Obi Denounces Blackmailers, Urges Focus On Raising A Better Nigeria

By

-

August 28, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25; 2023 election, Peter Obi has censured those blackmailers bent on linking him with negative things that are not of his person to redirect their energy in raising a better Nigeria.

Reacting to a mischievous statement saying that he had bribed a Television Journalist, Mr. Rufai Oseni by financially sponsoring the burial of his father, Obi described it as wicked blackmail against the courageous journalist who has been doing his job Professionally.

“Ordinarily, I do not get involved in name-calling and mud-slinging, neither do I attack people nor try to defame their personalities, in the course of my political journey.

“I have also avoided replying to cheap, wicked, or malicious blackmails publicly or openly in the same irresponsible manner they are thrown at me. Anyone who has followed my corporate and political life knows that I always stay on issues, with my focus on finding solutions to societal challenges and ameliorating people’s suffering.

The former Anambra state governor said he needed to clarify issues, especially when a third party is involved, the case recently where my name was mentioned in malicious and cheap blackmail against one of Nigeria’s best Television presenters, Mr. Rufai Oseni, who has stood sternly for what is right and has challenged me fearlessly on some occasions while speaking truth to power.

“Let me state clearly that this is a categorical lie from the pit of hell. Everyone who understands my life will attest to the fact that I do not give anyone money to promote my name. I have never monetarily induced any journalist to speak or write in my favour.

Obi said that he always honours Invitations to social events like birthday celebrations or funerals, and this is something people have come to know that I do regularly.

“Countless journalists, media personnel, the less privileged, the wealthy, etc., have all invited me to their occasions, and they will attest to the fact that I honour such invitations, especially when people are grieving. As it is obtainable in Igbo tradition, I always attend such events with some gifts, to support the celebrant.

“I have never been to Rufai’s village. Even at the point of writing this, I do not know where he is from. One then wonders why people could decide to tarnish other people’s image for no justifiable reason. To those involved in such evil endeavours, I wish them well and pray to God to have mercy on them.

Finally, the LP standard bearer reiterated his position that “our focus in Nigeria should be about rescuing the nation from the many challenges plaguing it. We should focus more on lifting people out of poverty. Millions of Nigerians do not know where their next meal will come from. We have millions of unemployed youths in their productive age. Finding solutions to these challenges should command our attention, for the progress of our nation – and that is what I remain committed to.”

Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Pardons Two Erring Commissioners

By

Ayodele Oni

-

August 28, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Two erring Commissioners in Ekiti State clamped with various punishments by Governor Biodun Oyebanji have been pardoned.

One of them, Karounwi Oladapo, was not sworn-in along with others three weeks ago for allegedly sponsoring thuggery at his home town, Efon Alaaye.

The second one, Olaiya Atibioke, left the venue of the induction while the Governor was still on seat, addressing others. He was suspended from resuming office.

Governor, Oyebanji on Moday recalled the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr Olaiya Atibioke from suspension.

The recall is sequel to the expiration of the two weeks suspension slammed on the Commissioner on August 12, 2023.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Mr Atibioke is expected to resume work at his office on Monday, August 28, 2023.

The Governor urged top government functionaries in the state to take a cue from the suspension, while restating his administration’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and actions that are inimical to the progress of the state.

In another statement, the inauguration ceremony for the newly appointed Head of Service, Engr Sunday Komolafe, as well as two Commissioners-designate, Prof Bolaji Aluko and Hon Karounwi Oladapo, will hold on Tuesday.

The event, which will be presided over by the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, will hold at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, by 10.00 am prompt.

All invited guests, dignitaries and government officials are to be seated by 9.30am.

Crisis As Ondo Govt Is Set To Eject Farmers From Reserves; It’s Untrue Says Gov’s Aide

By

Ayodele Oni

-

August 28, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

More than 50,000 farmers and inhabitants of some villages in Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State on Sunday protested over plot by the State government to sell their farmlands and Cocoa plantations to foreign companies.

The farmers, who converged on Ilua village in Ondo West Council area in large number with placards also alleged that the state government had issued a quite notice to all the farmers in all the 20 villages in the area to vacate their farms.

The protesters also alleged that government officials have threatened to evacuate them forcefully if they failed to relocate before the end of the year.

