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“Why I Sponsored Imo Pilgrims To Holy Lands – Uzodinma”, Governor Is Godsent Say Beneficiaries

By
The Source
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Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said he did not have any political intention in sponsoring the 1200 Imo Christian and Muslim pilgrims who visited Jerusalem, Jordan, Mecca and Medina this year on Pilgrimage, noting that he was rather interested in the spiritual upliftment of the beneficiaries with its attendant moral benefits and their relationship with God.

The Governor spoke on Sunday at the Eze Imo Palace in Mbari, Owerri in his remarks during the Interdenominational thanksgiving service organised by the pilgrims to appreciate him for the opportunity given to them to visit the Holy lands at no cost to them.

The Governor had paid for the airlift, feeding, accommodation and other living expenses of 1000 Christian pilgrims to Jordan and Jerusalem as well as of 200 Muslims who went to Mecca and Medina from Imo State.

The thanksgiving service turned out to be a moment of emotional outpour as Governor Uzodimma was treated with tales of how, through the exercise and his magnanimity, many beneficiaries, both Christian and Muslim pilgrims, had the opportunity of either traveling by air for the first time in their lives as well as traveling outside the shores of Nigeria, also for the first time.

The Christian and Muslim pilgrims, most of who clamoured to see the sponsor, were therefore excited to behold Governor Uzodimma in their midst on Sunday and also happy over the opportunity to lavish prayers on him as his governorship election draws closer.

Though they reminded the Governor that they prayed for him, his family, his government, Imo State, among others at the Holy lands, the pilgrims also told him that the  pay back time which is November 11 has come.

They were therefore happy to enter into a prayer of agreement after which they endorsed the Governor for re-election and resolved to vote massively for him.

The Interdenominational thanksgiving service was organised by the Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare.

Appreciating their prayers, the Governor told the congregation that he was not only humbled by their experiences, but that it gives him satisfaction having a better relationship with his creator. He urged them to do the same.

He said that pilgrimage means a lot to the Christian and Muslim faiths, and appealed to Imo people to “first live together as a people irrespective of religious differences because all of us are of one God.”

He recalled that before the visit to the Holy land a lot of killings and violence were going on in the State, noting that he was convinced that after the visit, “the State is now far better and peace has returned to the State.”

He enjoined the pilgrims to pray that next year there will be opportunity for another set of contingents to visit the Holy lands also.

The Governor reiterated that his administration’s sponsorship of Imo citizens to pilgrimage is not political, “rather it is to strengthen our relationship with God.”

He used the opportunity to pray for a free and fair governorship election in the State and urged the pilgrims to freely vote their consciences in the coming election even though they had all resolved to cast their ballot for him.

He thanked the organisers for the honour done him with the award and decorations and described them as an “encouragement to do more.”

In their various speeches earlier, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku thanked the Governor for his Godly dispositions that made it possible for him to sponsor the number of people from the State to the Holy lands.

Prof Njoku said that the Governor has shown the world that “all about Imo State is in the hands of God.”

The Chairman Imo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe thanked the Governor and God Almighty for a seamless exercise and journey mercies “because it was a difficult and complex programme.”

Alaribe who recalled that “never in the history of Imo State had any administration sponsored such a number of pilgrims to the Holy land,” appreciated all that made it possible.

The Chairman, Imo State Muslim Council, Baba Sule expressed sincere gratitude to the Governor for the gesture, saying that it is the first time the Government of Imo State sponsored Muslims to the Holy land.

Sule, the Sarikin Hausawa Imo State prayed God to continue to “put Governor on the front seat and always put him above all his enemies.”

He described the Governor as “excellent” and that he will “shine again”.

“The large population of Muslim Umar will vote for the Governor come November 11 this year,” he said.

Other speakers included the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka; the Chairman of APC Imo State, Dr Macdonald Ebere and HRH Eze Mathew Nwokoma.

They all thanked the Governor for his magnanimity and prayed God to continue to preserve and grant him success in his future endeavours.

