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OPINION: ICHABOD: Because The Glory Has Departed From Nigeria

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The Source
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By Steve Osuji

President Bola Tinubu immediately reminds of someone suffering what could be called the Ichabod syndrome. It’s a state devoid of glory and grace.

The Bible in 1 Samuel 4: 21 -22 tells of the fall of Israel from glory. King Saul had sinned almost irretrievably and came short of God’s glory. The Lord, therefore, left him and his kingdom to the wiles of the enemy. Not only is he and his son killed in battle,  the sacred Ark of God fell into the hands of the enemy.

This may well be the story of Nigeria today. Under the dodgy mandate of President Bola Tinubu,  Nigeria has lapsed into a state of gracelessness. Nigeria’s president virtually spends his day and night seeking validation and legitimacy even in some odd places. The other day, he was in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and he could only interact with mere ministers. As his propaganda machine was making bogus claims about Saudi Arabia’s plans to build refineries in Nigeria and hand out  basketful of dollars to us to shore up our plunging naira, Immigration officers were turning back plane-loads of Nigerians at the entry point into Saudi Arabia. They would show no respect to their guest, President Tinubu.

It was the same faux pas in the UAE many weeks ago where false representation was made to Nigerians about President Tinubu’s  meeting with top officials of the UAE. Bilateral air agreement had been restored, we were told by  talking heads. We did no such thing, said UAE officials.

NIGERIANS TAKE VICARIOUS PUNISHMENT:
In all of Tinubu’s dark aura,  poor Nigerian citizens take the heat. Tinubu’s forgery brouhaha has pushed the world to impose a punishing scrutiny on documents presented by Nigerian immigrants. Travelling Nigerians suffer severe scrutiny at check-in counters today more than at any other time.

The Super Eagles which is supposedly made up of an assemblage of the best in Africa can no longer get the better of even the least football team in Africa. Nigeria missed qualifying for the last World Cup tournament. Here we go again. Even football that brought a bit of joy is now a source of serial sorrow.

TINUBU CAN’T LEAD:
This column has made this point for the umpteenth time and in different ways. The harsh truth here which many Nigerians don’t want to hear about is that President Tinubu cannot lead. He may be an expert at ‘managing’  elections but he is neither a manager nor a leader. Unfortunately, many Nigerians don’t seem to know the difference between the dark methods required to grab an election victory and the acumen needed to lead change and transform society. The processes of managing man and resources sustainably over a stipulated time frame, is the true test of leadership.

NOBODY SEEMS TO BE IN CHARGE STILL:
But in this instance, vision is hoary, energy is very low and there’s a near physical and intellectual vacuum at the very pinnacle of power, six months on. The next level of authority which may be described as the buffer zone lies in the offices of the Chief of Staff, the Attorney General and the Head of the Economy. But the lacunae here are that they don’t seem to understand the magnitude of the situation; they cannot see that we are already in dire straits. They therefore, do not know that they have to take charge. Though they are not particularly great individually, but in concert, and getting the right support, they might rescue a bad situation. Can they achieve a meeting of minds? Are they possessed of the prescience to rise to the moment and take initiative,  being errand people who normally await orders?

The point therefore,  is that nobody is in charge here yet. This explains the daily flip-flopping and the lack of direction. They speak glibly of reform: And we ask:  What is the thrust? What is the grand idea? What are the high points? What are the timelines? What are the milestones and deliverables using human development indices?

STENCH OF CORRUPTION RISES TO HIGH HEAVENS:
We can hardly breathe. Every day Nigeria’s atmosphere is filled with the rank stench of malfeasance. Corruption of the shade and magnitude unknown before now. Mother of all corruption is what we seem to have now. One instance: can someone explain the ENI-OANDO deal to Nigerians?

ALL IS FAIR IN WAR… AND PROPAGANDA:
After virtually levying a war on Nigeria and Nigerians to grab power, the Tinubu presidency doesn’t seem to know the next steps to take. It now thrives on propaganda and outright lies. Work is tough but talk is cheap. Photo opportunities, cheap talks and fake promises, are what we are left with now.

