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Kaduna Governor Offers Scholarships To 137  Abducted Freed Children, N10m To Family Of Dead Teacher

By
The Source
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Kuriga Students Released from Kdinappers Den

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The recently freed 137 abducted School children from kuriga Government Secondary School and LEA primary school on Thursday March 28 2024  formerly reunited with their parents and guardians.

But they did not return empty handed . They returned with a scholarship offer from Governor Uba Sani Foundation, and a firm promise that their schools will receive a face lift from the Kaduna state Government.

However , the school children returned without one of their teachers – Malam Abubakar – who lost  his life in the abductors’ den owing to some complications in his health conditions.

Governor Sani of Kaduna who disclosed this  at the Government  House before handing over the school children to their wards announced the donation of the sum of N10 million to the immediate family of the deceased teacher in addition to a promise of  over seeing the education of his children.

The Kaduna Governor who was visibly elated by the safe return of the school children from  captivity, reiterated his commitment to ensuring their wellbeing and educational pursuit, adding that his administration will take all steps necessary to return normalcy to Kuriga which he said is known for its peaceful nature.

Governor Sani noted that the State Government, before  handing over the school children provided adequate psychological assistance through counseling and series of therapy sessions ,with a view to canceling out the trauma and psychological torture which they must have passed through while in captivity.

The Governor, however, insisted that no ransom was paid to secure the freedom of the school children,noting that the federal Government through the Minister of Information Mohammed Idris had earlier denied any suggestion of payments to the abductors .

The school children were rescued  last Sunday March 24 ,after spending about 16 days in the abductors’ den in Zamfara State ,having being whisked away from their schools on Monday March 7 2024.

LP Declares Ejiofor, BoT Chair Impostor Amidst Deep-seated Crisis

By
James Orji
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Julius Abure - Labour Party National Chairman

The Julius Abure-led Labour Party has dismissed the existence of a Board of Trustees in the party.

The party’s position followed an earlier claim by its BoT chairman, Sylvester Ejiofor that he had taken over the party after the expiration of Aburi’s tenure.

Abure was on Wednesday re-elected in a controversial National Convention of the party in Anambra state.

Some key stakeholders in the party, including its presidential candidate in the last election,  LP caucus in the House of Representatives, amongst others did not take part in the convention over unsettled matter with the party’s National Chairman.

On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said it did not recognize the congress because the umpire did not monitor it as required by the law. LP has dismissed the suggestion, stating that it’s within its power to organsie the congress.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, described Ejiofor as an impostor who is not known to the party.

He said Ejiofor no longer hold a significant position in the party having resigned 20 years ago, and has stopped attending the party’s meeting for years.

According to the statement Ejiofor “is not even known in his ward and has not paid a single dime as membership dues which qualifies him as a member. It is surprising that after he was ‘visited’ by some leaders of NLC, he suddenly woke up from his slumber.”

“The point here is that the Labour Party is not aware of the existence of any Board of Trustees. Recall that NLC has continued to propose for the reconstitution of the BoT as well as the convocation of the national convention.

“Over 90 per cent of persons being suggested to form membership of the proposed BoT have since left the party to join other political parties, some even contested various political positions on the platform of other political parties while some others featured prominently in the presidential campaigns of the other political parties even when Labour Party equally featured a candidate in the 2023 general election.

“This is what desperation in the ranks of the NLC can cause. Why not let the man enjoy his retirement? Why drag him into your mess? Let Ejiofor show evidence of one meeting he convened in the last one decade of his so-called BoT.

“Enough of all these political muscles flexing, Julius Abure has just been elected by the convention for the first time as the national chairman of the Labour Party. We urge our detractors to please sheathe the sword and join us to salvage the nation.”

The magazine reports that some leaders of the party, including its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has dumped Abure and are now searching for his replacement.

Tinubu Appoints New CCB Chairman

By
James Orji
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a new chairman for the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

His name Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday.

Bello, according to the statement is a consummate baker with vast experience in law enforcement and consultancy.

The new appointee, the president was quoted as saying would lead the CCB with integrity and turn the agency around for good.

The statement said: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

“Dr. Bello is a consummate professional with more than 25 years of work experience in consulting, banking, law enforcement, financial services, and academia.

“The President anticipates that the new Chairman, upon confirmation by the Senate, will lead the Bureau with utmost integrity toward the realization of its mandate of maintaining high standards of public morality in the conduct of government business and ensuring that the actions and behaviour of public officers conform to the highest standards of morality and accountability.”

