Killing Of DPO In Rivers, Timi Frank Calls For Investigation Of FCT Minister, Wike

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December 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

As security agents intensify investigation into the killing of the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, Bako Angbashim, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, to probe the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged complicity in the incident.

Angbashim, a Superintendent of Police, had led his men to raid criminal hideouts in the Odemude community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state on September 8, when a dreaded cult group led by Okpara ambushed them, opened fire and eventually captured Angbashim, decapitated his body and filmed their action.

His killing attracted nationwide condemnation with the police high command, the Federal and the Rivers State Governments ordering an investigation and immediate arrest of the suspects.

Frank in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, while reacting to a claim by a member of the House of Representatives, Boma Goodhead, representing Asari-Toru Federal Constituency of Rivers State,

that Wike was complicit in the killing of the DPO.

Goodhead had at a protest rally in Rivers State in support of Governor Siminilaye Fubara, accused Wike and some federal lawmakers of masterminding the killing of the DPO.

She also claimed that the former Governor of Rivers State had caused the diversion of $300million given by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited meant for Ogoni cleanup and N9billion from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

According to Frank, the investigation has become necessary to determine the veracity or otherwise of the claims by Goodhead against Wike and two federal lawmakers from the state.

He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up a judicial panel of inquiry to unravel the killing of the DPO in order to ensure justice for the dead.

According to him, “If the President fails to take action or do the right thing, by arresting Wike and setting up a judicial panel of inquiry, I demand that every murder suspect in Nigeria that is already in prison or that is being tried should be set free.

“This is because nobody is above the law and we are all Nigerians. So we expect equal justice for all Nigerians.”

Frank also urged Wike to resign his position as minister and submit himself for probe over the alleged murder of the DPO and masterminding the diversion of $300million given by the NNPCL for Ogoni cleanup and another N9billion from the IGR of Rivers state.

He insisted that since Wike always claim to be a man of integrity, submitting himself to the security agencies like Goodhead had promised to do on the matter would further vindicate him.

He insisted that all federal lawmakers whose names were mentioned by Hon Goodhead in the killing must also be investigated.

He said: “The investigation must not be done in secret. It must be thorough and the findings made public because Hon Goodhead has offered to reveal further details when invited by any of the security agencies concerning the allegation.

“Justice must be given to the family of this police officer who was killed. This is not the time to protect or hide anybody.

“We are calling on the National Human Rights Commission and the International Criminal Court to take up this matter and invite the Honourable Member who made this allegation to hear her out and thereafter take up the case to ensure that Wike is held accountable for the death.”

He also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged diversion of $300million from Rivers State’s IGR.

Jonathan Mourns Chukwuemeka Ezeife

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The Source

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December 17, 2023

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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has condoled with the family of Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife as well as the Government and people of Anambra State on the passing of the former governor of the state who died at the age of 85 years.

Dr. Jonathan described late Ezeife as a selfless leader who stood for equity and justice. In a condolence letter to the family of the former Governor, Dr. Jonathan urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived an impactful life and left behind lasting legacies.

The former President further stated: “Chief Ezeife was an elder statesman and patriotic leader who was steadfast in his love for Nigeria and the promotion of equity, peace and national development. He was a voice of reason, a mentor to many, a public servant with a reputation of honour and dignity.

“He will be remembered for his selfless and dedicated service to his country and state. I urge his family, friends, and associates to take solace in the fact that he lived an impactful life and left lasting legacies.”

Ikechukwu Eze
Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Organised Labour Calls Out Workers, Begins Strike Monday

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Ayodele Oni

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December 17, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

For failure to commence implementation of the wage increase, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have ordered all workers to embark on strike from Monday.

Organised Labour stated that the federal government has refused to implement new minimum wage for all workers in the country.

It was also learnt that the strike action is not unconnected with the N35,000 palliative stipend that the Federal government has stopped paying to the federal workers.

Report stated that the federal workers were only paid once for the month of September.

A circular sent by the secretaries of the unions, Emmanuel Igboaja and Nuhu Toro, for NLC and TUC respectively, which was released on Saturday, indicated that all workers are to embark on the strike action with immediate effects commencing from the midnight of Monday.

The organized labour has been holding serial meetings with federal government representatives on the new minimum wage and the subsidy palliatives with no concrete decision reached.

Monday’s strike will be the third since the inception of the administration in May.

Jonathan Felicitates Buhari At 81

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The Source

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December 16, 2023

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Buhari and Jonathan working secretly with APC

Former President Dr. Ebel Jonathan has felicitated ex-President Muhammed Buhari on the occasion of his 81^st birthday wishing him long life in good health.

In a goodwill message he personally signed Dr. Jonathan commended Buhari for his service and commitment to the progress of the nation.

The message said: “I am pleased to join your family, friends, well-wishers and other Nigerians to congratulate you on the occasion of your 81^st birthday.

