I Never Asked Any LG Chairman In Ekiti To Give Me N1 Million Christmas Gift – Gov Oyebanji

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January 19, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed how immediate past Local Government Chairmen in the State, allegedly, used his name to defraud the councils to the tune of N35 million.

The Chairmen of Local Government 16 in number and 19 chairmen of Local Council Development Areas, (LCDAs) allegedly, got one million naira each from their respective Councils, claiming that they wanted to give the money to Governor Biodun Oyebanji as Christmas gift denied directing Local Government Chairmen to deduct N1 million out of the money approved for Christmas celebration in the state.

Oyebanji, who disclosed this in Ado Ekiti, at the opening of a three-day retreat for the newly inaugurated chairmen of local government councils in Ekiti State, clarified that he never made such request to the former chairmen.

The governor said: “Sometime around December 2023, I learnt that local government officials in each of the councils deducted N1 million out of the money approved for Christmas celebration and claimed they wanted to give it to me.

“I didn’t ask anybody to deduct any money for me. This might be true and it might not be true. If it was true, I didn’t get any money.

“Let me be clear I didn’t ask anybody to bring any money to me. And I didn’t collect any money. Henceforth, when you hear something of this nature, quickly contact me. Nobody should use my name for any fraudulent thing. I have made a covenant with God that such won’t happen under me.

“I am not going to touch your money, but I won’t allow you to spend it recklessly. Remember that humility in power is not a weakness, but a virtue.”

yebanji, however, urged the council bosses to undertake projects that are 21st century compliant to reduce poverty, unemployment, and solve most challenges associated with the local communities.

He said: “What I have noticed is that our people are stereotyped about local government system. This time, I don’t expect you to be buying rechargeable light that will be dead tomorrow or build markets that nobody will use.

“Nothing stops the LG from providing electricity for a town that has not enjoyed light for 10 years, because light is catalytic.

“I closed my eyes to some things done under the last LG administration to avoid rancour, but for you, we are in the same boat together. I can hold you accountable for any of your actions.”

Breaking: Supreme Court Affirms Abiodun, Oborevwori As Govs

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 19, 2024

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The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

The apex court also returned Sheriff Oborevwori as the governor of Delta state as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The elections of the two governors had earlier been affirmed by the Court of Appeal, but the verdicts of the appellate court were challenged by their opponents at the nation’s apex court.

While Oladipupo Adebutu challenged the victory of Governor Abiodun, Oborevwori’s election was challenged by Kennedy Pela, the candidate of the labour party, LP, in the March 18, 2023, governorship election.

Ruling on the appeals on Friday, Justice Tijjani Abubkar leading five-member panel of the court, in a unanimous judgment dismissed the appeal of Adebutu’s, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the election.

Also ruling in the Oborevwor’s case, the Justice Uwani Abba-Aji-panel held in the lead judgment, that the appellants failed to prove their case as required.

Justice Abba- dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

More to come…….

State Of The Nation: Clark Hits Buhari, Says Former Leader failed ‘Abysmally’

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 19, 2024

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari took the country back 50 years during his eight years in power, an elder statesman Edwin Clark, has said.

Buhari ruled the country between 2015 and 2023, his performance in office during the period has received mixed reactions from Nigerians.

Clark, the leader of the Southern and Middlebelt Leaders Forum, SMLF, was reacting to the public presentation of a book “Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)” written by Femi Adesina, the former president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

Buhari had said during the launching of the book that he did his best for the country while in power.

Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who attended the event stated that Buhari served the country with uncommon zeal, saying history will be kind to him.

Elder statesman Clark disagrees with the assertion that the former president transformed the country, rating him low in economy, justice, security, among others. Buhari failed woefully in key metric areas, the former Minister of Information said on Thursday.

After reading the book, the Niger Delta leader said, “What struck me most is the attitude and statement of former President Buhari who eulogised his achievements as President of the country during the occasion. This I must say, is contrary to the assessment of majority of Nigerians of his administration.”

He said further: “To most of us as Nigerians, Muhammadu Buhari failed abysmally as President. His administration was full of insecurity, economic collapse, injustice, religious bigotry and lack of direction.

“The eight years of his administration plunged Nigeria and Nigerians, five decades backwards. Even his successor, the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noted as much in his speech at the time occasion where Buhari was eulogising himself.”

