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Former LG Chairmen In Ondo Threaten Legal Action Over Allegation Of Impunity By PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The 18 immediate past Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas of Ondo State have denied receiving salaries after leaving office in August.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State through its publicity secretary, Kenedy Peretei, had accused the Chairmen of impunity for drawing salaries from Council coffers after expiration of their tenure in August.

They described the statement credited to the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, accusing them of drawing salaries from the State treasury after leaving office as figment of his imagination.

In a statement signed by the former Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, (ALGON) Augustine Oloruntogbe stated that the author of the  information failed to provide a evidence to support his allegations, as he has no prove of who approved the payment and how much had been collected.

“We wish to inform members of the public to see the report as not only malicious and libelious and parts of futile attempts by the drowning PDP to soil the image of the past local government chairmen and by extension. the present administration in the state.

“As you will all recall, all the former LG Chairmen legitimately handed over the affairs of the 18 local government areas to their various Head of Local Government Administration, who have been holding forth since 30th of August 2023 in accordance with the extant rules.

“And we want to use this opportunity to thank Mr Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON for putting up democratic structure in all the council areas, which allows us to serve our people at grassroot level.”

According to the Chairmen, “we could have ignored his jaundiced report, but we have a duty to lay the facts before the public so that the good people of Ondo state are not misled by a group of unfortunate politicians who are still leaking their political wounds from home and abroad.

“This deliberate falsehood by Peretei and his cohorts can only be described as a Merchant selling the Sun to buy Candles or some set of mischief makers sprigging up mere political gimmicks to seek cheap publicity.

“We therefore want to call on Mr Peretei Ikantu to withdraw the libellous publication with public apology within 24 hours, failure which we will recourse to legal remedy.”

Northern Group Threatens To Stop Food Supply To South West

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The 10 days ultimatum given to the Fulani Community in the South Western States by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popular as Sunday Igboho, to vacate Yorubaland has led to the threat by a Northern Group to stop food supply to the region.

The Northern Group under the aegis of Northern Consensus Movement Of Nigeria, NCMN, has vowed to stop food supply to the South West, and also force the Yoruba living in the Northern part of the country to evacuate the Northern region.

The group vowed to do everything in its reach to stop the move, adding that if the threat persists they will be forced to use another alternative to see that no Yoruba remain in their region.

Awwal Aliyu, President of the Group gave the warning during a press conference  which contents and  video  have since gone viral.

Aliyu said, “Just recently, Sunday Igboho was released from prison but he issued a fresh ultimatum for the Fulani community that are living in  Yorubaland to leave the region within seven days.

“This time around, we, the Northern Consensus Movement of Nigeria, will do everything possible to stop that move and if he resists listening, then we have no option other than to ask the Yoruba who are living in Northern Nigeria to also go back to their region.:

The Group, however, demanded compensation for the victims of the #ENDSARs killings, the Shasha-Akinyele market and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN, killings.

It also noted that several efforts made on their demands have proven abortive as their pleas were ignored by the previous and current leaders across the country.

Awwal on behalf of the Group issued a four-week ultimatum for their demands to be met, noting that they would embark on a  nationwide protest and stop all food supplies to the southern region of the country.

“On the issue of compensation to our victims of the ENDSARS killing, SASA-Akinyele market killings and IPOB and ESN killings, wee have been pursuing it for several years now. Since previous administrations, a lot of promises were made but the Federal Government refused to fulfill the promises.

“So, we are requesting President Bola  Tinubu to do something to it as we are giving a four-week ultimatum. If nothing is done, we are going on peaceful protest, after which we will shut down the country on all food supplies moving from the North to all Southern parts of the country.

“This thing we have sent to the President even before he was elected, we have also forwarded this demand and request. All heads of security agencies are aware of it. all governors of the 19 northern states, all former leaders, former presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, most especially those from the North are aware of it.

“The Northern traditional councils are aware of it, the 19 Northern state assemblies are also aware of it.”

The group also called on  the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, to call Sunday Igboho to order with immediate effect.

Organised Labour Gives Strike Notice Over Attack On Ajaero; Asks For Removal Of Imo CP

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Organised Labour, still angry with the manhandling of one of its Leaders in Imk State, has vowed to call out workers for a strike on Wednesday.

Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC),  have informed the Federal Government that workers will go on strike November 8, over Wednesday’s  battering of NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

Leaders of the NLC and TUC, at a briefing Friday in Abuja,  also released a six-point demand, including the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State and Area Commander, among other officials, for their alleged complicity in the brutalization and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.

The NLC had earlier stated that Ajaero will be flown abroad for further treatment over his brutalization by, allegedly, Police Operatives  in Owerri.

The brutalization of Ajaero elicited outrage and condemnation across the country.

The Union leaders are expected to meet again on Tuesday, to decide on an appropriate response to the attack.

