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

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September 12, 2023

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

By

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.

FG Launches Power Outages Reporting App For Consumers

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 12, 2023

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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has launched a special application through which electricity consumers in the country can report power outages and other problems to their respective electricity distribution firms.

The application is known as the Power Outage Reporting System, PORS.

The application, NERC said will lead to the improvement of electricity services in the country, as well as assist electricity Distribution Companies and discos in their relationship with customers.

Speaking at an event on Monday, NERC commissioner of consumer affairs, Aisha Mahmud, said the application was a product of partnership with Discos in the country.

She explained that Abuja has been used as a pilotage for the application, noting that it will soon be introduced across the country for electricity consumers to benefit.

According to her, consumers would not have to go to Disco’s offices to report any problems regarding power disruption once they start using the app.

She said, “So, as all of you know, the commission over the years has developed and come up with several initiatives all to make sure that customers are satisfied, get value for money and get the services that they truly deserve from the distribution company.

“The power outage reporting system is one of those initiatives developed by the commission just to make sure that our customers are well-protected.

“It utilises a multi-channel approach. A lot of hard work and effort went into developing this app. We liaised with the different distribution companies and obtained a lot of data on their customers.

“So if you are a customer of a DisCo and you are being supplied by the DisCo, your information is already stored in that app.

“If you have a complaint on any outage, there are multiple channels. There is a web app and a mobile app, so you can download it on your phone through Apple or Google store. You just need your meter number,” she added.

“If you have a complaint, what you need to do is download the app, input your meter number and then after that, log in with your complaint, the app will automatically send a confirmation to the customer on that particular feeder of yours by notifying if there is really an outage.

“If there is, then we need about two to three customers to confirm that there’s an outage on that particular feeder. As soon as they confirm that, the App will send the confirmation to the DisCos with a resolution timeline and as soon as the DisCo resolves this complaint, then the DisCo will update the app saying We’ve resolved this complaint and the app will automatically send another confirmation request to those customers on that particular feeder.

“Now, the customer can easily reach out to the DisCos and of course, we are trying to fulfil our regulatory obligation here to make sure that customers get the best service that they need.

“With this App that we are launching today, customers don’t have to walk or drive down to the distribution company to report an outage,” she added.

“As of today we are starting with pilot “Abuja as pilot” and we intend to extend it to all other DisCos within the next couple of months.

“I urge all customers of AEDC to please utilise this opportunity, make use of this App and report any case of outage if there is any. And know that the commission is here to protect you to make sure you get value for your money and get the services that you truly deserve from the distribution company,” she said.

I Was Fully Prepared For Gov Akeredolu’s Arrival, Resumption – Ondo DGov

By

Ayodele Oni

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September 12, 2023

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has again told those that are attempting to create unnecessary acrimony between him and his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, that they have failed.

The Deputy Governor led a delegation of the State Executive Members to Ibadan, Oyo state to welcome the Governor on his arrival from medical trip abroad and has been part of various State events undertaken by the governor.

A statement by Media Aide to the Deputy Governor, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, on Tuesday, stated that some fabricated lies were aimed at denting the reputation of Aiyedatiwa, by some faceless individuals and groups.

He pointed out that the sole intention of those behind the lied is to soil the image of the man who they see as a threat to their political interests.

“We need to remind the public that this is a continuation of the blackmail started by these same characters some months ago. However, since those lies did not yield the result they envisaged, the blackmailers have returned with fake stories about disloyalty, aimed at causing disaffection between him and the Governor.

“These faceless individuals, who have been hiding their identities because what they are putting out are pure fabrications, are being sponsored by those who are threatened by the profile of the Deputy Governor, his relationship with his boss and the goodwill he enjoys with the people.

“Many stakeholders have commended the Deputy Governor for the way he handled State affairs while he was Acting Governor, despite all his detractors did to provoke him into taking drastic actions. He avoided their booby traps and they tripped on their own banana peels.

“Against their expectations, the Deputy Governor was in constant touch with his principal on official State matters, so there was no gap between them.

“How can the man who was constantly in touch with his boss and had prepared for his arrival to attend some other critical state matters, including the signing of the LCDA Law after passage by the State Assembly be surprised by that same arrival?

