Obi To Jonathan: “They are Killing Your Sacrifice On Democracy In Nigeria, Salutes Him At 66

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November 20, 2023

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 2023 election, Peter Obi has congratulated former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 66th birthday anniversary thanking him for his huge sacrifice for democracy in Nigeria and Africa.

Obi, however, noted regrettably that some hawks were making spirited efforts to undermine democracy in the country.

The LP standard bearer told Jonathan in a series of tweets on his X handle, how nostalgic Nigerians were at the outcome of the free, fair, and transparent election in our West African neighbor Liberia monitored by him Jonathan where the opposition candidate defeated an incumbent after a run-off.

“May I on behalf of my family heartily congratulate Your Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as you mark your 66th birthday anniversary today.

“I thank God for what he has used you to do for our country, Africa, and global democracies as President and former President who continues to be a good vehicle for free, fair, transparent, and violent free elections.

“Your recent mission for democracy in our West African Neighbour, Liberia where a transparent election was held leading to a run-off that produced an opposition as the winner, made many Nigerians nostalgic about your huge sacrifice for democracy in our country in 2015.

“God will continue to bless you for that rare patriotism that elevated our beloved country in global democracies worldwide, notwithstanding spirited efforts to undermine it.

“That singular act of yours accompanied by the landmark quote “ My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” says it all about your commitment to democracy where the will of the people prevails.

Obi finally prayed for the former President saying

“As you celebrate this unique day in your life, it’s my prayer that God almighty will bless and keep you in good health of mind and body for many more positive things for our country and humanity.”

Happy Birthday Your Excellency.

Signed.
Michael Jude Nwolisa.
Media PA

Liberia: Emulate Weah, History Will Be Kind To Him, Timi Frank Tells Nigerian Leaders

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James Orji

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November 20, 2023

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Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, says posterity will be kind to President George Weah of Liberia for accepting defeat in the recent presidential election.

The Liberian President was defeated in the contested election by rival Dr Joseph Boakai, a veteran politician.

Weah had since accepted defeat in contrast to what normally happens in Africa where leaders don’t easily accept defeat.

The Liberian leader in throwing in the towel said his country ‘won’ even though he lost his bid to retain presidency for a second term.

Reacting, Frank hailed Weah for accepting defeat urging Nigeria leaders to take a cue from the Liberian outgoing leader.

He condemned Nigerian leaders for always trying to grab power by force, saying Liberia has taught Nigeria how to do the right thing.

He also called for Electoral reform in Nigeria, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and other government organisations charged with the conduct of election in the country to be overhauled in other to achieve free, fair and credible elections.

Frank said in a statement on Sunday: “We therefore like to congratulate President-Elect Dr. Joseph Boakai and urge him to use his victory at the Polls to unite the good people of Liberia.

“He must make deliberate efforts to deliver on his campaign promises to the people of Liberia and forgive those who may have worked against him all in a bid to build a more stronger, united and prosperous Liberia for the benefit of all citizens.

“We want him to be reminded that this victory is not for him alone, but for all Africans. This has also shown that if African leaders decide to do the right thing, it can be achieved.

“We would also like to commend President George Opong Weah for his magnanimity in conceding defeat and allowing for a free, fair and credible elections as an incumbent, and to applaud him as he joins the league of distinguished leaders in Africa who have also written their names in gold, such as former President John Mahama of Ghana, former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria who all conceeded defeat as incumbent Presidents.

“Indeed history will remember you all for the love and courage displayed in the place of compromise for the betterment of your nations.”

According to him, “The recent election in the Republic of Liberia has put to rest the argument of Nigeria being the giant of Africa as all parameters to prove its superiority have gradually diminished to a near zero level.

“The current administration in Nigeria headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no moral justification to congratulate President George Weah of Liberia on his acceptance of defeat in the just concluded election as it is an aberration, coming from one who would do anything to grab power, including compromising and corrupting state institutions at any cost whatsoever.

