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Nigeria Air Fôrce Strikés In Imo, Destrôys Illégal Refinéries

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Airforce - NAF Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, has destroyed two Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) situated along the banks of Imo River.

The air strike was coming barely hours after the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, conferred with Governor Alex Otti on the setting up of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Abia State,

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a press statement, revealed that the illegal sites, located near Obiaku and in close proximity to the Imo/Abia/Rivers States borders, consisted of two tanks and a reservoir in one location and three tanks and two reservoirs in another location along the Imo Riverbank.

He observed that these sites were active, and authorization was sought and received for air strikes on the targets.

“Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, which destroyed the two sites, as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs.

“Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe will be intensified especially within the areas of interest in efforts at curtailing the activities of criminal elements.

“The successes recorded in destroying these IRS brings to fore the necessity of a NAF Base in Abia State, which Governor Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue.

“The NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations, yet again, underscore its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over the Nigerian skies, while collaborating with surface forces towards the safety and security of Nigeria and its citizenry.”

Côrruption Everywhére, As Kano Anti Graft Agéncy Séek To Unmäsk Thosé Béhind Fleécing Of Empôwerment  Béneficiaries

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State anti graft Commission has said that a full scale investigation into allegations of corruption against officials assigned the task of disbursing the state Government’s palliative measure to street hawkers has been launched.

The Source reports that on Friday June 7, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had in bid to take the hawkers of the streets and improve their wellbeing announced an empowerment package of  N50,000 each for about 465 street hawkers .

But a video clip widely in circulation has since unearthed a cesspool of corrupt activities by the disbursing  officials who are alleged to be coercing some of the beneficiaries to forfeit nearly 80% of the sum.

One of the beneficiaries in the video, stated that disbursing officials cornered them in batches ,cajoling and coercing them to forfeit N45 ,000 out of the donated N50,000.

“We are 100 in our batch that were cornered by the officials under a strict watch of their “boys” to comply in our own interest” Nura Isa one of the beneficiaries stated in the video.

In other cases of alleged under hand dealings disbursing officials were accused of denying some of the beneficiaries access to the disbursement venue,while lining up their cronies in place of the actual beneficiaries.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado warned that the anti corruption agency will not spare any one found culpable in the alleged fleecing of the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme ,no matter how highly placed..

The Chairman of the Kano State anti-corruption commission ,further insisted that, they will not allow some unscrupulous characters to undermine the integrity of the Government.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has stated that for the timely intervention of his administration in offsetting about a N1.3 billion debt the states candidates in last year’s NECO and NBAIS examinations would not have accessed their results.

In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Sanusi Bature, on Sunday, Governor Yusuf informed that the failure of the immediate past regime to pay N1.3 billion NECO and NBAIS fees grossly affected the education growth of thousands of kano students.

“Last year when Governor Yusuf took over  ,he discovered with nostalgia that students who sat for the NBAIS Examination from 2021-2023 could not access their results because of the failure of the previous administration to pay the relevant agency what was due to them.

“The administration met a backlog of liabilities of examination fees to the tune of N1.3 billion which have been paid and got Kano state students registered for NECO and NBAIS.

“In the year 2024, the State Government has approved for the payments of NECO and NBAIS registration fees to the tune of over N2.9 billion for 121,597 students that have credits in their qualifying examinations in public schools” the statement noted.

Kîlling Of Soldîers In Abia: Mîlitary Invädes Suspécted IPŐB/ESN Arochukwu Strông Hôlds, Kîll Six, Déstroy Cämps

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soliders on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In keeping with its vow to go after suspected killers  of five Soldiers on May 30, 2024, at a Military checkpoint at Obikabia junction near Aba the commercial hub of Abia state, the Joint Taskforce, Operation Udoka on Sunday June 9, announced the neutralization of no fewer than, alleged, six foot-soldiers of the militant arm of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra IPOB, the Eastern Security Network ESN.

This is even as  it has appealed to the good people of Abia state to continue to cooperate with Security Agencies in the fight to rid the State and Southeast region of criminal elements .

The announcement which was made on the official site of the military, noted that the operation which was conducted in the  Igboro Forest Arochukwu Local Council Operational base of the IPOB/ESN terrorists was targeted at fishing out the suspected masterminds of the gruesome attack and killing of five soldiers during the Biafra Day sit-at-home on May 30 .

“During the intelligence led operation ,troops encountered improvised Explosives Devices along their advance route, resulting in minor injuries to one soldier from fragment impacts .

“The terrorists feeble firefights were adequately subdued with superior firepower that led  to the neutralization of 6 members of the criminal terrorists group,while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds as blood stains were seen along their escape routes .

