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What To Be Done Before Restructuring Nigeria – President Tinubu, Meets Afenifere Leader

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has assured that restructuring Nigeria is inevitable but that necessary foundation which will sustain it must be put in place.

The president spoke on Wednesday at the country home of the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo state.

Tinubu maintained that he was aware of the numerous challenges confronting the country before he took over and that his administration was committed to tackling them.

He said that when he took the oath of office, that he pledged his allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that he knows what he is facing.

“I prayed for it, I dance for it, I campaigned for it and I got it. I know the enormous of responsibility so don’t pity me Baba just sit down and relax.”

He  assured Nigerians that the struggle he understood and that he is trying to build the structures that will not be reversed.

According to him,  that structure he is trying to put in place in Nigeria economically, socially and politically would be such that it would bring Nigeria back into where it suppose to be.

He also said that Nigeria is paying the loans, that the loans would be offset as soon as possible and assured that Nigeria would very soon get out of the problem it is facing presently.

On the issues of restructuring, the president stated that he is aware of the need to restructure Nigeria, but that proper foundation must be laid before bringing the restructuring in place “such that if it is done in a rush without proper foundation, the restructuring may collapse very soon but it would be done.”

On the hardship Nigerians are facing, Tinubu appreciated the pains Nigerians are going through and said that very soon Nigeria will overcome it.

“That is a matter of time, that the kind of the policies government is implementing will bring positive solution to the challenges.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Pa Fasoranti stated that “You have kept your promise to return to this place where we prayed for you on behalf of the children of Oduduwa world-wide. I salute you Mr President. By keeping your promise, despite your busy schedule, you have proved to the world that you are a true Omoluabi.

“You are the first member of Afenifere to be elected President of Nigeria. Chief Olu Falae tried in 1999, but he did not get the prize. Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness and courage.

“Your performance so far has shown that you understood the full gravity of your mandate which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible.

“In Yorubaland, we do not seek for any special treatment or unfair advantage. We know you are our own but you now belong to all Nigerians, Your mandate was freely given by the people of Nigeria and blessed by God. Therefore, Mr President, continue to govern fairly and courageously and with the fear of God.

“It is now incumbent on you to address this issue of constitutional reforms with courage, fairness and determination. We know we cannot return to the past, but we have to seek a future where regional competitions would bring out the best in our country as it did during the First Republic.

“We seek therefore a true Federal Republic that would reflect fiscal federalism. If derivation principle is good for oil, why is it not good for Value Added Tax for example? We believe a review of the 2014 National Constitutional Conference would help you in charting the course.

“For the people of the South-West, restructuring also has a more pressing meaning. Today, Nigeria has a population of 200 million which would double in the next 25 years to 400 million.

“However, the South-West is facing an avalanche of migration from the other zones of the country to the extent that in 25 years’ time, if the current trend continues, the South-West would be home to 50 percent of the population of Nigeria.

“By this time the states of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo would be home to at least 200 million people. We need to plan for this eventuality on a regional scale. We need to be prepared so that our region would not be overwhelmed by imported challenges.

“Mr President, please also seek for institutional reforms that would strengthen our federation and make Nigeria safer and more prosperous. Try and balance the budget and execute capital projects that would create more employments. We thank you for welcoming the idea of state policing.

“We want each of the geopolitical zone to have greater responsibilities for security, food production and infrastructural development.

“Since the removal of fuel subsidy, which was costing Nigeria 10 billion dollars yearly, the state governments have been receiving hefty allocations from the Federation account.

“Mr President should persuade the governors to allow this change of fortune for the states to reflect at the grassroots so that life can be better for our people. They should not just buy rice and yams for the people.

“They should create employment, improve education and build new infrastructures. Today, life is truly challenging for most people and the state governments have an important role to play to transform the society.”

Principal Officers Absent As Edo Deputy Gov, Shaibu, Storms PDP National Secretariat, Demands for Certificate of Return

By
The Source
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Philip Shaibu collects PDP Certificate of Return

By Ayodele Oni

A day after winner of the Edo State Governorship Primary Election was presented with certificate of return, the State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu on Wednesday stormed the national secretariat of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) to demand for his certificate of return.

He had earlier declared himself winner of a parallel primary election of the PDP held last week in Benin.

Shaibu did not meet any of the officers of the party on seat on arrival.