Tinubu $1trn Economy: CBN Sets Deadline For Bank To Recapitalise

By
James Orji
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In line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to enlarge the country’s economy to $1 trillion, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed all banks to increase their capital base.

In the new regime, commercial banks, merchant banks, non-interest banks, and others are expected to increase their capital base to the maximum of N500 billion and minimum of N10 billion as the case may be.

The move represents one in the series of the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN to catch up with the ambitious plan of President Tinubu to enlarge the country’s economy to $1 trillion from the current figure of less than $400 billion, analysts say.

Nigeria is currently the second biggest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of $395 billion, South Africa comes top of the table in the continent with a GDP of $401 billion, while Egypt ranks third with a GDP of $358 billion, according to checks by the magazine.

President Tinubu after taking office last year said the country has more potential and resources to double the economy within a decade.

Delivering the opening address at the 29th edition of the Nigeria Economic Summit, NES, held in the nation’s capital, Abuja last November, Tinubu said his government planned to enlarge the economy to $1 trillion by 2026, adding that a $3 trillion economy is possible within 10 years.

He said: “Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, a $1 trillion economy is possible by the year 2026 and a $3 trillion economy is possible within this decade. We can do it.

“We’ve done double-digit inclusive and sustainable competitive growth. This is our agenda and I’d like to charge you- the captains of industry here present, to commit yourselves to and redouble your effort to our vision of a renewed hope.”

The CBN governor had also recently hinted the banks to prepare for recapitalization in other to enlarge and strengthen the nation’s financial system.

The last time the banks recapitalize was in 2005 when Charles Soludo was the CBN governor.

According to a circular signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Haruna Mustafa, to all commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks the CBN said this must be achieved in 24 months starting from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.

Also, the apex ban stated that the directive is applicable to promoters of  new banks in each category.

Hakama Sidi Ali, CBN spokesperson who later spoke on the matter gave the breakdown as its affects all classes of banks.

Ali said the new minimum capital base for commercial banks with national authorisation has been raised to ₦200 billion, while the new requirement for those with regional authorisation is ₦50 billion.

She added that the new minimum capital for merchant banks would be ₦50 billion, while the new requirements for non-interest banks with national and regional authorisations are ₦20 billion and ₦10 billion, accordingly.

Reconstruction Of  Roads, Katsina Govt. Compensates Property Owners With N900m, As APC Dissolves Committees

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Government on Thursday March 28, 2024 announced that the about 331 identified property and other business owners  affected by the dualization of the 1.5km Kofar Soro – kofar Guga road in Katsina metropolis have been compensated .

The State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr Faisal Kaita, who supervised the disbursement exercise said the State Government paid out a total sum of  N832,721,954 to the beneficiaries.

According to Dr Kaita, the prompt compensation of the affected persons is in line with the avowed commitment of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration to the promotion of the  wellbeing of the people, particularly, at this trying period of economic hardship in the country.

“The swift disbursement of compensation clearly demonstrates the unwavering dedication of the administration in upholding the. welfare and rights of the affected individuals .

“This timely action will ensure the provision of a conducive environment for them to vacate the  area before the commencement of the project” the Commissioner noted

Governor Radda had, on March 13, inaugurated the reconstruction/ dualization  of the roads in addition to the 0.5 km Spur road from Galadanci to Hassan Usman Katsina House in the heart of Katsina city.

When completed, the roads are expected to ease traffic congestion and allow for free flow of human and vehicular movements, as well as create a conducive environment for the thriving of business activities.

Meanwhile the All Progressive Congress APC, Katsina State Chapter has dissolved the standing stakeholders Committee of the party in all the 34 Local Councils of the State .

The State Chairman Abu Musawa ,who made the announcement  in a press statement on Thursday said the dissolution of the committees which  played a key role in mobilising votes for the party in the last general elections takes immediate effect, adding that at the appropriate time, the party will take steps to reconstitute them.

While appreciating the contributions of the members of the dissolved Stakeholders Committee in the electoral fortunes of APC at all levels ,Alhaji Musawa urged them to continue to work for growth of the party.

Released FirstNews Editor, Segun Olatunji Says Those At Corridor Of Power Behind His Ordeal

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Segun Olatunji

By Akinwale Kasali

After 12 Days in detention, Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, has blamed those at the corridor of power for his ordeal.

He said his abduction and incarceration are connected to his journalistic work, which displeased certain powerful individuals.

