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Wike/Fubara Fîght:  Rivers Govt Approvés N20bn For Bûrnt  Assembly Complex Réconstruction

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike and Simi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The smearing battle of wits in Rivers State between political godfather, Nyesom Wike, and  godson, Governor Sim Fubara, in the days ahead, will cost innocent tax payers of the State ,a whopping sum of 20 billion Naira.

The amount is what will be used to reconstruct the State’s House of Assembly Complex vandalized and torched in the early days of  the political brick bat .

The Source reports that following an alleged attempt by about 27 pro- Wike Lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amawfule to initiate impeachment process against the Governor, his supporters had mobilized and stormed the Assembly Complex in protest ,resulting in some parts being vandalized and burnt.

Governor Fubara  subsequently announced the sealing up of the Complex ,insisting that it requires a complete reconstruction before being put in to use .

Rising from an Executive Council meeting on Friday, June 8, 2024, the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Special Projects Rowland Obed-Whyte,  informed that the State Government has approved the sum of N19.5 billion for the reconstruction efforts.

According to him, the contract has been awarded to the construction giant Monier Construction Company, MCC ,with nine months completion dateline .

Obed-Whyte, who addressed the Media after the Council Meeting, noted that when completed, the Assembly Complex will stand out among its peers across the country.

Giving an insight into how  the Complex will look like after completion, the Permanent Secretary, stated that  it will comprise 34 en suit offices, a two storey building equipped with  elevator, a gallery,a conference Hall and meeting rooms.

Similarly, the scope of work will also cover the renovation and refurbishment of other existing structures within  the Complex which were not demolished..

After the Assembly Complex showdown between Governor Fubara’s supporters and those loyal to Wike ,the 27 State Legislators had announced their  defection from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, a development  which led to only five of the State law makers queuing behind the Governor.

The Assembly Complex confrontation has since given birth to a long chain of conflicts between the otherwise two political soul mates pre-2023 General  Elections, with no one for now having an inkling  about its terminal point.

Why We Räided Nité Clubs In Ondo – EFCC, Confirms Arrést Of Groom-to-be

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has confirmed that its Operatives raided some night clubs in Akure, Ondo State, Capital early Saturday morning.

Reacting to what it described as a sting operation, the Commission explained that it was aimed at effecting the arrest of a suspected fraudster on its wanted list.

The raid on some spots and lounges led to the arrest of some persons,  including a Groom-to-be and friends.

The Commission explained that the operation was carried out after a thorough intelligence gathering which led them to the lounge where the alleged fraudsters were staging a party.

The operation, it was gathered, involved several lounges in Alagbaka area of the State Capital, resulting in the arrest of about 50 persons suspected to be internet fraudsters, also, known as Yahoo boys.

Sources said two Military Personnel were injured in the operation, including the arrest of a youngman who was celebrating his bachelor’s eve in one of the lounges.

The Agency’s ’s spokesman, Dele Oyedele, said it was an early morning stinge operation.

“No soldier was injured. The operation was carried out to round up some internet fraudsters holding a Yahoo party.

“They were supposed to hold the party on Wednesday, and when they found out that we knew about it, they moved it to Saturday.

“The arrest was a result of diligent operation and we had followed them carefully before we eventually went for the arrest.”

Mr Oyewale added that those arrested were in the Agency ’s custody in Ibadan and were undergoing profiling.

He noted that “detailed briefing would be given after some work was done on the identity of those arrested and the items recovered from them.”

President Tinubu Nämes Abuja Highwäy After Chinua Achebe

By
Ayodele Oni
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Chinua Achebe

By Ayodele Oni

In continuation of his administration’s lust to honour prominent Nigerian Writers and Novelists, President Bola Tinubu has approved the naming of the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after renowned novelist, Chinua Achebe.

The President announced this during his address at the inauguration of the road in Abuja on Saturday.

A post by Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, confirmed the president’s gesture.

He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Commissions the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District of Abuja. Names road after Nigerian Novelist and Poet, late Prof Chinua Achebe.”

President Tinubu, few days ago, officially named the Arterial Road N20, stretching from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), as Prof Wole Soyinka Highway

Wäges: Päy Civil Servänts And Legislätors Säme – Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN

By
The Source
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Jibrin Samuel Okutepa

I think time has come to put every worker in Nigeria, including Nigerian politicians, on the same minimum wage as civil and public servants. The cost of maintaining some people who forced themselves on Nigerians in the name of leadership and governance is too heavy a burden on our economy.

The humongous amount of allowances being paid from public treasuries to politicians and political office holders in Nigeria is responsible for the electoral frauds and malfeasances in our democratic journey. What work are those in the National Assembly doing to justify the take-home pay and the allowances being dolled out to them. What makes them more special and important than other civil servants.

