LAHA Confirms One Of Governor Sanwo Olu’s Commissioner Nominees, Summons LAMATA Boss Over Non-Use Of Yoruba Language In Train

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September 12, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Tolani Abiku, one of the Commissioner- Nominees whose name was initially stepped down by the House for Screening.

The Lawmakers has, also, summoned the Management of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, to appear before it over its refusal to add Yoruba to languages it uses for announcements and instructions in its train service.

The House noted the importance of Yoruba language for passing information to passengers on the trains since it would help some of them, especially, new users, easily understand what to do.

The House further noted that since 2017 when the Bill on compulsory teaching of Yoruba Language in schools was passed, the State had made conscious efforts to encourage the use of the language in public places adding that this should be sustained.

It, therefore, invited LAMATA to appear and explain the reasons behind its refusal to adopt the use of the language.

The Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Environment to commence immediate clearing of drainage channels and canals across the State.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph representing Alimosho Constituency 2 raised the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ at plenary.

According to him, heavy rains in the State as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET) have damaged some houses in his constituency while some buildings have been submerged by flood with properties destroyed.

The Lawmaker complained of blocked drainage channels and canals, saying there was need for the Ministry of Environment to act urgently while the Ministry of Information should carry out sensitisation of Lagosians to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

In his contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2 said flooding in the State was as a result of climate change and rise in the sea level.

Hon. Temitope Adewale representing one of the constituencies of Ifako Ijaiye suggested the reintroduction of environmental sanitation to make residents clear their gutters.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale said flooding in his constituency was disheartening, while Hon. Rasheed Shabi said there was need for a stringent policy to be put in place.

He tasked Local Government chairman to take the responsibility of clearing and fumigating the drainages in their areas.

Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the plenary, urged the relevant agencies to expedite action. She also called on each of the Local Governments to do the needful while LAWMA should be ready to play its role.

Two Months To Governorship Election: Imo SDP Deputy Gov Candidate Quits, Joins APC

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Ayodele Oni

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September 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the November 11 Governorship election in Imo state, alignment and realignment have started with Mr Nlem Uchenna, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State, quitting the party.

He announced that he has dumped SDP and thrown his weight behind the re- election bid of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

The development is coming barely two months to the November 11th governorship election in the state. Uchenna stated that he dumped SDP so that he can work for the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The former Deputy Governorship candidate, who hails from Owerri zone further disclosed that he was also respecting the Imo Charter of Equity, which favours Uzodimma for a second tenure.

In a statement, Uchenna stated that he consulted widely before arriving at the decision.

”This decision was taken after wide consultations, deep thinking, wise counsel and promptings from numerous people, particularly the resolution of the Imo Council of Elders.

“I wish also to note the giant strides of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma in Imo State for which I have resolved to give him my full support for his second tenure”

He called on his supporters to key into his decision by offering their maximum support for the re-election of the Uzodimma.

Gov Akeredolu Hits Deputy, Dismantles Press Crew

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Ayodele Oni

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September 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, seems set to hit back at his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over allegation of disloyalty while he was away on medical leave.

Aiyedatiwa has been accused of attempting to re- set some of the laid down policies of the Governor while away, causing serious division within the State Executive Council.

Some personal aides of the Governor took sides with the Deputy and had already shared positions if eventually Akeredolu did not return, while others that stood by the Governor blocked attempts by the Deputy’s loyalists to hijack governance.

Aiyedatiwa, Tuesday had issued a statement blaming some enemies to be responsible for the strained relationship with the Governor.

The first response by Akeredolu on Tuesday was to dismantle the Media Crew attached to the Deputy Governor’s office.

A statement by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor reads, “All Media Aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

“The affected aides include: Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

“They are to submit all Government properties in their possession to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the deputy Governor.

“Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the Deputy Governor has been disbanded.

“Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various Ministries and Stations.

“Equally, the Ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the Deputy Governor’s Office henceforth.”

How Wike Forced Umahi, Ayade, Matawalle Out Of PDP – Obaseki; Insists Wike Will Be Dealt With

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The Source

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September 12, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Don Obaseki, has disclosed how the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, forced three Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, out of the Party.

Wike, the immediate past PDP Governor of Rivers State, is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, under the All Progressives Congress, APC -controlled Federal Government, even though he insists he is still a member of the PDP.