Speaking after his release, Olatunji said, “I was at home with my son on Friday, March 15, watching ‘Journalists Hangout,’ when I noticed soldiers outside”.

He described how his encounter with the military spiraled into a series of events that included being blindfolded, flown to Abuja, and detained without charges.

“An officer, who introduced himself as Colonel Lawal, approached me. I inquired about their reason for seeking me. He didn’t provide a clear answer, only stating they were from the military,” Mr. Olatunji continued.

He also stated that his phones were seized. After a blind-folded journey, he found himself handcuffed, both hands and feet, and stripped of his belongings in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

During his detention, Mr. Olatunji said he experienced physical discomfort due to excessively tight handcuffs, which led to numbness in his right hand and leg.

He disclosed that while in detention, interrogations focused on specific stories published by FirstNews, especially those criticizing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Chief of Staff to the President.

“The first story was an accusation against the Chief of Defence Intelligence. I informed them that it was a general story, and they did not say much about it.

“They also inquired about a story we published regarding the Chief of Staff to the President. This was the major issue. This is why I had mentioned to some people earlier that those responsible for my arrest were individuals in the corridors of power, suggesting that these stories were the reason for my detention.

“It was evident that certain individuals in positions of power were unhappy with the work being done by FirstNews,” he stated.

Mr. Olatunji’s wife, who witnessed the abduction, described the fear and confusion she felt as armed men took her husband from their home.

While the Publisher of FirstNews, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and Mr. Olatunji’s colleagues and family endured days of uncertainty, the International Press Institute (IPI), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) diligently worked to locate Mr. Olatunji, confronting various government and security agencies.

Their efforts met with denials until a press statement by the IPI and subsequent pressure on military officials led to Mr. Olatunji’s admission and release.

According to the Management of FirstNews, Mr. Olatunji’s abduction was linked to a recent story published by the media organization,” disclosed IPI Nigeria.

President, Musikilu Mojeed, during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The leadership of the IPI, NGE, and NUJ criticized the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for its actions, which they deemed anti-democratic and a potential threat to press freedom. They urged President Bola Tinubu to reprimand those responsible.

The Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, emphasized the importance of a free press.

He stated, “If the press is not allowed to carry out its social and constitutional responsibilities but is instead subservient to power, it simply serves as an extension of power.”

Uwugiaren added that the media community would remain vigilant and plan to consult on further actions regarding this incident.

He explained that the outcry over Mr. Olatunji’s detention underscored ongoing concerns about press freedom and civil-military relations in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Olatunji thanked those who supported him, notably mentioning Mr Yomi Odunuga, whose involvement aided his release process.

Enugu: LP Loses Six House Assembly Members To PDP

By
The Source
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0

By Charles Igbo

The crisis rocking the Labour Party has triggered a run in its Enugu Chapter.

On Thursday, it lost its six members in the Enugu House of Assembly to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The six members who defected to the ruling party in Enugu are Ejike Nwa Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North 1, Johnson Ugwu, Enugu North,  Princess Ugwu, Enugu South, Pius, Pius Onyeka Ugwu, Nsukka West, Williams Amuka, Igbo-Etiti East and Osita Eze, Oji River.

The defection of the Lawmakers during Plenary on Thursday did not take most people by surprise. On Sunday, they had attempted to dump the LP, but it didn’t quite work out as the venue became rowdy.

Their defection is a product of what the Speaker, Uche Ugwu described as “the existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the Labour Party at the  National level and across all the State Chapters.”

Bemoaning the fate of the Party in which not a few Nigerians had so much confidence in, Ugwu noted:

“Regrettably, the Party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with various factions  embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.

“The Labour Party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas has regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfill the aspirations of the electorate.”

Incidentally LP said it held a National Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State on Wednesday where it reelected Julius Abure as National Chairman by affirmation. But the event was boycotted by its 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, its only Governor, Abia State’s Dr Alex Otti, representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and most of its elected members including members of the House of Assembly.

The Board of Trustees, BoT members of the Party who also boycotted the Convention, has since distanced itself from the outcome. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade S. Ejiofor, the BoT dismissed the reelection of Abure as a no- event, and said it has taken over the running of the Party.

Why Abure and Co. chose to hold the much condemned Convention in Nnewi where the Party has no stake, remains a question still not answered.

Ondo Guber: Seven PDP Aspirants Undergo Screening In Abuja

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Secretariat - Wadata Plaza

By Ayodele Oni

The screening committee of  People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continued with the screening of governorship aspirants for its upcoming primary election in Ondo State.