He told journalists: “Today is 28th of February, 2024 ,by the PDP guidelines approved by the NWC on the Edo 2024 governorship primary, today is the day set aside by the electoral guidelines to be the day that the certificate of returns will be issued.

“So , it is not surprising that I am here today. I am here to receive my certificate of return because I won the primary in Edo PDP primary conducted .

“And the authentic delegates voted for me. If you look at the wall of the party office here, you will see the names of all the delegates that voted for me. Today is presentation of Certificate of Return according to the party. So , PDP must follow its rules and guidelines, this is what we are talking about.

“The process of producing a candidate has been compromised from the onset and we ask that those things be corrected. Even the committee recommended political solution.

“They are fully aware that there were abnormalities in the process that led to my emergence and whoever. But why I am here is to obey the guidelines to come and receive the certificate of return and I was told that somebody else came here yesterday and was given the certificate.

“I think the court will tell among us who is the real candidate.  But I am here to fulfil the electoral guidelines of the PDP to receive my certificate.

“I have a document here where those that conducted the primary submitted to the office of the National Organising Secretary, from this document you will see the mess that took place in Edo state.

“This primary cannot be put aside. I am ready for us to correct the abnormalities in internal party democracy, because that is the beginning of he sustainance of Democracy. If the party does not get it right, the foundation of our democracy is being threatened and we will not fold our hands to watch what we laboured for, fought for, some people died in the process.

“Those that conducted the primaries and write this report are being threatened, they tried to procure them and many of them refused, now they are being threatened to write another report.

“This is a committee that was put together by the NWC. If the PDP is serious, ready to win Edo state, they must do what is right and I am telling our members in Edo, not to be worried, we will get to the promise land. Edo will be the place where we will reset how internal democracy can be strengthened so that the foundation of democracy is not destroyed.

“I told them that I was coming, but none of them has come to work, only the staff of the secretariat are here, I don’t know why they are not here that is strange and that is in line with why will they be in a hurry to give certificate yesterday, when today was what was approved for the certificate to be given to the winner. I must be on the side of the people, straightening the foundation of our democracy which is party politics.

CBN Tackles Cyber Fraud In Commercial Banks With New Guidelines

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has issued new guidelines to deposit money banks and payment Services banks in a bid to combat cyber-related bank frauds.
Under the new Cyber Cyber-security Framework and Guidelines, commercial banks are expected to manage technology infrastructure to prevent their systems from being breached.
According to the letter issued to banks, and signe by the CBN Acting Director of Banking Supervision, CBN, Dr. Adetona Adedeji, the apex bank said new technology being used by commercial banks came with their own risks.
CBN said this risks must be well managed to prevent cyber money fraud.
According to the apex bank: “The Nigerian financial system has grown remarkably in recent years with increases in products, services, institutions and stakeholders.
“Financial Institutions have increasingly leveraged Information Technology to serve their customers and this has led to rapid evolution in the threat landscape.
“It is necessary that the technology infrastructure and platforms that support financial institutions operations should be managed effectively to promote a sound financial system.
“Consequently, the CBN has revised the Risk-Based Cyber-security Framework and Guidelines for DMBs and Payment Service Banks (PSBs) to provide guidance in the implementation of cyber-security programmes and enhance resilience.
“The revised framework addresses the gaps that have arisen due to the passage of time and outlines the minimum cyber-security controls to be put in place”.
A report published last September by global financial service firm, FITC claimed that the prevalence of new technology in Nigerian banks led to an outstanding 78,584 financial related fraud cases in one year.

“How Gov Aiyedatiwa Prevented Us From Receiving President Tinubu” – Ondo Governorship Aspirants

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wale Akinterinwa

By Ayodele Oni

Some Governorship aspirants in Ondo State who mobilized their supporters to welcome President Bola Tinubu at the Akure airport on Wednesday were disappointed. They were shut out by security operatives.

The President was in the state on a condolence visit to the Olowo of Owo , family of the deceased Governor and Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

One of the aspirants, Wale Akinterinwa, accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of issuing directive to prevent his fellow aspirants from welcoming Tinubu.

A statement by his campaign organization, stated “The Wale Akinterinwa (WA) Campaign structure is aware of plans by certain element acting for and on behalf of the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to prevent members of our party and leaders who are not in his camp to receive Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR today in Akure.