“The Nigerian President ought to hide his head in shame, as he’s not fit to applaud a process he vehemently detests as witnessed in the February 2023 Presidential Poll which usherd in his administration fraught with manipulations and fraud.

“It is on record that no opposition Presidential candidate in the February 2023 Poll has called to congratulate President Tinubu, because of the severity of connivance with state institutions in manipulating the process, which was too glaring to go unnoticed.

“In Nigeria, the opposition candidates do not only contest against the incumbent party, but against INEC, the security agencies and the Judiciary which are supposed to be neutral to all parties and citizens at all times.

“The security agencies, the Judiciary and the Electoral Commission, who are supposed to be neutral, end up being compromised by the ruling party and these dubious politicians and that’s why no opposition candidate congratulated anyone after the polls.

“The effect of this wicked compromise is gradually tilting Nigeria into a one party state as envisioned by these unpatriotic politicians.”

Polaris Bank Fashion Souk: Over 140 SMEs Set For Exhibition

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James Orji

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November 20, 2023

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Nigeria’s Leading Digital Retail Bank, Polaris Bank in partnership with Eventful Limited is set to host the 2023 season end edition of The Fashion Souk 9.0.

The two-day popular event will take place at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos on December 2 and 3, the organisers said in a statement.

The Fashion Souk is Nigeria’s premier marketplace where smart Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, in the fashion industry gather to display and market their diverse goods and services to a large audience.

With its extensive collection of fashion-related SMEs, The Fashion Souk stands as the largest congregation of such businesses in Nigeria to date. The event will primarily focus on four thriving industries: manufacturers, leather, retailers, and jewelry & accessories.

Over 140 established SMEs in Nigeria’s fashion industry, leather, and jewelry/accessories sectors, spanning across manufacturers, retailers, and dealers, will participate in The Fashion Souk 9.0. This incredible platform provides these businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to exhibit their creativity, product lines, and unique offerings to a discerning audience.

The Fashion Souk promises to be a memorable event that showcases the rich diversity, talent, and innovation within Nigeria’s fashion industry where attendees and shoppers can expect an immersive experience, with an array of unique products, inspiring fashion shows, and networking opportunities with industry experts.

In line with its SME focus and commitment, Polaris Bank has partnered and supported businesses in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy including; health, education, manufacturing, agriculture, export, and others. The Bank has advanced credits to these sectors for acquisition of medical equipment, machines, distribution, and logistics of medical products; laboratory equipment, stationaries, furniture, classrooms, school bus; working capital for businesses, expansion, etc.

BusinessDay in a November 2022 article valued Sub-Saharan fashion market at $31billion, with Nigeria accounting for 15 percent to the total regional market; while Statista put the value of the global fashion industry in 2022 at $1.53trillion, with revenue forecast to increase in 2023, to more than $1.7trillion.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions, BAFI, Awards. It also emerged as the Nigeria’s Best MSME Bank of the Year because of its ability to use technology to enable bottom-up support to the MSME sector.

As a digital-forward Bank, Polaris Bank is dedicated to forging a customer-focused future through innovative partnerships that reshape both businesses and communities.

Rivers: Fresh Crisis Looms After Attack On Fubara’s Loyalist, ‘Speaker’ Ehie

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James Orji

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November 20, 2023

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The attack on the residence of Edison Ehie, the factional Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly by suspected thugs has raised a new twist in ongoing power struggle between incumbent Governor Siminalaye Fubara, and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.

According to eye witnesses of the attack, the incident took place around 11 pm on Sunday.

Ehie’s security details were however able to thwart the attack, to ensure that no one was hurt, sources said.

Those watching the political development in the oil rich state insist that the attack may likely worsen the crisis of confidence between Governor Fubara and Wike who claimed to have settled after the political crisis which rocked the state last month.

Recall that Ehie, the House Leader was suspended from the Assembly by 24 lawmakers in the led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule . He would later declare himself Speaker.

Not a few insist that Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister is behind the current political crisis in the state due to the fact that Governor Fubara has refused to be controlled by him.