Addressing newsmen before the mammoth crowd, the traditional head of Ilua, Oba Olalani Ibidapo, said: “There were some people who came to our villages and started erecting signposts that the state government has sold our farmlands and villages to Chinese and Indian companies.

“They said government has issued notice that we should quit our farms and villages because the companies wanted to move in and take over our farms and villages.

“We have been here for over 100 years and we are here farming, no other things. I have more than 19 villages under me here, Ilua, Laoso, Adejori, Logunofe, Keseomi, Obadore, Obakele, Ilua 2, Kangidi, Oloruntedo, Abayemisi and Magbaralewon just to mention a few.

“Other communities protesting with us Oloruntedo, Aba Tiamiyu, Osu Tokunbo, Abana, Olorunsogo and other communities.

“We heard suddenly that we should move out unexpectedly. Where are we going to go. Look at our people, no work. We have graduates among us here, but since there’s no job, they ventured into farming.

Reacting, to the forceful allegation, the state government, through Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Akin Olotu explained that “It has come to the notice of the Ondo State Government that some elements are spreading fake news that the government is planning to display villagers particularly those occupying free areas in the state which is far from the truth.”

Olotu said the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led-administration is not out to punish anybody but to make things better.

Olotu was reacting to media reports that the Government is planning to wipe out 19 villages in Ondo west local government area villages and displace over 50,000 farmers for the benefit of private firm owned by some Indians and Chinese.

According to him, no sensible government will displace anybody in any free area.

“So we want to look at that place, I will invite their representatives, we will sit down together and look at a win-win situation and see how we can we accommodate their interests in what we are doing.

“Governance is about the people. So when we see what is on ground, we will know what to do. Our little investigation shows that where they are is even out of where those people are coming to work.

“So maybe it’s anticipatory action, that may be. We will send Government surveyors there to confirm the precise location, if anybody is affected, we will look at it whether it’s government reserve because nobody came to us in the office and I think that should be the first thing to do, to come to say okay what is going on here.

“So we will find out, we will look at how we will resolve the whole thing amicably. So if they are in government reserve, we will know what to do.

“If they are in free area, we already know what to do. Nobody’s interest will be jeopardized, that’s what I will say. The Governor is not out to punish anybody but to make things better. So we will look at it. Thank you.”

Oyo Ex-Council Chairmen Accuse Gov Makinde, Assembly Of Witch-Hunt Over N3.4bn Debt

By

Ayodele Oni

-

August 28, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

The 796 ex-Local Government Chairmen and Councillors in Oyo State have accused the state Governor, Seyi Makinde and the House of Assembly of witch hunting them over their insistence on being paid their outstanding salaries and allowances amounting to N3,374,889,425.60.

The Supreme Court had in a judgment on May 7, 2021 ordered the Oyo State Government to pay the ex-council chiefs, salaries and allowances for the three years they ought to have served before they were unlawfully sacked by the governor on May 29, 2019.

By its own computation, the Oyo State Government agreed to pay N4,874,889,425.60, out of which it paid N1.5b, leaving a balance of N3,374,889,425.60.

The ex-council chiefs, in a statement released on Sunday however, noted that a recent resolution passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly, linking some of them with fraud, was part of a plot to get back at them with the intention of compelling them to abandon the outstanding judgment debt.

They added that since March this year when they got an order to garnish the bank accounts of the state government in an effort to retrieve the outstanding judgment debt, the government and the Assembly had tagged them as threat and devised means to witch hunt them into submission, part of which is the phantom fraud claims.

In the statement signed by three of the affected ex-council chiefs – Ayodeji Aleshinloye, Bashorun Ajuwon and Oluyinka Jesutoye – stated that none of them was ever invited by the House of Assembly in respect of any investigation, “be it by the 9th or 10th Assembly.”

Part of the statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a purported Resolution of the Oyo State House of Assembly, wherein some of our members were purportedly indicted of Fraud.

“Our initial reaction was to ignore this ‘awada kerikeri (drama) from a House of Assembly which does not know the fundamental rules of its own existence.

“However, for the benefit of the great citizens of Oyo State, we hereby state our side of the story.

“In March 2023, we caused our lawyer to garnishee the account of the state government to the tune of N3,374,889,425.60 being the outstanding indebtedness of the state government to us, as voluntarily and solely calculated by them without any input from us.

“The Apex Court (Supreme Court) gave its judgment on 7th May, 2021 and gave the said state government three months to comply with its judgment, but the state government unilaterally varied the order of the apex court to six months.