According to Obaseki who was the Director of Research, Strategy and Documentation of the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar,

Wike was responsible for the dumping of the PDP by David Umahi, Ben Ayade and Bello Matawalle for the All Progressives Congress, APC. At the time the three dumped the PDP, they were, like Wike, who was Rivers State Governor, Governors of Ebonyi, Cross River and Zamfara States, respectively.

In an interview with Channels Television, Obaseki, enraged by Wike’s current call for the expulsion of Atiku and former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, now a Senator from the Party, accused Wike of a deliberate damage of the Party for selfish interests, but says now Wike’s cup of mischief is full. He said that Wike, had, since 2021, been planning to scatter the PDP in order to become Nigeria’s President.

For instance, he disclosed, former National Chairman of the Party, Wike’s kinsman, Uche Seondus, was removed from office by Wike in order to smoothen the part for him, Wike, to pick the PDP Presidential ticket. He cited other examples too.

Obaseki, also insisted PDP never agreed to rotate the Presidential seat in 2023, and challenged Wike to produce where it was stated in the PDP Constitution.

He noted that since Democracy in 1999, six Presidential Elections have been held, and that the South took the ticket in the PDP four times against the North’s two times. Again, a combination of the years in office of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, gave the South 14 years in office as against two years of late President Umaru Yar’adua and eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari – 10 years.

On Wike’s recent boasts that nobody can discipline him in the PDP, and his dare to the Party to suspend or expel him, Obaseki emphasised that to expel Wike from the PDP is a task that must be done to ensure the Party’s survival.

Obaseki: “Wike was/is the problem of the PDP and to expel Wike now is a task that must be done by the PDP.

“The person who deserves to be expelled from the party is the man who is calling for the expulsion of others from the party.

“Wike is the one who created a cult within the party and called it the G-5. Against the will, constitution and structures of the party, he campaigned against the party.

“If anybody had done anything anti-party, it is Nyesom Wike. He has fought every known person within the party.

“If you remember, Bello Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State cited him as the reason for leaving the party. Dave Umahi cited him as the reason for leaving the party. Professor Ben Ayade cited him as the reason for leaving the party.

“Why is it that in the wake of Nyesom Wike, he has become the proverbial tortoise in every bad story?

“Wike has crossed the red line and now, he should be ready. He has all the money to fight us back because we are coming at him like a thousand bricks.

“He has unleashed the dogs of war and we will not sit back and watch him ride roughshod over the party and majority of Nigerians like he did for eight years over the humility of the Rivers people. That can no longer suffice.”

He noted that Wike used cheap blackmail against the Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, flaunting power rotation.

Obaseki: “The party never said power should go to the South because it was the turn of the South in the PDP but it was the turn of the South in the APC.

“Since 1999, we have had six elections. The PDP had given four times out of that six to the South. Two times to Olusegun Obasanjo and two times to Goodluck Jonathan.

“But the party has given two out of six to the North. Once to Yar’ Adua and once to Atiku. I made a presentation to the governors in December 2021 in Asaba and Nyesom Wike did not agree because he wanted a situation where the primaries would be thrown open.

“He wasn’t campaigning but I was campaigning for the South-East and the North-East because they were the only zones that are yet to rule our country since January 15, 1966, outside the South-East that had six months hiatus with General Aguiyi Ironsi.

“Wike, knowing that he’s just less than 106km away from Otuoke, the home state of Jonathan had no moral right to want to run for the presidency when the immediate Southern President and the last President of the PDP was from the same former Rivers State with him.

“Wike was fighting a cause that was for himself in an attempt to prepare the ground for his eventual running.”

Doubts Over FG’s Claim on Deal With UAE Over Visas, Flights

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 12, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

The joy and appreciation expressed by Nigerians over the statement by Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, that President Bola Tinubu has struck a deal with the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to lift the Visa ban slammed on Nigerians and the resumption of flights between the two Countries may have been for nothing.

The UAE had, ten months ago, stopped the issuance of Visas to Nigerians, and stopped all flights between the two countries.

However, on Monday, September 11, 2023, the Presidency said that Tinubu, who stopped over at Abu Dhabi on his way from the G20 Summit held in India, has sorted the problem out with the Emirates Leader during a meeting, and, so, the issuance of Visas and flight operations would resume immediately.