“Those behind the falsehoods being peddled around had planned that these concocted lies about disloyalty and impeachment would irritate Mr. Governor and his family so as to land a devastating blow on the Deputy Governor ahead of the coming governorship election in the State.

“Now that Mr. Governor is back and has started working, the Deputy Governor remains calm and committed to the duties of his office and unruffled by the lies of desperate politicians and their agents. The Deputy Governor remains loyal to his Principal and no amount of fabricated lies will change that.”

Eze Owere, Hon Justice Fred Njemanze, Rtd, Embarks On A Long Journey To Commune With Ancestors

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The Source

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September 12, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

The Traditional Ruler of Owere, Imo State, Rtd. Honourable Justice Ezeohiri Fred Njemanze, has embarked on a very long journey to commune with his ancestors. He was the Ozuruigbo the 6th of Owere.

The announcement of the King’s journey to his Ancestors, was made by the Kingmakers of Owere and the Eke-na-Okorie Traditional Council.

It was, however, silent on the date the Eze embarked on the journey of no return, or the ailment which sent him on the journey. But sources close to the Palace said he embarked on it journey long before the disclosure as required by tradition.

Titled “Special Announcement” and released on Monday, September 11, 2023, it read in part: “The Eke-na-Okorie Traditional Council of Owere, the King Makers of Owere, announce to Nde Owere and the general public, that the Paramount Ruler of Owere (Eze Owere), Rtd Hon. Justice Ezeohiri Fred Njemanze, Ozuruigbo the 6th, has embarked on a long trip to consult and confer with his ancestors.”

It was signed by five people representing various stakeholders.

The include:

*Elder Gibson Ofoegbu, Chairman Umuekeonunwa Kindred.

*Omeze Sir Odinaka Osuji, Chairman Umuokorie Kindred.

*Elder Reginald C. Eberle, Member of Traditional Council.

*Elder Prince Donald A Njemanze, Head of Njemanze Royal Kindred.

*Prince Declan O. Njemanze, Chairman, Umunjemanze Royal Kindred.

The Traditional Ruler retired from the High Court of Imo State as a Judge in September, 2021.

Tribunal: How Samdadday Caused The Sack Of PDP Reps Members

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The Source

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September 12, 2023

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By Collins Opurozor

In one fell swoop, the Election Petitions Tribunal in Nasarawa, on Sunday, September 10, sacked two members of the House of Representatives from Imo State. They are Jonas Okeke for Okigwe South and Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere for Ideato.

The summary of the setback of these two Lawmakers is that the primaries on May 27, 2023 at Aladimma Mall in Owerri which produced them as PDP candidates should have held within their respective constituencies.

We, therefore, have it on the Court’s authority that their nominations were a nullity, given that the extant provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly on the question of appropriate venue for primaries as stipulated in Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act, were grossly violated.

If this law had been applied stricto sensu, the PDP in Imo State ought to have only three validly-nominated candidates in the last General Elections, namely Uche Onyeagocha for Imo East (Owerri) Senatorial District, Ikenna Elezieanya for Owerri Federal Constituency and Solomon Anukam for Owerri Municipal State Constituency, in view of the fact that the thirty-seven (37) other candidates were, in patent breach of the Electoral Act, elected at a single location in Owerri.

Recall that on the strength of the above, the Supreme Court had on January 13, 2023, nullified the primary election that produced Jones Onyereri as the PDP candidate for Imo West (Orlu) Senatorial District.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu - Sam Daddy — Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu

Similarly, on January 20, 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja also sacked Albert Chibuzo Agulanna, PDP candidate for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency. The same reason of improper venue was adduced by all these courts.

What should necessarily agitate the public is the reason that PDP in Imo State railroaded itself into a legal booby trap by bypassing the unambiguous provisions of the Electoral Act and organizing all of its Primaries at one central location.

To properly explain this, it is important to understand the events of April 30, 2022 and the chaos, violence, theft, brutality and abuse of power brought upon the ill-fated party in Imo by agents of the National Secretary, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu.

