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Imo: Gunmen Kidnap Traditional Ruler

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

A Traditional Ruler has been kidnapped in Imo State.

With the kidnapping of His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Joe-Benz Ochulor, Olu 1 of Otulu Amumara, Mbaise, the lull in the business of kidnapping  Traditional Rulers in the State, has been broken.

Eze Ochulor was kidnapped  by gunmen on Saturday from his Palace.

Between 2022 and the early months of 2023, the kidnapping of Traditional Rulers in the State was rampant. At least, three of them, died in the hands of their kidnappers.

There has been no statement by the State Police Command on the recent sad incident. The kidnappers have not made any contacts with the family or anybody either.

Update: Shock As Kidnapped Imo Traditional Ruler Is Found Dead, Leg Chopped Off

Ondo APC Crisis: Tinubu’s Intervention Mere Window Dressing – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has insisted that the only permanent solution to the political crisis rocking the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to make himself available in the state.

The opposition party maintained that  the intervention of President Bola Tinubu could not resolve the crisis.

Tinubu had met with the leadership of the State House of Assembly and of the ruling APC in the state, at the State House, Abuja, late at night on Friday, in a bid to resolve the crisis.

The meeting agreed that the status quo should be maintained with the deputy governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa mandated to carry everybody along and withdraw court cases he instituted over the case.

The opposition party, through its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kennedy Peretei, described the meeting as a mere window dressing, stressing that if Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, does not return to the state, there won’t be any meaningful resolution of the crisis.

He said, “Let us pray that the presidential intervention will not go the way of the Bello Masari Reconciliation Committee set up by APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

“After several trips to Abuja at taxpayers’ expense, both parties returned to court after promising to withdraw all cases.

“Again, major stakeholders in the APC and Ondo State Government were at the Villa to iron out their intractable differences.

“From what we have read about the outcome, Tinubu’s intervention is a mere window dressing.

“Out of respect for his office, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor will no longer see the daylight, but as long as Akeredolu remains in hiding, it is not yet Uhuru, the cat and mouse race will continue.”

Tinubu Did Not Order Akeredolu’s Removal As Governor – Presidency, Says The SAN  Remains Ondo State Governor

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Akeredolu and Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

The Presidency has denied the insinuations making the rounds in the Media that President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, approved the removal of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as the Governor of Ondo State.

Akeredolu, the urbane, fire-eating, Governor of the State has been in poor health, and once went on a three-month medical vacation to Germany.

On return since September, he has been in his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, from where he runs the affairs of the State. He has not set foot in Ondo State.

Akeredolu’s absence from the State has expectedly sparked off political crisis, including the factionalization of both the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government. They are divided into two – pro- Akeredolu and pro- the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. It has also precipitated an impeachment move against Aiyedatiwa by pro- Akeredolu State Lawmakers and a stiff resistance by pro- Lawmakers Aiyedatiwa. Calls for the handing over of power to the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor, have also been loudly canvassed.

But on Friday, President Bola  Tinubu waded in. He held an elaborate meeting with both factions and other Ondo State stakeholders where he convinced them to immediately sheate their swords and work together.

However, reports in the Media of the meeting gave the impression that the President had empowered the Deputy Governor to be in charge, especially, when Aiyedatiwa was quoted as saying that he would carry all Commissioners along.

The report has prompted a reaction from the Presidency which denied, in a statement, that President Tinubu ever asked the members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to remove Akeredolu as Governor. Far from that, the statement issued by the President’s  Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Ajuri Ngelale, said the President emphasised at the Peace Meeting that Akeredolu remains the Governor and Aiyedatiwa the Deputy Governor. The statement, also, said that the President ordered a stop to any impeachment moves against the Deputy Governor.

Following is the full text of Ajuri’s statement.

“In his bid to restore political stability in Ondo State, President Bola Tinubu, late on Friday, waded into the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Executive Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“This followed marathon negotiations between the President and the Deputy Governor, representatives of Governor Akeredolu, federal and state lawmakers of Ondo, officials of the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress, and other stakeholders in the state at the State House, Abuja.

“The President advised all opposing parties to bury the hatchet and embrace peace, eliciting commitments to this effect.