“You are a determined leader who has been resolute in

national service and commitment to the progress of our country.

“As you celebrate, I salute you for your faithful stewardship to Nigeria. On behalf of my family, I wish you sound health, peace and joy.”

Ikechukwu Eze

Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

At 81, Tinubu Eulogizes Fmr President Buhari, Says He’s Paradigm Of Sacrifice, Devotion

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Ayodele Oni

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December 16, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has described his immediate predecessor, Mohammadu Buhari as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism on his 81st birthday.

In a statement, Tinubu extols the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former President, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

Tinubu pointed out that former President Buhari’s unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, cut across all sectors of the economy.

These include several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges.

“This is in addition to establishing Nigeria’s first ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats.”

President Tinubu recalls the former President’s “aggressive push to modernize Nigeria’s defence architecture, while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security in the country.”

The President described Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.

“President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland.

“The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay.”

President Tinubu appreciates former President Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration.

While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, President Tinubu assures the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed.

Fmr INEC Chairman, Jega Cautions Against Creation Of More States, LGs, Insists On Restructuring Before 2027

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Ayodele Oni

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December 16, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Former chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Prof Mahmoud Jega, has advised that no additional states and local governments should be created in the country for now.

He made the suggestion while speaking at the maiden (merged) convocation of the Bauchi State University, Gadau.

Prof Jega who was a guest lecturer, spoke on the theme: “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Future: Prioritizing Citizen’s Welfare and Security Amidst Challenges”.

According to him “The additional resources current states would get from the de-concentration of power and resources would make all the 37 states and FCT financially viable and facilitative of grassroots development.

“The cost of governance at both the federal, state and local tiers of governance need to be drastically cut, and measures introduced to entrench transparency, accountability and effective anti-corruption oversight.

Prof Jega, also stressed the need for Nigeria to be restructured before 2027.

Some restructuring of the Nigerian federation, he added should be embarked upon through evidence-based constitutional reforms, the objectives of which should be to de concentrate powers and resources from the federal tier and to spread them to those of the state and local governments.

He argued that he didn’t believe Nigeria is a failed state but “a failing state”.

Jega urged the Nigerian leaders to learn from the “best practices” model federations, such as India, Canada and the USA in the areas of revenue generation and sharing and adapted to our local context and circumstances.

“Just like the structure of the Nigerian federation, the structure of the Nigerian economy has a colonial origin, primary designed to meet up with, and satisfy, the economic interests of the colonial powers.

Long after colonial rule has ended, the structure has embedded and integrated the Nigerian economy into the global capitalist system, such that it continues to promote primary commodity production, and export primarily to Europe, and import of finished products from all parts of the world.

“This is rather than commodity production through industrial production and manufacturing for both the home market and export.

“Serious reform measures need to be introduced to diversify Nigeria’s earnings from dependence of export of crude oil, to expand investment in agricultural production and Agro-allied processing both for the home market and for export.

“Revive, expand and reposition our industries and manufacturing enterprises, for production, both for the home-market and for export.”

Heightened Insecurity In Zamfara: Foreign Medical Team Withdraws Services

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Ayodele Oni

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December 16, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Heightened insecurity in Zamfara State has forced some foreign medical team to the State to suspend services.

One of the affected medical team, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) announced a partial withdrawal of its medical mission from Zurmi town, with evacuation of personnel.

It explained that the decision followed ongoing armed confrontations that have displaced thousands of people in the state.

MSF communications officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu, confirmed this withdrawal in a statement, citing incidents dangerously close to an MSF-supported hospital since December 10.

The statement reads: “These armed clashes have provoked the displacement of thousands of people in need of security, shelter and access to basic services. Humanitarian support is needed to help those in dire need of assistance.

“Faced with important security risks, MSF medical teams on the ground had to evacuate part of its staff and are unable to function optimally, having to suspend the provision of health care to communities outside the town.

“In this context, our team is concerned about patients in need of medical treatment as they are unable to reach the hospital in a safe manner.

“Some of the patients refuse to leave the hospital out of fear,” explained Adjide Hermann, MSF deputy field coordinator in Zurmi.

“We had no choice but to reduce part of our team, and the staff who are still working at the hospital are afraid of what is going to happen next.”

Dr Simba Tirima, MSF country representative, while expressing his deep concern, also said, “This situation is untenable; we urgently appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to cease their hostilities to protect the population.

“This is also crucial to safeguard the medical mission and to maintain the safety of patients and medical staff.

“Our teams are committed to provide medical support to the Nigerian population in Zamfara State; we will do our best to maintain the operations, but we wish to see improvements in the security situation to be able to provide the appropriate medical care.”

Uzodimma: Nigeria Loses An Asset In Ezeife

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The Source

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December 16, 2023

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has bemoaned the death of one of Nigeria’s erudite statesmen, consistent voice for good governance and progressive politician, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, saying that in his passing the country has lost an asset.