Both Bishop Henry Mbamaonyeukwu and Bishop Akanabu, representing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, CCN, ECWA, Anglican Church, said the Governor has sown bountifully hence he will reap bountifully.

They offered other prayers of grace and success for the Governor in the coming election and beyond.

Most Rev. (Dr.) Moses Chikwe, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Rt  Hon Jerry Alagboso, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu, APC Chieftain, Chief Tony Chukwu, Eze Imo, HRM, EC Okeke and his wife, among other dignitaries graced the occasion.

How Governor Bello Allegedly Escaped Assassination, As Gunmen Attacked  Convoy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

For the second time in three months, Governor Yahaya Bello has allegedly escaped assassination.

The convoy of the Governor was allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen.

The Kogi State Government  raised alarm over the alleged third assassination attack on the Governor, and stressing that  the attempts on the Governor’s life were part of a plan to portray the State aa unsafe ahead of the November 11 Governorship election.

A statement to the effect was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, titled, ‘Assassination Attempt On The Governor‘.

The  gunmen were said to be dressed in military uniforms, ambushed the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles on the convoy.

He noted that Governor Bello was attacked at three different points on the Lokoja-Abuja highway, the last being around Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at about 4.20pm on Sunday evening.

Fanwo added that it took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the governor to foil the “satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.”

“The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that there was an assassination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokoka.

“The attack occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

“The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the Governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.

“The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.

“The report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences.

“We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the Governorship Poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.

“We call on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics,” the Commissioner stated.

Not Minding Political Divide, Fayose, Two Other Ekiti Governors Unite, Give Oyebanji Support For Second Time

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The first year anniversary celebration of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji ended on Sunday with an uncommon political development, as three former governors of the state threw their support for second term for the incumbent governor.

Ekiti State former Governors, Adeniyi Adebayo,  Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi unanimously endorsed Oyebanji for a second term in office based on his unique leadership style and development strides.

The three former Governors that spoke through Fayose said they have reviewed Oyebanji’s one year in office and believed he deserved a second term, having united every political and religious tendencies in the state and mobilized the people for massive development.

The trio spoke just as the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele said he would be glad to be the Chairman of Oyebanji’s second term Re-election Campaign Council, stressing that the incumbent Governor has earned the confidence and trust of the people for a second term.

They all gave their backing to Governor Oyebanji at a special thanksgiving service organized to mark the first anniversary of his administration, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel Okesa, Ado Ekiti and attended by eminent personalities.

Also extolling the virtues of the Governor, Senator Bamidele, who represented the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio at the service, offered to serve as the Chairman of Oyebanji’s Re-election Campaign.

Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Olusola Ajayi, had hailed Oyebanji for making positive impact in the lives of the people of the state in the last one year saying “Ekiti should continue to celebrate the greatness of God and His power manifesting in the works of the Governor.”

But the action of the three former governors in endorsing the incumbent governor stole the show at the church service and drew a deafening ovation from the congregation who were watching the unfolding spectacle.

First to be invited to make a speech among the former governors was Fayemi who said: “We are Ekiti and we observe seniority, even among governors, we observe ranking.

“We all feel the same way on the current occupant of the seat. It is the most senior among us, that should address the people first.”

Adebayo said: “I am the most senior of the former governors, I will call my younger brother, Ayo Fayose, to address this gathering.”

Fayose said: “You know me very well that I am not the one who will tell you what you like. I will always tell you as it is.

“We are all together for Abiodun Oyebanji, I am not a member of your party, APC and I will not be. I am with you, Oyebanji 100 per cent.

“Where is Bisi Kolawole, PDP governorship candidate? We are going to support you, Oyebanji, you have come to visit me in my house several times. You are doing it differently and you will get a different result. This church will pray for you and you will do it a second time.”

Fayose said the old practice in Ekiti State was more of a sitting Governor witch-hunting the predecessor.