“The gallant troops recovered three locally fabricated Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers ,two locally fabricated Artillery guns with tripod and its bombs.

“Other items recovered include dane guns,Biafra flags ,as well as Toyota Tundra and Hilux vehicles that were burnt at the site. Also all of their camps with different inscriptions were destroyed.”

The Source reports that in the wake of the killings of the five soldiers ,the military high command had maintained that the military will retaliate against the  heinous development,in full measure.

In a statement issued by  its Spokesperson , Edward Buba ,a Major General,the Nigerian Military had said inter alia: “Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.

“The Military would be  fierce in its response .We would bring overwhelming pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat”

Agboola Ajayi, Ondo PDP Gov Candidate, Picks Reps Member, Akingbaso, As Running Mate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Agboola Ajayi

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has named member representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency,  Festus Akingbaso as Deputy Governorship candidate in Ondo November 2024 Governorship election.

Akingbaso, a former Ondo State House of Assembly member was named as running mate to replace Sam Ogunmusi, Media Aide to Ajayi, whose name was earlier forwarded as a place holder to beat deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Akingbaso, from central senatorial district,  was unveiled on Sunday by the PDP candidate after thorough scrutiny of names and credentials of prospective aspirants for the number two citizen slot.

Agboola/Akingbaso will face Ondo State Governor, Aiyedatiwa and others during Ondo 2024 poll slated for November.

PDP Deputy Governorship candidate for Ondo 2024 hails from Idanre local government regarded as the PDP domain in the state and one of the places that record huge votes during election.

Ondo NNPP Gov Cändidate, Edema Says States Häve Turnéd LGs’ Fund For Personäl Usé

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olugbenga Edema

By Ayodele Oni

The Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olugbenga Edema, has faulted the position of the Ondo State Government in opposing the suit filed by the Federal Government on the Local Government autonomy at the Supreme Court.

Edema said the autonomy of the Local Government Council would bring development to the grassroots and enable the third tier of government to perform its constitutional roles as guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo, SAN had on behalf of the Ondo state government filed a reply against the suit on the local government instituted by the Federal Government pending at the Supreme Court.

However, Edema said the state government under the All Progressives Congress, (APC) has crippled development at the grassroots by using the funds accruable to the third tier of government for personal aggrandizement.

The former lawmaker said he would grant local government full autonomy when he assumes office as the governor of the state on the platform of NNPP come 24th February 2025.

According to him, the governors who are against the local government autonomy have seen the funds at the local government as a way of stealing public funds and using such funds for purposes that are against the law of the land.

His words ” When elected under the platform of NNPP, I will ensure full local government autonomy and ensure the return of all markets to the Local governments.

“I will also make sure that tenement rate, vehicle stamps, market rates and all such legitimate rates due to the local governments, are collected and utilized by them.

“I don’t understand why the states see local government funds as a way to enrich themselves and render the council chairmen and appointees useless at the third tier of government by taking over their roles and funds.

“Many of the staff of the local governments in Ondo State no longer go to work because all their roles have been taken over by the State Government, contrary to the spirit and letter of the constitution which guarantee the existence of the local government.”

Edema said the people of the state should not allow Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to use the money meant for the development of the local government for election purposes.

“Ayedatiwa should direct the Attorney General of Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to immediately withdraw the opposition to the Federal Government’s case before the Supreme Court on the Local government autonomy. That is what the people of Ondo State want.”

How Ferdinand Agu Diéd In His Sleép Without A Whimpér, Anyim Appéals To God, Laménts

By
The Source
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Ferdinand Agu

By Charles Igbo

“God, please, change your mind and send him back. What is the meaning of cardiac arrest? What is the problem?” – Anyim

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, has one request from God. It is for God to bring back Ferdinand Agu to life, send him back to mother-earth, to the warm embrace of his family and friends.

Agu, a former Director General of the defunct Nigerian Maritime Authority, NMA, 2000- 2005, now renamed Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency, NIMASA, after it was merged with the, also, defunct Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council, JOMALIC in 2006, suddenly passed in the morning of Friday, June 7, 2024.

A shattered Anyim, who was, also, a former Senate President, is, like most people who knew Agu, finding it difficult to absorb and/or accept the finality of Agu’s passing. So, he has appealed to God for  reversal, and queries the possible cause of Agu’s death – cardiac arrest. “What  is cardiac arrest?”, Anyim asks nobody in particular.

The disbelief is not surprising, given the circumstances of Agu’s passing as gathered by this medium.

On the Friday Agu passed on, he was at a traditional wedding in Abuja where he chatted as usual with people. He was, or so everybody thought, strong, hale and hearty. He never complained of any pains or headache. No sign of any ill-health.