There is too much inequality in the governmental system we run. Those in the executive and / or those holding elective political offices should also be put on the same minimum wage. The ongoing strike would not have been necessary if Nigeria was not running a system of “monkey dey work baboon dey chop” kind of democratic mockery.

See the kind of SUV cars that were acquired for some politicians in our body politics. Only a few members of the National Assembly rejected it. Just see how comfortable some people are on free meals in our country. What a wastage and wasteful venture. Those who real do the work don’t get paid.

The other day, I read that the government of Nigeria is subsidising pilgrimage with about 90 billion Naira.

Yet the Nigerian constitution says Nigeria is a secular state. Nigerian government has too many misplaced priorities. Check some state courts and see how dilapidated the courts are. Judges in those states have no functional cars and equipped facilities to work with.

Look at our public educational institutions and see how underfunded and underdeveloped they are. We live almost in darkness on a daily basis because those who have the responsibility to give us enough energy have pocketed the money meant for the energy supply. The social amenities are in total mess. Go to government hospitals and health care centres. There is nothing there to save lives.

The costs of living in Nigeria have become totally out of control. Nigerians are almost becoming beggars in their own law. Government officials, in most cases, are living in affluence and luxuries while ordinary Nigerians are living in squalor.

These inequalities and injustices in standards of living have fuelled many of the insecurities and banditry in our land. Nigerian government must do something. Many families across the country can not feed again. Poverty in the land is terrible. The government must be sensitive to the plights of the masses. Life is too tough for most people. We must not pretend. All is not well in the land.

Okutepa is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN

Räid On Nité Clubs In Ondo: EFCC Should Respect Humän Rights – Reps Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, Agboola Makinde has said that the mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s, (EFCC) mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights.

Makinde, member representing Ondo East/West Federal constituency, condemned the raid on some nightclubs and lounges in the Akure the Ondo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday.

During the early morning raid, some guests including a groom and friends that were holding bachelor’s eve party were whisked away.

Makinde, in a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, copies of which were made available to journalists on Saturday, described the raid as invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

The statement reads in parts: ”The news about the EFCC raid at Signatures club is quite disturbing. I actually spoke with the Head of the team. He informed me that they have their orders and intelligence report. I’ll admonish our people to remain calm while this matter is investigated and resolved.

“Absolutely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.

“However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

“Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

“Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

“The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

“I’ll activate the State Director of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies”

“El-Rufai’s Government The Mőst Cőrrupt In The Histőry Of Kaduna State” – Shehu Sani

By
The Source
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Shehu Sani and Nasir El-Rufai

By Akinwale Kasali

Shehu Sani, a former Lawmaker and Human Rights Activist, has come hard on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Sani labeled his eight-year administration in the saddle as the most corrupt in the history of Kaduna State.

Sani alleged that the embezzlement and monumental fraud that happened under El-Rufai’s administration has plunged the State into the financial comatose it is facing.

He added that the mismanagement of public funds under the El-Rufai administration cannot be swept under the carpet as it is presently having a toll on the State, its development, both economical and otherwise.

Responding to questions on the economic position of the State, he said, “I was a lone voice in calling for transparency, accountability and probity in the way the finances of Kaduna state government was mismanaged from 2015-2023. In that process, I received a lot of attacks, persecution and threat to my own life. But I remained consistent and I refused to be silent, because I knew very well that that government is one of the most corrupt government in the history of our dear state Kaduna. As a senator from 2015-2019.

“ I opposed the loan of which the government of El-Rufai applied and seek to get from the world bank because I foresee what is about to happen, it’s not about prophecy, because I knew that government was opaque, it had no regard for public opinion, it had no regard for transparency and die process”.

It would be recalled that Sani and El-Rufai had a very tough political battle which cost Sani’s  re-election to the  Senate.

El-Rufai threw up Uba Sani, the current Governor to contest in the same Senatorial District as Shehu Sani. Uba Sani won that election and became the Senator to replace Shehu Sani.

It was Uba who voted for the loan request of the El-Eufai Government to be approved.

Things have however taken a new twist as the Kaduna State House of Assembly have submitted their recommendations to the governor and are asking for him to act on them expeditiously.

Shehu Sani, on the recommendations made by the lawmakers, said , “they are now aligning with my own thoughts, aligning with my own thinking and my position that has been for eight years.

“There are many of them in the Assembly today who were opposed to me and who were opposed to what I stood for, but look at what has happened today?

“The report has come out from the Kaduna state house assembly. It has never happened before, where a government was thoroughly probed and it has been found out that this is what has been looted and misappropriated.