“When I was here I was after Fayemi, when Fayemi was here he too was witch- hunting me. But you are doing it differently. You have United all of us and your performance is superlative.

“On your matter, all of us are unanimous in our support for you. You are doing well, your leadership style is different and am not surprised your performance has been excellent. Ekiti will do well to have you for eight years. And all of us will support and mobilize for your to achieve that.

“I am not in your party, and some people will say it is too early. It is not too early. You have done well and you deserve two terms so that Ekiti will benefit from your purposeful leadership.”

After Fayose’s speech, Adebayo said: “This is the position of we, the former governors. Thank you very much.”

Insecurity: Police Ban Protest By Benue Youths

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nigeria Police Force

By Akinwale Kasali

As the search for suspects involved in the Bloody Otukpo Bank Robbery in Benue State on Friday intensifies, the Benue State Police Command on Sunday, warned against any protest in any part of the state.

The Command stated that it gathered from intelligence report that some people were planning to stage a protest, and has warned sternly against any form of such protest.

Though the Benue Police Command did not state the reason for the planned protest, but it stated that any protest will not be condoned in the State, most especially at a time the State is going through insecurity challenges.

It would be recalled that the Bank Robbery incident saw Five Banks raided, and several people, including an Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, and three police officers were murdered by the armed robbers in their offices. Three Police women were shot dead in front of the Police Division, and the DPO shot dead, reportedly, in his office.

A statement titled, ‘Benue Police Command Warns Against Protest At This Trying Time’ issued by the Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, described the planned protest as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the “fragile security situation” in the state.

The statement reads in parts: “The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka has described this as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled.

“He further explained that a protest at this time would avail hoodlums and other criminal-minded persons an opportunity to cause mayhem.

“The CP warns intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest.

The police boss has also directed the Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breach of peace.

He also called on stakeholders including; Traditional rulers, Religious leaders, youth leaders, and parents to warn their children/ wards to desist from any form of protest at this sensitive time.

CP Onyeka assured the people of of the state of his commitment to fight crime and enjoined the people to provide useful and timely information to the police.

Lamentations Of Atiku’s Wife, Titi:  “For Being His Wife,  My Project Sponsors Abandoned Me”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Titi And Atiku Abubakar

By Akinwale Kasali

Founder of Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, WOTCLEF, Titi Abubakar has opened up on her challenges, most especially the neglect her Pet Project is experiencing from sponsors and prospective sponsors.

She said Nigerians who once supported her project have backed out because she is the Wife of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Titi said that people believe she is married to a politician and business tycoon, so there isn’t any need to support her.

The founder of the Abubakar Titi Schools in Yola, Adamawa State said she would never  be deterred by the development, stressing that she is determined in her efforts of seeing complete eradication of the twin evils of women trafficking and child labour across the globe.

The women tracking and child labour eradication advocate revealed that she has been running the affairs of the foundation she founded some 24 years ago with the stipends provided to her for food by her husband.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend after being conferred with the Champion 2023 Leadership (Heart of Gold) Award,by Champion Newspapers Limited, she thanked the Media Organization for recognising her relentless efforts in the fight against women trafficking and child labour and according her the award.

She said:”I have been doing this job for 24 years and nobody has ever recognised me. They have not called me for recognition and I said to myself that I’m just doing God’s work, that my reward is in heaven.

”There was a day I put an advert in the newspaper that these children I’m taking care of are not my children but Nigerian children ,that even if it is one Penny, they should all contribute, and still nobody contributed anything. They said after all,

I’m Atiku’s wife. It is one thing to be married to Atiku and it is another thing to  have the passion to do what I’m doing. And because I have the passion for what I was doing, I continued to strive.

“When I was in the Villa, I was feeding these children with government ‘s food and out of government, I’m still taking care of these children.”

She, however, appreciated all those working in the Foundation, saying they have stood by her even as she doesn’t have so much money for them.

“I have been carrying this crusade for so many years. These people you see working with me, I don’t have so much money to give them but they are working.

