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Gulf of Guinea: FG Backs UN’s Decision To Expands Nigeria’s Continental Shelf

By
James Orji
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The Federal Government has welcomed the decision by the United Nations to extend Nigeria’s continental shelf from 200 Nautical Miles to 220 Nautical Miles. This coincides with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will give a boost to the Nigerian maritime sector.

The Chairman, United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, CLCS, Adnan Rashid Nasser Al-Azri, disclosed the development in a statement regarding Nigeria’s submission.  This approval allows Nigeria to redraw the territorial map of its sovereignty in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby granting the right to exploit the abundant carbon and marine resources believed to be present in the area.

 

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s, NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh OFR applauded the decision by the United Nations to approve a request for the extension of Nigeria’s maritime territory beyond the standard 200 nautical miles from the country’s cBashiroast.

 

Jamoh, while reacting to the development disclosed that this extension of the nation’s maritime area has the potential to bring economic benefits to the country. According to him, “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the United Nations has ever approved additional maritime territory for Nigeria. We welcome this development, as it would boost our economic fortunes considerably. It is a plus for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration and I extend my congratulations to our Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON.

 

According to the UN, the Continental Shelf of a coastal State comprises the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin. Also, a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance.

 

 

TRCN Registrar, Prof Ajiboye Laments Mass Failure In Teacher’s Professional Qualifying Examination

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Prof Josiah Ajiboye

By Akinwale Kasali

Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, has called for massive improvement in the Teaching Professional following the mass failure recorded at its November 2023 diet of the Professional Qualifying Examination for teachers across the country.

TRCN disclosed that no fewer than 3,963 teachers who sat for the examination failed woefully, Prof Ajiboye said, “A total of 15,753 sat the examination in 38 Centres across the country, out of this, we have 10,636 that passed which is about 72.9 per cent and those that failed are 3,963.”

Ajiboye also noted that other candidates were absent while others had results cancelled due to examination malpractices.

Fashola Says President Tinubu Has No Constitutional Right To Wade Into Crisis Rocking Ondo, Rivers State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has faulted those urging President Bola Tinubu to Wade into the House of Assembly Crisis rocking Rivers State, as a result of the face off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and the crisis rocking Ondo State, saying the President has no constitutional right to Wade into the matter.

The immediate past Minister for Power, Housing and Works said that President Tinubu’s intervention is not needed in these States, stressing that rather than calling for the amendment of the constitution, there is urgent need for us as Nigerians to amend our ways.

He further stated that the Constitution is clear on what should be done when situations and the roles to be played by individuals involved.

He made this assertions at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos. The topic was “Leadership – Leading the Change.”

Speaking further, Fashola said, “We have amended the Constitution, so what is left to amend, except ourselves? Is this a matter that required presidential intervention when some people were calling for the President to intervene? Does the Constitution assign a role to the President in this matter?

“Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and in Rivers states not aware that the President has no constitutional role in these matters?

“Are they not also those who argue that the Federal Government and, by extension, the President are too powerful and encroaching on the powers of state governments? Is this a case of passing the buck when tough leadership calls are requested to be made?

“Happily, in our Ondo case, some blue blood Ondo indigenes have stood up to be counted. But they are in an obvious minority.

“(They intervened) in the pursuit of law and constitutionality before the governor’s letter restored calm. And we want for leadership in Rivers state to do the needful,” he stated.

INEC Set To Conduct Bye Election, Fixes February

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, has announced a tentative date to conduct re-run and bye- elections to fill the vacant positions in both the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly.

Yakubu, in a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on Monday, revealed that elections will hold in the first week of February 2024.

The INEC Boss, while providing further details of the Elections, said the rerun elections is in compliance with the ruling of the various tribunals that mandated them to conduct the elections within 90 days while the bye-election is as result of death or resignation adding that the two types of elections will be held on the same day.

“First, as the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals set up in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election gradually wind up their proceedings, the Commission is required to conduct re-run elections in some constituencies by court order.