WHAT CAN BE DONE:
Since President Tinubu seems to have forgotten his campaign manifesto already and appears to be in a pitiable quandary as to the next turn to take, this column reiterates below, some of suggestions that have been presented here many times before:

First, this government must get refineries working! The same way the President grabbed the mandate, he could also apply same machinations to get the damned refineries working –  by hook or crook! He could become a hero already if he stopped Petroleum products importation by first anniversary. Especially if he manages to bring down the prices of PMS and diesel.

Second, he must get his agric minister to get Nigerians farming immediately. If the fellow is serious, we could be harvesting our next coop maize in March and cassava in September. These two commodities can provide immediate jobs, huge harvests and mitigate poverty down the value chain.

Third, he can fix power supply incrementally in the quickest possible time.

If the president focuses energy, time and resources on these three and get them right in two years,  that would be the real reform.

Otherwise, this place is currently devoid of grace and glory.

There’s no joy in the land anymore and many more citizens like sheep, are grazing in the valley of the shadow of …

Osuji, an accomplished Journalist and Columnist, was the Special Adviser, Media, to former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha

Imo Teachers To Retire At 65 Years, Uzodimma Signs Bill Into Law

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Government has recorded another milestone in the welfare of its Civil Service, with Governor Hope Uzodimma, assenting into law, the Bill for the retirement of teachers in the State at the age of 65 or 40 years in service.

The Governor who signed the Bill into law to domesticate and harmonise the retirement age of teachers in Imo State to 40 years of service or 65 years of age, congratulated the teachers and urged them to show more commitment to their job.

The prevailing retirement age for teachers before now is either 35 years of service or 60 years of age.

Speaking after signing the Bill into law at the New Exco Chambers Government House Owerri, on Wednesday, Governor Uzodimma recalled the enthusiasm that greeted a similar exercise at the Federal Government level by the President and said he is glad to domesticate it in order to encourage teachers in public schools Imo State.

“Having given the teachers extra five years, they are expected to bring out their time and work harder to give Imo children the best form of teaching and learning and graduate them as the best in Nigeria,” Governor Uzodimma said.

He described the gesture as value addition and challenged the teachers to show more commitment and seriousness to their job.

While congratulating the teachers, Governor Uzodimma told them that the “law is to encourage them to have sense of work security and be more effective and efficient in their duties.”

Presenting the Bill to the Governor for assent, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe said that the Bill, “To Domesticate and Harmonize the Retirement Age of Teachers in Imo State, is an Executive Bill forwarded to the House and was passed after the Third Reading on the 16th day of November, 2023.”

The Speaker expressed happiness that it is the first Bill to be passed by the 10th Imo State House of Assembly under his watch and commended the Governor as one who has “shown concern for the welfare of his people.”

While noting that the Executive Bill was well thought out, Olemgbe described its passage and signing into law as historical.

Earlier, the Clerk of the Imo State House of Assembly, Barr. (Mrs.) Chinelo Emeghara  said that assent to Bills into Law by the Governor is a constitutional provision of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and that Section 100 Sub – Section 1; 2; and 3 empowers the Governor to do so after the House must have taken the Bill through the established processes of First, Second and Third Reading.

The Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike, the Head of Service, Barr Raymond Ucheoma and other members of the State Expanded Executive Council witnessed the signing ceremony.

On the side of the Imo State House of Assembly, the Majority Leader,  Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemechi and some Principal Officers were in attendance.

The Imo State Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)led by Dr. Philip Nwansi was ably represented by Comrades Ikpe Napoleon, Oguoma O.M, Eze Daniel and Azubuike Samuel at the event.

Osun Judiciary Workers Embark On Strike Over Allegations Against Chief Judge

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be more trouble for the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, as  the State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), embarked on an indefinite industrial action. The action began as soon as  she resumed duty after the controversy which trailed her purported suspension by the State government.

The strike action which began with immediate effect, the Union said, is indefinite.