But on Tuesday, Nigerians woke up to the shocking news that the Presidential claim may have been a fluke, afterall.

Reason: In a statement issued by the UAE on the meeting between its President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahan and the Nigerian President, there was no mention, or acknowledgement that any such agreements were reached to lift the Visa ban imposed on Nigerians or the resumption of flight operations between Nigeria and UAE.

Emirates News Agency, the official news agency of the UAE, in its report said that during the meeting, which held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Nahyan again congratulations Tinubu on his Presidential victory, and wished him success in leading Nigeria and its people to further progress and prosperity.

Following is the full statement issued by UAE:

“President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is on a working visit to the UAE.

“During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed renewed his congratulations to Tinubu on assuming the presidency earlier this year, and wished him every success in leading Nigeria and its people to further progress and prosperity.

His Highness expressed his hope that the two leaders will work together to reinforce ties between the UAE and Nigeria for the benefit of both countries.

“The UAE President and Nigerian President explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that serve both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields.

“The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of interest.

“The meeting discussed the upcoming COP28 climate conference set to take place in the UAE later this year, with both parties stressing the vital importance of encouraging and enabling international cooperation to tackle global issues, including climate change.

“His Highness underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering ties with countries that share the same aspirations for stability, sustainable growth, and development and prosperity for their people. He further emphasised the particular importance the UAE attaches to its relationship with Nigeria, within the framework of its strategic vision for relations with the African continent.

“The President of Nigeria expressed his pleasure to be visiting the UAE and affirmed his country’s keenness to further enhance bilateral cooperation to support sustainable development and progress in both countries.

“The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; and Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

“The meeting was also attended by the delegation accompanying the Nigerian President, which included a number of ministers and high-ranking officials.”

“I Will Remain True To My Oath Of Allegiance” – Uzodinma, Anglicans Queue Behind Him, Unveils Deputy, Lady Ekomaru

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The Source

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September 12, 2023

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The coast for the reelection of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the November 11 Governorship election in Imo State gets clearer by the day as Anglicans have queued behind him and his Deputy Governorship candidate, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, a core Anglican.

Pointer to the massive support Governor Uzodimma and Lady Ekomaru will get from the Anglican Communion in Imo State during the election played out on Sunday at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of our Lord (CATOL) where the APC Deputy Governorship candidate and her family, held a Special Thanking over her choice.

The Special Service attracted the highest hierarchy of the Anglican Communion in Imo State, with the Primate of the All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Church, Most Rev Dr. Henry Ndukuba represented by the Archbishop of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, Most Rev Dr David Onuoha.

Bishop Onuoha assured the Governor that the Primate who was unavoidably absent at the Service will be present at his post election Thanksgiving.

Bishop Onuoha in his sermon said that though Lady Ekomaru was chosen among the lot by Governor Uzodimma based on the grace of God, only God knows whom he wants to qualify.

He reminded Lady Ekomaru that because the grace of God has located her for the job, she also has the responsibility to work hard to qualify herself by not disappointing God and the expectations of the man whom God used to qualify her.

“While people look at outward appearance, God looks at the heart. By sweat shall no man prevail,” Bishop Onuoha said and repeatedly reminded the largely Anglican communicants that Lady Ekomaru is one of them, hence they must support her.

Bishop Onuoha said that “in God’s selection process, he chooses not those who are qualified but those he will qualify.”

Turning to Governor Uzodimma the Bishop said, “We welcome to the service our beloved Governor, the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Commander of the Order of the Niger.

“Thank you Sir for finding time to come in this service. We are deeply grateful to you for finding one of our own worthy to be your running mate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Imo State, which is just a couple of weeks from now. We admire your sense of equity, fairness, inclusivity and gender sensitivity.”

Bishop Onuoha’s sermon reads: ” It is a thing of joy to gather in the presence of God to rejoice and be glad in Him and to render praises and thanks for the great benefits that we always receive from His hands. We thank Him immensely for preserving our lives despite the present challenges mankind is facing in every corner of the earth.

“But here we are hale and hearty, not because of our own efforts, not because of our righteousness, but by the special grace of God.

“We welcome to the service our beloved Governor, the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Commander of the Order of the Niger.