“Secondly, the Commission is also required to conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies arising from the death or resignation of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

“The Commission intends to combine and conduct the two categories of elections on the same day, the details of which will be discussed at this meeting.

“As you are aware, re-run elections only involve the parties and candidates that participated in the general election unless a party wishes to replace a deceased candidate.

“However, bye-elections are fresh elections. Consequently, political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the limited period of time provided by law.

Prof. Yakubu said further details will be provided after supreme court verdict on the petitions before them, the Governorship election.

Access Bank Loses Media Relations Guru

By
James Orji
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Access Holdings Plc has lost Abdul-Imoyo, the banks’ head of Media Relations.

A statement by Tunde Imoyo, on behalf of the family, said the well-respected public relations expert died on Sunday after a brief illness.

He died at the First Cardiology, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The statement read: “It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved Husband, Father, Brother and Uncle, Abdul Kolawole Imoyo, who went to be with the Lord in the early hours of 17th December 2023, after a brief illness.

“We are taking some time as a family to grieve over our loss at this time.

“We thank you for your prayers and support. Further announcements will be communicated in due course.”

Imoyo joined Access Bank in 2014 as a corporate communications manager.

He was one of the most responsive media relations managers in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Kaduna: Era Of Religious Crisis Gone-Gov Sani

By
James Orji
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The Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani has promised to unite the people of the state despite its multi-religious and political status.

The state has been a flashpoint of ethno-religious clashes for years due to its plurality and the quest by contending groups to assert control.

The state almost erupted in another violence last week after the Nigeria Army drone mistakenly killed over 100 persons during while trailing some terrorists.

Those killed in the attack were all Muslims, and some Islamic leaders tried to use the incident to incite violence.

For instance, controversial Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi claimed that Muslims were intentionally by security forces, even though the military said it was unintentional.

Speaking on Sunday while attending the Kaduna Unity Carol of nine lessons organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State chapter at the ECWA English Service church in Sabo, Chikun Local Government Area, the governor asserts his commitment to ensure that peace continues to reign in the state.

 

Addressing Christians at the Carol service, Governor Uba stated that his government is prepared to end the era of divisions and religious crises in the state.

He will also ensure that infrastructure are evenly distributed across the state, Sani said.

 

According to him, “As a Governor, I am here today because I was raised to embrace the spirit of Christmas. I am committed to serving all Kaduna residents, regardless of their religious beliefs. The era of religious division is behind us.”

Christmas: IPOB Deploys ESN For Security In South-east

By
James Orji
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Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned Igbo coming home for Christmas to take extra security measures for the protection of their family members.

The Nnamdi Kanu-led group disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying it has uncovered plans by some criminal elements to cause problems in some parts of Imo and Anambra state.

The  advisory comes on the back of Imo state Government’s assurance to travelers coming to the state during the yuletide of security

The group in its travel advisory to Igbo in Diaspora and across the country wishing to travel home during the yuletide, cited Nnewi South, Ihiala-Igboukwu-Orlu road, among other places as flashpoints for security breaches during the period.

Apart from these areas, IPOB mentioned some roads in the two states which it said have become death zones.

They include; Nnewi-Ukpor-Isseke Road, Orsumoghu-Mbosi Road, Azia junction road to Orsumoghu Junction, Isseke to Ubuluihejiofo Road, Isseke to Orsumoghu Road and Orsumoghu to Orsuihiteukwa, Ihitenansa link road to Eke ututu, all in Imo and Anambra States.

The secessionist group however said it has taken extra security measures to ensure hitch-free celebrations by deploying the Eastern Security Network, ESN, its armed security wing to ensure the protection of returnees.

“Biafrans should not be intimidated by sponsored criminals from not returning home for Christmas. However, we advise our people to take the following travel advice seriously and be on their guard.

IPOB said, “People should inform their families and friends when they are travelling and what routes they may be taking.