It was declared on Wednesday by the Chairman of JUSUN in the State, Oluwagbenga  Eludire.

The strike came on the heels of the protest on Monday and Tuesday by Osun JUSUN over the allegations of maladministration against the embattled Chief Judge.

JUSUN, also, accused her of unduly persecuting some members of staff and denying them their entitlements ranging from restoration of training exercises, arrears of wardrobe allowances from 2021 to 2023 and reinstatement of Judiciary staff in the State suspended by the CJ.

Other demands by JUSUN include “Regularisation and promotion exercise without further delay.

“Also other benefits that members of JUSUN are entitled to should be effected without further delays.”

Eludire directed all Judiciary workers in the State to stay away from the Courts and their offices and withdraw their services.

Portable Water: Uzodimma Proposes Establishment Of 10mgws Hydro-power Plant In Imo

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The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma has suggested the establishment of a 10MGWs Hydro-Power Plant in Imo State to facilitate hitch-free supply of portable water for the residents.

The Governor made the proposal Tuesday night when he received in audience the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Teriumun and his team who paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri.

Governor Uzodimma told the Minister that the 10MGW Hydro-Power plant will help, if well implemented, to solve the problems of portable water shortage just as he sought the Minister’s intervention in completing some of the ongoing water projects in Imo within the year or early next year.

Governor Uzodimma who expressed joy that the visit will add value to the interest and welfare of Imo people commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his efforts towards the recovery of the economy of the country, congratulating the All Progressives Congress (APC) on her successes in the just concluded off – cycle governorship elections in Imo and Kogi States.

The Governor said “the Minister’s visit is a clear demonstration that he is out to work,” noting that, “he is about the first Minister who has taken time to visit the Parastatals and Agencies under his Ministry, particularly as it concerns Imo State since the constitution of the New Federal Executive Council under President Tinubu.”

He wished him well.

The Governor told his audience that “the journey between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Imo State has been very interesting as the Ministry has done a lot to provide access to quality water in the State.”

He said value addition has been added to the State through the implementation of the different water schemes since he came on board few the years ago and seized the opportunity to appreciate and acknowledge the interventions the State got in the area of water provision.

Governor Uzodimma recalled that by 2020 when he assumed office, the whole of Owerri Municipal was flooded which made access to portable water difficult.

To salvage the situation, he said his government carried out a survey, and embarked on the building of an underground balloon technology-driven drainage system that made piping and evacuation of flood water easy.

Governor Uzodimma thanked the Minister on the various World Bank intervention programmes, particularly in the areas of E-WASH-Programme, HYGIENE Programme, stressing that Imo has been able to benefit from USAID in the rehabilitation of the State’s major water scheme (Otamiri Water Scheme).

For all the assistance, the Governor expressed gratitude but like Oliver Twist said, ‘’the State needs more.”

He assured the Minister that the Government of Imo State is ready to work with his team “under a constructive partnership,” will make Land available as requested, but appealed to them to engage Imo Youths in farm work under a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The Governor also drew attention of the Minister on the need to rehabilitate the Inyishi Farm Settlement that has been abandoned for a long time, pleading with  him to do something about it.

He assured the Minister and his entourage of the State’s willingness to partner them to achieve the various water and farm projects in Imo State.

In his address, Engr. Teriumun said that the main purpose of their visit is to “undertake on the spot assessment of projects and programmes that the Ministry is undertaking through the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority in the catchment States.”

He drew the Governor’s attention to the Ministry’s intervention projects in Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi States which cover water supply, irrigation schemes, dams and reservoirs, sanitation facilities and erosion control structures.

He reminded the Governor that President Tinubu tasked them on the 12 River Basin Development Authorities,  to put 500,000 hectares of irrigable land for cultivation, in order to produce more foods to feed the Nation.

Engr. Teriumun emphasised that for his Ministry to meet its target, more lands are needed from the States and Communities to expand their irrigation coverage, hence he appealed to Governor Uzodimma to grant their request for more agricultural lands in Imo State and also, to give titles for the ones already acquired.