“This to us is the most undemocratic, disrespectful, unreasonable and disdainful attempt by any Chief executive in the anals of democracy in Nigeria.

“Ordinarily, we would not have responded, but based on intelligent report at our disposal that he and his supporters have perfected plans to unleash mayhem on our people both at Owo and Akure, it is necessary for us to bring this to the attention of peace loving Nigerians.

“The directive that no supporter or aspirants should come to the airport to welcome Mr President who is on a Private visit and not on State visit is a directive from ignorant minds in Alagbaka.

“It is a tradition that whenever the President visit any State, members of his party offer him their love and support by welcoming him in their droves. It does not matter whether it is election year or not.

“We reject affirmatively the directive that neither our leader, Wale Akinterinwa nor his supporters should come near the airport to welcome Mr. President. We further reject the assertion that the Governor is in charge of the President’s safety in Ondo State during this visit.

“It must also be put on record the the Airport is under Federal law suprintended by FAAN. So, Mr Governor cannot give any order or lay claim to any powers he does not posses.

“The attempt by Ayedatiwa and his henchmen to prevent, intimidate, harass, or threaten our supporters and party men will not work and will not be tolerated. For us in WA, we are already mobilized and ready to show solidarity, love and support to our leader, mentor and Commander in Chief both at Owo and Akure.

“We State without any ambiguity that the WA phenomenon will remain focused and consistent in our pursuit of our goals towards Alagbaka in 2024. The momentum of our campaign will remain steady, peaceful and consistent.

Governor Aiyedatiwa campaign Group in its reaction to the allegation said that “Representative of Mr. Wale Akinterinwa and his co-travellers should have channelled their grievances to the security agents, to challenge them on why they should have safeguarded Mr. President.

“Truth must be told that political nit-wits and signed thugs should not gain entry to a decent environment like the airport. Governor Aiyedatiwa is too busy with his official schedules to enable him think of barring any politician from coming to welcome President Tinubu.

“Really, political campaigns are for campaign fields and courtesy visits deserve their courtesies, and there is no cause for any barking session.”