Dr. Ezeife, popularly referred to as Okwadike of Igbo Ukwu was the first democratically elected Governor of Anambra State (1992-1993) and reportedly died at 85 on Thursday at the National Hospital, Abuja, according to his family.

In sympathising with the family of the deceased, the people of Igbo Ukwu, the government of Anambra State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the federal government of Nigeria, Governor Uzodimma said that Dr. Ezeife will be missed sorely by all who came in contact with him.

According to Governor Uzodimma, Dr. Ezeife’s commitment to the good of all – both the common man as well as the high and mighty marked him out as a man who came to serve God and humanity.

Governor Uzodimma said that Dr. Ezeife’s legacies as former Governor, former Permanent Secretary and former Political Adviser will remain indelible in the minds of people, describing his death as painful and regrettable.

The Governor noted that Dr. Ezeife’s vocal voice and contributions on issues that border on good governance in his State, Nigeria, and the society at large cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

He, therefore, prayed God Almighty to grant Dr. Ezeife’s soul a peaceful repose and to his family, the grace to bear the loss.

Appeal Court Victory: Ogene Says Grace of God His Greatest Advocate

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James Orji

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December 16, 2023

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The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the appeal brought before it by the House of Representatives candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, against the victory of the Labour Party candidate, Afam Victor Ogene, whose victory had earlier been affirmed by the Election Petition Tribunal, in Awka, Anambra state.

Justice M.I.Sirajo,who delivered the judgment, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, said that the appeal by Hon. Onyema, lacked merit and therefore affirmed the earlier judgement of the Tribunal, which was delivered on Friday, October 20, 2023.

Speaking after the judgment, Ogene attributed the victory to the grace and favour of God, which he said have paved the way for him right from the day he decided to participate in the election.

Ogene, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, said further, “Just as I said after the tribunal verdict, which also declared me victorious, the grace of God is my greatest advocate. And my judicial victories are true validation of the will of the people and the undeniable grace of God.

“The journey has been both emotionally and physically draining, but God sustained me and has also, once again, proven that only Him determines who should lead a people at any given time. And I promise never to misuse this grace and opportunity to serve.

“I will continue to serve with dignity, honour and utmost responsibility.

“This victory is particularly for the good people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency, who willingly and overwhelmingly gave me their mandate to represent them.

“I give all glory to God for these resounding victories – at the first and second polls. And also at both the Election Petition Tribunal and now the Appeal Court.

“Now is the time to roll up my sleeves and get to work in the service of my people and Nigeria in general. By the grace of God, Ogbaru Federal Constituency will never regret trusting me with their votes.”

The Tribunal sitting in Awka, Anambra state, had on Friday, October 20, affirmed the victory of the Labour Party candidate, Ogene, against the petition of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) candidate, Hon.Chukwuka Onyema, who was defeated at the polls by Ogene according to the results of the election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on April 15, 2023, after a supplementary election in the constituency.

INEC records indicated that the LP candidate scored 10,851 votes of the total votes cast, followed by the candidate of the PDP who polled 10,619 votes, while the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Arinze Awogu, came third with 10,155 votes.

The election in Ogbaru Federal Constituency was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, after the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

As a result, a rerun election was held in the constituency on April 15, but unsatisfied with the result, Hon. Onyema, who had held three tenures of office, proceeded to the tribunal to challenge Ogene’s victory.

With this appeal court verdict, Hon. Ogene is now the authentic representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency till the next four years

Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway: Oyo, Ogun Step Up Joint Security Against Kidnappers

By

James Orji

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December 16, 2023

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The governments of Oyo and Ogun states are collaborating to ensure security on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state disclosed this to the Nigerian Tribune on Friday.

The security collaboration between the two states comes on the back of the kidnap of some passegers on the busy highway earlier this week.

No fewer than 12 members of the same family were said to have been kidnapped while traveling on the road in a bus. A woman was also said to have been shot dead while trying to escape from the criminals.

The incident has frightened many road users who believe the road could become an abductors-trap ahead of the yuletide.

Speaking, Owoseni said the two contiguous state governments have set up a joint technical committee on security to strengthen security in the expressway during and after the festivities. and other roads for the protection of the people.

The former Lagos state Commissioner of Police also stated that motorized patrols have been increased along the Ibafo and Mowe axis to reinforce security in those areas considers as black spots for criminals.

Meanwhile, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, PRO, said security men are in hot chase of the kidnappers, noting that tracking them down through a search and rescue operation is not an easy task.

He said, “It is important we know that rescue operation is tedious and must be tactical for many reasons and to make sure that the victim is rescued unhurt and safe.

“We are on these cases and making progress. We can only urge victims and their relations to relate and work with the police and security operatives. We need their understanding and support in our operations, especially on rescue operations. We also urge Nigerians to adhere to our rolled-out security tips and make use of our ICT platforms and distress call lines for help when the needs arise.”