For instance, the fact that the attack on Ehie, critics of the former governor said, came at a time that 27 lawmakers believed to be loyal to him held a retreat in Abuja, is an indication that Wike is not prepared for settlement, even though, it’s not proved yet whether he sent the thugs.

Following the clash between Fubara and Wike supporters last month, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governors led by the Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammed had met with the two leaders with a view to push for reconciliation.

President Tinubu also met with the two political gladiators in the quest to reconcile them and bring to end the political crisis in the oil rich state.

Ebonyi ‘Bricklayer’ Gov Promises To Sponsor First Class Students; Return Schools To Missions

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James Orji

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November 20, 2023

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Governor Francis Nwizu of Ebonyi state is taking a radical step to improver primary and tertiary education in the state.

As part of the new policy, the state government said 100 First Class and Second Class Students from the state would be sponsored to further their education in any country of their choice.

The state governor also promised to return some primary and secondary school to religious organizations, their original owners. Modalities have been put in place to achieve this, the governor

stated during a Pastoral Visit of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Reverend Dr Peter Nworie Chukwu to the Government House Chapel, Ochoudo Centenary City on Sunday.

To concretise the arrangement, the state governor has directed the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately commence the process of handover of the Schools to the Missions.

The governor told the Catholic Bishop that his government is prepared to carry the church along in its programme.

He however warned that his government will not entertain meddlesomeness from religious organizations, who he advised to focus on the spirituality of their members.

The Governor who said he owed his ascension to the highest office in the state to God, discouraged the Church from meddling in politics, saying their primary duty should be to preach salvation to mankind.

He said, “I have always told people that I am not an ordinary person otherwise how can a former bricklayer, conductor and motorcycle mechanic become Governor of your State within a space of ten years

“We are very much badly challenged in the area of Education and we have agreed in Exco that we are going to send 100 First Class and 2nd Class Upper Graduates to Countries of their choice to further their education when they come back they will teach in our Schools.

“We will also send 300 persons to do their Masters in any Nigeria Higher Institutions of their choice

“We have a lot of challenges in the Education sector and as far as I am concerned we are going to get it back by having quality teachers in Primary and Secondary Schools.

“We won’t hesitate, if the Catholic Church is ready to take back their Schools we are ready and not only the Catholic Church, but every other Churches whose Schools were taken over.

“I am happy that my Lord Bishop said he is going to support me, if I have physical support and now spiritual support, there is no reason I will not perform and I am very sure I am going to perform.

Bishop Chukwu had earlier promised the governor his support in the quest to advance the cause of education in the state.

The Bishop said “We are going to cooperate with the Governor to turn the story around for Ebonyi State so that in no distant time Ebonyi will be a shining example in entire Nigeria.

“I challenge you to accomplish great things for our people because if you do so, your name will go down in history as a great Leader of our time.

“In the area of Education, the Church is ready to work with the Government, those Schools formerly owned by the Catholic Church that were forcefully taken away from us after the Civil War, the Governor knows our feelings about that.”

Not a few stares in the country have returned schools formerly under their control to religious organizations in the country, particularly those owned by the church, in order to improve the education system at that level.

Nigerian Army Mourns Former COAS, Chris Alli

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Adesina Soyooye

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November 20, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Nigerian Army is mourning its former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General Mohammed Chris Alli.

Alli, who died on Sunday, October 19, 2023, at the Military Hospital, Lagos, was the COAS between 1993 and 1994, under the Military Regime of General Sani Abacha.

Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, current Chief of Army Staff, expressed the sadness of the Nigerian Army over the passing of Alli, in a condolence message he conveyed to the former COAS’s family.

Lagbaja’s condolence message was contained in a statement signed on his behalf by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, posted on the Army’s verified X account.

The statement reads in part: “Born on December 25, 1944, in Korton Karfe, Kogi State, General Chris Alli commenced his journey in the Nigerian Army on October 20, 1967, as a member of the Emergency Short Service Combatant Course.