Not True, I Didn’t Work Against Aba/ Barth Nnaji Power Plant As NERC Boss

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Sam Amadi, a former Chairman of the
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, says he did not work against the completion of the Aba power project.
Amadi made this known on Wednesday in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital, few days after the power plant was commissioned.
Vice president Kashim Shettima inaugurated the project on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week.
Not a few Nigerians insist that the power plant will turn around Abia state in part, as one of the country’s industrial hub, aside adding value to the nation’s problematic power sector.
The project which took 20 years to complete l, is promoted by Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power under President Goodluck Jonathan.
Amadi has been mentioned as one of those who did not want the project to see the light of the day.
In his reaction, Amadi said he’s a man of integrity who did not soil his hands while serving in his capacity as NERC Chairman.
He said those who mentioned his name are only trying to destroy the track record while he served in that position for five years.
Vanguard had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice president, Kashim Shettima , on Monday launched the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, 20 years after the project was initiated by a former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji.
The statement read: “How can the head of an agency that wrote such a report be accused without any other contrary fact of conniving against the Aba Power project? Of course, the phrase “beholding to Anyim’ in that contest was added to tarnish my reputation.
“The manner in which my name was obliquely mentioned as a stooge of Pius Ayim is an effort to paint me as someone who is not as honest as he professes. It is a deliberate effort to stain my integrity and public service records.
“I have always cherished my honest public service record in Nigeria. I have challenged anyone who has any evidence of financial or other improprieties against me during my five years stewardship in NERC to bring it forward. In fact, I have on numerous occasions asked to be thoroughly probed for any financial other improprieties.
“Since over 8 years I left office, no one has issued me a query for any wrongdoing. I am very proud of my character and reputation, and I will defend it with every ounce of energy and pint of blood. As someone who has built and maintained a character and reputation for truthfulness, honesty and integrity, and who cherishes greatly my record of unstained public service, I bear a responsibility to correct this falsehood and present the truth facts of my role in the Aba Power project saga.
“It is important to note that even by the account of the author, neither NERC nor I played key role in the contract between Bart Nnaji and the federal government and the sale of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). As a regulator, we were very clear that our role is regulatory and not transactional.
“These are facts which can be cross checked with records with NERC. I challenge anyone who doubts this narration of facts to trigger a Freedom of Information request and scrutinize the records of proceedings of NERC regulatory and management meetings. As I always state in matters of integrity and due process, if there is any evidence that I ever had a meeting with anyone or took any action contrary to what I stated here I will voluntarily go to prison for any such offense.
“Let me make it clear. One of the accusations against me is that I was fiercely independent as a regulator and did not listen to anyone outside NERC in regulatory decisions. Everyone in the power sector knows that I would rather resign than submit to the dictation of anyone outside NERC.
” I have said before that I am personally responsible for any decision I made as NERC Chairman. I had in the past absolved President Jonathan or any other person from any liability for decisions made by NERC. No one pressured or forced me to take any action that is wrong or self-serving.
“I am proud that nothing has been found against me more than 8 years since I left office as the Chairman of NERC. Since then, I have not done any work for any company in the electricity sector. I removed myself from any benefit from the sector far beyond the 2 years that the Act requires me to recuse myself. I have not received one kobo from any company in the Nigerian electricity industry. I challenge anyone to contradict me on this claim.
“The article tried to stain my reputation by suggesting that I worked on behalf of Anyim and Emeka Offor to delay or deny the completion of Aba Power project. That is an absolute falsehood as the facts above attest. It is an insult to suggest I was beholding to Ayim Pius Ayim in doing my work on Chairman of NERC. As records show, in all circumstances, I acted on my understanding of what the law and facts require of me as a regulator.
“It is ironic that it was the same Anyim Pius Anyim who once told me that President Jonathn once said ‘Please let everyone allow Sam do his work.
” For once, let us have a man of courage and integrity who would not succumb to anyone”. I am proud that I maintained that integrity throughout my tenure at NERC. I am sure Prof Bart Nnaji knows me so well. He is not and cannot be part of this blatant lie.
“Whereas I need to correct the false statement against me, it should not obscure the great achievement of the moment. The commissioning of the Aba Power project is a testimony to the commitment and resilience of Prof Bart Nnaji. It is a good fortune for Governor Alex Otti and the people of Abia as they strive to make Aba the industrial heartland of Nigeria as it deserves to be. Nigeria now has an example of how to do it better and faster from the Aba Power project.”
Under President Jonathan, Nnaji was sacked as those close to Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Presidency at the time, alleged that the former president was put under pressure to sack the former minister by those who did not want reforms in the power sector to succeed.

Tinubu In Owo, Says Late Governor Akeredolu Had Passion For Good Governance

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to Owo, Ondo state to commiserate with people and family of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to Owo, Ondo state to commiserate with people and family of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa led the President to the ancient town of Owo to commiserate with the Olowo of Owo over the death of the former Governor of the state.

Tinubu said the void left by the departed Governor will be difficult to fill and his legacy would endure forever.

Tinubu pointed out that it is honourable to depart the world when the ovation is loudest.

“This sentiment should inspire us to live each day with purpose, to pursue our goals with determination, and to leave behind a legacy that will be remembered fondly by those whose lives we have touched.”

He acknowledged the courage and fearless nature of the late governor especially his passion for good governance.

“He truly embodied courage and fearlessness, especially in his relentless pursuit for good governance.

“I can only describe him as a fearless fighter, his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people and his courageous nature will always be remembered.”

The Olowo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the president for his visit.

He went on to characterize the late governor as nothing short of a true democrat, highlighting his unwavering commitment to democratic principles and practices.

The Olowo not only expressed gratitude but also honoured the late governor’s legacy as a staunch defender of democratic ideals

The Monarch extended his gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa, acknowledging and commending the governor’s significant efforts in orchestrating a befitting and respectful burial ceremony for the late governor who was also former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Others in attendance were Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, Ondo state Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff to the governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa.

The President is scheduled to visit the Akeredolu’s later.

News Of Coup Scare: “Heinous Act Of Disinformation” – FG

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few days after the military debunked news of possible mutiny, the Federal Government on Tuesday debunked a news report of a coup scare in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement said “the report is unequivocally false, and is a heinous act of disinformation.”

In the statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Minister’s media aide, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, he urged the public to ignore the report aimed at sowing seed of discord in the country.

According to the Minister, the report was “the figment of the warped imagination of detractors, whose malicious intent is to destabilize the country and undermine the present administration.”