Ajaero had gone to Imo State to organise a mass protest by Workers against the State Government over sundry issues, including alleged non-payment of salaries. The arrangement went awry when Police Operatives pounced on Ajaero and inflicted serious  injuries on him.

Government denies it is owing staff, and said it has even paid wages for October 2023.

More Problems For INEC With Appointment Of Politicians As REC – Falana

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Femi Falana, SAN, has accused the federal Government of compounding problems of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the appointment of political parties card carrying members as Resident Electoral Officers.

There are strong allegations, with pictorial evidence,  which show that Dr Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State is a full member of the ruling APC.

In a photograph, he was seen wearing a Tee-shirt bearing the photographs of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and that of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. They were on a campaign for the election of Fubara as Governor.

Also, the nominee for Akwa Ibom State, Sir Etekamba Umoren, is a card carrying member of the APC, and was, allegedly, Chief of Staff to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio from 2015-2019.

Falana pointed out that conducting  credible elections in such a situation would further be complicated.

Falana, who was a guest on Channels Television, was commenting on the newly-appointed INEC RECs confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday.

He said: “Successive regimes in Nigeria, Yar’Adua’s regime, Jonathan’s regime, and Buhari’s regime have all set up electoral reform committees or panels to make recommendations that will assist the government to have credible elections.

Femi Falana
Femi Falana

“In the case of President Tinubu as a leader of the ACN, he set up a committee for electoral reforms to campaign for the implementation of the recommendations of the Uwais Panel and one of them is that we must have independent umpires in every particular material.

“You can’t have a card-carrying member of a political party or a loyalist of a political party to be a Resident Electoral Commissioner or a national commissioner; you complicate the problem for INEC to have credible elections.”

Following the appointment of 10 new RECs for INEC by President Tinubu, Civil Society Organisations and some other Nigerians raised alarm about some of the appointees, who were said to have political affiliations, asking the Senate not to confirm them. However, the Senate confirmed all the nominees as RECs.

Falana, who said three of the appointees are members of the All Progressives Congress, while one is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, condemned their confirmation by the Senate.

He disclosed that the PDP in Akwa Ibom State has gone to court to challenge the appointment of Mr Etekamba Umoren, who was a former Chief of Staff to the Senate President,  Godswill Akpabio, an APC chieftain in Akwa Ibom State as the REC for the state.

According to the SAN, the appointment of three other RECs should be challenged in court.

He also added that if the Courts prove that these appointments are illegal, then their Senate confirmation cannot legitimize them.

How Joint Military Operation Foiled Terrorists Attack On Kano

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Soliders on Patrol

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgents in the northern part of the country.

A joint operation of the  troops and the Department of State Security Service, (DSS) on Friday, foiled an impending terrorists attack on Kano city.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, a Brigadier General, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement,

“In a successful joint raid operation, Nigerian Army troops from the 3rd Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), prevented an impending terrorist attack on Kano.

“This operation, carried out in the early hours of Friday, November 3, 2023, in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, aimed to uncover and apprehend suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) planning a major operation in Kano.

“As a result of this operation, two BHT suspects are now in custody, and a significant amount of weaponry and explosives were seized, including five AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 rifle magazines, a Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG), five RPG bombs, six hand grenades, desert camouflage uniforms, magazine pouches, and materials for making improvised explosive devices.

“This joint operation highlights the effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency and security challenges.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and continues its efforts to counter and degrade insurgency and security threats across the country.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations to address insecurity.

“The Nigerian Army expresses its dedication to protecting the nation and appreciates the support and trust of the Nigerian people.”

Zamfara: How Fmr. Gov. Matawalle Bought Massage Chairs N50m Each, Empowered Bandits, Accommodated Them In Govt. House

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle has been accused of unprecedented recklessness while he was Governor. Matawalle, currently the Minister for State, Defence, has also been accused of empowering and encouraging murderous bandits by buying vehicles for them, and giving them asylum at Government House.

These allegations were made during an interview by   AbdulMalik Gajam, the State’s Commissioner for Budget and Planning.

According to Commissioner Gajam, Matawalle ran the State aground by spending money recklessly as if it was going out of fashion.

“This administration spent more than N15 billion in the Government House alone, and now, if you go to Zamfara State, there is no Governor’s office that is functioning. They even bought massage chairs for N50million in a state where people are hungry and are dying of illiteracy and insecurity and people are dying of malnutrition.”

He, also revealed that the State does not have upto two vehicles capable of taking one from Zamfara to Abuja “efficiently and effectively in time.”

His words during the interview when asked the situation the new administration met in the State and how they have coped so far.

“My name is AbdulMalik Abubakar Gajam, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning.

“You see, when we came into the saddle, we met Zamfara State in insecurity crisis. When you talk of economic output, Zamfara State is 32 over 37, and when we talk of importation, Zamfara State is 32 over 37. But when we talk about business competition and industrialization, Zamfara State is 35 over 37.