“Anybody coming to Nnewi South, Ihiala – Igboukwu – Orlu road should be very careful. Also, be very careful at the Total filling station at Ihiala junction.”

The Governor Hope Uzodinma-led government had three days ago allayed the fears about the security situation in the state.

“I use this opportunity to once again call on our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, and other tourists to feel safe and free to come home for Christmas and New Year festivities without any fear. His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma through the help of God has restored peace and security of life and property in Imo State,” said the state Commissioner for Tourism, Rev Jerry Egbule Egemba

Rivers Crisis: PDP Wades In; Wike Vows Not To Be ‘Dragged’ Down By Fubara

By
James Orji
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Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has disclosed that the party is trying to resolve the problem between Governor Simi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.

The party’s spokesman said “there are undercurrent movements in terms of reaching out to parties,” as the governor and Wike, his former political godfather move to strengthen their positions in their quest for the control of the soul of the state.

Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said at the weekend he’s opened to peace with Governor Fubara, saying the governor is the cause of the feud by trying to pull down the ladder he climbed to power.

Wike helped the state’s helmsman to power in May this year.

Not a few insist that the crisis of confidence between the two former allies is now beyond reconciliation, considering the steps they are taking to consolidate their positions.

Speaking on Sunday, Ologunagba stated it’s not impossible to reconcile the former political allies turned foes, noting that this is necessary for peace to reign in the oil rich state.

According to him, “Rivers people have supported us over the years. What is required is peace and tranquility so that they can begin to enjoy the benefits of the dividends of democracy. This has been our thinking and there are undercurrent movements in terms of reaching out to parties.

“We can prioritize our consideration, our interest in the people because that is the whole essence of why we are here and that is why they voted for us. That’s our focus for now as a party, to ensure that peace, understanding come in, and we are doing well in that regard.”

The FCT Minister while addressing traditional rulers of Ogba land who visited him at his Port Harcourt residence, accused Governor Fubara of trying to rubbish him, saying the governor wants to destroy the structure he used to get to power.

He said, “I and my team would accept peace but we won’t allow ourselves to be dragged down because when we go down, who will protect our people? Who will talk about our own interest?”

“Don’t pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. Also leave the ladder so that other people can also climb the ladder.”

OPINION: The Rivers of Karma   

By
The Source
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Willie Amadi

By Willie Amadi

A couple of weeks ago the country was rudely woken up by news of an impeachment attempt by the G-27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly allegedly orchestrated by the former governor and current minister of the FCT Barr. Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike against his godson Governor Siminaliyi Fugbara who is barely six months in office.

Many reasons were given to justify the impeachment by different interest groups namely;

SIN ONE

It was alleged that the Governor unilaterally stopped the payment of N2billion monthly allowance payable to the former Governor to which Wike denied sarcastically during a TV interview in his office in Abuja.

SIN TWO

A viral audio clip claimed that the internally generated revenue which stood at an average N10b  during Wike’s administration under Chief Whorlu, Chairman Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue his secondary school classmate suddenly dropped to N6billionafter Wike’s exit. This drastic shortfall was queried by Governor Siminaliyi who summoned the Chairman for explanations. Not satisfied with his explanations the Governor decided to invite Chief Chamberlin Peterside a former Commissioner for Finance under Barr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi’s administration to assist him in rejigging the operations of the Board for optimal performance. This greatly enraged the former Governor.

SIN THREE

The third reason was the delay and or refusal to conduct local government election within his first three months in office by the Governor as agreed with Wike and the Speaker. The former Governor it is alleged, had as usual, single handedly handpicked all the candidates for the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions of the entire local governments in Rivers State for that election leaving the Governor without any reasonable input for those who will administer the local governments under his administration. Governor Siminaliyi dissatisfied with it on assumption  of office based on realities on ground decided against the immediate conduct of local election and approached the Speaker with a list of Caretaker Committee members for the local government area for clearance inline with the law. The Speaker who was a party to the initial agreement reported back the Governor’s request to the former Governor. It was at this point that the decision was taken by the duo to take the Governor out through an impeachment which eventually backfired.