“This means that Governor Akeredolu remains the Chief Executive of the State, Aiyedatiwa remains Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council continue their respective duties, even as the leadership of the State’s House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State is preserved.”

Northern Elders Forum Warns Judiciary, Asks It To Be Cautious, Says Actions Encourage Impunity

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The Source
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The Northern Elders Forum, NEF,  embarrassed by the pronouncements of different Courts in the Land, especially on Election matters, has warned the Judiciary to be cautious of its actions and their consequences.

In a Press Release on Friday, November 24, 2023, the Convener of NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, described some of the pronouncements by the Courts, especially, as they concern recent judicial decisions on Election cases, as disheartening. “Such occurrences”, the Professor noted, “are disheartening and pose a significant threat to the future of democracy in Nigeria.”

The full text of the Press Release reads:

“The Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi,  has stressed the need for the Judiciary to be cautious in its actions to prevent the erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence.

“Prof Abdullahi expressed dismay at the controversies surrounding several recent judicial decisions, particularly those concerning elections. Such occurrences, he noted, are disheartening and pose a significant threat to the future of democracy in Nigeria.

“The potential consequences of these actions may ultimately validate the concerns raised by Retired Supreme Court Judge Dajjito Mohammed in his valedictory remarks about corruption and undue compromises within the judiciary.

“The Northern Elders Forum recognizes the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles. The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process. Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the very foundation of any democratic nation,”

“The judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining constitutional democracy by ensuring the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and providing checks and balances on the other branches of government. However, if the judiciary fails to fulfill its responsibilities, it can have severe implications for the stability and functioning of a democratic society.

“The current trend may encourage politicians to view politics as a do-or-die affair. When the judiciary fails to effectively adjudicate disputes and hold politicians accountable for their actions, it creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices, abuse their power, and disregard the principles of democracy.

“This erosion of trust in the judiciary can lead to a breakdown of democratic norms and values, ultimately undermining the legitimacy of the political system. Furthermore, a collapsing judiciary jeopardizes the safeguarding of constitutionalism, which is the cornerstone of any democratic society.

“The judiciary acts as the guardian of the constitution, ensuring that laws and policies adhere to the principles enshrined within it. Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms. This can result in a loss of public confidence in the democratic process, as citizens may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their rights are being trampled upon,” he said.

“The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process,” Ango said.

“NEF believes that the judiciary should be an unbiased and independent arm of government, which is essential to the success of democracy and it should not be seen as compromising the integrity of its decisions, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with a range of challenges.

“NEF therefore calls on the judiciary to consider the consequences of its actions and decisions, and strive to uphold the rule of law in all its activities to justify the confidence reposed on it by Nigerians.

“The NEF called on the public to remain vigilant as to the direction the nation’s judiciary is headed and not to hesitate to expose any perceived misconduct on the part of the judiciary. It is our firm belief that a strong and incorruptible judiciary is crucial for the development and progress of our great nation.

“The Northern Elders Forum, alongside other concerned stakeholders, will continue to closely monitor the conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalization to safeguard the interests of all Nigerians,” the Prof said.

The Flip Side Of #BBNaija

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The Source
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By Frank Efe Anorue

I love to celebrate substance.

This little girl is Miss Morufat Lawal, a pupil of AUD Basic School in Fiditi Afijio Local Govt of Oyo State.

Fiditi, by all standards is a rural area dominated by farmers. I may not be able to prove it but her parents may not be rich or educated — in Nigeria, the rich children attend private schools as against public schools.

LET ME SHOCK YOU!

Morufat is the overall winner of the National Mathematics Competition in Abuja, Nigeria beating all contestants from both the Public and Private schools in Nigeria.

I celebrate this genius who against all odds remains excellent. She apparently wasn’t attending well equipped school, had no access to best resources, didn’t get best of meals, parents couldn’t afford best of clothings, yet she conquered everyone!

For her brilliant performance, she was awarded a N6 million scholarship by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja.

Morufat now attends International Model Science Academy, Abuja – a school run by the NMC.