Idris said the government would neither be distracted nor intimidated into abandoning the ongoing reforms aimed at rejuvenating the economy and creating a pathway of prosperity for the citizenry.

“it is now evident that some desperate individuals have resorted to publishing fake news to erode public trust in the government and sow the seed of discord in the country.

“The government will exercise its rights within the laws to contain rogue actions to destabilise national security and the nation’s hard-earned democracy.”

Idris urged the public to exercise discernment and refrain from spreading or amplifying the unfounded report.

He stressed that the report was being strategically planted on some pliant and compromised news platforms to subvert the nation’s democracy.

Group Flays Premature Sack Of Ondo Head Of Service, Accuses Governor Aiyedatiwa Of Politicizing Civil Service

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Kayode Ogundele

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been accused of frustrating out of service, Mr Kayode Ogundele, who was, until Tuesday, the State’s Head of Service.

He has been replaced with Mr Bayo Philips, the Governor’s kinsman.

Ogundele, 57, going by civil service rule is expected to retire at age 60 or when he clocks 35 years in service.

Governor Aiyedatiwa allegedly removed him due to the role the former Head of Service played in his celebrated impeachment saga, while he was serving as deputy governor.

A Group, Aketi Legacy Movement, loyal to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu accused Aiyedatiwa of politicizing the civil service with the sack.

However, Chief Press Secretary to the governor Ebenezer Adeniyan defended the action of his boss saying “If they say it’s politicized, then they are invariably saying that Ogundele was a politician or that he played politics with his position as HoS. The position of HoS is the pinnacle of service for public servants and whoever gets there knows that he or she can leave the position at any time.

“The Governor reserves the right to appoint HoS and he has no need to consider politics before taking such decision. This decision was taken to revitalize the civil service for optimum performance.”

The Group in a statement in Akure on Tuesday stated that “The recent announcement of the retirement of Mr. Kayode Ogundele, the Head of Service in Ondo State, has once again reinforced our belief that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is determined to erase every trace of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s legacy.

“The official statement from the Governor’s spokesperson claimed that Mr. Ogundele’s retirement was approved by the Governor. However, this statement seems to mislead and deceive the people of Ondo State into believing that Mr. Ogundele voluntarily resigned or attained retirement age of 60 years or served the required number of service years.”

The statement, signed by Yomi Ayodele Publicity Secretary added “The truth is, Ogundele, who was born on July 28, 1967, still has three more years of service remaining. The official retirement age for civil servants is 60 years.

“Ogundele began his civil service career in 1994 as an Administrative Officer II in the Ministry of Education, so going by his records of Service, he should have retired in year 2027 having attained the mandatory retirement of 60 and spent 33 years in service.

“It is therefore crucial for the public to understand that Governor Aiyedatiwa sacked 57 year old Ogundele as Head of Service. He only served for 30 years.

“Ogundele’s supposed offense was that he requested Pa. Reuben Fasoranti not to intervene in Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment saga late last year.

“Aiyedatiwa accused Ogundele of visiting Pa. Fasoranti’s house and asking him to refrain from interfering in the impeachment and leaving Aiyedatiwa to deal with his problem alone.

“Despite Ogundele’s attempts to provide explanations and clarifications, Governor Aiyedatiwa remained resolute in his decision to sack him.

“Ogundele, who had never previously visited Pa. Fasoranti, has now become a victim of the Governor’s vindictive behavior and fabricated lies.

“Also, several civil servants who previously worked closely with the late Governor Akeredolu at the Government House and Protocol department have all been reassigned.

“The affected officers, who formerly held positions as Protocol officers and were in charge of the Government House under the late Governor, have been reassigned from their duties in the government house and protocol department.

“With the removal of Ogundele as the Head of Service, Governor Aiyedatiwa has returned Ondo State to the unfortunate era of politicizing the civil service.

“It is worthy of note that the late Akeredolu championed a responsible governance approach free from bitterness, which allowed the Head of Service appointed by the previous administration to complete their tenure until retirement.

“Toyin Akinkuotu, who was appointed by former Governor Dr. Segun Mimiko, was allowed to serve his full term as the Head of Service despite pressure from various quarters urging Akeredolu to sack him.

“It is evident that Governor Lucky’s style of governance reflects an archaic and primitive form of bitter politics. It is even more disheartening that Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was expected to complete the late Akeredolu’s tenure, is rapidly eroding the legacy of the late Governor.