SIN FOUR

⁠ It was equally alleged that the former Governor Wike had awarded contracts ahead of the tenure of the incumbent Governor’s tenure and had secured the payments for the various contracts running into hundreds of billions of naira through bank guarantees from the banks warehousing the monthly federation account (FAC) account thereby foisting on his successor absolute compliance since the scheduled payments are deducted electronically at source on receipt of FAC. The  Governor’s decision to review some of these choking decisions and the commencement of some contracts in his senatorial area started by former Governor Barr. Rotimi Amaechi also infuriated former Governor Wike the most.

Governor Siminaliyi Fugbara and Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike

SIN FIVE

It was also alleged that the Governor’s romance with enemies of his predecessors namely Amaechi, Omehua and all those who opposed his administration and Siminaliyi’s candidature over his  assertions that the game of politics was over and that this is the time for inclusive governance weakened former Governor Wike to his bones.

It was these cocktail of sins and the criminal tampering with the “structure” that provoked the decision to impeach Governor Siminaliyi from office forthwith. These selective patriotic and good governance motives of the Governor perhaps became a punishable offence. So assuming but not conceding that the above “sinful offences” are true, were  they enough reasons to activate an impeachment process against the Governor without a private father and son explanations first sought and obtained, considering the security and political tension an outright declaration of war against an incumbent with wide access to State funds and power will occasion ?

Obviously common sense and political tact was on vacation when this rash decision was taken by the non State actors.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE FAILED IMPEACHMENT MOVE AND MASS DEFECTIONS BY THE G-27 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS LED BY THE FORMER SPEAKER RT. HON. MARTIN CHIKE AMAEHULE.

  1. The hegemony and number of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly has unfortunately depleted to 5 membership full quorum thereby denying the people of Rivers State robust, qualitative and comprehensive legislative benefits. The Supreme Court decisions are very clear and instructive on the issue of defections. Once a member defects to another political party his seat becomes vacant as soon as the Speaker declares it so and proceed to writes the Independent National Electoral Commission. This was done with the speed of sound.
  1. With the suspension of the G-4 led by the former majority leader Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie who later was elected as Speaker by the G-4 as declared the authentic Speaker by the Order of the High Court, the Speaker and the House adopting the extant rules of the House proceded and declared the defected seats vacant. Jurisprudencially, UNTILL that Order of the Court is vacated, varied or reversed by the Court of Appeal, the G-4 now G-5 will continue to legally preside and legislate for the good people of Rivers State including and not limited to the passage of the 2024 and other legislative functions going forward. The G-27 by the current prevailing legal framework and precedents are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly pending the final determination of the matter by the Supreme Court. Therefore, their recent sitting in the House of Assembly quarters and purported amendment of the local government law are mere Riverwood frowlic without any legal backing whatsoever. This is more pitiable when they sat in contemptuous disobedience of the court order barring them from parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly pending the the determination of the matter before the court.
  1. Historically, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State worked with a 6-member House of Assembly when similar scenario played out between him and his godfather Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo. Governor Siminaliyi will legally partner with the G-5 until either the Appeal Court reverses the Order of the High Court or INEC conducts a fresh election to fill the vacant seats.
  1. The over 90% hand picked appointees by the former Governor for his successor including the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the government of Rivers State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and other key Commissioners such as of Finance, Works ⁠and information are endangered and can no longer be neutral in favour for a longer time as most of them have thrown in the towel to free their conscience and also reassure and firm up their loyalty to former Governor Wike their mentor.
  1. The political class and the professional politicians will realign and continue to serve as raw materials and eat from the crumbs generated by the current political conflagration.⁠
  1. The local government council chairmen’s tenure expires any moment from now and the Governor will take full charge of the local government administration through appointment of his direct loyalists and allies. The appointment of Caretaker Committees into the local government will be approved by the House of Assembly without delay as in the fastest passage of the budget in the history of the country.
  1. The State Council of Traditional Rulers led by a no nonsense political war horse HRM Sergeant Awutse last week pledged absolute loyalty to Governor Siminaliyi while pleading with the former Governor to shield his sword for the interests of the people of Rivers State.
  1. Regrettably, with the capture of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court where the former Governor would have tactically laid judicial ambush against unsuspecting Governor Siminaliyi rather than the usually protractive impeachment option may eventually and guidedly decide the fate of all concerned both named and unamed. The option of impeachment by Wike is an own goal.
  1. But God will speak last.