“Our children don’t only go through primary schools but secondary and tertiary education. Two  of them just returned from Nasarawa,they are graduates now and here I’m still standing strong,”she said.

Going down memory lane she said  on the founding of WOTCLEF led to the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Persons,NAPTIP.

Continuing,she said:” I thank you all for coming, especially those that donated, because I have been doing all these all these years with my food money, the stipends my husband is giving me and I’m happy to do it because I’m serving humanity.”

She hailed the organisers for not only recognising her good work but also chosen to give her the coveted award .

”It is my utmost pleasure and delight to be here today as a recipient of Champion Newspapers’ Leadership Award. I am the champion of champions today. Champion Newspaper, you are the only one that brought me out to come into a gathering like this and for people to donate to my cause and to the Nigerian cause,because these children are not my children and they are all over the country.

“It is my utmost pleasure and delight to be here today as a recipient of Champion Newspapers’ Leadership Award 2023, being conferred on me today in recognition of my relentless fight against the twin evils of human trafficking and child labour.

“Through my foundation -WOTCLEF, Women Trafficking  and Child Labour Eradication,I want to commend your initiative and organisational efforts  which has made it possible for this galaxy of notable men and women in our society to be under this roof today, for this epoch making event. I’m deeply touched and I cannot thank you enough.”

Mrs Abubakar said, ”The Champion 2023 Heart of Golf Award has further spurred my determination, inspiration and enthusiasm and motivated me further to pursue this cause to humanity to logical conclusion”.

Israeli Envoy: Wike Replies Gumi, Sues For Peace

By
James Orji
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0

The meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman was basically to promote agriculture in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the nation’s capital Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said.

The former Rivers state governor made this known after he was accused by Shehu Ahmed Gumi, an Islamic cleric that the minister was planning to bring Israeli security operatives to the country to kill Muslims.

He demanded that Wike be sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for having a meeting with the ambassador.

Gumi made the allegation last week amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a militant Islamic group in Gaza, Palestine designated by the United States and some European countries as a terrorist group.

The war was instigated by Hamas after they launched a surprise attack against Israelis, killing scores and taking over 150 people hostage, among them foreigners.

Foreign affairs analysts insist that the Islamic cleric capitalized on the war to attack the minister, to stir up anger among Muslims in the country.

Explaining the meeting he had with Freeman, the FCT minister, who spoke during a meeting with officials of the Abuja National Mosque management stated that he cannot determine the relations between Israel and Nigeria.

According to him, it’s the duty of President Bola Tinubu as the commander-in-chief to determine relations between Nigeria and other countries.

The FCT minister said he “cannot determine a relationship between a country and another country. So, it is difficult for anybody to say ‘I am doing this, I am doing that’.

He stated further: “Any foreign body that wants to have anything to do with Nigeria, it is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will write to me and state that these people want to see me; it is simple.

“ And when they come, it is in my position to say ‘look, we want to partner with you’. Take for instance, you are going into agriculture and we want to partner, then we tell you where exactly,” he explained.

“In Abuja here, most of them have cultural farms and we say look, it is our desire to help anybody who wants to invest in Abuja particularly in agriculture to employ our people and to get more revenue. It has nothing to do with another country. It doesn’t work that way.

“When our people begin to think from different angles, people may not understand that it is not correct. So, I will like to use this opportunity to say look we have to talk to our people. We must live harmoniously. We must live together to make sure that development is promoted,” Wike said.

Nigeria does not support any of the warring parties in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and has sued for peace in line with her neutrality posture in international diplomacy.

NURTW Crisis: Labour Minister, Lalong Is the Problem- President

By
James Orji
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Tajudeen Baruwa

Tajudeen Baruwa, President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, has accused Simone Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment of taking sides in the crisis that is currently rocking the union.

The allegation comes on the heels of a warning by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, to the Minister not to try to foist a leadership on the union. Doing so, the NLC said will undermine the agreement recently reached by the federal government and organized labour, the union said.