Agu left the venue of the wedding at about 9.00pm back to his home in Abuja. He, as usual, with his wife and other family members retired to bed.

According to a family source, at about 3.00am, he and his wife were up and discussed this and that, then,  slept off again. Then, the unbelievable.

By about 6.00am when his wife woke up, her husband was not up. She thought that was unusual, and  decided to wake him up instead. To her uncomfortable surprise, he did not respond. At once, confusion and shock set in. She raised an alarm and her beloved husband was rushed to hospital. She did not envisage that could be the end. But it was. For, at the hospital, Agu was declared dead.

A mourning  Senator Anyim described his reaction when he got that usually dreaded early morning call which broke the news of Agu’s passing to him in a statement he personally signed, released on Saturday.

Anyim said he did not believe it because it was like a malaria-induced dream.

So, his first action was to call the Clinic where he was told Agu was rushed to. He spoke to the Medical Doctor who confirmed Agu’s passing. Yet, Anyim was not convinced. He told the Doctor: “It may not be our own Ferdinand.”

So, Anyim jumped out of bed and rushed to the Clinic “only to behold my most dependable ally lying lifeless.” Anyim added: “The most traumatic moment was to watch the ambulance move to the morgue.”

Following is Anyim’s full statement.

I LOST A PILLAR AND A BROTHER: MR. FERDINAND AGU, MFR

“It was like a malaria induced dream. An early morning call came in to break the news. Obviously, I did not believe it. So I sought the phone number of the doctor at the clinic he was taken to, and he   confirmed it. But I responded, ‘It may not be our own Ferdinand.’ I jumped out of bed to the clinic to behold my most dependable ally, lying lifeless. The most traumatic moment was to watch the ambulance move to the morgue.

“Mr. Fredinand Agu is the most intelligent man I have met in the whole stretch of my public service. He is most dependable and available at any point of need. Ferdinand, you think for me, you write for me and you advise me. What would happen to that body of knowledge, brilliance, and candour. What is life all about? You were not sick for one day. What is the meaning of cardiac arrest? What is the problem? Why now when the nation needs you most?

“God, please change your mind and send him back, for he has many set goals yet to accomplish and so much more to offer humanity.

“God, have mercy.

“Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON”

Ferdinand Agu, hailed from Enugu State. An Architect by training, Agu was an all-rounder in every subject. A working encyclopedia, Agu was a Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, attached to the office of the SGF.

A very inspiring character, Agu was the Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences.

In his 60’s at death, Agu  held the National Honour of Member of the Federal Republic, MFR.

Kano: Gov Yusuf Déclares Staté Of Emérgency On Education Séctor

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano Sfate

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To arrest the fast and steady dwindling fortunes and quality of education in  Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf on Saturday June 8, 2024 declared a state of emergency on the sector.

The Governor who made the declaration at a ceremony held at the Open Theatre inside Government House Kano, regretted that the once vibrant sector which produced high profile players across all the  country’s socio-economic and political sectors  has, over the  years retrogressed abysmally, resulting in several thousands of out-of-school children, dilapidated educational facilities,and low quality of educational standard .

Governor Yusuf maintained that the state of emergency will afford the authorities the opportunity to adequately mobilise resources, implement urgent reforms, and focus on strategic interventions capable of rebuilding the system,with particular emphasis on infrastructural renewal and provision of all necessary materials.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday, June 9, the Kano State Governor noted that the revival of the education sector will pave the way for every child in the State to have access to quality education which he insisted is part of their inalienable rights.

He highlighted some of the steps taken and provisions made to resuscitate the sector to include a budgetary allocation of 29.95%  to the sector in the 2024 fiscal year, restoration of upkeep and overhead funds for secondary schools, setting up of about 300 laboratories, and the construction of one thousand blocks of classrooms in the next academic session.

Similarly, all boarding schools closed by the immediate past administration in the state, he said, will be reopened,while a comprehensive renovation of all primary  and junior secondary schools will be carried out .

According to Governor Yusuf, deliberate efforts will be made to ensure the enrollment of no fewer than 28,264 out-of-school children in the next three years.

The distribution of one free meal daily, and reintroduction of free school uniforms and other materials are some of the incentives lined up to swell the State’s primary and junior secondary schools enrollment figure .

” In the same vein, the State Government has offered full time employment to 5,632 Better Education Service Delivery For All,  BESDA, teachers, approved for hiring additional 10,000 teachers with intensified effort of continuous periodic training and retraining of teachers so as to achieve the vision of making “every teacher ,a caring educator”

He also revealed that “The Government has approved the disbursement of the sum of N300 million as soft loan to teachers working under the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB across the State.

