a few Nigerians have accused government officials of living in opulence despite the current hardship many people are facing in the country.
The hardship, they insist, started following the removal of fuel subsidy last year by the President.
Other economic policies introduced by his administration, including the floating of the naira has brought untold hardship to not a few Nigeria, according to experts.
Many Nigerians have moved to the street in the last few days  in protest of what they are going through, calling on the authority to intervene.
But Seyi in his response to the complaints said Nigerians should be ready to endure more to enjoy a better future.
The president’s son had shared in one of his verified social media platforms, Tinubu’s last year’s independence message where he pleaded with Nigerians that things would soon get better.
“There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future,” the president said last October during his national broadcast to mark the nation’s independence.
Hitting back at Seyi, one netizen said the president’s son cannot expect Nigerians to continue to suffer while he’s living and ostentatious lifestyle, citing his wristwatch worth close to $1 million.
The Instagram user named @King_ando1 in his response to Seyi’s post said:  “The most painful part is that this n*gga got a Richard Mille on his wrist while typing hardship.” The most affordable of a Richard Mill timepiece goes for about $48,000. While the Richard Mille RM 69 retails for around $750,000.”
The netizen is right that government officials and their families are not prepared to make sacrifices for the country to get better.
On Monday, it was revealed that a whopping $4.5 million was spent on maintaining one of the aircrafts in the presidential fleet last year.
That sum is enough to transform the lives of many Nigerians who are currently living in abject poverty, critics of the administration said.

Electricity Coy Serves Aso Villa, NSA, 10-Day Disconnection Notice

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Aso Rock

Nigeria’s Aso Villa has been served a notice of disconnection by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company over failure to pay power bill.

The Villa hosts Nigeria’s presidency, and has been declared one of the chronic debtors owing the electricity companies over N47 billion.

This was made known on Monday by the company which has threatened to disconnect the debtors within 10 days if they failed to pay up.

Over 86 federal ministries and parastatals, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, were listed by the company for owing various sums.

According to the breakdown of the debt Presidential Villa owes the the sum of N923.9 million; the National Security Adviser owes N95.9billion; the Ministry of the FCT owes the sum of N7.57billion, while the supervisory Ministry of Power is indebted to the tune of N78 million.

“The relevant MDAs are hereby given notice that the AEDC shall after the expiration of 10 days from the date of this publication, that is, after Wednesday, 28th February 2024, embark on disconnection of our services to them until they discharge their obligations to us by paying their debts,” Abuja disco said.

Meanwhile, those watching what is going on in the power sector have described the notice as a mere threat that cannot be implemented, saying the discos are only engaged in a subtle blackmail of the federal government, an excuse on why they cannot ensure stable power in the country.

Edo: Fmr Gov Calls For Cancellation of APC Primaries, Says Votes Allocated To Idahosa

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Oserheimen Osunbor

Former Governor of Edo state, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor has demanded the cancellation of the recent governorship primary election conducted by his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives was declared the winner of the controversial election by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, the chairman of the Election Committee.

Since the election was conducted last week, other candidates have also declared themselves winner.

They include Monday Okpebholo and Anamero Dekeri, amongst others.

Declaring Idahosa winner of the election said the aspirant secured 40, 453 votes to beat other aspirants.

Not a few have raised questions in the manner the APC conducted the rancorous primary election, with some saying if the party did not put its house in order it would affect its chances in the governorship election slated for September this year by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Speaking on why the election should be cancelled Osunbor said three candidates cannot emerge to represent the party.

Also, the former governor stated that there was no record that the election was conducted by APC officials sent from Abuja to do so, adding that “there is no record or video of any of them preforming their assigned roles in the election.”

Osunbor who spoke to journalists in Benin the state’s capital said what happened was the “allocation of votes by some persons in Benin to each of the aspirants.”

He said in part: “There is no record or video of any of them preforming their assigned roles in the election at their respective designated points.

“Specifically, in my own Ward 6 of Esan LGA, where over 200 members assembled and were eagerly waiting, no electoral official of the party turned up.

“In fact, there was no election anywhere in Esan West and other LGAs including Akoko-Edo  and Etsako West. I was aghast and in disbelief when I saw a video of the purported result of Esan West election being announced by a lady said to be a retuning officer.

“What we saw on television was not result of election but allocation of votes by some persons in Benin to each of the aspirants.

“In the end, two candidates have been announced as winners. Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Denis Idahosa in a primary election that was never held or was not conducted in accordance with the law and guidelines. This charade confirms the widespread suspicion that there is a deliberate plan by some people to create crises in Edo state APC, instigate bitterness among the members and set the public against the party in order to aid the victory of the presumed PDP candidate.

“They are labouring to present a weak APC candidate that will be easily over-run and defeated by the presumed PDP candidate during the election. They are not working in the interest of APC but of PDP. We must avoid a repeat of the scenario which lead to the defeat of APC in 2020,” Osunbor said.

Jigawa To Establish Islamic University, Partners Islamic Bank, Arab Bank To Drive $50m Investment

By
The Source
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0

By Daniel Maduka

In a bid to advance the socio- economic landscape of Jigawa State , Governor Umar Namadi on Monday February 19 2024 led a high powered mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The mission which include  top government officials from the state ministries of Education, Finance and Agriculture ,is seeking to attract investments in the region of $ 50 million to the state.

A statement issued  by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, said the mission ,while in Saudi, will among other things seek to establish a good working relationship with such international financial Institutions as the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and interested investors based in the Holy Land.

The goal ,according to the statement ,is to attract investments in excess of $ 50 million cutting across Agriculture, Education and the Health sectors.

The mission is also expected to initiate discussions and agreements with the World Assembly Of Muslim Youths which will lead to the establishment of an Islamic University and 11 Islamic Centres across Jigawa state,with a view to increasing access to quality education ,as well as engendering intellectual development among the people.

” In the Health sector the delegation will be exploring collaborative opportunities to conduct health and medical outreach programmes ,focusing particularly on corrective eye surgery .

Monday February 19 20246⁶

This collaboration aims to address crucial healthcare needs and enhance the well- being of the people ” the statement further stated

In an interactive section with the media before departing for the Holy Land, Governor Namadi, harped on the compelling need to leverage international financial institutions as the Islamic Bank and Arab Bank  in driving investments and sustainable development,for the creation of opportunities for the good people of Jigawa State.

“The three collaborative fields- Agriculture, Education and Health, form part of Governor  Namadi’s 12 -point blueprint aimed at advancing the state.” the statement noted.

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