“Go to the streets of Kaduna today and you will see projects that have been abandoned. The essence of borrowing money is to tie it down to projects that will benefit your people.

“I must send this clear warning to the state house of assembly and government of Kaduna state, If they don’t move to recover our money we start an open opposition against them, because as far as I am concerned I will not sit and watch my state being wrecked and some people sit down somewhere and issue statements?

“They should be happy that it is not Shehu Sani that is the Governor, because they will not be having the benefit of issuing statements”, Sani said.

Ondo: EFCC Arrésts Groom Féw Hours To Wédding, 59 Others Whiskéd Away

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
EFCC Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

A sting operation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) in Akure, Ondo State Capital, early Saturday morning has led to the arrest of a groom and his friends.

Report indicates that the groom, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained and friends, were holding a bachelor’s eve party at a Night Club located in Alagbaka GRA.

Early Saturday morning viral report on social media on the incident reads “In the early hours of Saturday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on several lounges and event venues located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, the capital city of Ondo State.

“During the operation, more than 50 individuals, suspected to be involved in internet fraud, were apprehended by EFCC operatives.

“Notably, among those detained was a soon-to-be groom who was celebrating his Bachelor’s eve with friends at one of the targeted clubs.

“The raid, which occurred around 1 am, involved EFCC personnel arriving in various vehicles and reportedly included instances of gunfire.

“Furthermore, authorities seized numerous vehicles, laptops, high-end smartphones, and other items during the operation.

“They were entering the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up and arresting them. They don’t care who you are, even two soldiers were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs.

“They also went away with a groom and his friends at a club, he was there for his bash eve, so sad as they profiled everyone as Internet fraudster.”

Already, the Ondo State Capital is now tension- soaked as the development is currently generating angry reactions on social media platforms making some youths to be regrouping to stage peaceful protest against the inhumane treatment of the victims by the EFCC.

It was gathered that some angry youths said, “No warrant of arrest will state that they should gain forceful entry into a nightclub,teargas random clubbers, molest them and enforce mass arrest. The warrant of arrest will be for specific suspects/targets.

“It is shameful that the Ondo state police command could collaborate in wrecking this unjust treatment on us. We will call for an immediate transfer of the Ondo state CP, we have lost confidence in his ability to protect our rights, he should go for further professional training,” some of the posts read.

“If we must show seriousness, the protest should have started from Signatures that night to alert the consciousness of Akure people since there is no time table for protest, no time is too bad.

“Ondo State entertainment circle and show promoters should not be silent on this, Sweat and blood were invested to build Ondo State night life to this level, Akure was once written off.

“This is a Waterloo, a decisive setback on the thriving Entertainment and social growth of Ondo state.”

As at the time of filing this report, EFCC is yet issue any statement concerning the raid.

Abia: Building Collapsés, Claims Fivé Livés, Injurés Many,  Othérs Still Trappéd

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abia Building Collapse

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than five persons were, late Friday evening, June 7 2024, feared dead ,with several others severely injured, while some are strongly believed to be trapped in  the rubbles of a collapsed three-storey building still under construction in Obingwu in the oil rich Ukwa West Local Council of Abia state.

This is just as the member representing the Ukwa West /Ukwa East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly ,Chief Chris Nkwonta,  expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead ,and the good people of Obingwu-Asa over the unfortunate incident.

Witnesses  attributed the building collapse to the use of substandard materials and poor supervision efforts on the part of  the  handlers.

As at the time of  reporting, rescue and evacuation efforts were ongoing, with Security Agents and other public spirited individuals battling to clear the scene and rescue trapped victims .

Hordes of artisans are believed to be trapped in the rubbles.

Although,the owner and contractors in charge of the collapsed building ,are at large ,deafening calls for an inquest into the causes of the sad incident have continued to rent the air ,with many expressing disgust over  the abysmal quality of the materials being used in the construction efforts.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June,8, by his media aide, Ugwunba Adiele ,the Federal Lawmaker said he is greatly saddened by the tragic incident which has claimed the lives of five of his constituents.

He lamented that the building collapse is yet another tragedy that has befallen the people in recent times.

The Source reports that the unfortunate development, is coming just as the people of Asa  are still smarting from the death of one Miss Ocheze a Crane operator  with a Chinese Firm- Inner Galaxy ,about three weeks ago ,who was alleged to have been pushed down from a crane by her Chinese boss for refusing his love advances.

Hon Nkwonta, however, commended the Abia State Government and Mayor of Ukwa West local Council for their prompt  response in rescuing those trapped in the collapsed building, as well as evacuating the victims, particularly the injured for medical attention.