The book launch which took place on Wednesday was attended by other prominent Nigerians such as Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state, Aisha Buhari, the wife of the former president, among others.

Free Press: Atiku Lauds Court Verdict On NBC

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 19, 2024

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Atiku Abukakar, a former vice president has lauded the recent verdict of a federal high court quashing the powers of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to impose fine on television and radio stations.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in last year’s election said the ruling will further enhance democracy as well as the promotion of free press in the country.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobi of a federal high court, Abuja had earlier in the week stopped the NBC from imposing fines on broadcasting houses in the country for violating its codes.

In the last few years, the regulator had sanctioned some media houses including AIT, Arise Television, TVC, amongst others for allegedly running foul of its rules.

The sanction had drawn condemnation from not a few Nigerians who described the action as media censorship.

Reacting to the court judgment, Abubakar said it will further strengthen democracy in the country.

The former number two citizen also lauded the Media Rights Agenda for dragging the NBC to court over the matter.

Abubakar said, “I have read reports about the judgement by a Federal High Court presided over by the Honourable Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia concerning the propriety of the NBC issuing fines to broadcast stations upon their editorial contents.

“I am happy to announce my support for the judgement of the court. I am even happier that the said judgement will further boost the ethos of democratic norms in our body politics.

“While I commend the court for this bold decision, it is adequate that we all recognize the courage of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) for having tested our laws on this draconian practice by the regulatory body.”

0ndo Governorship Election: No Automatic Ticket For Aiyedatiwa – APC

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Ayodele Oni

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January 19, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

As political gladiators in Ondo state are warming up to take a shot at the governorship, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has given insight into how its flagbearer for November election will emerge.

The APC outlined that all governorship aspirants will be made to face direct or indirect primary election without exemption.

The party maintained that even the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, if he has ambition, will not get automatic governorship ticket.

Also the zoning arrangement, which has been in vogue among all political parties in the state, which gives the ticket to any of the aspirants from the southern senatorial district is under threat as APC stated that no decision yet on this.

The governorship election has been fixed for November 16 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

APC national spokesman, Felix Morka, made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.

According to him, the ruling party is democratic and everyone who desires nomination must earn it.

When asked whether the APC would give Aiyedatiwa the right of first refusal ahead of the party’s primary for the November poll, Morka said, “We have not had that discussion, but we are a democratic party, we are a progress party; we don’t give anything to people; people have to justify and earn it.

“And it is not to us they have to justify their suitability, their qualification, or criteria, it is to the people of the state who are our members, who would participate in the direct or indirect primary.

“Whatever preference anyone may have, it is all subject to the democratic decision of the party members who will participate in our primaries.

“We don’t give free gifts in APC; we contest and we compete and we win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation.”

Morka also said he can’t pre-empt whether the governorship ticket would be zoned in Ondo or not. “We are yet to engage on zoning. We will explain to the people if and when we do that.”

Aiyedatiwa, who is yet to make his intention public, will complete Akeredolu’s second term by February 2025, is constitutionally permitted to run again for the office.

If the APC adopts the zoning arrangement on ground, it equally favours Aiyedatiwa.

South South Governors Set To Collaborate With FG On Infrastructural Development

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Ayodele Oni

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January 19, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Governors of the South-south Region have promised to collaborate with the Federal Government to develop infrastructures in the region particularly roads, rail development, fast train from Lagos to Calabar, the decentralization and rehabilitation of the seaports in the region as well as the management of security in the country.

The Governor’s ended a crucial meeting in Benin City, Edo state on Thursday, with a promise to reposition the BRACED Commission.

The governors emphasized that there was an urgent need for a review of the Nigerian constitution to allow more powers, resources and responsibilities to devolve to the states for faster economic growth and development, security and peaceful coexistence.

In a 16-point communique after the meeting Governor Godwin Obaseki, the newly elected Chairman of the commission, the governors pledged to revive BRACED, which had witnessed a long period of inactivity.

They recalled that the original goal of the commission was to promote regional socioeconomic development and integration that would be mutually beneficial to the states.

They assured that the council had an obligation to properly position and strengthen the commission to enable it to accomplish the region’s desire to foster economic cooperation and integration among states of the south-south.

