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Ondo APC Governorship Primary Suit: Party Wants Case Transferred To Akure

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Citing convenience of parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally requested the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to transfer the case filed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a defeated governorship aspirant, from Abuja to Ondo State.

The suit is challenging the validity of the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate for the upcoming November election.

In a letter by APC’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the party emphasized the convenience of conducting proceedings in Ondo State, as both the plaintiff and defendants are based there.

Additionally, the presence of a Federal High Court in Ondo was cited as a logistical advantage.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim initiated the suit on May 3, 2024, at the Abuja Division of the Court, seeking to invalidate the primary election results.

Named as defendants in the suit are the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the mention of the case on Tuesday  in Abuja, representatives from all parties were present. Counsel to the Plaintiff, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, confirmed the service of the Originating Summons to all defendants.

Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing APC, informed the Court about the filed Memorandum of Conditional Appearance and the letter requesting the case’s transfer to Akure Division, in line with the Practice Direction issued by the Chief Judge.

Representatives for Governor Aiyedatiwa and INEC echoed the idea of transferring the case to Akure, where the primary election occurred.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case to May 29, 2024, awaiting the decision on the transfer request by the Chief Judge.

The Blind Write Gov Aiyedatiwa, Seek Employment As Teachers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently feeling neglected in the scheme of things, Visually impaired persons under the umbrella of Nigeria Association of the Blind, Ondo state chapter, have written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking employment as teachers in public schools.

Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Teaching Service Commission recently put up advertisement for teaching vacancies in public schools.

They appealed to the state government to save the future of the blind community in the state.

The association specifically appealed to the state government to employ members of the visually impaired as teachers in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the visually impaired, the Chairman of the Ondo state Chapter of NAB, Akilo Matthew and the association’s  Secretary, Idowu Oluwasola, urged the state government to recruit their members into Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Teaching Service Commission.

According to them, recruiting members of the association will help to provide quality education and employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired persons (VIPs).

The association, in the letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lamented that the association was shocked at the exclusion of the blind teachers in the recruitment of teachers in the state.

The letter read: “We the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Ondo State Chapter, with honour and respects write to appeal to you to please save the future of the blind community in Ondo State.

“Sir, it is good to let you know that the blind people work tirelessly before they can achieve their aim in education as a result of sight challenge but with the support of the Ondo State Government.

” The Ondo State School for the Visually Impaired was established for us to learn how to read and write braille with the use of hand and also to compete favourably with the able- ones, Ondo State Government went ahead to approve Owo High School for our secondary level.

“All this were done for us by the government in order for us to have a sense of belonging. From there we proceeded to higher institution to specialize in one field or the other”

“For the special unit in Owo High School, as we speak we only have one teacher in that secondary school where we are having 20-25 special educator teacher before, but now it is only one and that one will soon retire.

“With this we appeal to you in the name of God to recruit members into both SUBEB and Teaching Service Commission.

“Sir, it is no longer news that the person with sunt impairment teach in various schools all over the country which Ondo State is not excluded. So many of them have retired but we still have them around.

“We still have few of them around. We have two (VP) in Owo High School, Mrs. Idris and Mrs. Eyinola while other schools like Ajuta Grammar School, Ogbagi Akoko Mr. Festus Bamisile as a teacher working without any inch.

“The same thing is applicable in our various institutions in Ondo State as we have Dr. Olurotimi Olubodede, Mass Communication Department, Akungba-Akoko, Mr. Akinbolade Gbenga working at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo city and so on.

“Finally sir, we appeal to you in the name of God to recruit our members into both Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Teaching Service Commission, so that our members will be happy, which we believe that you will make us happy too.”

Group Canvasses Support For Cybersecurity Levy, Says Policy Will Greatly Assist In Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry And Kidnappings

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Group Canvasses Support For Cybercrime Levy

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Critics of the Cybersecurity levy mulled by the Federal Government, have been urged to tarry a while and reflect more on its expected gains than the burden and inconveniences that the policy may impose on Nigerians.

This is even as the  elite have been  cautioned to desist from manipulating the Nigerian populace into perceiving the levy as a punishment being imposed on them by the authorities .

These were some of  the views canvassed on Tuesday in Kano by a Civil Society group, Nigeria First Project, NFP, at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Secretariat .