“Throughout his career, he served diligently in diverse roles, including Staff Instructional and Command. At one point, he held the position of Military Administrator of Plateau State. Major General Alli (retd), a revered Senior Officer, served the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nation with honour and dedication in various capacities, leaving enduring prints on the sands of time.

“His commitment and zeal to duty manifested evidently as he rose through the ranks to become the Director, Military Intelligence (DMI), amongst several other key appointments in the Nigerian Army, climaxing his Military career as the 19th COAS in November, 1993, until his meritorious retirement from active service in August 1994.

“The COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on receiving the disheartening news of his demise, has profoundly expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late former COAS, praying for the repose of his soul and the strength and solace for the family in this difficult time.”

Major General Chris Alli was aged 78 years, a few weeks to his 79th birthday when he died.

General Chris Ali, Former COAS Dies

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Adesina Soyooye

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November 20, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

A former Chief of Army Staff, the urbane Major General Chris Alli, is dead.

He died in the morning of Sunday, November 19, 2023.

His devastated Community, Ohiku Egbira, Kogi State, in an announcement by the Ohiku Egbira Development Union, OEDU, said: “Just this morning, OEDU received the sad and shocking news of the passing on of Ohiku illustrious son, Soldier of Soldiers and Statesman, former Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Chris Alli(Rtd)GCON,MoH, Ndc,CRG,(H)Msc(H),OSEZE OGBANYI of EGBIRA NATION.

“Until his demise, he was not only a strong pillar of Ohiku Egbira Mission, he was Chairman, OEDU Board of Trustees.

“Let us remember him in our prayers and reach out to his immediate family for condolences while waiting for the burial arrangements.

“May his soul rest in the blossom of the Lord. Ameen.”

Born in December, 1944, Major General Alli was, from 1993 to 1994, the Chief of Army Staff under the late General Sani Abacha regime. Alli was, also, the Interim Administrator, Plateau State, following the ethno-religious killings in Shendam, Yelwa Local Government in 2004 when Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo removed then Governor Joshua Dariye from Office.

Long before then, he was the Military Governor of Plateau State from August 1983 to 1986 under the General Ibrahim Babangida regime.

On retirement, Major General Alli authored a book entitled: “The Federal Republic of Nigerian Army: The Siege of a Nation.”

A very well read and polished Army Officer, until his death, Major General Chris Alli was a member of The Guardian Editorial Board.

Akwa Ibom: Akpabio Says He’s Not Interested In Gov ‘War’

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 19, 2023

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he’s not interested in anything capable of disrupting peace in Akwa Ibom state.

As the country’s number three citizen, he said what is uppermost in his mind is to ensure peace in the country and his home state.

Akpabio’s state is controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while he’s a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Not a few have opinned that the Senate President, a former governor of the state might back a member of his party in the next governorship election in the state against the incumbent.

Those watching the political development in the state insist that Akpabio’s comment is a cryptic response to critics who feel he might lead the APC onslaught against the Governor Umo Eno-led PDP government in the governorship race in 2027.

But Akpabio said he’s “not interested in any kind of war,” adding that he’s only interested in the development of the state.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media , Jackson Udom, the Senate President made the comment during the Thanksgiving Mass held in honour of Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, at Our Lady of Mercy Chaplaincy, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio who described himself as an elder statesman said, “I am not interested in any kind of war. I am more interested in bringing development to the state. If there should be any competition amongst us, let it be in the overall interest of our people, like competing for development and life-changing projects for our people.

“If the governor is bringing a project to street or road A as the President of the Senate, I should be seen working on bringing water or electricity to street or road B. That is the kind of competition I want to see and not unnecessary bickering that brings no good to our people.”

Anti Corruption Groups Slam FG, CCB Over Arraignment Of Kano PCAC Boss, Say It’s Attack Against Anti-Corruption Fight

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 19, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Civil Society Groups which are anti-corruption crusaders have criticized, in strong terms, the Federal Government for initiating legal proceedings against Muhuyi Magaji, the Executive Chairman of Kano State’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission.