“Thank you Sir for finding time to come in this service. We are deeply grateful to you for finding one of our own worthy to be your running mate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Imo State, which is just a couple of weeks from now. We admire your sense of equity, fairness, inclusivity and gender sensitivity.

“We applaud your efforts in infrastructural development, and for attracting federal projects to Imo State. The prospect of a seaport in Imo State is very exciting, while the presence of a Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in the state is a joy.

“We congratulate you Sir, on the completion of the three ultra modern General Hospitals which your administration built and equipped in Imo State and we are so excited that you have desired, determined and committed to partnering with the Church in the management of the hospitals for the great benefit of our people.

“The Bishop that represented me in the commissioning of the one at Umuokanne few days ago, told me that that hospital is something else. We pray that the Lord will grant you more Grace and opportunity for more exploits.

“His Grace the primate of Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr Henry Ndukuba has asked me to bring his greetings to Your Excellency and the good people of Imo State on this happy occasion. He would have personally been here himself to join in this service, but preparations for the General Synod of the National Church which commences a couple of hours from now have made that desire impossible. He looks forward to a more auspicious time, when he will be present to bless the government and people of his home state Imo. Your Excellency, the Primate will surely be here as you conduct your post-election thanksgiving.

“May we also congratulate Lady Chinyere Ekomaro on her choice as the running mate to His Excellency at the forthcoming election. Madam, congratulations. But note that it is not your qualifications, exploits, or competence that has given you this privilege. It is only by the grace of God. So take that to Heart. It is amazing that in a State like Imo which parades an array of very highly distinguished, outstanding and accomplished women, God’s favour has located you. This is consistent with the way God works.

“In God’s selection process, he chooses not those who are qualified but those he will qualify. In God’s selection process, he doesn’t choose those who are qualified but he will qualify. This is the lesson we get from the selection of David as King of Israel. When God comes into the picture, he takes centre stage. David did not qualify in the eyes of men, but he qualified in the eyes of God. May God qualify you as the next substantive Deputy Governor of Imo State. God will scatter your enemies.

“Grace is not synonymous with noise making and incessant shouting.”

Bishop Onuoha who reminded politicians that Governors will come and go while Imo State will remain however called for peaceful campaign ahead of the election.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma said he will not take the support of Imo people, particularly the Church for granted.

He noted: “Mrs Ekomaru will no doubt add value to this ticket…I ask the Body of Christ to pray fervently for the success and victory of our ticket.

“The evil ones are gathering, but they shall scatter. I will continue to serve Imo people with the fear of God.

“The Church will serve the people and the government will serve the people and together united we will serve the people better.

“Mrs Ekomaru no doubt will add value to this ticket. I know the women in Imo State are celebrating her choice. I know the academic community are satisfied that she will complement the ticket and today with what I have witnessed in this hallowed Cathedral; the support of the Anglican Church is assured.”

Governor Uzodimma’s remarks reads: ‘Indeed I am very happy to be in your midst today to join in this Thanksgiving service. Anytime that I am in the midst of the Body of Christ, I feel a sense of assuredness and safety. A peace that truly passeth all understanding.

“I am always eager to be at the CATOL, if I must worship in the Anglican denomination. Not just for the historical memory it holds for me, but the fact that it stands as a reminder to the indomitable spirit of the Igbos. Our attachment to the things of God and our resolve to conquer in the midst of challenges.

“I want to thank very sincerely His Grace the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiadtical Province, and other Bishops that are worshiping with us this afternoon, particularly the host Bishop. I want to also thank the faithful for this formal ceremony meant to cement our pact with each other before God Almighty.

“I understand, the significance and symbolism of this act of a formal Thanksgiving and solidarity service to Dr. Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, who emerged as my deputy governorship candidate for the November 11th election – In many ways it could be summarised in one sentence – “you are in support of her” and this is her Church. For that I commend you immensely. Trust as you know when broken cannot be fixed. That is why this your assurance is reassuring. I’m very confident that with God on our side, we will work harmoniously with each other.

“As I told Imo State stakeholders when I formally presented Mrs Ekomaru as my running mate, I stated categorically that I don’t have any issue with my current Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Professor Placid Njoku who is currently in Abuja representing me at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. The choice of Lady Chinyere Ekomaru is as a result of ecumenical exigencies and this became very necessary for gender balancing and inclusiveness in our polity.