“When we talk about Healthcare, Zamfara State is 26 over 37. In terms of Education, Zamfara State is 30, when we talk about ICT, Zamfara State is 34. So, when you look at all these numbers, this is based on statistics that was done by ADSR that showed the scorecards of Nigeria States and overall averagely, the high mark is 45 in which Zamfara State was under 40, so Zamfara State was 36 over 37 overall In Nigeria. That means we are last, we are taking the Zee.

“This year alone, Zamfara State is to pay Debt Servicing of over N30 Billion. We have paid more than N20 Billion from January till date.

“As it stands today In Zamfara State, they do not have two vehicles that can take you from Zamfara to Abuja efficiently and effectively in time.

“A Government that removes from Public Account, Tax Payer money to put into construction and nothing is built.

“There is nothing to show on Healthcare, even those Primary Healthcare, when you go around now, you cannot even take animals into those structures you have built for us as Primary Healthcare Centers and Hospitals with World Bank money, and then suspended work, and at the end of the day, there are no equipment, there is no manpower, there is no planning, there is no policy. We are still having emergencies in Marafa and Anka Local Government where Children are dying of Cholera.

“You think that the Government will be sensible enough to invest those monies into education sector, it is sad that we do not have a functioning education system In Zamfara State.

“What will amaze you is the idea that the past administration spent three years without paying for WAEC and NECO fees. That means every young person In Zamfara State that graduated from Secondary School in the past three years has become a second person to somebody from Imo State and Sokoto State that is of the same age of what we are engaged into, that were enrolled into schools together. Now he is three years far behind.

“The past administration spent over N15 billion in the Government House alone, and now if you go to Zamfara State, there is no Governor Office that is functioning, we are even rehabilitating at the moment.

“They even bought Massage Chairs for N50 Million in a State where people are hungry and are dying of illiteracy and insecurity, and people are dying of Malnutrition. There is no 5KM Road constructed in Four Years.

“They have spent billions of Zamfara State’s hard earned money. They came to AMCON, the contribution of Pension was supposed to be since inception in 2005, the employer was meant to contribute, the employee will also contribute from the beginning of time, since its inception, but the Government of Zamfara State that is the employer never put in their contribution, in which the employees were contributing.

“At the end of the day, the past administration came to AMCON, withdrew the money, and removed themselves from that engagement of a fiscal policy that transform the Pension processes and enable our people to get access to their investment after retirement, they withdrew that money and squandered over One Point Something Billion Naira out of the Pension Money.

“The legacy the past Government left in Zamfara State is that he bought vehicles, Hilux Vehicles and dash them away to Bandits, the evidence is there for all to see. He was giving asylum to Bandits in Government House, people that killed even in tl barbaric manner. There has never been a time where an Emir or a King would give asylum to somebody that kills people.”

Reps Member Urges FG To Address Exodus Of Professionals Abroad

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ojuawo Adeniyi

By Ayodele Oni

The Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency one, in the House of Representatives, Ojuawo Adeniyi, has tasked the Federal Government to urgently put policy and programmes in place to stop their mass exodus abroad.

The lawmaker observed that professionals and graduates should be motivated to dissuade them from leaving the country in droves for a greener pasture, a move, popularly known as the  ‘Japa Syndrome’.

In a motion of national importance at the green chamber, Ojuawo canvassed the need for policy and programmes to reduce the brain drain in the country.

He said  “The rate at which our professionals and graduates leave the country is worrisome and there is an urgent need to stem the tide.

“It is the right of every citizen to choose where to live or work as enshrined in the constitution, but we must also guard against loosing the best hands to this surge for us to maintain our growth and development as a Nation.

“Our human capital resources daily declines to this scourge in every sector and badly affected is our health and educational sectors where our doctors and lecturers  left most of our hospitals and universities to United Kingdom and United States respectively in their hundreds in the last two years.

“We need to arrest this ugly situation on time before it set us backward. Our human resource capital is an asset to our nation building and development therefore we must prioritize their welfare and motivate them to discouragement of this syndrome called Japa.”

Ojuawo urged  the house to consider his motion as matter urgent of national importance and make a resolution  to Federal government.

“I urge this hallowed  chamber to task the government on introduction of policy and programmes that will discourage our professionals and graduates from seeking for greener pastures abroad.

“Government should see it as a national malady and as a matter of necessity, involves critical stakeholder on incentives to demotivate  this migration because it will have great impact on our  national growth if is left unchecked now.”

Veteran Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Bedridden, Seeks Financial Support From Colleagues, Nigerians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Amaechi Muonagor

By Akinwale Kasali

Amaechi Muonagor, Veteran Nollywood Actor has called on his colleagues in the industry and well meaning Nigerians to come to his aid financially as he battles stroke.