The Group said it is a witch-hunt, allegedly, influenced by the All

Progressive Congress, APC, party Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, through the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

A statement issued and signed by Zikrillahi Ibrahim of CHRICED, Rafsanjani Auwal Musa of CISLAC, Mohammed Bougei Attah of Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, and Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA Resource Centre, asserted that the charges brought against the Kano State PCAC boss by the Code of Conduct Bureau were orchestrated by certain politicians with the intent to undermine the anti-corruption efforts in Kano State.

The statement highlighted the irony of the Code of Conduct Bureau’s failure to take action against several politicians, despite overwhelming evidence, including the former governor of Kano State, who is now the current All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman.

It also questioned the unprecedented speed of investigations and charges against the Kano anti-corruption Chairman, attributing it to a desire to shield corrupt practices by the immediate past government of Kano State and divert attention from the anti-corruption drive in Kano.

The groups further called for a change in the leadership of the Code of Conduct Bureau as part of the broader reshuffling of leaderships of the anti-graft agencies by the Tinubu-led administration.

“The allegations against Muhuyi Magaji were dissected, with emphasis on the questionable nature of the bribery accusation involving the former Secretary to the State Government in Kano. This also raised doubts about the validity of the charges, questioning whether the Code of Conduct Bureau was the appropriate entity to address bribery allegations”.

Furthermore, the anti-corruption group challenged the inconsistency in the application of legal action, pointing out that many governors accused of corruption and facing charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have not been similarly pursued by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The groups, however, maintained that the focus on Muhuyi Magaji was not just about Ganduje, but was deliberate, implying that the Code of Conduct Bureau had become a tool in the hands of politicians for persecution due to the scrutiny faced by Ganduje and his associates under the Kano government.

The Group said the CCB’s selective investigation and prosecution has made a mockery of the Bureau’s intention and commitment to the anti-corruption drive.

South East Shuns Police Recruitment, Anambra Least As Portal Closes, Arase Warns Region’s Youths

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Ayodele Oni

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November 19, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

A week to the closing of recruitment portal, the Police Service Commission, (PSC), on Sunday, gave an update on ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

PSC disclosed that it has so far received a total of 547,774 applications for recruitment into the Constable Cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission, however, announced further that the Police Recruitment portal will close on Sunday, November 26, 2023.The portal, was opened on the 15th of October 2023, five weeks ago.

It will be exactly the six weeks mandatory requirement for such exercise by the Federal Character Commission.

A statement by the Commission on Sunday explained that “Out of the 547,774 applicants, 358,900 were successful and have qualified for the next round of the recruitment process, which includes the physical, credentials, medicals and strict background checks of the applicants.

“A total of 84,606 applicants were rejected for being over age. Applicants are expected to be between the ages of 18 and 25.

“Kaduna State maintained its first position as the State with the highest number of applicants – 40,272. Anambra is in the last position with 1664.

“Adamawa State is second with 36,398 applications, Bornu State third with 32,048. Benue State with 31,122 is fourth, Katsina state with 30,202 is 5th, Bauchi State with 30,604 is 6th while Kano with 30,004 is 7th.

“Ebonyi State with 2,132 applications is next to Anambra from the rear, followed by Lagos State with 2,324 applicants. Bayelsa state is 4th from the rear with 2651 while Abia has 2796 and 5th from the rear. ”

Chairman of the PSC, Dr. Solomon Arase (IGP Retd) expressed his satisfaction with the number of applications already received.

He observed that it is obvious that Nigerian youths have decided to show incredible interest in pursuing a career in the Nigeria Police, a development he said augured well for the “new Police we are building.”

He appealed once again to the youths of the South-East to change its indifference to Police work, insisting that embracing anti-government criminal gangs will not lead them anywhere.

He advised that they should be concerned about what becomes of the region in the future as no development can thrive in terror ravaged communities.

He noted that the Commission will do its best to ensure that the recruitment is strictly based on defined criteria with merit and justice prevalent throughout the processes.