“The over all objective of the declaration of state of emergency on education is encapsulated in the vision for education delivery in a statement viz:

“Every school,a good school; every child,enrolled child; every student,an engaged learner,;every teacher ,a caring educator; every parent ,a supportive partner,; and your government,a committed investor in human capital development”

In his remarks at the occasion ,former Governor of the State and the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, during the 2023 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso expressed happiness over the development .

He appealed to the people, particularly all stakeholders in the education sector to support the State Government in its desire to reposition and take Kano State to a new height.

He urged the newly employed teachers to show patriotism and commitment by accepting to serve in any part of the State.

President Tinubu Reiterätes Administration’s Commitment To People’s Welfäre

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu at Guzape District Lot II

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration prioritizes people-focused development through provision of essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.

President Tinubu made the remarks at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure at Guzape District Lot II, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele quoted Tinubu as saying “Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country.

“It has been a very challenging time for us in the country. We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country.

“You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done.

“To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer. Compensation is the answer.

“Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.

“Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria.”

President Tinubu, who commended the contractor handling the project, Gilmor Engineering Limited, emphasized that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country is not for personal enrichment or aggrandizement.

“I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment.

“That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us.”

In his remarks, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, explained that the contract initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Limited.

“Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect.”

The Minister disclosed that the development of the district, which covers 32 kilometers of road, had been fraught with litigations, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.

He said shortly before the present administration assumed office, the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.

Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.

“Since I assumed office as FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.

The FCT Minister, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district will be completed within one year.

Borno: Gov Zulum Händs Ovér To  Deputy, Procéeds On One Month Léave

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Professor Babagana Zulum

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Borno State Governor, Professor  Babagana Zulum, has officially handed over powers to his Deputy Alhaji Umar Kadafur.

Deputy Governor Kadafur will superintend over the affairs of the state in an Acting capacity from June 10 to July 8 ,while Prof Zulum will proceed on a one month leave.

This is coming amidst claims by the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Kebbi state ,that Governor Nasir Idris has been away from the State for an appreciable time now without officially transmitting power to his Deputy, Senator Umar Tafida .

The Borno State Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Abdulkarim Lawan, announced the development on Friday  June 7, 2024, during an emergency session.

He stated that the move is in sinc with the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it relates to a smooth transmission of power .

The Source reports ,that during his first tenure ,Prof Zulum also had cause to transmit power to  Alhaji Kadafur who also served in the same capacity as Deputy Governor, when he embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land .

“Borno State House of Assembly has received an Executive Communication informing the Members of handing over the activities of the office of the Executive Governor of Borno state to the Deputy Governor ” the Speaker stated .

Rt Hon.Lawan lauded the action of Governor Zulum adding that it makes for a smooth administration of the State.

In the same vein, the State Legislators have, also, proceeded on a month long  recess to reconvene on July 9 2024 .

Tinubu  Inhérited An Abnormäl Situätion From Buhari –  Dr. Okupe, Ratés Him  Abové Atiku, Obi

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Doyin Okupe

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr Doyin Okupe, former Director General to Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organization during the 2023 General Election has come out to say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the best amongst the then Presidential candidates.

Okupe who spoke on Channels Television News said that he had always advocated that no one should judge this administration with the way previous administrations were judged.

He stressed that President Tinubu met an abnormal situation before his administration came to light.

“After such a prostrate economy for eight years? The Buhari administration bastardized the economy. It was a government in which anything went at that time. Things became so bad that there was a time we were actually spending 90 cents out of every dollar we earned to pay debts, and that was the point at which this administration came in.

“I’m not giving this Government a chance, I’m giving them more than a chance. I was a Presidential aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in March 2022. And I said categorically that if Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins the primary for APC that he would do well. I knew he would do well, I said it categorically.

“This is a very bad time for anybody to want to administer this country. I don’t know why he decided to come, but this is a very bad time for anyone to be the President of Nigeria .

“Of all the people that contested for Presidential election in 2023, by benefit of hindsight, Bola Tinubu is the best. I have seen Peter Obi, I have seen Atiku and many people are not aware I knew Tinubu many years ago. We’ve not interacted in the last 7-8 years, but that is not the point. In terms of capability, commitment and understanding the art of leadership, he stands tall amongst the rest of them. I sat with him for 3 hours and he took me through what they were doing and what they would do when he was Governor of Lagos State, because he did a wonderful job in Lagos”.

It would be recalled that Okupe, on January 8, dumped the Labour Party citing ideological differences after the 2023 election as the basis for his departure from the party.

Okupe also was in December 2023 convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for money laundering to the tune of N700m. Based on his conviction, he quit as the DG for Obi’s Presidential Campaign.

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