He rounded off by commending Governor Uzodimma for his commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Imo State through the various projects and programmes implemented by the 3R administration, praying God Almighty to grant the Governor the grace to achieve more in his second term in office.

Present at the visit were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioner for Water Resources, Imo State, Lady Ann Dozie and other Members of State Executive Council.

The Minister was accompanied by the Managing Director, Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Gerald Osuagwu.

Morocco 2024: Coach Madugu Invites Ajibade, Nnadozie, Oshoala, 18 others for Cape Verde Cracker

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

New Super Falcons Coach, Justin Madugu, has called up 21 players to the Super Falcons’ camp ahead of next week’s 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round, first leg clash with the Senior Women National Team of Cape Verde.

The nine-time African Women’s champions will host the Cape Verdians at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Thursday, 30th November, before both teams trade tackles in a return leg in Praia on Tuesday, 5th December.

To be eligible for this final round, the Super Falcons accomplished a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over their counterparts from Ethiopia, with the first leg in Addis Ababa ending 1-1 before a 4-0 lashing of the ‘Lucy’ in Abuja.

All invited players have been advised to report to the team’s camp in Abuja between 25th and 27th November.

The Falcons have never failed to reach the Women Africa Cup of Nations since the competition was launched as the African Women Championship in Nigeria in 1998, and have swept nine out of 12 titles that have been contested so far.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Christiana Obia (Edo Queens)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Glory Edet (FCF TP Mazembe, DR Congo); Rihanat Kasali (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe (SC Benfica, Portugal); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA)

Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)

Uzodinma On Victory: “Thought I Had Opponents, Didn’t Know They Were Participants”, Tells Orlu Zone: “I Will Not Fail You”

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Tuesday told his kinsmen from Orlu zone that he thought he had real political opponents during the recently concluded governorship election, not knowing they were mere participants.

Speaking at the Government House Owerri when leaders from Orlu zone paid him a congratulatory visit, a happy Governor Uzodimma assured an equally excited and happy kinsmen that “I will not bring shame and disgrace to you.”

The Governor also expressed concern over the activities of some Civil Society Organisations and canvassed the need for the authorities to look into the activities of some of them which he said suggest they could be agents of destabilisation in the country.

The Governor said he is aware of the existence of credible CSOs whose interest is interest of Nigeria and “who are also interested in defending and protecting the sovereignty of our country.”

“There are other Organizations who parade themselves as CSOs, but who are agents to some interests,” he said and used the opportunity to call on security agencies in the country to profile their Leadership so as to sieve out those who are of other interests that are not interested in the growth and development of Imo State.

The Governor said the political class in Nigeria is heavily challenged, especially those of them that are working hard to serve the country and the State, “yet day-by-day, some unknown factors acting as agents of destructions are working behind the scene to derail the polity.”

He however warned that, “enough is certainly enough.”

Governor Uzodimma told the leaders from Orlu while welcoming them that his victory is their victory while the glory goes to God alone.

He noted that “Orlu Zone represents the engine room of Imo politics and no Government both now and in future will ever rule Imo State without Orlu zone,” and asked his kinsmen not to be afraid to answer their name and identity.

He congratulated them on their individual and group contributions to his success and acknowledged that “the economy of Imo State is bad because the Orlu business people were not allowed to do their businesses.”

His words: “Never in the history of Imo State elections that INEC and security agencies showed commitment more than in the last election. The opposition thought they will breed insecurity, violence and blackmail against INEC and cause confusion but God made them to fail.”

The Governor said that the country has been a victim of mistaken identity, but emphasised that democracy is the best Government and  the best choice for Nigeria now. “Our democracy must survive.”

Governor Uzodimma invited his kinsmen to join hands to develop Orlu physically and spiritually and also develop Imo State, and promised that he will not only do more but will do better.

He pledged not to bring shame and disgrace to his people.

Speaking, the Leader of the group and the Senator representing Imo West, Dist. Senator Osita Izunaso, on behalf of his people said that the Governor has done well hence he was able to score 27/27.