“The allegation of fraud arose from the House of Assembly due to the fact that we caused the accounts of the state government to be liened, including the Account of the House of Assembly, who is a party to the suit.

“None of us committed any fraud, and if and when we are invited, we have what it takes to defend ourselves.

“This is just a case of witch hunting of the leadership of the then ALGON. Out of the five Local Governments mentioned, three are the Local Governments of the former Executive Members of ALGON and they ensured that they roped in the then Chairman and Secretary.

“The sum of N3,374,889,425.60 which arose from the judgment of the Supreme Court is our legitimate earnings which represent our entitlements for the period His Excellency illegally prevented us from functioning in our respective offices.

“The said sum stated above is for 68 Chairmen, 68 Vice Chairmen and 660 Local Government Councilors making up a total of 796 people. Thus, on the average, each person is entitled to N4, 239, 810.84k.

Olosho: Bad Economy Forces S$x Workers’ Charges To N500

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

August 28, 2023

0

The tough economic situation in the country due to the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government has spoilt business for commercial s$x workers in Kano state, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

The economic crunch has significantly reduced patronage, some s$x workers who spoke to the agency in the commercial city said.

The women of easy virtues aka Olosso expressed their pains while fielding questions from NAN in Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, August 27.

They had been enjoying brisk business from s$x-starved customers until the federal government decided to end the bogus subsidy regime in May this year, forcing them to charge as low as N500 for one round of s$x.

Mercy Benjamin told NAN that before now, a round of “short time” service could be settled with N5,000 within a time frame of one hour, but the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal had forced customers to disappearance.

Benjamin said one round of s$x now go for as low as between N500 and N700 for the same services.

“Things are not really going on well with this business for now because of the present economic challenges we are facing,” she said.

Another s$x worker who identified herself as Jennifer, told NAN that it is no longer business as usual for them, saying “my brother, business is no longer moving as it used to be.

“Things have become so hard that if you see more than three customers in one day, you will thank God. Customers are hard to come by, and when they come, the offer is nothing to write home about.

“In this very particular room, I pay N5,000 every day; and I must confess to you that I am owing the management three days debt now because of low patronage

“Before fuel subsidy removal, we were enjoying high patronage with good prices. These days, I used to attend to seven to 10 customers everyday with good prices ranging between N5,000 and N10,000 for short time services.

“This is apart from other incentives like good food, drinks, chicken, Isi-ewu and other goodies that customers provide on their own volition,”

“Unlike now when customers hardly come to hang out in the evening, we used to have customers on day-break ready to offer well above N20,000 and also take care of your accommodation, food and drinks. This is really hardtimes for us,” she said.

Jennifer further stated that most of her colleagues who could not pay for their rooms have returned home with regrets of penury.

“Some of them left without their property as the hotel management seized their cloths and electronics because of the money they are owing. We that are still here are surviving through the grace of God,” she explained.

Narrating her latest experience as a result of the cash crunch, Ms Helen Ediga at Onitsha Road, said she ready to quit the business if given alternative source of livelihood.

Ediga, who only agreed to speak to talk after being offered a token of N1,500 and a bottle of Maltina to cover her time, said: “Sir, I am not happy being into this kind of business. It is hardship that led me into it. I am a single mother with three children. I am the only one that take care of them.

“My man left us in Kano and relocated to Abuja where he is currently staying with another woman. I come out every evening to hassle so that I can put food on the table for my three children and possibly train them

“Since the fuel subsidy removal, we have been suffering. In most cases, I will spend the whole day without anyone asking me ‘how are you’. It has been a very bitter experience. If I have other means of livelihood, I will definitely quit this business!”, Ediga said.

NAN also gathered that the s$x hawkers who usually stand along Enugu Road, Aba Road, Onitsha Road and Abbedie Street, among other hotspots within Sabon Gari, are worse hit by the situation as most of them complain of staying throughout the day, scouting for customers without success

CCB Probes Ministers, Govs Asset Declaration

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

August 28, 2023

0

The Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, has started a verification exercise to ascertain assets owned by the ministers sworn in last week by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution empowers the CCB to receive asset declaration by any public officer.

According to The Nation newspapers, a team of experts has been set up by the anti-corruption agency to find out the statement of accounts, and assets belonging to the ministers.