“My current Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku himself is aware, and to the glory of God he is part of this bold decision. I am very grateful to him for his understanding and pray that I will continue to work with him in the days ahead. Apart from having a loyal deputy who understands our vision for Imo State – satisfying the yearnings of the varied interest in the polity is a very necessary thing if you must play an acceptable politics. So I believe that those for whom these sacrifices have been made; that truly they will understand and will continue to appreciate and reciprocate.

“From testimonials by Imo people, it is very clear that this my government is working hard to deliver on our promises to the State based on our prosperity agenda, encapsulated on reconstruction rehabilitation and recovery. I have tried to speak at the nooks and crannies of Imo State starting from the civil servants, to the transporters, to market women, to our youth whom we have greatly empowered and will continue to empower in our match to our destination, and all are talking positively to the effect that the narrative is gradually changing and the difference between 2020 when I got to Imo State and assumed office as the governor and today is different. So I want to thank Almighty God for making this possible.

“I pray more, that God will open the heart and eyes of our people to understand; like the homily just said; what is important is that what God sees is the heart not the body. Imo people; God should be able by His grace; open your eyes to see my heart. In that regard, this movement is beyond religion; our movement is also beyond ethnicity. Just like prosperity is universal, developments in Imo State will also touch every facet of the society. But I must never take the support of our people for granted.

“Mrs Ekomaru no doubt will add value to this ticket. I know the women in Imo State are celebrating her choice. I know the academic community are satisfied that she will complement the ticket and today with what I have witnessed in this hallowed Cathedral; the support of the Anglican Church is assured, for I know, you will not abandon your own. My Brethren in Christ, above every human effort, one cannot succeed without the endorsement of God Himself. Consequently, I ask the Body of Christ to pray fervently for the success and victory of our ticket.

“As many of us are aware, the evil ones are gathering. – They are gathering to truncate the good works we have been doing; but as it is written in the scriptures, they surely will gather but against the work of God, they shall scatter. I promise today as always, that I will continue to serve Imo people with the fear of God. My administration will continue to be transparent and accountable. What we have achieved in the first tenure will be doubled in the second tenure. I will never – I will never disappoint the people of Imo State. I will remain true to my oath of office and allegiance. Imo State shall continue to prosper under my watch and I want to thank you the leadership of the Church – Anglican Communion; for the support you have given to my government in the past and also pray for the support you will continue to give to my government.

“There is no government anywhere in the world operating practically in Christian dominated society that will do better without the Church. So as long as my government is here to offer this Thanksgiving to Almighty God; Government has a responsibility to partner with the Church and the Church have a responsibility to reciprocate to the good deeds and support of the government to them. You cannot do it alone. The Church will serve the people and the government will serve the people and together united we will serve the people better.”

Earlier in her thank you remarks, Lady Ekomaru expressed gratitude to the Church and to the Governor and promised not to disappoint the expectations of the Governor and that of Imo people.

She said that by her nomination all Imo people are now more united than ever and that the three zones of the State will vote and return the Governor come November 11, 2023.

She thanked the Governor and the Church and noted that by the thanksgiving the Governorship campaign has been handed over to God.

Also in his appreciation remarks, Elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu thanked the Governor for the choice of Lady Ekomaru whom he described as “good and right candidate for the job and a great honour to the Anglican Communion.”

Iwuanyanwu added that he sees in Governor Uzodimma a man that radiates love, honesty and sincerity.

He told the Church that the constitution provides for eight years tenure and that it is only someone who is bad that is limited to only four years. When he asked the Church if Governor Uzodimma is bad, he got a thunderous “NO”!!!

Banky W Optimistic Of Victory As Tribunal Orders Rerun Of Election

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 12, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate for the Eti Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos, in the February 25th, 2023, House of Representatives Election is positive that he would emerge victorious in the rerun election.

The Election Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, nullified the victory of Labour Party, LP, Candidate, Thaddeus Attah, and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct a supplementary election in 32 polling units of Eti-Osa within 90 days.

INEC was also ordered to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Attah and conduct elections in areas where the election failed to hold on February 25.