The communique stressed that the challenges of the commission were surmountable and asked member states to join hands in addressing the problems as quickly as possible to enable the region to restart and accelerate its journey towards economic cooperation and integration.

The governors further resolved “to foster regional economic cooperation and integration to achieve sustainable development through the creation of a strong regional economy for the collective benefit of the people of the South-South.

“Establish and inaugurate the BRACED Business Council to forge closer partnership with the Council to improve the business climate and attract investors and businesses into the region.

“To direct the commissioners of environment and attorney-generals of the states to meet and collectively examine the feasibility of a regional environmental law and environmental blue carbon partnership.

“This is for the protection of the mangroves forest ecosystems of the South south and to work with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the benefit of the region.

In a brief report, the Director-General of the Commission, Amb. Joe Keshi noted that since its inception the rationale behind its establishment in 2011 had been to improve agriculture, education, environment, power, security and utilisation of sports to empower youths of the region.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Breaks Côte d’ Ivoire 57-Year Home-Soil Jinx, Records First Win At Continental Showpiece

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 19, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday broke a 57 year old soccer jinx.

The team needed a solitary goal from a spot kick converted by stand-in Captain, William Troost Ekong, to record its first win over Côte d’ Ivoire in that Country’s home-soil. For 57 years, Nigeria lost to the Ivorians in their home soil. It ended on Thursday.

Many had predicted that the Super Eagles will lose against the highly rated host, Elephants of Côte d’ Ivoire having recorded a draw against the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea in its opening fixture. But the three-time AFCON Champions proved their mettle as a formidable team in the Continent by proving bookmakers wrong with a victory.

Coach Jose Peseiro had made some minor changes in the squad that recorded a stalemate in its opening fixture by introducing Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze in the starting 11 and this. Paid off as both players were exceptional in the match.

Stanley Nwabali remained in goal with the team playing a 3-5-2 formation with Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, William Troost Ekong and Calvin Bassey as the three man in the Super Eagles defense, while Zaidu Sanusi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Ola Aina in the heart of the midfield.

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze leading the attack, to mount pressure on the Côte d’ Ivoire defense that included; Serge Aurier, Ousmane Diomande, Evan Ndicka and Ghislain Konan in the heart of the host defense.

Diomande Miskick Osimhen as the Super Eagles mount pressure on the host defense, the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, intervention however paid off as the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty to record its first goal of the competition that was comfortably converter by Troost Ekong.

With the Super Eagles victory, the team now has four points alongside Equatorial Guinea which recorded a 4-2 triumph against Guinea Bissau to go top of the Group.

The Super Eagles will file out against Guinea Bissau in their last Group A encounter in four days, aiming to win and qualify for the Round of 16.

Akeredolu, Bola Ige, Niyi Akintola, Oladokun, Lose Properties To Ibadan Blast

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 18, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

“What a way to start the New Year. I need your prayers, please” – Niyi Akintola, SAN

For the mourning family of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, it was another loss on Tuesday to the fatal Ibadan blast which claimed lives, injured scores and rendered over more scores people homeless. Billions of Naira were lost to the blast.

The family, still mourning the death of their patriarch lost a property to the blast. The property lost was a hospitality building.

This was revealed by Niyi Akintola, SAN, who, himself, lost his posh hotel- a 24-bed concern made up of eight suites, three chalets, and 13 standard rooms.

Other prominent Nigerians who lost properties to the blast include the late Chief Bola Ige and HE Iyiola Oladokun among others.

In a post where he bemoaned his fate, Akintola, the legal luminary wrote:

“This is what remains of my modest contributions to hospitality businesses in Ibadaland just after the explosions of last night in Bodija. It is a posh hotel in a posh area known as ‘House 40” on Dejo Oyelese Street . Bodiam.

“I recall that some of our colleagues on this platform who had at one time enjoyed the hospitality of the modest 24 beds which include 8 suites, 3 chalets and 13 standard rooms are Alariwo, Wole Iyamu SAN, H,E. Iyiola Oladokun (whose residence) that shared a fence with my house 40 was completely destroyed.

“Other members of the Bar whose properties were destroyed on the street include the Late Chief Bola Ige SAN, the late Chief Bandele Aiku SAN, and an hospitality building said to belong to the late Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN.