The NLC also warned the minister that it will not accept any parallel congress organized by another faction of NURTW led by Tajudeen Agbede to elect new leaders for the union.

Speaking over the issue, Baruwa stated that peace will be hard to achieve in the union if the Minister continues to take sides with the other faction.

He stated this in a statement released on Sunday, issued by the General Secretary of the union, Anthony Chukwudi.

For peace to return to the union, the NURTW President urged the minister to “retrace his steps and desist” and desist from his meddlesomeness in the affairs of the transport union.

Baruwa said the union has already held an election in August this year, to elect its new executive, as provided by law.

Part of the statement said: “The minister held a clandestine meeting with the Agbede-led group of the union on Wednesday 18th, 2023, in his office where he allegedly made a statement when he asked the group to organise a fresh National Quadrennial Delegates Conference in contravention of the provisions of the union’s constitution particularly Article 8 Section 2 (1).

“It is pertinent to state here that the above-quoted article provides that the quadrennial delegates conference of the union shall be held in August of every four years.

“Recall that the same constitution was approved by the Ministry of Labour and Employment by the extant labour laws.

“According to a reliable source who was also present at the meeting but pleaded anonymity the Minister unequivocally said the group should go ahead and conduct a quadrennial delegates conference and that they cannot because one person allows the union to die or disintegrate.

“We would like the general public to know that such a statement coming from a government official who is expected to be an unbiased umpire will further aggravate the problem of the union instead of solving it.

“Also, we are shocked to discover that Agbede’s led group is still operating unhindered at the national secretariat of the union despite the directive issued by the same minister in a letter dated 9th October 2023 that suspended all the operations of both groups including further conduct of any election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the union had on May 24, 2023, held its special zonal delegates conference in the six geopolitical zones of the union while those who emerged were sworn in on August 23, 2023, during the 10th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference at Ta’al Hotel in Lafia, Nasarawa State.”

The crisis in the union reached a boiling point recently after Baruwa was arrested and held in police custody for weeks.

The magazine learned that the intervention of the organized labour, the NLC and TUC led to his release because the two unions insisted in their negotiations with the federal government that Agbede’s release was one of the conditions to call off the planned nationwide strike over the removal of petrol subsidy.

Meanwhile, it was learned from reliable sources that some officials of the ruling APC and top government officials are doing everything to ensure that Agbede becomes the president of the union.

Agbede, a former Lagos NURTW chairman is an associate of Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, the current chairman of the union in the state, and a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Benue Bloody Bank Robbery: IGP Says Sign Of What To Expect During Ember Months

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

As News filtered that some of the suspects linked with the bloody bank Robbery in Benue state have been arrested, Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has put police formations on alert, following the weekend incident at Otukpo, which claimed the lives of four senior officers.

While reacting to the incident, the IGP charged Commands and Formations to be on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria.

According to him, the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the Ember Month challenges which is often characterized by bank robbery and other related crimes.

A statement by the Force Spokesman, Olumiyiwa Adejobi stated that the “IGP strongly condemns the recent armed bank robbery in Otukpo, Benue State, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives of both Police Officers and innocent civilians.

“This act of violence is an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.

“The IGP extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by this senseless act of violence.

“He noted that two of the suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape, adding that the assailants who orchestrated this brazen act of criminality have indeed “murdered sleep” as their actions have shaken the Otukpo community to its core, assuring the public that every resource and effort will be dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

“In response to this grave incident, the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive and coordinated effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

“The IGP has ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command, and surrounding states to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for this atrocity, as a follow up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday.

“In the same vein, going by this incident, the IGP has put all Commands and Formations on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria more so that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the Ember Month challenges which is often characterized by bank robbery and other related crimes.

“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects.

“Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“In the wake of this tragedy, the IGP reiterates the NPF’s commitment to the safety and security of the Nigerian people, standing united against acts of violence and criminality and vowing to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice.”