“As it stands, Aiyedatiwa has replaced an Ikare man with Mr. Bayo Philips, an Ilaje man, as the new Head of Service. He has taken the position to his hometown.”

Abia: Table Tennis Association To Make Abia Destination Choice, As Govt Is Set To Sack Non-Performing Associations

By
The Source
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Dike Dimiri

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Pursuant to its five-year programme designed to hunt talents in Table Tennis for future harvest of diadem for Abia and Nigeria at both local and international sporting tournaments ,the Abia State Table Tennis Association ,Tuesday February 27 2024 unveiled its activities for the year in Umuahia the state capital

This is even as the Abia State Sports Authorities have announced their intentions to dissolve all Sports Association that have either failed to live up to their expected roles in sports development in the state and or have refused to key in to the transformational agenda of the Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

The Chairman, Abia State Table Tennis Association Dike Dimiri, who  at a press briefing, attributed the modest in road made in 2023 to the unflinching supportive roles of the Abia state government, expressed optimism that this year will surpass the previous one in performance indices.

According to the ASTTA boss,  expectations are already high, noting that the Aba Premier league Table Tennis Tournament and the 100 Tables- in 100 schools Programmes both introduced in 2023 ,will see the introduction of additional products namely – The Aba Table Tennis Governor’s Cup , Grand PrixTable Tennis ,and Aba Intercollegiate Table Tennis Cup.

Dimiri, who is also the President of Aba Premier league Table Tennis,said this year’s activities will  also involve the movement of the Association to its Multi purpose Table Tennis Sporting Complex.

” The addition of these events to our calendar and the commissioning of our Table Tennis Complex will solidify Aba’s Pre eminent position as home to professional table tennis in Nigeria .

“This will set the stage for us to host the first Aba International Sports Business Conference AISBU,the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“This will effectively  signpost Aba as an International  destination for the hunting sports talents and sports support services such as manufacturing,infrastructure,hospitality and media services.

“It is our sincere conviction that no other city in Nigeria is equipped like Aba to promote the development of  professional sports leagues and deliver a sports economy with requisite sports value chain for the benefits of all stakeholders” Dimiri stated.”

Hon Nwaobilo Ananaba the Abia state Commissioner of Youths who spoke through the duo of Directors of Sports and  Information, lauded the Table  Tennis Association as not only being the  best organized of all the Sporting bodies ,but also the only one that is truly alive to its expected responsibilities and commitment to the development of sports through grass roots mobilization.

He warned that the Abia state authorities will soon take a second look at the activities of  various sporting Associations in the state  with a view to retaining only those that have been receptive to the vision and mission of a new Abia state under the watch of Governor Otti.

The Abia state Sports Commissioner while urging the Table Tennis Association not to relent particularly in the task of hunting talents at the grassroots, assured that the state authorities will always indentify with and support all genuine efforts at taking Abia to the next level.

CBN: Cardoso Would Be Arrested- Reps

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
The House of Representatives has threatened to arrest Yemi Cardoso, Nigeria’s Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor.
The threat was issued on Tuesday by the House of Reps Committee on Public Accounts, which accused the CBN governor of ignoring summons.
Cardoso’s absent after various summons, the committee said has  stalled it’s investigative process on revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.
In a letter made available  to journalists, titled “RE: Investigation of revenue leakages through REMITA platform and non-compliance substantially with the standard operating procedure and other allied service level agreements 2023,” the lawmakers said Cardoso has been given another opportunity to appear before the committee.
The CBN governor must now appear unfailingly on or before March 5, 2024 or face arrest, the letter said.
According to the letter: “The Public Accounts Committee has the power to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence, produce any document in his possession and under his control.
“Failure to comply with this civil invitation may leave the committee no choice but to issue a warrant of arrest against you in line with Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges Act 2017) (Sections 2 & 3) and the 1999 CFRN (as amended) in line with House Procedures.
“Consequently, the committee resolved to grant you one last opportunity to appear,”
“You are strongly advised to take good advantage of this invitation and appear before the committee unfailingly on Tuesday 5th March 2024 at 10 am in the Meeting Room 446, House of Representatives’ New Building to respond to the issues that will arise during the hearing session.
“You are also advised to come along with all relevant officers who are familiar with the issues at stake and may assist you provide answers to any question that could arise during the session.”
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