Reacting to the Tribunal ruling, Banky W took to his X Handle, (formerly Twitter) and posted, “It is possible. Still.”

In the same vein, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate and former lawmaker, Ibrahim Obanikoro shared a copy of his campaign poster while soliciting votes.

He also took to his X Handle and wrote, “Re-elect Your Neighbour.”

A date for the rerun election as ordered by the Tribunal will soon be fixed by INEC.

Osun: APC Reminds Gov Adeleke About Weekly Exco Meeting; PDP Says State Progressing

By

Ayodele Oni

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September 12, 2023

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Ademola Adeleke sworn in as Governor of Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has observed that almost two months after inauguration of the state Executive Council, the Governor has not been able to hold the inaugural meeting of the Council.

The State opposition party accused the ruling PDP of being inept to hold first State Executive Council meeting 54 days after the governor inaugurated Commissioners and Special Advisers.

“Since Governor Adeleke inaugurated his cabinet with fanfare on July 19, 2023, his attempt to hold the first state executive meeting was bungled as a statement was rushed out by the governor that the meeting would not be holding again due to some reasons.”

The APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo called on stakeholders in the state project not to treat the issue with levity as it is strange for a democratic state government to refuse to hold executive meetings for about two months.

Lawal said Adeleke’s approach to governance shows that the Governor is only attracted to the glamour of the office without having any tangible programme for the development of the state.

“The governor should sit up and stop being a metaphorical rolling stone to enable him perform his statutory duty to the citizenry as there is no gain to accrue to the state on account of his mindless trips to Rwanda, United States and Germany, where he has been frolicking with his co-travellers under the guise of shopping for foreign investors.

“A situation under the administration of Governor Adeleke where nearly all the members of his party have become Special Advisers goes a long way to show that he is clueless to the extent that he has cheapened and bastardized the position of an SA in the government because of his irredeemable ignorance.

“It would be recalled that the governor had earlier announced the appointment of 30 Special Advisers, Board Chairmen, and Vice-Chairmen for the inauguration before adding 27 more on Wednesday morning before the function.

“A fact check showed that so many other Special Advisers had been appointed by the governor under the table, while all the board chairmen appointed are without members which automatically make the board members the sole administrators of their parastatals, except for one or two where there are vice-chairmen.

“The earlier Governor Adeleke stops covering his inadequacies with dancing, under the guise of praising God for making him the governor of the state, the better it will be for him.

“I can’t understand why Adeleke is doing little but his employment and adoption of deceit and propaganda to run his government is giving a false impression to the people living outside the state.”

The APC also accused Adeleke of undue delay in sharing subsidy Palliatives and fund approved to the state by the federal government with his Spokesman saying the governor was still thinking about the package.

Reacting to the statement, the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Sunday Bisi, described the APC as a group of people swimming in political darkness.

According to Bisi, the State has been recording some progress under Adeleke, regardless of State EXCO meeting.

“In the last nine months, the Adeleke governorship has been working tirelessly to clean up the mess the shameless accusers of today left behind through rebuilding the foundation of many sectors from infrastructures to health and education.

“Instead of APC to cover its head in shame for running the state aground, it found petty assignment in frivolous accusations which portray the opposition as sinking deeper into political oblivion.

“What is better tagged as ineptitude as the monumental failure of the APC administration that left the state infrastructure in total collapse, that destroyed the public service, that abandoned billions of critical state projects, that inhumanly mistreated workers and pensioners, that mismanaged state economy with over N 400 billion debt.

“What is more clueless than the APC government that left Osun as number 33 on public examination rating, that abandoned the state university without project support, that politicized the take off of University of Ilesa and that looted all government quarters in the most capricious manner in state history.”

Zenith Bank Defies Odds, Triples H1 Earnings To N968bn

By

James Orji

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September 12, 2023

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2023, recording an astounding triple-digit growth of 139 percent in gross earnings from N404.8 billion reported in H1 2022 to N967.3 billion in H1 2023. This is a clear demonstration of its resilience and strong market share despite a very challenging macroeconomic environment and persistent headwinds.

According to the bank’s audited half-year financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Monday, 11th September 2023, the triple-digit growth in the top line also spurred the bottom line as the Group recorded a 169 percent Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N130 billion in H1 2022 to N350.4 billion in H1 2023.