“My 3 Other properties on Alabiamo Street, Adeyi Street and Adenuga Street were also slightly damaged with removed roof, removed POP ceilings, sliding doors, air-conditionals and several electrical applications. Oh my God, it is terrible.

“As I write this with my hands trembling, some guests and 3 hotel staff are in the hospital but we thank God that no casuality was recorded. What a way to start a new year? I need your prayers please.

“NIYI AKINTOLA, SAN”

The Nation was jolted when a monumental blast, said to be the handiwork of illegal miners, wreaked unprecedented havoc in Ibadan, Oyo State.

As the Country mourns, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.

COVID-19 Fund Probe: House Of Reps Orders Ministry To Refund N75 Billion

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Ayodele Oni

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January 18, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Five Years after the outbreak of the dreaded COVID-19 killer disease, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has come hard on some Federal Government Ministries and Departments over how the funds were spent.

The Reps Committee has ordered the Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, along with its past and present Permanent Secretaries, to jointly refund a whopping sum of N75 billion to the covers of the federal government with immediate effect.

The Committee chaired by Bamidele Salam, PDP-OSUN, gave the directive on Thursday at the resumed probe of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government on alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds.

The Committee frowned that the Ministry had shunned the three invitations extended to it based on audit queries from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation on the alleged mismanagement of the intervention funds.

It also grilled the Officials of the Federal Ministry of Health over the alleged mismanagement of the intervention funds and directed the officials to reappear before it within seven days with relevant documents on how N10bn was squandered.

On the other hand, the Rural Electrification Agency was given 24 hours within which to submit its defence on the several billions of Naira allocated to it and to appear before it on Monday for the defence of the submission.

The Chairman, who vowed that the Committee would do everything to recover all mismanaged funds by the MDAs, declared that there would be no hiding place for the officials retired or serving responsible for such acts.

Former Emir Of Kano, Sanusi, Arumah Oteh Former DG SEC, Head Abia Economic Recovery Team

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The Source

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January 18, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

In what appears to be the boldest step in his efforts at rijiging the economy of Abia state ,Governor Alex Otti on Thursday January 18 2024 announced Former Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor,,and immediate past Emir of Kano. Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Lamido.,Former Director- General of Nigeria Security And Exchange Commission, SEC Aruma Oteh and 18 other eminent personalities as members of Abia state Global Economic Advisory Council ( AGEAC).

The Constitution of the Advisory Council ,according to a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, kazie Uko and obtained by The Source , is to among others facilitate the over all plans of the Governor Otti administration for the economic development of the state ,

While the AGEAS largely comprise professionals of global acclaim, five members from the state executive Council including Governor Otti, and the State,s Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice will represent the government of Abia state on the Council.

The statement noted that the state economy having suffered neglect and fragility in the last few years due to untold economic sabotage , and having been receiving the needed attention for its rebirth since the inception of presrnt government, added that the decision to constitute the economic Advisory team represents yet another bold move towards sustaining the revamping of the system.

” Our programmes are already repositioning and rebuilding Abia state as the economic pride of Nigeria.

There fore ,it is essential to ensure that its economic development strategy is founded not only on a thorough understanding of the local economic environment ,but also on the dynamics of the emerging forces now shaping the future of the global economy.

The members of the Advisory Council bring in a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors to the concerted efforts at enhancing the growth and development of Abia state economy .” the statement noted

Governor Otti ., expressed the optimism that the collective knowledge and professional backgrounds of the members will no doubt play a pivotal role in shaping policies that will in turn drive innovation,attract investments ,form solid partnerships and ensure the over all economic rehabilitation of Abia State.

Following, the full list of members.

Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON – Co-Chair
His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, CON, Co-Chair
Mr. Bolaji Balogun – Co-Chair
Mr. Victor Onyenkpa – Member
Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, MFR – Member
Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu – Member
Mr. Uche Orji – Member
Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli , MFR – Member
Mr. Chika Nwobi – Member
Dr. Olugbenga Adesida – Member
Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe – Member
Mazi Clement Owunna, MFR – Member
Dr. Uzodinma Iweala – Member
Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor – Member
Mr. George Agu – Member
Mazi Uzo Nwankwo – Member
Mr Chinedu Azodoh – Member
Havard Business School Prof Peter Tufano – Member
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON – Honourary Advisor
Dr. Benedict Oramah, CON – Honourary Advisor