Seven aspirants, according to Sam Egwu, chairman of the committee, have already appeared for the screening, which took place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Those screened included Adeolu Akinwumi, Olusola Ebiseni, Bamidele Akingboye, Kolade Akinjo, Bosun Arebuwa, John Mafo and Agboola Ajayi.

Other members of the Screening Committee are Isa Lau, Emmanuel Ogidi, Olivia Dazyman, ⁠Tanko Beji, Gladys Ashemuke as members

Others were Rahman Owokoniran as Secretary and Caroline Akinsete as Administrative Secretary.

Mr Egwu, a former governor of Ebonyi State, told journalists that all the aspirants presented themselves for screening.

He, however, said some of the aspirants, whose documents were incomplete, promised to come back to complete the aspect of documentation.

He explained that the committee would present its report to the party after the conclusion of the exercise.

“We feel like everyone should have a level playing ground, with no opportunity to say they were screened out deliberately.

“The screening is going on. PDP is the party that wants to give people opportunity provided you play by the rules of the game.

“If a candidate tells us he forgot a document and he is going to bring his document before 5 p.m, Why not?

“We don’t want to give them the impression that the party has a candidate it supports. Only few persons are involved in this case.”

The screening is sequel to inability of the party and aspirants to agree on a consensus candidate as earlier planned.

The off cycle Ondo state governorship election will hold on 16 November.

Ekiti Ready To Key Into Agricultural Revolution – Gov Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said that agricultural revolution in the country has come to stay and the will not lack behind.

Declaring open a farmers training programme at Ikere Ekiti, Oyebanji stated that “I must say with emphasis agricultural revolution has come to stay and we in Ekiti must form synergy  through creative thinking to turn our fallow land to arable crop in clusters.

“The state government is ready to assist in area like tractorization and other support where neccesary. I’m delighted with the initiatives to encourage our people to key to self sufficiency through agricultural produce, it will banish hunger, create job and bring income to us at grassroot.”

The two days capacity training for farmers in Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 with the theme: ‘Agricpreneur – Building Self Reliance and Sustainability in crop production and Animal Husbandry’ was organized and sponsored by Rufus Ojuawo, member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 in the House of Representatives.

In his Welcome address, Ojuawo  expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the programmes which will gear us to do more.

“Without a doubt, we need to embark fully on Agriculture programmes to prevent hunger and more importantly to bring income to our household.

“Agricultural Economy is one of the pillar of our State, Ekiti  and we must tap into this and turn it to source of income for our people.  Else, this training is to open our knowledge on most of food crop such as Tomatoes, Okro, Pepper, Vegetable, Cucumber, Water Melon and etc.

“Our selected participants are for pilot programme and we’ll build on their process from time to time. I implored all the participants to listen attentively to their lectures, this is not going to be theory alone; we shall go into cluster farming in the next few weeks to put our training into practice.”

Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Kayode Fasae lauded the facilitator for creating wealth by  empowering farmers through training, subsidy, and input to cultivate crop production.

Describing farming as very lucrative, the commissioner added that “we must invest in agricultural produce for food sufficiency and grow our economy  in Ekiti State.

“I’m In Great Pains Over Death Of Varsity Students” – Peter Obi

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election,  Peter Obi, has bemoaned the death of three students of Medicine and Surgery at the Abia State University, Uturu, saying death of every responsible Nigerian youth, signifies a huge loss to our nation.

Peter Obi, in a statement he released via his X account, commiserated with the bereaved families, the management, staff, and students of Abia State University, and indeed, Nigerians who are saddened by the loss of these youthful promise.

The statement : “I remain deeply in great pain over the unpleasant death of three students of Medicine and Surgery at the Abia State University, Uturu.

“The students were involved in a fatal vehicle accident while returning to Aba, having attended the induction  of their senior colleagues, last weekend.

“They were young vibrant youths, training to become medical doctors who would contribute their quota to our health sector before their tragic end.

“Their deaths, and indeed the death of every responsible Nigerian youth, signifies a huge loss to our nation.

“My heart goes out to their respective families at this time of grief. Losing one’s child, with a promising future, is such a devastating experience. However, we cannot question the Almighty God, who has the power of life and death.

“I sincerely commiserate with their families, the management, staff, and students of Abia State University, and indeed, all of us who are saddened by the loss of these youthful promise, praying to God to give us the fortitude to bear their very sad irreplaceable loss and grant them eternal rest. May God protect and preserve our going out and our coming in always.”

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