Finally, the avalanche of previous video vituperations about managing succession by Wike shows that the internet doesn’t forget. Wike’s travails is an eye opener to godfathers who do not factor God in their schemings. My advice to our brother Nyesom is to allow this calm sleeping bullmastif dog lie for the overall interest of the Rivers people because this is a war where “if Similayi doesn’t win, he will not lose”.

Willie Amadi, a lawyer and environmentalists writes from Owerri

Uzodimma Harps On Need For South East Leaders To Work Together

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has emphasised the need for leaders in the South East to work together, saying it is by doing so that the challenges plaguing the zone will be dealt with.

He however expressed the determination of Governors of the South East to work together towards alleviating the sufferings of people of the zone, especially as they concern the tide of insecurity.

Governor Uzodimma made the remarks on Sunday at the Thanksgiving Church Service of the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Rt Hon Nkeiruka Onyejiocha at Umunneochi LGA of Abia State

He acknowledged that people of the zone are going through difficult situations as a result of insecurity and high cost of living, but assured that the Governors are working hard, in collaboration with critical Stakeholders, to bring the situation under control.

“Leaders of the zone in collaboration with heads of  security agencies and community leaders are working hard to bring lasting solution to the challenges of insurgency, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the zone,” he said and called on “politicians irrespective of their political parties to join hands in building the economy of the zone for the good of the people.”

Governor Uzodimma said that Hon Onyejiocha has given a good account of herself and the All Progressives Congress in her Constituency and called for the prayers of the Church for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country in general and the zone in particular.

He congratulated the celebrant for her efforts in bringing development to her Constituency and the Southeast in general.

Governor Uzodimma who congratulated the traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace in the Communities also thanked the clergy for their prayers that have so far sustained the State and the Nation.

In rounding off his speech, the Governor donated a bus to the Methodist Diocese of Umunneochi, Abia State in line with a request the Church made on him.

The presiding Bishop and celebrant of the Church Service, Most Rev Dr. B.L Onuagha thanked Governor Uzodimma for his efforts in providing leadership for the South East, describing him as “a great and trusted leader in the South zone.”

Bishop Onuagha also thanked the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and others for coming to identify with Hon Onyejiocha.

In his goodwill message, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi acknowledged the sterling qualities of Hon Onyejiocha and described her as a woman of “value and valour.”

Fagbemi said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the commissioning of the High Court Complex built by the Minister for her Constituency.

Also in his message, the National Chairman of APC, Ganduje, appreciated the Minister on her giant strides as a Federal lawmaker and now, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said he was happy returning to Hon Onyejiocha’s place again to identify with her people on their daughter’s Thanksgiving Service.

Highlights of the ceremony was the commissioning and handing over of Umunneochi High Court Complex built by Hon Onyejiocha by Ganduje assisted by  Governor Uzodimma, Fagbemi and other dignatories, both from the federal government and Abia State.

Governor Uzodimma’s wife, Chioma, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and his wife, APC Deputy National Chairman South, Chief Emma Enukwu, the APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr. Ijioma Arodiogbu, Chief of Staff to Governor Uzodimma, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Mrs. Glory Akobundu of NEPAD, among other key personalities attended the event.

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