Since this is not about touching or sucking breasts, or guzzling alcohol on the free or even showing off nudity and nationally accepted pornography on TV, I do not expect you to share this to go viral! Because starting from you, education doesn’t matter and it’s not worth celebrating. But don’t ever complain we don’t have good doctors, engineers, inventors or scientists. You ‘re among those making them to believe no need to work hard to be the best.

LET’S CONTINUE

In 2014, Morufat became the first pupil in primary three and in a public school to represent Oyo State at the national level of the prestigious national Mathematics Olympiad organised by the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN).

She had been selected to represent her school (A.D.S Primary School, Fiditi) at the local level of the competition. She trounced over 40 other contestants to qualify to represent her local government (Afijio) at the zonal in level.

The zonal stage involved 12 winners from four local governments (Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West). Morufat still came tops, despite being in primary three.

At the state level of the competition, held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, this prodigy competed with 23 others, who were winners at the respective zones, and came third and was primed to represent Oyo State at the national edition hosted by the University of Ilorin.

Here, she was paired with another pupil for the quiz category. The duo came first, beating 40 contestants from other states.  She was presented with a cash gift.

Morufat, as a primary four pupil, again represented Oyo State in Abuja in a JETS competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education. She took the first prize to the amazement of guests at the event when she was announced as a public school primary four pupil.

Osun: Gov Adeleke Bemoans Quackery In Medical Profession, Urges Practitioners To Tackle It

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke sworn in as Governor of Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by the menace of quackery in medical profession, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said only professionals in the medical field can curb their menace.

The Governor stated this at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the National Association of Government General Medical And Dental Practitioners (NAGMDP) in Osogbo.

The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Akindele Adekunle outlined the enormous responsibilities placed on the shoulders of Doctors in the society, thereby any form of half-baked professionals or quacks should not be encouraged within the association.

“As professionals backed by laws and ordinances of your ethics, you have enormous responsibilities, the reach and the gavel to save lives even before the surgical knifes in the theatre.

“More often is the fact that irreparable damages are done to body system of victims of quackery before they are forced to your table. This I believe we must collaborate to bring to a halt in the country.

“While the government works round our notable challenges in proffering sustainable solutions, I urge this council on behalf of our people and as patients would always beckon on their physicians, to do everything within your professional reach to combat the menace of quackery in the system.”

Adeleke appreciated members of the association for the support his administration has enjoyed in offering their services during the Imole Free Medical Outreach his administration has embarked upon in giving life to people of the state that maybe distress with one ailments or the other.

” Let me use this opportunity to once again appreciate your colleagues in Osun State who have supported us in the immediate medical intervention by this administration tagged Imole Medical Outreach.

”With active support of your members, the third phase of the medical intervention will come up again in few weeks across the zones of the state with thousands of new beneficiaries already mapped out, up from over 55,000 residents who already benefitted from the last two phases.”

He highlighted other interventions in the health sector of the state which includes enrollment of thousands of Pensioners into Osun Health Insurance, approval of total and comprehensive renovation of over 300 primary healthcare centres to prevent avoidable mortalities within the rural dwellers in the state.

According to him, the administration is coming up with comprehensive approach to adequately address the challenges being faced by members of the association as he is aware their challenges goes beyond his recent approval of Hazard allowances for medical practitioners in the state.

Obi Offers Solutions For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women In Our Society

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The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th election, Peter Obi has preferred solutions on how to end violence in our society.

Obi’s view was contained in a series of tweets in his X handle on Saturday to mark the Global International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women.

According to the LP standard bearer, the surest way to eliminate violence against women is to grant them unhindered access to good education and the provision of good health care for them.

“As the global community .marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women today, I join my voice with other lovers of peace in our society, to speak out against all forms of gender-based violence, especially against women, in our nation.

Obi noted that While every form of violence against any Nigerian deserves to be condemned, “the gender-based violence against women must not be given a place among us.’

“The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reports that 1 in 3 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15 (NDHS 2013). According to a 2019 survey by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while a shocking 68%  have encountered emotional, economic, or sexual abuse.”

Obi also noted the political influence of women in our polity saying, “Reports also show that women are critical players in our politics as they contribute significantly to the voting numbers but are often hampered by violence which can only be eliminated by playing by the rules of the law guiding the game.”