Izunaso said that the Governor started early to fix his eyes on the ball with massive infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and general economic revolution.

He congratulated the Governor and said Orlu people, Imo people, appreciated him through their votes and commended INEC for early supply of election materials all over the State and the security agencies for a job well-done.

He gave a graphic percentage of the results of the election and said of the 504,380 votes cast, Owerri Zone produced 98,600 votes or 18.25%, Okigwe Zone 115,124 votes or 21.31% and Orlu Zone 326,000 votes representing 60.44%.

In their various contributions, Eze Imo HRM Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okeke, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman Imo State Council of Elders, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu and Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu, Federal House Members of the Zone, all acknowledged that the success of the Governor at the poll was a result of hard work and thanked God that he won the election overwhelmingly.

They advised the Governor not to relent in his good works to the zone and the State in his second tenure.

Another set of Speakers – Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, Hon Ifeoma Ndukwe (APC Woman Leader in the State)- said they were confident that the Governor will win the election before the result was announced.

Corroborating the above, Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu, Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs Imo State and Dr. Rabbi Ibrahim, Hon Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, described the Governor in a lot of positive ways such as “Governor General” “Happening Governor,” “Compassionate Governor,” and “Kind Leader of Imo State,” who is not only women friendly but also women inclusiveness and gender friendly.

Hon. Nwachukwu in particular expressed happiness to have a relationship with the Governor, saying he “created a new system of administration and operations and has demonstrated capacity, sagacity, and prowess in implementing his mapped out programmes.”

In another development, the Governor of Imo State has acknowledged that the Imo Progressive Movement (IPM) led by their Convener, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu had actually exhibited all facts that show they are grassroots oriented and have impact at the rural level.

He acknowledged that they were active during the elections and described their leader as very reliable and dependable.

He thanked them for coming and told them that his victory is their victory and that he will be fair to all of them who worked during the constitution of the second term cabinet.

The Convener,  Hon. Dibiagwu congratulated the Governor and told him that IPM as a structure is not a social media structure rather a standing structure that the Governor can always leverage at anytime.

He equally asked the Governor not to renege in his good works for Imo people going forward and requested the Governor to remember them in his next Executive Council.

Those who spoke from the IPM group were Chief William Ejiakor (BOT Chairman), the State Woman Leader, the State Publicity Secretary, Collins Opuruzor and the Director General, Chief Jeff Nwoha.

They all pledged loyalty and continued support to the Governor.

Ondo Elders Of Thought Beg President Tinubu, APC Leadership To Intervene In Constitutional Crisis

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Rising from another round of their meeting in Akure, elders of thought including religious and traditional rulers have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the unending political logjam in the State.

The elders believe that the crisis occasioned by the ailment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and move by the State House of Assembly to impeach the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has crippled governance in the state.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of Law and Order in Ondo State,” the elders concluded in a letter to the president, signed by Pa Reuben Fasoranti and a former speaker in the state assembly, Bakkita Bello.

Other resolutions at the meeting are that “The Convener, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, AFENIFERE NATIONAL/GLOBAL LEADER, is appreciated for his unrelenting selfless efforts in ensuring peace, sustainable democracy, Rule of Law, growth and development in ONDO STATE and Nigeria, even in his ripe old age.

“The Elder Statesmen called for prayers for the improved health of the Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, MFR. The Elders noted that without doubt his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the State.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

“There should be NO impeachment of the Governor nor the Deputy Governor by the House of Assembly. All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solution to the current crisis. The rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.

‘The Elders also call on the State/National Leadership of the Ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in Government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold.

“Conciliation efforts initiated by Papa Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Femi Aluko, Korede Duyile and Professor Olu Aderounmu, that were started two months ago and been continuously vigorously pursued by Elders/Leaders, Spiritual and Royal Fathers in the State, should be concluded with a view to allowing true rapprochement and enduring good governance thrive in the State.”

Apart from constitutional crisis, the elders observed that continued absence of Governor Akeredolu has resulted into “Apparent confusion and helplessness of Civil/Public Servants in the State in the absence of appropriate and clearly delineated directives.