The Coordinator of the group, Comrade Hamza Umar Saulawa, noted that in the face of Cybercrimes in Nigeria with its attendant consequences on our Nation, they find the ongoing hysterical and vicious campaigns against the Cybercrime levy incongruent with the desire of many patriotic Nigerians to see the country”s battered image restored .

The NFP regretted that despite the spirited efforts  so far made by some well meaning Nigerians. including  Senator Shehu Umar Buba, the senate Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence to explain the rationale behind the policy , a minority but vocal elite group has continued to present the well intentioned policy as a poisoned chalice .

They have, therefore  appealed to Nigerians to objectively analyze  the policy, noting that its advantages far outweigh what ever shortcomings and pain that go with it .

“From the outset, it is important for Nigerians to note that Cybercrime is not only undermining Nigeria’s economy ,but also has continued to tarnish our image globally.

“Today, innocent Nigerians all over the world are being unfairly treated with suspicion at Airports, embassies ,Parks etc .In deed,it is embarrassing that whenever there is a discussion about cybercrime anywhere ,the first people that come to mind are Nigerians.

“Many innocent Nigerians are being embarrassed ,humiliated, and profiled ,because of the activities of Cyber criminals. Many Nigerians have lost golden opportunities because of this terrible phenomenon .

“Also ,innocent hardworking Nigerians have continued to lose their hard earned fortune to cybercriminals . For instance,according to Nigeria Communication Commission ,Nigeria annually loses $500 million to cyber criminals

“Another frightening trend is today ,many young people are joining the illicit cyber crime venture to make fast money .Some of these youths wrongly think that going to school is a scam.Now we have an opportunity to reverse this trend .

“Unfortunately,there are some people who think imposing %.0.5 levy on some companies and institutions that are listed in the second schedule of the cybercrime Act 2024 is too much .

“But on the other hand ,they are not talking about the social and economic loses of the Cybercrime Nigeria incurs .And it is surprising that the antagonists of the levy are not looking at the substantial benefits our country will gain as a result of this levy .

“Some of the benefits including improved funding for counter terrorism and violent extremism .Take for instance,the section 44 ( 5) of the Cybercrime Prohibition ,Preventive Act 2015 ..It has specifically ,stated that ” an amount not exceeding 40% of the fund may be allocated for programmes relating to combating violent extremism

“Taking in to cognizance ,the catastrophic impact of terrorism on our country ,one can think that no saner person will oppose any counterterrorism initiative ,especially on the premise of levy .

“It is irrefutable fact that armed banditry kidnappings for ransom and farmer/ herder clashes have claimed the precious lives of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians .

“Many have been displaced . Terrorism is partly responsible for the present hardship and economic downturn afflicting Nigeria as our farmers ,can not go to their farms ,pastoralist are losing their live stocks ,foreign investors are scared to come to our country.

“Terrorism is exacerbating poverty ,ignorance,  and general under development . To fight terrorism and other violent conflicts ravaging the country ,you need adequate fund .

“This money will not come from the heaven . It will be generated from multiple sources ,including through the imposition of levies

“Therefore ,the 40% that will be deducted from the fund will greatly help in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes such as kidnappings and armed banditry that suffocate our country .We have not seen anything odd in this levy so long it will be judiciously used as prescribed in the Act .

“And we have full confidence in the sincerity of purpose of the President Bola Tinubu led administration ” the group stated

Abia Empowers Indigent Women Traders, Insists The Vulnerable Deserves Protection Encouragement

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief Uche Wogu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has asserted that the encouragement of human capital development through the empowerment of women and youths, particularly the vulnerable will continue to occupy preeminent position in its policy trust .

The Coordinator, Abia State Harmonized Task Force, Aba Zone ,Chief Uche Wogu, who disclosed this on Tuesday, May,14, 2024, at the occasion of the disbursement of cash palliatives to indigent petty women traders in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, emphasised that such empowerment programme remains one  of the potent ways of growing the economy of the state.

Chief Wogu, who is also the Mayor of the cosmopolitan Aba South Council noted that the empowerment programme, which is being carried out in conjunction with the wife of the State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, primarily aims at improving and adding value to the petty trading activities of the women which, in turn, will act as a catalyst to the growth and development of the state.

” You see , I have taken the time to go round most of the markets in Aba. And in the process I have also seen how most of these women as industrious and hard working as they are, being inhibited by lack of cash .