“This ugly trend of violence must not be allowed to continue, violence against women can be eliminated by empowering the Nigerian women to take their rightful place in society, and contribute to our collective development as a nation. This, we can do by giving them access to education and healthcare, which are most critical to national development.

“To build the New Nigeria of our dreams, completely abhorrent of violence against women, we must understand that development is not gender-based, and we all, men and women, must unite, in love, to move our nation forward.

UBEC Moves To Tackle Rise In Number Of Out Of School Children, Develops Action Plan

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Students - Education

By Ayodele Oni

In its drive to curtail the number of out of school children, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in partnership with Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Akure has concluded arrangement to develop an action plan to tackle out-of-school children crisis in the state.

Among the action plan is an intensive five–week training for School Administrators and Head teachers in the State to redefine the state priorities.

The Chairman of the SUBEB, Victor Olabimtan who disclosed this in Akure, explained that the Programme, which is an integral component of Better Education Service Delivery For All (BESDA) is for Education Management Information System (EMIS) Officers.

In a Press Release issued by the Board’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Bolu Ajijo said other participants include Education Secretaries, Zonal and Area Education Officers and about one thousand Teachers drawn from Schools across the Eighteen Local Government Areas of the State.

Olabimtan noted that the training being anchored by UBEC, Abuja under Better Education Service Delivery For All, (BESDA) Project is designed to combat the growing menace of Out of School Children in the country especially in the State.

The Chairman underscored the need for participants, who he described as lucky ones to take the training seriously because they are the bedrock for the success of the project in the State.

He said the programme is designed to train EMIS Officers, Education Secretaries, Zonal and Areas Education Officers especially over 900 Teachers drawn from Schools across the State in the use of digital platforms, a modern trend in Attendance Management Information System in our schools.

The Chairman pointed out that, apart from helping teachers to digitally mark class Register at the end of the training, it will be possible from the Head Office of the Board in Akure to track and know the actual number of teachers and learners in each classroom and school at all time.

The SUBEB Chairman, who commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme opined that, Ondo SUBEB has taken delivery of high – Tech digital platform of over 1,000 Tablets to be used in the training of the participants.

Elaborating on the Project, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics Dr. Ayodele Akanle said the training has been divided into three modules.

The first tranche which begins on Monday 27th November and ends on Friday 1st December is for EMIS Officers drawn from the Ministry of Education, Ondo SUBEB and the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

He  added that the second tranche coming up from Monday 4th to Friday 8th December, 2023, will accommodate the training of Education Secretaries, Zonal and Areas Education Officers while cluster training to be undertaken by the EMIS Officers that will cascade the training to the grassroots for three consecutive weeks would commence Monday 11th December, 2023.

MAN Laments The Lifting Of Forex Ban On Toothpicks, Others, Fault Federal Government

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The lifting of ban on the importation of 43 Items into the Country, including toothpicks, has been criticized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN.

MAN faulted the  Federal Government for allowing the  Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to lift the foreign exchange restrictions it placed on importation of 43 items eight years ago.

The banned Items include rice, cement margarine, palm kernel, palm oil products, vegetable oils, toothpicks, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products, and poultry and processed poultry products among others.

Okwara Udensi, MAN Chairman, Edo/Delta branch, faulted the decision at the 37th Annual General meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

He said: “The effect of lifting these 43 items is so much because local manufacturers have invested in these items.

“It seems the Government is not part of this country. Why did they reverse on these items? Nigerians always feel that items coming from abroad are superior.

“Companies are now closing down because of the bad policies of the government. If the manufacturing sector is allowed to die, Nigeria is finished.”

Speaking further, Udensi said, “A critical appraisal of the business environment in Delta State shows that the cost of doing business in the state is high and the operating environment is still not conducive enough.

“The period is incredibly challenging for manufacturing companies due to the worsening prohibitive cost of energy. As a result of epileptic power supply, most companies had to depend on the already prohibitive cost of diesel to run their factories”

Udensi appealed to the Edo State Government to upgrade the road infrastructure, especially within the Utesi industrial estates.

He urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to, as a matter of urgency, address the use of touts in the guise of consultants who go about harassing manufacturers for revenue collection.

