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

By
The Source
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Uzoma Abonta

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

By
The Source
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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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dubri Oil- Edo State

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Police

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

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

By
James Orji
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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.

Wigwe: Police Deploy Heavy Security As Ex-Access Bank CEO Goes Home

By
James Orji
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Ahead the burial rites of the demised Access Holdings Plc Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe the Rivers state police command has deployed heavy security in the state.

The command made this known on Saturday stating that there was need to reinforce security considering the high caliber of people who will attend the burial of the former bank chief executive who lost his life, alongside wife, son in California, the United States of America, USA last month.

The magazine reports that Wigwe died in an ill-fated helicopter crash alongside others, including a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members on February 10 this year.

His remains and others have since been returned to the country, while burial ceremonies have been held in Lagos to honour the financial guru who is expected to be laid to his final place of rest in his home state this weekend.

Sources informer the magazine that the remains of the victims arrived the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday, after which they were moved in a convoy of vehicles to his hometown in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Considering that many top Nigerians are expected to attend the burial today, the police said it has made preparation ahead to make it a hitch-free event.

According to the Spokesman of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a supereminent of police, SP, the police has made solid arrangement to ensure that they are safe and secure during the burial.

Instructively, she stated that the command had deployed mobile police personnel from the 19 PMF, 30 PMF, 46 PMF, 55 PMF, 56 PMF, 58 PMF, State Intelligence Department, SID, and other undercover personnel from other police formations from the state.

She said: “This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the venue and its surroundings, upholding the solemnity of the occasion, and maintaining public safety throughout the proceedings.

“The Rivers State Police Command kindly requests the cooperation of all residents and attendees, urging them to comply with the directives of law enforcement officials and adhere to designated security protocols.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, psc, has emphasized the importance of residents remaining law-abiding and carrying out their lawful activities while showing respect and consideration for the solemn nature of the event.”

“The command stands ready to promptly address any security concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

“The Rivers State Police Command would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Herbert Wigwe during this challenging time,” Iringe-Koko said.

Insecurity: Obi Bemoans Worsening Situation, Says Abduction Of School Children Unacceptable

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The main opposition voice and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has decried the worsening security situation in the country.

Obi said it’s unacceptable that Nigerian children will not be allowed to learn in a secure environment because of criminals.

The LP standard bearer charged relevant authorities to put no stone unturned and ensure that children go to school and learn in a conducive atmosphere and citizens worship their creator and go about their businesses without hindrance.

Writing on the X handle platform, the former Anambra State Governor said “Just yesterday, I was lamenting the horrible spate of killings, terror attacks, and abductions in the country, while calling for more concerted efforts to combat the menace.

“We are again confronted with the ugly news of the abduction of over 200 pupils and students plus a teacher of local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.

And an attack on a Mosque in the same Kaduna, on Friday. He said it’s curious the situation in Kaduna  State with the highest number of military and other security institutions in the country.

“While every effort should be directed towards the safe release of the children, better security measures need to be implemented to avoid future occurrences.

Obi noted that “insecurity has continued to bear down on every sector of our national existence, its negative impact on education will be more devastating for the nation.

“We are already contending with an army of over 18 million out-of-school children, arising from the closure of schools due to insecurity. Further attacks on schools will only aggravate these numbers, drive more children into the streets, and add to the insecurity situation of the country.

“I once again appeal to the government, both state and federal, to explore all possible means to ensure the safe release of the abducted school children. I urge every Nigerian to continue to work and pray for the nation so that we can collectively conquer our challenges.

“We must ensure that every Nigerian child can pursue their dreams and aspirations in a safe and secure nation. This is our duty in the New Nigeria which is possible.

Kogi Bank Robbery: Police Go After Killers Of Constable

By
James Orji
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0

The bank robbery in Lokoja, Kogi state claimed the life of a police officer and one of the guards working with the banks, the state Police command said.

On Thursday, some dare devil armed robbers attacked the banks in Anyingba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The banks attacked are the branches of Access Bank and Union Bank.

Giving details of the attack, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bernard Onuoha, while visiting the scene of the incident stated that a detachment of policemen has been dispatched to the area to maintain law and order.

According to a statement signed yesterday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, William Aya, a Superintendent of Police, the state commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

He assured that perpetrators of the robbery attack will be arrested soon, and made to face justice.

Part of the statement read, “Consequent upon the Ayingba banks robbery as well as the attacks on police stations on Thursday 7/3/2024, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, today, 08/03/2024 visited the scenes for on-the-spot assessment, and vowed that the hoodlums will be apprehended.

“He equally ordered the deployment of tactical teams comprising PMF Personnel, Counter Terrorism, Quick Response and Intelligence Units in synergy with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the area.

“Meanwhile, one police constable paid the supreme price during the exchange of fire with the hoodlums, before the arrival of the reinforced team to the scenes and the attackers fled,.”

Finally, Tinubu Returns Subsidy On Petrol

By
James Orji
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Bola Tinubu

The federal government has finally owned up that it is now paying subsidy on petrol nine months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the policy has ended.

The revelation was made in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Thursday by Mrs Olu Verheijen, President’s Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy.

The presidential aide disclosed this to journalists while responding to posers on whether the government has returned to the old regime of subsidizing fuel.

Recall that the International Monetary Fund, IMF, recently claimed that the federal government had started paying subsidy to petrol marketers, making Nigerians to demand transparency over the matter.

Reacting to the issue yesterday, Verheijen stated that the federal government would do all it takes to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on Nigerians.

According to the presidential aide, it’s normal for government to intervene on behalf of the citizen when the economic situation is tough, stating that such actions are globalized standards.

She said; “The subsidy was removed on May 29. However, the government has the prerogative to maintain price stability to address social unrest. They reserve the right to intervene.

“If the government feels that it cannot continue to allow prices to fluctuate due to high inflation and exchange rates, the government reserves the right to intervene intermittently and that, does not negate the fact that subsidy has been removed.

“Fuel and electricity subsidies are costly, do not reach those that most need government support and should be phased out completely.

“So, if prices are moving, they reserve the right to intervene. It started in the US during COVID. There was a lot of expansionist moves but also subsidies.

“All governments deserve that right. And so if for whatever reason the administration has reviewed that it is not the right time to have prices continue to fluctuate given the level of hardship in the country, given inflation, the government has the right to intervene intermittently,’ she stated.

The IMF had in a statement last month said, the federal government has “capped retail fuel and electricity prices” possibly to “ease the impact of rapidly rising inflation on living conditions,” “thus partially reversing the fuel subsidy removal.”

The Breton wood based world body had demanded that the subsidies on petrol and others be faced out ‘completely’.

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