“I discovered that most of them are conducting their business activities ,with as low as  N5000. And we  came to the conclusion that if empowered, they can do better both for themselves and for the larger economic development of the State. That informed our decision to encourage them, most especially at this period of economic hardship in the country .

“The bottom line is that since our people are naturally industrious ,rather than gathering them to be  dishing out some food items as palliatives, the Government believes that it will be more viable and meaningful to pursue measures that will encourage self reliance and contribution to the Gross Domestic Products GDP of the state.” Chief Wogu stated .

According to him ,the empowerment programme is in sync with the vision and mission of the wife of the Governor who, since the inception of the present administration, has been championing and promoting the interests of the less privileged and vulnerable sets of the society.

The Coordinator of the State Harmonized Task Force noted that having conducted surveys on the particular needs of some of  the vulnerable groups,the attendant palliative support will be provided in phases to see how a large part of them can be accommodated .

“In this pilot phase, our emphasis is the indigent petty women traders .And as time goes on ,we will be accommodating the youths ,through skill acquisition programmes .

“In that case ,we are already in talks with some local and international partners ,who have shown interests in skill acquisitions training for our youths.”

Chief Wogu, however, assured the women that could not  be captured in this first phase of the empowerment programme,to exercise patience as they would form the nucleus of the next phase .

“We are encouraged by what the First Lady of Abia has been doing .When you look at these women ,you will know that truly ,they need this cash . For me I have adopted all of them as my own family members . No body will ever harass them in this Council.,seize their ware in the name of touting .

“Whoever touches them ,throw their goods away and or harass them  has beaten me .They deserve our protection and we will ensure that they conduct their trading activities in line with extant rules and regulations . Orderliness must be maintained ,but they will not molested by anybody.”

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the press ,while expressing pleasant surprise and joy at the Government’s action which they described as novel ,prayed for God’s guidance and protection for all those behind the  programme that has lifted their spirits.

IKB Igboanugo Grieves As Medical Doctor Son Dies In  US Auto Crash

By
The Source
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IKB Igboanugo

By Angela Itama

IKB soap and cream, remember those IKB range of cosmetics brands that ruled the cosmetics world in the mid 1980s and 90s? Well, the man behind the highly successful brands, Chief IKB Igboanugu, the CE0 of IKB industries Ltd is grieving.

His medical doctor son,  Dr Uzochukwu Davis Igboanugo, has died in the United States of America.He was killed while driving home after work.

Chief Igboanugo who confirmed the tragic incident in a Facebook post on Monday  rued that a drunk driver fell asleep at the wheel while speeding on the highway and rammed into his son’s car.

Paying glowing tribute to his late son, the bereaved industrialist described Dr Uzochukwu as “a very happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, nice and loving boy”

Laments Chief Igboanugo: “I lost my son three weeks ago, I have been crying like a baby. A medical doctor (Ophthalmologist) in America,” Chief Igboanugo.

“An accident victim of a drunkard who fell asleep while speeding on the highway, jumped his lane in the opposite direction and hit with speed force on the driver’s side door where my son was as he was driving home after work.

“We can’t question God as He has the final decision.

“Always pray as a parent not to lose any of your children irrespective of his behaviour because loss of a child can k!ll any parent.

“Uzochukwu my son was a very nice boy, always happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, loving, sociable etc.

“He was 32yrs old, not yet married despite my nagging, he sacrificed all his time and achieved Ophthalmology which is a very difficult medical course in the history of reading medicine to become a medical doctor.

“Since his death I have been going through mental and psychological trauma as my doctor has been warning me.

“My wife also has not been her self. Pls don’t wish your worst enemy this type of tragedy, now I pray for anybody who has not lost his child never to experience it. It is hellish and a disaster”

He prayed for the repose of his son’s soul: “Uzochukwu my son you are now in God’s bosom and working for Him that was why He took you this early. As your soul will rest in God’s bosom in Jesus name”

Ondo SIEC Set To Conduct LG Poll, Fixes July 13

By
Ayodele Oni
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Independent National Electoral Commission

By Ayodele Oni

After several postponements, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), is set to conduct elections in the 18 Local Government Areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The Commission has fixed  July 13 for the exercise during which 18 council and 33 LCDA chairmen and councilors will be elected.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Joseph Aremo, who disclosed this at a meeting with political parties in the state, assured that the elections would hold as scheduled.