On that day, the scheduled ward congresses of the party to elect the 3-man adhoc delegates in the 305 wards of the State could not hold because those who were sent from Abuja for the exercise by the National Secretary willfully stole and made away with the result sheets for Ideato North and South LGAs. This was the most audacious move by Wadata to impose an anointed candidate on the party in Ideato. And war broke out at the Secretariat of the party in Owerri.

The Samdaddy-induced war was so dirty and so total that it took the intervention of the officials of the Department of State Services to arrest the situation. The retrieved result sheets for twenty-five LGAs were taken by the DSS for safety. And the crisis continued thereafter.

This incident was reported in Vanguard Newspaper of May 1, 2022 under the caption: “Imo PDP Ward Congress: Tension as angry youths capture panel over missing result sheets”.

Scared of the imminent recurrence of the disappearance of result sheets, the leadership of the party in Imo came up with the idea of holding all the party’s primaries at one venue in Owerri. They reasoned that such arrangement would make for a better control over the process. They had no illusion about the fact that allowing any panel to move out of Owerri for any other location would mean that the panel would simply disappear and resurface in Samdaddy’s office with results already written.

So, they wrote INEC, stating that they were not sure that the materials and personnel for their primaries would be safe if deployed to the appropriate constituencies. It could now be understood how unsafe and insecure Samdaddy has made everything and everyone in Imo PDP.

Initially, Kanu Nwankwo Sports Center in Owerri was selected, but eventually the party settled for Aladimma Mall. Unknown to them, they were running from one danger only to fall into another.

What is deeply mischievous is for anyone to ignore Samdaddy and blame this tragedy that has befallen Imo PDP on anyone else. That will be the depth of self-deceit. In short, it would mean telling a story from the middle.

Those who speak ill of the Judiciary over these issues and suggest any form of compromise on the side of the Courts, know they are only grandstanding. Without interrogating the circumstances that laid the foundation for the catastrophic disqualification of PDP candidates, whatever anyone is saying is mere gossip, nothing more.

The misadventure of Samdaddy in PDP is the next most cruel thing in history after Cain murdered Abel. Those, though very few, who still lend any support to him must always remember the saying, that he who rides on the back of a tiger will end up in the belly of the tiger.

It may interest everyone to know that when Samdaddy finally became the Governorship Candidate of the PDP in Imo State, he visited the Secretariat of his party in Owerri for a reconciliatory meeting with members of the State Working Committee. The long and short of every thing he could say in the meeting was to ask for forgiveness, explaining that all the atrocities, brigandage, bellicosity and ravages visited on the Party through his unbridled quest for domination, including the looming disqualification of about thirty-seven candidates of his party, were a “survival strategy”.

This clearly speaks to the real character of Samdaddy: a man who will never give a hoot about destroying everything in pursuit of personal survival. This is a complete reversal to everything a leader should be. Leaders are altruistic. Leaders are compassionate. Leaders are not selfish survivalists.

Essentially, democracy itself faces grave danger if people of Samdaddy’s ilk are allowed to gain some significance in the political firmament.

To be sure, the revolution that has now engulfed Imo PDP is as a result of the determination of the leaders and stakeholders of the party to resist the authority of Samdaddy who they all know as the architect of the Party’s doom.

The constituencies affected by these verdicts, as well as the supporters of the affected candidates, should therefore pick themselves up, dust themselves off and prepare to repay Samdaddy in his own coin on November 11, 2023. They must never allow anyone to deceive them. Samdaddy is the aggressor. He is the bringer of every calamity that has befallen them. If the sweat of your brow and the strength of your brawn had gone into building Imo PDP, it is against natural justice for you to sit by and watch. You must stand and be counted among your party men and women who have resolved to chant on election day: “Never Shall Our Common Enemy, Samdaddy, Rule Over Us!”

A man that could ruin an institution like Imo PDP just to be called “Governorship Candidate”, what do you think he will spare in his morbid quest for vainglory? Is there anything he will fail to destroy to keep Imo to himself and convert it to his personal fiefdom if by mistake (God forbid!) he is allowed to govern? Nothing!

To know how Imo State under Samdaddy will certainly be, take a look at Imo PDP which has been damaged beyond redemption, now heading irreversibly to its terminus.

But the God of Imo State will not allow such to befall His people.

Opurozor, until recently, a member of Imo PDP State Working Committee, is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Strategic Communications.