The Actor shared  pictures of himself on a wheelchair and lying down on a chair as he struggles with a paralyzing Stroke.

In a widely shared video, he was seen lying flat on his back, explaining how his  ordeal began and the medical course he’s taken thus far. He explained how he was rushed to the hospital after his initial stroke , and stayed for several months.

However, because his condition showed no signs of recovery, he was sent to Nnewi Teaching Hospital in Anambra, where he is still receiving treatment.

Muonagor went on to explain that seven months ago, this misfortune befell him after he had just wrapped up a tasking shoot alongside his colleagues Emeka Ani, Patience Ozokwo, Rita Edochie, and Ebele Okaro on a movie set. Just as he was preparing to hit the road in his car, he found himself suddenly struck by a debilitating stroke.

Since that ill-fated day, the actor revealed that his condition has been deteriorating. He can no longer move his legs or walk independently, and half of his body is now paralyzed.

He apologized for not sharing this publicly earlier, as he never anticipated the illness would persist for so long.

Now, he is reaching out to kind-hearted Nigerians, seeking financial assistance for his paralysis, which has caused significant swelling in parts of his body and rendered him unable to eat.

He also mentioned that during his three-month stay at the current hospital, they have run out of the necessary medications for his treatment.

Amaechi added that he is in desperate need of help from his colleagues, fans, and friends.

Bayelsa Guber: PDP An ill Wind Says, LP Candidate

By
James Orji
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The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the November 11, 2023 election in Bayelsa state, Udengs Eradiri has described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as an ill wind for the people of the state.

The LP candidate made this known in his reaction to a recent report that the state has been ranked the second poorest state in the country.

Bayelsa is an oil-producing state with billions of dollars received by successive governments in the state.

In spite of the huge funds that the state has received as one of the oil-bearing states in the country, not a few insist that its predominantly fishing and agrarian population are still very poor.

The state is set for another election in a few days and the incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is seeking a reelection.

The PDP has ruled the state for close to 24 years since the country returned to constitutional democracy in 1999.

Speaking in Yenagoa, the state’s capital on Thursday, Eradiri, a former President of the Ijay Youth Congress, IYC, said successive PDP administrations have misruled the state, he stressed that his party, LP, is a better alternative that can bring development to the state.

He blamed the current despondency and poverty facing the state on the incompetence of the PDP’s successive administrations which Governor Diri represents. The governor, he said, has nothing to offer.

According to him, the report “shows that the PDP leadership and the current government of Douye Diri diverted and squandered all our commonwealth.”

He stated further, “Bayelsa has a red flag in all developmental indices. It will shock you to know that 2.61 million people out of the 2.9 million people are languishing in abject poverty. This is to say that 88 per cent of our population are extremely poor despite the humongous resources and revenue coming into this state.

“While Sokoto, a desert, occupies the first position, Bayelsa, an oil-rich state is coming second. What other proof do we need to know that the PDP has remained the whirlwind that will not blow this state and our people any good?

“What other evidence do we need as a people to know that this forthcoming election affords us, the people, an opportunity to kick out Diri and his party? They mean no good for our state and should be given a red card.”

CBN Assures Naira Free-Flow Following Pockets Of Scarcity

By
James Orji
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0

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has assured Nigerians that there is enough cash in circulation, in response to the report that some parts of the country have been witnessing cash scarcity in the last few days.

The apex bank urged Nigerians not to panic as it would ensure sufficient cash in circulation, it also advised Nigerians not to embark on panic withdrawals, adding that transactions could also be carried out through electronic and internet banking to reduce pressure on the available cash in circulation.

The reaction comes amidst reports earlier in the week that cash scarcity is being experienced in some parts of the country, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria.

Some commercial banks in Lagos Island also experienced the same problem on Tuesday, according to customers who said they were forced to resort to POS operators for their transactions after most ATMs failed to dispense cash.

According to sources who spoke to the magazine, the problem was caused following rumuors that the CBN was planning to redesign the naira.  The apex bank has already debunked the suggestion.

In its reaction in a statement signed by the apex bank’s spokesman, Isa AbdulMumin on Thursday, the CBN said it noted “the concerns of Nigerians’ but allayed fears that economic activities are being disrupted due to the perceived problems by some Nigerians, adding that everything is being done to ensure a free-flow of cash.

The CBN said, “While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country,” the statement read.

“The branches of the CBN across the country are also working to ensure the seamless circulation of cash in their respective states of operation.”

The Yemi Cardoso-led apex bank had on Monday debunked reports that it was planning to push on with the naira redesign policy introduced by Godwin Emefiele, the sacked CBN Governor.

Meanwhile, the CBN said it has started to clear the estimated $7 billion outstanding foreign exchange obligations of the Federal Government, on foreign currency forwards contracts owed to banks. The apex bank spokesman confirmed this to Reuters yesterday.

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