He  called for the cooperation of all the stakeholders including security operatives to conduct peaceful elections in the 18 Councils and the 33 LCDAs across the state.

According to him, the timetable and outline of activities for the conduct of the elections did not change as it was planned.

He advised the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) as the umbrella body of political parties in the state on the need to communicate the readiness of the Commission on the polls to others not in attendance.

In the guidelines for the elections, the political parties are expected to commence their primaries on May 13 and end it on June 3.

Aremo appealed to all the representatives of the political parties at the meeting to stick to days programmed by the Commission for the conduct of their primaries.

He urged them to pick their candidates within the LCDAs they belong to avoid litigation.

His words “We are conducting elections into 203 wards for the position of councilorship and two positions which include chairmen in 18 councils and 33 LCDAs. On our part, we are set. All we need is your cooperation.

“The essence of the meeting is to charge and prepare political parties ahead of the elections. We are not rescheduling again as the day is sacrosanct.”

Speaking, the State Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Olaoluwa Adesanya, commended the chairman of the commission for his preparation to ensure the elections are held.

He, therefore, assured the Commission of IPAC’s cooperation towards the conduct of credible elections.

Oyo Collaborates With World Bank For Renovation Of Schools

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Public schools in Oyo State are to wear new look as the State Government in collaboration with Global Partnership for Education (GPE), a World Bank assisted programme disbursed grants for their renovation.

Under the programme, 58 public schools in the State are to benefit.

The state Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders in Ibadan.

The stakeholders in attendance include Chairmen of School Based Management Committees, (SBMCs), Head teachers among others.

During the meeting, Prof. Adelabu revealed that some of the selected public schools will receive facelift, through rehabilitation.

He called on the School Based Management SBMCs and Head teachers responsible for the project delivery in various local governments, to be accountable and transparent in utilizing the funds.

“As part of the approved workplace for the project some schools were selected for infrastructural development exercise, such as renovation of classrooms, with potable water, furniture, toilet facilities and solar system.”

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran hinted that the cost of the schools selected for rehabilitation under same programme would be determined upon inspection of deplorable nature of the benefiting schools.

Dr. Adeniran underscored the importance of education as a priority area of the present administration.

He said the project was significant with the agenda of the State government in developing a road map in its educational sector.

“The BESDA, Additional Fund Transforming Education Sector At State level is a global Partnership in Education sponsored programme for states with special considerations that performed well in the first phase of BESDA.

“This underscores the fact that education is a priority for the oyo state government, under Engr. Seyi Makinde. The rehabilitation of schools would create a conducive learning environment for our children.”

The Special Adviser on Education Intervention, Tiamiyu Suraju Abiodun, said the grant was meant to turn around infrastructure of schools in the state.

He said the project will enhance the capacity of Education in the state, therefore the need to involve SBMCs.

Suraju-Abiodun said that the selection of beneficiary schools was objective and devoid of bias or political interferences.

The Special Adviser stated that the project was a collective delivery by each community, and meeting the criteria and benchmark set by World Bank would determine the next phase of the project.

He said the GPE was providing support to three focus states of Oyo, Adamawa and Kastina to address issues of access and learning outcomes.

“We are about to witness transformation in schools’ infrastructure that are under served or hard to reach either for construction or renovation with basic amenities.

“This is to make learning conducive for learners, increase enrollment and ultimately reduce the menace of out of school children.”

Osun Assembly Inaugurates Three Deputy Clerks

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adewale Egbedun - Osun State Speaker

By Ayodele Oni

Following amendment of Osun State Civil Service law, the State House of Assembly has presented letters of appointment to three newly appointed Deputy Clerks of the Assembly.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, made the presentations at the plenary session in Osogbo on Tuesday.

It was reported that the new Deputy Clerks are Laide Lawal, Raheem Sanusi and Muyiwa Ayeni, all from the Osun Service Commission.

Lawal was the Director of Information and Public Relations; Sanusi, the Director of Legislative Management, and Sanusi, the Director of Publications in the commission.

The Speaker said the appointments followed the amendment of the Osun Civil Service Law, which accommodated additional Deputy Clerks to ease the workload on the Clerk of the Assembly.

The Assembly’s Clerk, Mr Simeon Amusan, appreciated the Speaker for what he described as an unprecedented and historical event.