“Feeling of hopelessness of the citizens of Ondo State in not enjoying continually, the expected dividends of democracy and good governance.

Current utter disrespect for the Rule of Law in Ondo State whereby self-serving persons have taken over the government without due regard to the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

“Absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in National affairs due to the lingering crisis.

Foreseeable problems of late preparation of the 2024 Budget by the Executive Arm for the customary timely presentation to the State House of Assembly.”

CBN: Embattled Emefiele Gets N300m Bail

By
James Orji
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Embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor Godwin Emefiele has been granted bail by an Abuja High Court.
Emefiele was last week sent to Kuje Prison by the court after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for alleged fraud.
In his ruling on Wednesday, the court presided by Justice Hamza Muazu, the former CBN boss was granted bail on a N300 million bond.
Aside the bond, Justice Muazu also ordered Emefiele to produce two sureties, who must be resident within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and have landed property within the Maitama District.
The court said hearing on the case will commence on November 28.
Emefiele was also ordered to submit his traveling documents to the court’s clerk.

Old Naira Notes: FG Prays Supreme Court’s To Review judgement.

By
James Orji
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0
The Federal Government has prayed the Supreme Court to review its judgment over the old naira notes, according to the Nation’s newspaper.
The suit is expected to be heard on November 30, the medium said.
The apex court had in March this year ruled that the validity of the N200, N500 and N1,000 as legal tender must not exceed December 31, 2023.
The federal government has now prayed the Supreme Court to review the judgment.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had recently insisted that the old notes remain legal tender alongside new naira notes.
The CBN spoke following the scarcity of naira notes in some parts of the country, which not a few Nigerians blamed on the Supreme court’s judgment.
Sources in the CBN told the magazine that the government bank is determined to end the naira scarcity before it snowballs into a serious problems, as Nigerians are already apprehensive of what will happen during the festive period if the problem persists.
According to an application filed  by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, a senior Advocate,  the Federal Government has asked the Supreme Court to among other things review the judgment in light of the hoarding of naira notes by some Nigerians.
The government is seeking the following reliefs, “An order of this Honourable Court reviewing or varying its consequential order contained in the judgment in Suit No. SC/CV/162/2023 was delivered on the 3rd day of March 2023 to the effect that the old 200, 500, and 1,000 naira notes should be legal tender until December 31, 2023.
“An order of this Honourable Court varying its consequential order contained the March 3 judgment to the effect that the old 200, 500, and 1,000 Naira notes should be legal tender until December 31, 2023.
“An order of this Honourable Court reviewing and/or varying the said consequential order to read thus: An order that the old versions of 200, 500, and 1,000 notes/currency shall continue to be legal tenders alongside the new or redesigned versions until the government decides to bring the circulation of the old versions to an end… after its consultation with critical stakeholders and after putting all required structures in place.
“And for such order or further orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

“Our Courts Have Become Courts Of Favour, And Of Procurement” – Obi

By
The Source
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0

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in the February 25th general elections, Peter Obi, has challenged Nigerians not to be silent but to voice out and ask questions about why our courts are turning into courts of favour and procurement rather than courts of justice and law.

Obi who fielded questions from a cross-section of the media in his Abuja office on Monday night to mark the Centenary celebration of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, said the situation is worrisome and the  IPAC, Civil society groups, and indeed Nigerians should be consistent in their challenge for good governance.

“We now have a situation where known party card-carrying members of political parties who were even involved in thuggery are being appointed to be a referee in our coming elections”

The LP Presidential Candidates challenged  IPAC, civil society, and the people to resist anything that tends to undermine democracy and good governance of the people but they must be civil and within the law.

According to Obi, “IPAC should question why 90% of our elections end up in courts with huge resources that should be channeled to the people’s welfare being used for litigations

They should voice out where our courts have become courts of favor, courts of procurement rather than courts of justice and the law.”

He listed the three recent contradictory gubernatorial election cases involving three state governors of the opposition parties, “Look at what is happening in Zamfara, Kano and Plateau and others states.