” I sympathize with the people of Obingwu-Asa ,the good people of Ukwa West local Government Area, parents and relations of the deceased .

“While wishing them God’s consolation in this time of grief, I pray God to grant the injured speedy and complete recovery.” Hon Nkwonta stated

Scarcity Of Foöd, Essential Items: Imo Möves To Encöurage Farmers, Böost Agricultural Pröduce

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bid to ameliorate the prevailing scarcity and high cost of essential food items in the Country, the Imo State Government has announced plans to provide farmers in the State with some incentives to boost their activities and increase their output.

This is even as the Government has informed that it intends to hold a consultative parley with members of the State’s Chapter of All Farmers Association to  ascertain their areas of needs, as well as how the authorities could assist.

The State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Cosmas Madugba, who disclosed this in Owerri on Friday June 7 2024 said Government is set to assist farmers with fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and other implements with a view to encouraging them.

He noted that the present   administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma has resolved to accord agricultural activities  priority attention, and therefore willing to assist farmers in the state to grow and increase their production capacity.

“We know their (farmers)  predicaments and needs ,and the Government is not taking it lightly .We are ready to support them .

“The State Government is providing bags of  fertilizers,insecticides ,herbicides,and other farming implements ,that could reduce their pains and encourage them to take farming more seriously.

“The Governor has taken some proactive steps to reduce the challenges being faced by farmers in the state and guarantee the availability of food for the people.” Chief Madugba stated .

The Commissioner further noted that it is through ensuring adequate supply of food items that prices can be forced down, despite the removal of petroleum products subsidy which everyone appears to be blaming for the hard economic situation in the country.

“We are concerned as citizens and leaders. We have met and interacted with some farmers in the state and are ready to provide them with certain materials they require to achieve increased yields” Chief Madugba posited

He, however, advised farmers in the State to show more commitment, dedication and honesty, and make good use of the support being provided by the Government.

According to the Commissioner, those in the business of farming should be proud, and be assured of the support and encouragement of the state Government  which he noted has taken agriculture as a serious economic activity.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Again, Super Eagles Flops  Against Bafana Bafana

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana

By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico hangs in the balance after a lackluster performance by the Nigeria National Team against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the African Qualifiers.

The three-time African Cup of Nations Champions struggled all through the match to get the ball inside the net, forcing their South African counterparts to a 1-1 draw.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru salvaged a draw for Nigeria having seen the Super Eagles go behind in the first half courtesy of a Themba Zwane strike mid way into the first half.

Nigeria soccer fans and enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the poor performance of Super Eagles. Different posers are being raised over the technical ability of the Coach Finidi George led team.

With the draw, the Super Eagles in languishing in the Fifth position in the six Tteam log, with just three points in their last three games. The team played a 1-1 draw against Lesotho, Rwanda and South Africa.

Many Nigerians are scared that this could be a repeat of Qatar 2022 and Germany 2006 where the Super Eagles failed to get to the World Cup after making its maiden appearance at the World Showpiece in 1994.

Gbenga Atalese, a football analyst said that it is disappointing that a star- studded team like Nigeria could get a win on home soil against an home based South African team that has 98 percent of its players playing in its domestic league.

“It is a shame on Nigeria. We are toying the route that saw us miss the last World Cup. There is no creativity, no composure, the technical ability of the Coach is in doubt.

“I am disappointed. If we cannot beat Lesotho, Rwanda and South Africa, who then can we beat. We keep struggling and putting pressure on ourselves.

“What was Victor Boniface doing on the bench, with Paul Onuachu playing ahead of him, it is glaring that Coach Finidi doesn’t know what he is doing”, Atalese said.

Corroborating Atalese, Damilola Oluwaseun, a soccer enthusiast said he was really disappointed when he saw Onuachu starting ahead of Boniface, and queried the rationale behind Coach Finidi’s selection.

“Onuachu is a sluggish player and we saw his performance with Trabzonspor in the just concluded season, while Boniface was the star boy that propelled Bayer Leverkusen to its first Bundesliga title in over 110 years and you drop such prolific player for a lanky player that does not have bite in attack shows that our Coaching Crew are mediocres.

“Finidi is in the path to failure, they better sack him than us not going to the World Cup”.

The Super Eagles will slug it out with the Squirrels of Benin Republic in its Fourth match of the qualifying series and will unite with its former Coach, Gernot Rohr who salvaged a 1-0 win against the Amavubis of Rwanda in their qualification match to move to Third position in the log.

A failure to salvage a win for Nigeria shows that the team has a slim chance of making it to the World Cup.

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