Why Ekiti Remains Atop Of Integrity Watch Rating – Commissioner

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, has described a new report by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW) that placed Ekiti State top of its Index Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch list as well deserved and a prove of continuity of vision and performance.

The new index, which was released this month by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation had placed Ekiti, Kaduna, Ondo, Lagos and Gombe states top of its Index Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch list and Bauchi, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states are bottom.

According to the report, public institutions are assessed on variables including Website integrity; Fiscal Transparency; Open procurement; Anti-corruption; Citizens Engagement/Responsiveness and Human Resources and Inclusion in all 36 states of the federation.

The Index, the first of its kind in Africa, is research on public institutions’ compliance with principles of transparency, integrity, and open governance, drawn from national and international principles.

The Index seeks to promote citizens’ access to information and participation in governance by encouraging government institutions to proactively disclose information on governance.

The international principles were drawn from United Nations Convention against Corruption, Financial Action Task Force, African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, UK Anti-corruption Summit 2016 and Open Government Partnership.

The local principles are drawn from the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, Federal Character Principles, The Freedom of Information Act, 2011; The Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007; Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and Executive Order No. 001, 2017.

Recalling that Ekiti was second in 2021, first in 2022 and has now retained its first position in 2023, Olatunbosun noted that “it is very rare to retain such a position, especially in a transition period, unless there’s strong commitment from the new Government to entrench existing reforms.”

Describing the State workforce as dependable and efficient, the Commissioner commended the consistent level of performance which led to the feat.

“We acknowledge the staff of various MDAs who have worked over time to make this happen: Ministry of Budget, Planning & Performance Management; Ministry of Finance; Bureau of Public Procurement; Bureau of ICT; Offices of the Accountant and Auditors General. Without the civil servants in these MDAs, such a consistent level of performance won’t have been possible.”

The commissioner assured that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration will not relent efforts at ensuring good governance, while rapidly developing the State and improving the lot of the people.

Olatunbosun urged stakeholders, particularly public servants, to continually support efforts of Government at “keeping the State working towards shared prosperity.

”The challenge of being at the top is staying there and that’s what we must continue to achieve over the life of this administration.

Kogi Nov.11 : APC Says Melaye, Abejide Stand No Chance

By
James Orji
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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, says the state is a no-go area for other political parties in the November 11 governorship election.

The Governor Yahaya Bello-led party in the Confluence state is set against top political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, and others in the decisive election.

Watchers of the state politics insist that the election is a two-horse race between the APC candidate Usman Ododo and PDP candidate Dino Melaye, a former senator and Chairman of, the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The African Democratic Party, ADP, governorship candidate, Leke Joseph Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, analysts say has been making a good showing in the make-or-mar election set to take place in less than three weeks.

According to checks from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, 18 political parties have been registered to take part in the election.

The ruling APC has, however, told the other parties not to waste their time and resources, and that it’s set for a victory.

The party made this known in a statement issued by Governor Bello’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, on Saturday, saying the party has recorded enough landmark achievements to emerge victorious.

The governor’s spokesman boasted that  the ranks of the APC in the state has recently been swelled  by members of other political parties, a sign that the people of the state has confidence in APC.

The statement said, “Our party has a stellar track record in Ochadamu ward, and the upcoming election will be no different. Even those who previously stood in opposition to us have now chosen to join our ranks. We are committed to expanding the margin of victory between the APC and the runner-up in the forthcoming election.

“With our strong presence in the 3,508 polling units and 239 wards across the state, the odds are decidedly in our favor.

“We proudly count three Senators, six out of nine House of Representatives members, and 24 out of 25 House of Assembly members among our ranks. Given the remarkable performance of the current administration, which has endeared our party to the people, it is all but certain that we will secure a resounding victory on November 11.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has promised to ensure local government autonomy if the party wins the election in a few weeks. Not a few Nigerians are demanding LGA autonomy in other to have grassroot development.

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