Profit after tax also grew by triple digits, growing by 162 percent from N111.4 billion to N291.7 billion in the same period.

The growth in gross earnings arose from both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income grew by 72 percent from N241.7 billion in H1 2022 to N415.4 billion in H1 2023, while non-interest income grew by 246 percent from N149 billion to N515.7 billion.

The growth in interest income is attributed to the impact of both the growth and repricing of risk assets. The liberalization of the foreign exchange market during the period spurred the growth in non-interest income as revaluations gains improved significantly.

In terms of efficiency, the cost-to-income ratio improved from 58 percent to 38.5 percent in the current period on the back of an enhanced income line. The liberalization of the foreign exchange market coupled with the heightened risk environment resulted in cost of risk growing from 1.4 percent to 8.8 percent.

The cost of funding also grew YoY from 1.4 percent in H1 2022 to 2.6 percent in H1 2023 because of the spike in interest rates between both periods as interest expense grew from N57 billion in H1 2022 to N153.6 billion in H1 2023.

Total assets grew by 31 percent from N12.3 trillion to N16.0 trillion in December 2022, mainly driven by growth in customers’ deposits and the devaluation of the local currency. Customers’ deposits grew by 30 percent from N9.0 trillion in December 2022 to N11.6 trillion in June 2023.

Loans and advances also grew by 32 percent from N4.12 trillion in December 2022 to N5.38 trillion in June 2023 partly due to the revaluation of the foreign currency denominated loans as well as growth in local currency loans. Non-performing loans ratio improved from 4.3 percent to 3.9 percent in December 2022 despite the deterioration of the macros and heightened risk environment because of the currency mix of risk assets. Capital adequacy ratio improved from 19.8 percent to 22 percent, while liquidity ratio reduced from 75 percent to 61 percent in the current period. Both prudential ratios are still well above regulatory thresholds.

The reorganisation into a holding company structure has advanced, as the Group adds new verticals to its businesses and expand into new frontiers. As the year progresses, the Group will continue to remain dynamic in anticipating and responding to the changes in the fiscal and monetary environments in order to sustain growth across all its business segments and markets.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Ogun: Daniel, Wife Not Above The Law, Gov Replies Critics Over Demolition

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 12, 2023

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has denied the suggestion that the demolition of a property supposedly belonging to the wife of a former governor of the state was for political purposes.

The governor spoke after a high court in Ijebu-Ode gave an order stopping the state government from going ahead with the demolition.

The incumbent has been accused of pursuing a political vendetta against one of his predecessors after some officials from the state Ministry of Physical Planning demolished a section of DATKEM Plaza, a property belonging to Olufunke, wife of former Governor Gbenga Daniel,

The high-rise property is located at the heart of Abeokuta the state capital,

The state helmsman has now debunked the claim that the feud between him and Daniel led to the demolition.

Abiodun who spoke on Monday during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 8km Mowe/Ofada Road in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state, said the building did not follow due process.

He said the government is ready to take action against anyone who breaks the law without regard to status, saying the law is not a respecter of influential people.

According to him, “The law is not a respecter of VVIPs or VIPs. Nobody is above the law. The law took its cause.

“The owners of DATKEM in their minds must have felt they were above the law because they were actually recalcitrant.

“ It smirks of impunity if the Ministry of Physical Planning sends you a contravention order, sends you a sealing order and you continue with the construction in violation of the safety of all of us in Ogun state.

“They sent you a demolition order, but you still did not respond. You begin to sneak into the building at night. You begin to work there.

“You begin to attempt to grease palms so that they can overlook your contraventions. But, of course, the day of reckoning would always come.”

Ruling on the matter brought by Olufunke against the state government, Justice N. O Durojaiye in his ruling directed all the parties to maintain the status quo.

“I have perused the application and the documents attached thereto. I am of the opinion that the application for Interim Injunction as it were should be considered.

“I therefore direct parties in this case to maintain Status quo on the property as of today the 11” of September, 2023.”

Governor Abiodun and Daniel have been at loggerheads since the former came to office in 2019. But the feud got worse after the former governor accused the incumbent of working against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the last presidential election on February 25, 2023.

Abiodun was a strong backer of former Vice President Osinbajo for the APC presidential ticket.