Apart from the ministers, the statement of accounts and other assets belonging to the new state governors, Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, and other federal, states, and local government appointees and elected officials will also be verified by the team.

The verification team, according to the report will be working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence, NFI, to get information from banks, the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, and other government agencies.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The CCB has changed its operational module. Unlike in the past when the bureau will be running after political office holders to declare their assets, it has put in place a system where you declare your assets before screening, taking oath of office or at the point of entry.

“We ensured that all the governors, ministers opened up on their bank accounts and assets, including companies owned and equities or shares in firms.

“With the digital world and Bank Verification Number (BVN), the NFIU and all the banks can easily confirm the net worth of all ministers, governors and political office holders.

“We have raised teams to certify the declarations of the affected political office holders.”

The Chairman of CCB, Prof. Isah Mohammed said: “We have put machinery in motion for the verification of the assets of the office holders. We have activated the departments connected with this exercise. They are states and local government, federal political office, federal public service

“We are working on the claims of the governors, ministers and other political office holders whether elected or appointed.

“At the end of the exercise, those with grey areas in their asset declaration forms will be invited to clarify the discrepancies.”

The CCB chairman added: “We will also verify some assets abroad as pleaded by some office holders.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians have slammed Nigeria’s assets declaration process considering that what public officials declare to CCB is not made public.

Civil society groups in the country have been calling on President Bola Tinubu to emulate late President Umaru Yar’adua by making his assets public to encourage other officials to do so.

Huge Debt Servicing Path To Destruction, Says Tinubu

By

James Orji

-

August 28, 2023

0

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the country is on the path of economic destruction if it continues to use a huge part of its revenue to service debt.

President Tinubu said over 90 percent of Nigeria’s total revenue is used to service its huge debts.

“Can we continue to service external debts with 90% of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable,” Tinubu said on Sunday.

But the Debt Management Office, DMO, had earlier claimed that 73.5 percen of the nation’s revenue is used to service debts.

Nigeria’s total debt, DMO, said in June this year has risen to N49. 85 trillion or $108.30 billion.

The huge amount used in servicing foreign and local debts, according to economic analysts has led to paucity of funds on the part of the government, limiting its capacity to provide critical infrastructure in the country.

President Tinubu said the ongoing reforms by his government are necessary to reverse the situation.

The president’s position is contained in a statement signed on Sunday by Ajuli Ngelale, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

Ngelale said the president made the comment while declaring open the annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

According to the president, “We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world.

“We cannot have the country we desire without the reforms we have initiated. It is painful at the beginning, in the short and medium term, but we must do what we have to do to take this nation to its great destiny. It is not about you and it is not about me. It is about our generations yet unborn, for whom we must bequeath a great and prosperous country.”

NSA Ribadu Laments Loss Of 400, 000 Barrels Of Crude Oil To Thieves

By

James Orji

-

August 28, 2023

0

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has lamented the loss of 400, 000 barrels of crude oil per day to local and international oil thieves and vandals.

The NSA made this known when he led a federal government delegation to inspect oil facilities in Rivers and Abila states.

Ribadu said the theft has resulted in serious economic problems for Nigeria, and affected the living standards of Nigerians because of loss of huge revenue.

Recall that Governor Similaye of Rivers State recently solicited the support of the Nigerian Navy to combat the menace of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, noting that the cooperation of all the security services is required to tackle oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

Speaking at the weekend, Ribadu said Nigeria is currently producing 1.6 million barrels instead of the two million barrels per day.

“Nigeria has the capacity to produce two million barrels of crude daily, but we are currently producing less than 1.6 million barrels due to theft and vandalisation of pipelines,’’ the NSA said.

Fubara said: “I want to tell you, the entire Airforce, that we are having a difficult time in this country, so try as much as you can to see what you can do, we are ready to work with you to reduce economic sabotage.

Lamenting the rate of pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering last week when the Chie of Naval Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar paid him a courtesy visit, Governor Fubara said a new strategy is required “against illegal bunkering activities” in the Niger Delta.

The governor said, “Illegal bunkering is a big issue and it is something not to leave in the hands of the navy or the Army, but every body needs to work together.

“Those things we can’t see while on ground, you can access from aerial view. When we work together, I believe nothing is impossible to conquer.

“I appeal to you to order the commander in charge of this base to work with us because we intend to start a new fighting arrangement against illegal bunkering activities.”