“My party is not in any of them but we are all affected by injustice, my concern is to do what is right.

“Look at the election that happened recently in Kogi and others, nobody is talking about those who were killed. We do not talk about such ugly situations as killings, or maiming because human lives no longer mean anything to us in this country.

“Everybody is watching something we know was wrong.  That is why IPAC and civil society should voice out in defense of democracy and good governance.

” I have said it before it’s not about who will benefit today or tomorrow. I have said it before nobody is buying fuel cheaper, nobody is buying food cheaper because he belongs to the ruling party.”

On his advice to IPAC members vis a viz their role in the contemporary political matters, Obi said: “My advice is that the parties must come together and work for the people in defense of democracy and good governance.

You can see today that there is a gradual erosion of the tenets of democracy”. IPAC must rescue the situation and ensure that the resources are properly channeled for the people’s welfare.

“Our political compass is headed in the wrong direction so there is a need for the parties to come together to be able to rescue the situation.

The LP standard bearer also advised Nigerians to take the issue of governance very seriously, we need to ensure that only those who are competent, who have compacity, who have integrity can serve faithfully, and use the resources of the nation for effective production are allowed to hold positions.

On the need for cooperation among political parties, Obi said

” You are talking about coming together for election purposes but that’s not what am talking about. I am talking about coming together for good governance and making sure that the people are well governed.

He explained that the difference is that when coming together is for election purposes, it’s self-serving and often transactional but if it’s for good governance, we can all come together.

On the recent position of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on democracy, Obi said the former President’s position should not be misconstrued, he is worried like every patriotic person the way our democracy is going and is boldly in his usual way offering solutions.

“For example, if you look at democracy in America where we even copied the Presidential system, there are so many things that we have abandoned. In the US office of the First Lady only exists in name merely for domestic purposes, not for a bogus budget that should be deployed in critical areas for development.

“In America if the President chooses to entertain people you pay for the food. If he chooses to have different dishes you pay for it so you can order fish from Japan at your own expense. You don’t have renovations of different houses for the President with public funds when the people are dying of basic things such as food and health care.

These are the issues, we have to look at what suits us and how we can manage our resources, expenses, and everything, that is what Obasanjo is saying that we adopt what suits us.

On the 2027 Presidential Election, Obi admonished journalists to stop asking questions about another election when the country is in a critical situation.

“My dear let’s not talk about election. We have critical problems happening now. We should all come together even you as a journalist should look beyond the elections. People are dying of hunger and you are talking of election. I have said repeatedly that Peter Obi is not desperate to be Nigerian President but is desperate to see Nigeria work especially for the poor. Your children are suffering and you are talking of an election that is four years away.

“I am begging you, let’s talk about how to save this country, if the country is working I mustn’t be President. Let the country work first”

On how his supporters should react to the past election, Obi said:

“They should not relent, they should continue to voice their opposition out. It shouldn’t be a one-off thing, they have to be consistent. Am not saying they should go and start destroying things, they must remain civil but consistently say NO to bad governance.

On how IPAC can do better and live up to expectations to help create the democracy of our dream,  the LP standard bearer said “IPAC should go beyond being transactional and be effective in opposing bad governance. That’s their role and that was why they were formed. To say No when things are going wrong. And everybody can see today that things are going wrong in our country”

On the issue of restructuring, Obi said:

“We need to talk. Our compass is headed in the wrong direction and we need to show the correct direction. And if we don’t do anything it will consume everybody, and we can bequeath anarchy to our children  Some people will think today that they are benefiting, in a situation where we have a looming crisis and we are playing about it. We have been warned that we are going to face hunger next year, but we are using almost 100% of our revenue to service debts and nobody can say how we piled the debts and what we used it for.

“In a place where we are told we are bankrupt, we have been behaving like people in affluence.

“Bankrupt people should eliminate all expenditures that are not critical for development.

“But we are still going ahead living a life that is beyond our resources. All these are things to look into, whether this Presidential system suits us or whether we should jettison it and return to parliamentary but we need to talk.

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