Amusan said the decision to have Deputy Clerks was set in motion a long time before now, hence it was long overdue.

Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Lawal appreciated the Speaker and the Management of the Osun Service Commission for elevating them to the “exalted position”.

He said they would consider the privilege a call for them to work harder and give more to the development of the Assembly and its Commission.

Lawal assured the assembly they would live up to expectations.

The assembly, thereafter, dissolved into Committee of the Whole for further discussion on the “Osun State Public/Political Office Holders Remuneration Package (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2024”.

Uzodimma Appoints LGA Sole Administrators, Election Holds Within 60 Days

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Local Government Areas in Imo State, will in the next 60 days have substantive Chairmen and Councillors. The State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the election into the Councils will hold within the stipulated time.

And to ensure the conduct of  credible elections, Uzodinma has approved the  appointment of Sole Administrators for the 27 Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Honourable Declan Emelumba, gave the names of the Sole Administrators and their LGAs as follows.

Isiala Mbano :           Hon. Okoroike Chika

Onuimo         : Dr. Obi Emeka

Okigwe          :Hon. Sir Acho Asiegbu

Obowo :         Barr. Obioma Ehirim

Ehime Mbano           : Chief Uche Nwodu

Ihitte Uboma : Hon. Barr. Chukwuma Godson Onyema

Oru East        : Hon. Okwaraigwe Nnamdi

Orsu   : Hon. Ibekaeme Friday

Orlu    : Barr. Isaiah Chinedu Ezeogu

Oguta:            Dr. Abiaziem Chima

Oru West  :    Engr. Ikenna Adikibe

Ohaji/Egbema           : Hon. Chief Onyeaju Princewill

Nwangele:     Chief Paul Duru

Isu: Chief Kenneth Ukah

Nkwerre         : Hon. Odunze Ajaero JP

Njaba  : Anaemem Obikaeze

Ideato South: Hon. Okechukwu Okwara

Ideato North  : Ozigbo Michael

Ahiazu Mbaise:        Larry Obinna Chikwe

Ezinihitte Mbaise:    Nwachukwu Chinedum A

Mbaitoli: Nwanegwo Ifunanya

Ikeduru:         Hon. Justice Nzeh

Aboh Mbaise : Chief Nnamdi Anyanwu D

Ngor Okpala  : Hon. Kizito Onuoha

Owerri West : Hon. Nwankwo Victor

Owerri Municipal:     Engr. Chidiebere Emeribe

Owerri North : Hon. Lucky Abaronye

The appointments are with immediate effect.

Child Abuse: Niger State Speaker Faces Litigation Over Plans To Marry Off 100 Girls, As Minister Of Women Affairs Lashes Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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AbdulMalik Sarkin-Daji- Niger State House of Assembly Speaker

By Akinwale Kasali

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs has lashed Niger State House of Assembly Speaker, AbdulMalik Sarkin-Daji for planning to marry off not less  than100 Girls.

She has, also, approached the Court of Law to stop Sarkin-Daji from carrying out the plan which she labeled Child Abuse.

Speaking at a Press Briefing, Kennedy-Ohanenye added that she has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop the Speaker.

She said a thorough investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the issue slated for May 24.

It would be recalled that the Speaker had, last week, disclosed his intentions of sponsoring the wedding of 100 girls, some of whom were orphaned by insurgency, as part of his Maringa constituency project.

He said he had acquired materials for the event scheduled for May 24, and promised to pay dowries for the bridegrooms.

Following the criticisms that greeted the announcement, the Speaker clarified that he was only funding the wedding — not forcing the girls into marriage.

However, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the plan is unacceptable, and that the future of the girls should be a priority.

She said the Ministry will take responsibility for the girls’ education and vocational training.

“I want to let the Honorable Speaker of the House in Niger state know that this is totally unacceptable by the Federal Minister of Women Affairs and by the Government,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said.

“ Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that it is no more business as usual.

“ These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.

“ So I have gone to Court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of Police.

“ And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them.

“As the Speaker did not think about empowering these girls or sending them to school or giving them some kind of training or support financially. The Women Affairs have decided to take it up and we are going to educate the children.

“Those that do not want to go to school, we will train them in a skill, empower them with sustainable empowerment machines to enable that child build his or her life and make up her mind who and when to get married.

“If for any reason the Speaker tries to do contrary to what I have just mentioned, there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.”

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