How Judiciary Can Be Sanitized For A Prosperous Nigeria – Tinubu

By

The Source

-

August 28, 2023

0

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not sustain failed economic theory that sees to the wastage of 90% of its scarce revenue in the servicing of external debts in the midst of many development challenges facing the country.

The President, according to a Press Release issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made the statement on Sunday in Abuja while declaring open the Annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Velodrome, Chief MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

While energizing the gathering of 16,190 lawyers in attendance with an extemporaneous speech, President Tinubu stated that the prosperity Nigerians require will only occur once poverty is banished from the society with the focused cooperation of Nigeria’s private sector leaders, many of whom were present at the opening ceremony.

“Can we continue to service external debts with 90% of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable. We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world,” the President thundered.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation-Building,” the President stated that hard decisions must be made to set the country on a growth trajectory, despite the initial pains which meaningful reforms usually bring.

“We cannot have the country we desire without the reforms we have initiated. It is painful at the beginning, in the short and medium term, but we must do what we have to do to take this nation to its great destiny. It is not about you and it is not about me. It is about our generations yet unborn, for whom we must bequeath a great and prosperous country,” he affirmed.

Against the backdrop of the renowned judicial reforms he undertook as Lagos State Governor, President Tinubu renewed his commitment to deal conclusively with the pressing issue of renumeration for judicial officers and legal practitioners, noting that true justice reform must begin with world-class salaries and benefits for legal professionals in Nigeria.

“You are learned. I want to learn. Why are we so blessed and we are still lacking? We must have a change of attitude and a change of our mindset. We accuse our nation and its previous leaders. We complain alot of the past. Is that the solution? No! Let us look forward and be determined! God has given us what we need. We must work hard with determination to make our country great and it begins with you who are seated here with me,” the President exclaimed.

Referring to the Keynote address delivered by the Chairman of UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who he praised for setting an agenda for economic growth and development, President Tinubu bemoaned the inability of the country to eradicate poverty and tackle poor electricity supply, despite Nigeria’s abundance of gas.

He made a commitment that his administration will ensure that Nigeria generates and distributes the electricity the economy requires to thrive.

“Yes, it is a shame not to have adequate electricity for the mass majority of homes in Nigeria and to power our industries. How can we address poverty without electricity? We can take many people out of poverty with uninterrupted electricity supply. Poverty is not acceptable, and we must banish it,” President Tinubu concluded.

In his welcome address, NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, expressed the confidence of the NBA in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to deliver good governance to Nigeria because of his pedigree and past track record of excellent performance in Lagos State, where he was the governor between 1999-2007.

“President Tinubu got it right in Lagos, and it is our considered expectation that as President of Nigeria, you will not only replicate your achievements in Lagos, but surpass them for our country.”

The conference was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, past NBA Presidents and many senior government officials.

Daughter Of Top Delta Govt Director Stabbed To Death By Boyfriend For Ritual

By

The Source

-

August 28, 2023

0

By Gideon Njoku

She had everything going on for her. She had her whole life before her. It was not a gloomy one. She had never suffered deprivation all her life.

Her father, Mr Ochuko Regha, is a Director in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Delta State. She was beautiful. A final year student of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, her friends and colleagues say she had just defended her project.

But, suddenly, all these have come to naught. She has just been killed in a most gruesome manner by the man she loved and trusted, and, perhaps planned to spend the rest of her life with.

What seemed an ordinary, harmless visit to her man, identified as Victor Ifakachukwu Ochonogor, in Benin ended her life. He, allegedly butchered her for what is alleged to be for ritual purposes.

The room where she was murdered is a sickening site to behold. It was thickly plastered with her blood in almost, every inch – an indication that she struggled with him before she was overpowered and killed.

She wore shorts and a blouse both of which were soaked in blood – her chest area in particular. Sprawled on the floor, her body showed signs of multiple stabbing – perhaps an indication that she was stabbed to death. There was, also, a kitchen knife, presumably, the weapon used to kill her.

Hung on the wall of the room – the palour – where she was killed is a framed photograph of her alleged boyfriend, the alleged killer. Written on the photograph, ironically, is:

“AWARD OF MOST RELIABLE STUDENT.

OCHONOGOR VICTOR IFAKACHUKWU.

STUDENTS’ CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (UNIPORT). 2019/2020 – an indication that he attended the University of Porthacourt and read sciences.