Uzodimma Warns MDAs Over Extortion Abuse Of Revenue Collection

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The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reiterated his warning to ministries departments and agencies of government whose personnel are allegedly involved in extorting members of the public and abusing the collection of government revenue, saying the hammer will descend on them without notice.

The Governor noted that reports from ministries, departments and agencies of government over continued harassment of hapless members of the public, particularly petty traders, have continued to question the integrity of those entrusted with the responsibility of managing the so-called MDAs.

A statement on Saturday by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said Governor Uzodimma’s warning is against the backdrop of a trending voice message on social media alleging extortion of petty traders operating with umbrella shades in Owerri by those believed to be agencies of government.

While the officials of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) were linked to the voice message, the management of the body have distanced themselves from the allegation, insisting that their mandate does not include collection of fees on the streets.

A message from the General Manager of OCDA, Hon. Franklin Nkem Nzewodo did not only frown at the trending voice mail, but saw it as an orchestrated ploy to undermine his office and good job they are doing.

Nzewodo said: “The management of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) has frowned at insinuations from interested parties who go about creating the impression that the body collects money from vendors on the streets of Owerri.

“Contrary to such insinuations by callous blackmailers who would deploy any tool to undermine the good work the OCDA is doing in Imo State currently, the management notes that our job specification is not ambiguous for the personnel to comprehend.

“The Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) is a government agency responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the capital city of Owerri in Imo State. Its primary objective is to ensure the orderly growth and development of the city, focusing on urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management, and beautification,” the General Manager said in a statement on Saturday.

“It is s necessary to put the records straight against the backdrop of a voice message, obviously deliberately orchestrated by interested parties to undermine the role of the minders of the OCDA’s business.

“While we appeal to members of the public to be mindful of such allegations aimed at tarnishing the image of the office of the GM, OCDA and his operatives, the management is also aware that the government of Sen Hope Uzodimma has zero intolerance for acts of corruption and other unwholesome activities that can bring hardship to the public, and will never subscribe to them.

“The OCDA management further regrets that many members of the public have been deceived not to different between activities expected to be carried out by the personnel of OCDA and those of other agencies, and urges them to come up with evidence of any alleged acts not in line with the OCDA’s job specification as the case may be.

“It is essential to clarify that OCDA does not engage in the collection of fees from roadside vendors who display their wares under umbrella  or any other form of roadside vendors.

“The mandate of OCDA revolves around urban development and enhancement. The voice note’s claim linking OCDA to an operation is a misinterpretation of the events, and attributing the actions of workers of other agencies to OCDA’s officials is entirely misleading.

“Misinformation can spread rapidly, especially in today’s digital age. It is essential to verify the facts before sharing information to prevent the spread of false claims that can harm the reputation of individuals or organisations.

“In the case of the voice mail in question circulating in Imo State, it is imperative to de- associate OCDA officials as involved in extorting money from umbrella sellers as OCDA’s core mandate does not include revenue collection from roadside petty – traders or engaging in such activities.

“Let us remain vigilant and responsible in sharing accurate information to promote transparency in government and avoid unnecessary acts that create confusion.

“Of late, significant amount of misinformation circulating through various WhatsApp platforms have tended to target the OCDA.

“A case in point is this recent voice note recorded by an uninformed individual,  maliciously spreading the false claim that OCDA officials are extorting money from roadside sellers who display their wares under umbrellas.

“It is therefore crucial to address this misinformation promptly and set the record straight as the OCDA’s core mandate does not involve collecting fees from roadside vendors or engaging in any form of extortion. If anything, the OCDA has been chasing the roadside vendors away from the road, stopping them from obstructing traffic.

‘The Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) is a government agency responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the capital city of Owerri in Imo State. Its primary objective is to ensure the orderly growth and development of the city, focusing on urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management, and beautification.

“Therefore, the voice note’s claim is not only a misinterpretation of the alleged event, but also attributing the actions of workers of other agencies to OCDA officials is entirely unacceptable and misleading.”

Regardless, Governor Uzodimma insists that the harmonised mode of revenue collection in Imo State (treasury single account- TSA) under the watch of Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) still subsists and that any MDA doing the contrary will be poking its hands in the eyes of the government.

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